If the people behind Disney’s Magic Kingdom were to design a farm, it would probably look a lot like Chipping Norton’s Soho Farmhouse. Less a spa retreat than a complete suspension of reality, from the actual horseshoe used as a keyring and horse-riding lessons, to the bicycles parked outside every cabin so you can tootle around the farm, it’s almost unbearably lovely.
As far removed from London as is possible, given that it’s actually only about an hour and a half on the train from Paddington, it’s all pretty green fields and rolling hills. And it has just about everything you could possibly need on the farm, with milk delivered to your door, a hairdresser and a lovely deli stocking local pickles and jams – it even has its own onsite florist – so you need never leave.
The rooms are super cosy and comfortable, with an abundance of cushions and knitted throws, soft lighting and a wood burning stove. But make sure you ask for a cabin on the river, as they come complete with metal bathtubs on the (very private) terrace.
With its beautiful outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, you could do no activities other than relaxing. The spa is classic Cowshed; set in an old country house, there’s creamy tartan everywhere, aged green leather and iron chandeliers hanging from the wooden beams. The only difference is that when you’re at a salon in London you sit and watch their dinky vintage TVs, whereas here you can just gaze out of the window and watch farm life go by.
While you’re there the only thing you have to worry about is the risk of bumping into David Cameron chatting all things curd with Alex James. But don't let that put you off.