Mr & Mrs Smith

With its state-of-the-art facilities and proximity to some of the freshest produce in the British Isles, the Eckington Manor Cookery School, just across a courtyard, is the perfect place to come and brush up your culinary skills. One-, two- and three-day courses, catering to all levels of ability, can be booked. If you don’t fancy slaving over a hot stove, then we recommend long, leisurely walks in the nearby Bredon or Malvern Hills, shopping in Cheltenham or visiting the local Georgian market town of Pershore, which is home to a a magnificent abbey, specialist shops and restaurants, and a thriving theatre.

As Eckington Manor doesn’t have its own restaurant, you’re bound to find yourself heading out for dinner on at least one evening. Belle House (Bridge Street, Pershore; 01386 555055), originally run by Eckington's owner Judy but now in the capable hands of chef Steve Waites, offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. It also operates a lovely deli. Russell’s of Broadway (20 High Street, Broadway; 01386 853555) serves up a quality Modern British restaurant at very reasonable prices.