Mr & Mrs Smith

Cheltenham: Le Champignon Sauvage on Suffolk Road in Cheltenham (+44 (0)1242 573449) serves excellent English and French cuisine; the Daffodil on Suffolk Parade (+44 (0)1242 700055) serves Mod Med in art deco surrounds. 

Montpellier Wine Bar at Bayshill Lodge in regency Cheltenham has a lively atmosphere. The Hare and Hounds in Fosse Cross (+44 (0)1285 720288) for delicious gastro food. The Fossebridge Inn near Northleach (+44 (0)1285 720721) is ideal for Sunday lunch: book ahead. The 17th-century Lamb Inn at Great Rissington (+44 (0)1451 820388) has a great garden. The Bell at Sapperton near Cirencester (+44 (0)1285 760298) is good for lunch and has a great variety of ales. The Green Dragon  (+44 (0)1242 870 271) in Cowley has a classic country pub vibe, with crackling fires, low-slung beams and flagstone floors.

Hot-air ballooning at Balloon Flights, Cheltenham (+44 (0)1242 675003; www.hot-air-ballooning.ltd.uk). Boutique shopping in Cheltenham’s Montpellier. Cheltenham races, 40 minutes away (+44 (0)1242 537642; www.cheltenham.co.uk). Antiques fair at the racecourse, last Sunday of every month. Clay-pigeon shooting at Chatcombe Estate Shooting School (+44 (0)1242 870391). Horse riding can be arranged at Ullenwood Stables (+44 (0)1242 575 020), and helicopter tours of the Cotswolds with Rise (+44 (0)1452 857083).

March Cheltenham Festival starts Britain’s horse-racing calendar, and hosts the Gold Cup (+44 (0)1242 537642; www.cheltenham.co.uk). July Cheltenham’s Music and Fringe Festival features music concerts, street entertainment, comedy and fireworks; the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (+44 (0)1285 713300; www.airtattoo.com).