Local restaurants
The Old Bell in Malmesbury (+44 (0)1666 822344) for lunch and dinner. Calcot Manor near Tetbury (+44 (0)1666 890391) has two restaurants: the Conservatory for traditional food in a fine-dining setting and the Gumstool Inn for a rustic feel.
Local bars
The Wild Duck in Ewen (+44 (0)1285 770310) is an excellent local pub. The Village Pub in Barnsley (+44 (0)1285 740 421) has gastro food and an inventive wine list.
Worth getting out of bed for
Have a spin in a racing car or off-roader at Castle Coombe race circuit (+44 (0)870 2408385; www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk). For a flying lesson or trip in a microlight, contact Kemble Flying Club (+44 (0)1285 770077; www.kembleflyingclub.com). Westonbirt Arboretum has a fine tree and wild-flower collection (+44 (0)1666 881208; www.westonbirtarboretum.com). Beaufort Polo Club, favoured by the Prince of Wales and his sons (+44 (0)1666 880510; www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk).
Diary
March Cheltenham Festival and the Gold Cup (+44 (0)1242 537642; www.cheltenham.co.uk). April/May Badminton Horse Trials (+44 (0)1454 218272; www.badminton-horse.co.uk). August the British Horse Trial Championships, Gatcombe Park (+44 (0)1937 5411811; www.gatcombe-horse.co.uk).
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From the Guestbook…
We had a wonderful weekend at Whatley Manor. The staff and service were superb and we really felt like guests. Dinner in the main restaurant was amazing, as were the pre-dinner coc...
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