The views stretching out below the hotel and gastropub The Castle At Edgehill are literally breath-taking, framing the landscape where the Parliamentarians and Royalists first went to battle in 1642.
Now a gloriously tranquil spot, the castle, built a century later, takes full advantage of the panorama, guests able to enjoy the rural vista and sunset from the gardens, rooms and dining room.
We were lucky enough to be staying the night there, just over the border in Warwickshire near Banbury, but had no idea of the treat in store. Arriving late afternoon while the sun was shining, the enticing garden beckoned and we enjoyed a quick glass of bubbles and a catch up, before being shown to our room in the castle turret.
Our abode was named Prince Rupert (after the royalist whose cavalry charged the enemy) and was indeed a revelation; the landscape below stretching out as far as the eye could see. Birds wheeled about as we relaxed and unpacked ready for our sumptuous dinner.
The light, airy, spacious room with a large double bed and separate bathroom was perfect, with soft bedding and a four-poster frame. Spoilt indeed.
Descending the windy turreted stairs (our ancestors must have had small feet!) we then headed for the historic wood-panelled bar for a delicious gin and tonic about which they are very knowledgeable, because not only is it a Hook Norton Brewery run hotel, run under the mantle of Free Spirit Pubs, but it also has their own gin school on site!
As for dinner, the glass fronted restaurant certainly has the wow factor, and we were momentarily distracted from the stunning looking food by the views as we were seated.
What to have? Cod cheeks with a lime aioli placed in delectable pea velouté finished with herb oil (£11.95) and the colourful pickled rainbow cauliflower salad with cauliflower dressing, pickled veg and greens (£8.95), plus a divine bowl of cauliflower and parmesan soup with artisan bread.
Even more of a masterpiece was the fillet of red mullet, confit fennel seated on a seafood risotto (£26.95) alongside a vibrant pea, mint and asparagus risotto with a giant crispy hens egg and micro mint (£16.95), both resplendent to behold.
As for the dessert we went overboard with both the raspberry cheesecake (£8.25), the dense milk chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and a delectable sticky toffee pudding.
And as we finished the last mouth-watering mouthful, as if on cue the sun started setting and we rushed outside to catch the last red rays setting over Edgehill. Quite a sight!
Several gins later we staggered off to bed for a terribly comfortable night’s sleep before descending once more from our turret for a fantastic breakfast – the full English with all the trimmings (£14.95), and the eggs royal muffin, smoked salmon, poached egg, hollandaise sauce (£14.95) which, as they use as much local produce as possible, really hit the mark.
Luckily there are lots of wonderful walks nearby, many taking you down into the woods below, onto the former battlefield now thick with grasses and wild flowers, perfect for walking off the night’s excesses.
All in all, it was a heavenly night away complete with beautiful rooms, its very own castle, an exquisite dining room, charming food, a panelled bar, such welcoming staff, and as for the vista, it’s very simply hard to beat.
Should you wish to visit or stay, doubles cost from around £125 a night on a B&B basis with overnight stays for dogs £20 per dog.
The Castle At Edgehill, Edgehill, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 6DJ. To book, call 01295 670255 or visit www.castleatedgehill.co.uk