The hotel? Originally a row of weavers’ cottages built on — yes, you’ve guessed it, Sheep Street — The Lamb Inn’s lovely jumble of doorways, staircases, split-level rooms and corridors is foxing at first. The buildings themselves date back to the 15th century, and you can drink in the olde-worlde atmosphere — and the real ale — in the flagstoned bar. The lounges and 16 bedrooms are big and antique-cosy, but the most sophisticated thing about the Lamb is its restaurant, with the three-course dinner (£29.50) the pièce de résistance. The menu changes daily, but typical dishes include halibut gravadlax, duck confit and, unsurprisingly, rack of lamb.

Why the ovine theme? Burford, Gateway to the Cotswolds, is traditional sheep country; it used to have weekly markets, and shepherds for hire assembled outside the Lamb. Now it’s prime tourist country, so if you want to admire the beautiful medieval high street in peace, go before summer.

What’s to see? The main pull is the limestone architecture — shops, pubs and houses all look gorgeous. Take a peek in the Norman church for the ornate chapels, the overblown tombs, and the 17th-century graffiti, courtesy of the Levellers imprisoned here by Cromwell.

We need some fresh air. The tourist information office on Sheep Street has a leaflet (75p) with details of picturesque local walks. The 90-minute meander to Swinbrook following the River Windrush is very off-road rustic — stop at the Swan Inn for lunch. Be prepared to out-stare the gangs of cows that block the path along the way.

Sounds aggressive. They’re fine — just don’t wear red.

Balance the great outdoors with a drive half an hour northeast to Woodstock and Blenheim Palace (£10; £2 grounds only), Winston Churchill’s birthplace. Or pop to nearby Oxford, where the cows in Christ Church Meadow are safely fenced in.

Who should go? Anyone who won’t say “quaint” too often.

Who shouldn’t? People with an aversion to farmyard animals.

The Lamb Inn (01993 823155): doubles £120-£150, including full English breakfast; weekend packages available

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire

The Manoir is pure Blanc - decadent and flawless; it's worth saving up for, says Ginny McGrath

Background

• Hotel du Vin, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

• Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton, Oxfordshire

• Old Bank Hotel, Oxford

• The Plough, Clanfield, Oxfordshire

• The White Hart, Nettlebed, Oxfordshire

Background

• Malmaison Oxford

• The Lamb, Burford, Oxfordshire

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