Whilst we have a whole host of exotic properties and destinations on offer such as the One&Only Reethi Rah in Maldives and the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in South Africa, this year looks set to be another year where the ‘staycation’ proves exceptionally popular. Having grown up in the Cotswolds and spent many weeks and weekends visiting since, below you will find my insider tips for making the most of a stay in the Cotswolds. From picturesque Cotswold-stone villages to Bib Gourmand pubs, there’s plenty to enjoy in this area of natural beauty.

Bourton-on-the-water: 

Perhaps the most iconic Cotswold village. Bourton-on-the-water is instantly recognisable with its small stone bridges that cross the River Windrush and run right through the centre of the village. It can be very busy during the summer holidays, although quite often with foreign tourists, so this summer could be the best time to go! 

There is a motor museum, the Birdland Park and the dragonfly maze to keep little ones entertained, as well as a brilliant toy shop in the middle of the village which is a child’s dream. Paddle in the river, pop into a tea room for a slice of cake, or enjoy a sausage roll from the excellent bakery found close to the motor museum. It makes for an idyllic summer’s afternoon. 

My tip would be to visit, however if it is busy to then go on to ‘The Slaughters’. Nearby (1 mile or so) are Upper and Lower Slaughter, equally beautiful but normally far quieter and also with paddling opportunities, they are a brilliant alternative.

Cotswold Farm Park is also within about 15 minutes drive for younger families. Go to feed the goats, ride on the tractors and see the animals, a fun few hours for smaller children.

Broadway and Broadway Tower:

Broadway is nearby to three of our favourite Cotswold properties; Dormy House, Foxhill Manor and The Fish. One of the largest Cotswold villages, Broadway has a relaxed air about it and yet again has plenty of postcard-worthy cottages to take pictures of. The deli stocks fresh produce, there are plenty of shops for buying any little gifts you might be after, and the main street has antique shops and restaurants to enjoy. The Lygon Arms is ideal for a lunch stop in sophisticated 17th century surroundings. 

Just over a mile from the village is Broadway Tower. An impressive folly atop Broadway Hill, it is a great opportunity to walk to from the village and enjoy a gentle hour or two’s stroll and to take in the scenery. 

Snowshill Manor is nearby and is a charming National Trust property. Near Snowshill Manor there are the Cotswold Lavender Fields; beautiful when in season.

Burford:

Located between Cheltenham and Oxford is another of the Cotswolds most beautiful and traditional villages; Burford. With higgledy-piggledy buildings lining this village which runs from the top to the bottom of the hill, Burford is wonderfully attractive. Whilst not full of things to see or do, it is a lovely place to wander, with high end shops, a bakery, a pub and the Cotswold Cheese Company.

One of the main attractions in Burford, or perhaps the main attraction, is Burford Garden Centre. This is no normal garden centre though, this is where the landed gentry come to shop. From an incredibly diverse range of flowers and plants found outside to the incredibly aesthetically pleasing displays inside, it is a feast for the senses. Not just home to plants, there is a gallery within the garden centre, there are also cosmetic and beauty products, eye-catching ceramics, country-focussed clothing as well as city wear. The deli area is more comparable to Fortnum and Masons tea salon than a deli, set across a huge area it features mouth-watering treats to take home, from the finest ingredients to beautiful local produce, as well as a well stocked spirits section.

Cheltenham: 

The heart of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a town which has beautiful regency buildings, parks full of flowers when in bloom, it is famous for hosting the Gold Cup horse racing, and has a lively cosmopolitan feel. 

The size of Cheltenham makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Visitors can walk through the main centre and join the locals in spending some time shopping at the impressive recently built John Lewis, pop into The Cheeseworks to pick up some local artisan cheese to take home or enjoy a relaxing drink on The Promenade.

The Promenade is a regency-era tree-lined pedestrianised street where most of the higher end shops are found. It carries onwards past The Queen’s Hotel (brilliant for afternoon tea or lunch) before becoming the Montpellier area with its coffee shops, wine bars, jewellers, galleries and restaurants. There are also the beautiful Montpellier Gardens where festivals such as the Cheltenham Literature Festival and Jazz Festival are held. It is worth visiting Cheltenham for these festivals in their own right. When the Jazz Festival is on many of the bars and restaurants become late night haunts for the musicians, throwing impromptu gigs at the likes of Hotel du Vin; a great spot for a drink or dinner.

There are some exceptional restaurants such as the modern Lumiere restaurant in the Royal Well area, close to the centre of town, the MUSE Brasserie, the intimate and informal Restaurant GL50 (both also nearby), and for a special occasion, the two Michelin Star Le Champignon Sauvage.

Chipping Campden and the Ebrington Arms:

Towards the outer edge of the Cotswolds is the village of Chipping Campden. Full of charm and a lovely market town that is the starting point of the Cotswold Way and home to Robert Welch Designs, ideal for any keen home cooks. 

There are a lot of options if you are looking for a mid-morning slice of cake or lunch, but the Ebrington Arms is a pub that is definitely worth visiting. Named the ‘most instagrammable’ country pub in the UK, this AA Rosette pub has plenty of accolades including ‘Food Pub of the Year 2020’. There’s a beer garden that is a wonderful sun trap, a cosy pub fire for colder days and a menu full of seasonal delights. Book ahead and enjoy the Sunday lunch here!

Cirencester: 

A well-known market town dating back to the Roman times, Cirencester is located between Cheltenham and Swindon on the edge of the Cotswolds. This attractive town has become increasingly impressive over the past 10 years or so, establishing itself as an upmarket hotspot. With a range of smart clothes shops, coffee shops, distinguished butchers and a gorgeous market square with an equally beautiful church, it is easy to while away a few hours here. The Church of St. John the Baptist really is impressive with its Perpendicular gothic architecture. It overlooks the market square which is where a number of traders can often be found selling the likes of local ales, deli foods and produce. 

Near to the centre in the Wool-market is Crocodile Toys. This is an Aladdin’s Cave of a toy shop full to the brim with everything a child could dream of. It’s a great place to visit to keep children happy and has a wide range of traditional toys for sale. Meanwhile for some fresh air, the Bathurst Estate, seat of Earl Bathurst, is where Cirencester Park can be found. A spectacular park with deer, conservation areas and a polo club, it is impressive.

Cleeve Hill: 

Between Cheltenham and Winchcombe is the easily accessible Cleeve Hill. For panoramic views of Cheltenham it is a brilliant spot to spend a few hours walking. There are views across to the Malvern Hills and onwards to the Brecon Beacons on a clear day, it is stunning. It’s best to make your way out of Cheltenham through Prestbury and you will find the car park towards the top of the hill. 

Afterwards you can then drive down to the base of Cleeve Hill and into Winchcombe. This 

village is typically Cotswolds and picturesque, the main street is beautiful and there are tea rooms and a few shops to browse. There are also a number of good pubs for a drink in the garden on a sunny afternoon, and for families, there is Sudeley Castle. 

Sudeley Castle and Gardens and is said to be ‘The Hidden Gem of the Cotswolds’. With 1200 acres of surrounding grounds it is a great place to wander around. The castle and its grounds have an amazing children’s playground with zip wire and adventure trail, 10 gardens to marvel at, exhibitions and rooms to walk through and enjoy, all within the Grade I listed castle and its grounds.

Northleach:

One of the smaller Cotswold villages, Northleach is a firm favourite for stopping off at between Cheltenham and Burford or Bourton-on-the-Water. Set around a main square, it is naturally attractive as most of these picturesque places are, and there is a brilliant wine bar. The Curious Wine Cellar is a sociable spot to spend an afternoon as locals pop in and out for a beer, glass of wine or a coffee, or to pick up a case of wine. It serves some tasty light bites as well. The Wheatsheaf Inn is almost opposite and a stunning boutique pub serving seasonal food. The butcher in the village is also excellent.

Stow-on-the-Wold: 

A quaint market town, Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the Cotswolds best known villages. It has a number of good pubs and coffee shops, found either in the centre just opposite the twice weekly farmers market, or close by. There are a number of notable galleries such as Red Rag and Cotswold Galleries in Stow featuring a range of popular British artists such as Kate Dove and Janet Ledger.

The Cotswold Way:

Pack your hiking boots and take on some of the 102 mile Cotswold way whilst visiting this area which is full of rolling hillsides and rural beauty. Spanning from Chipping Campden to Bath, taking on the whole thing is a fair old trek, but it can be picked up in Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Painswick, North Nibley or Wotton-under-Edge amongst others along the way.

The Bell Inn, Langford (near Burford):

Langford is a small village on the Oxfordshire border of the Cotswolds, close-by to Burford and Lechlade. The Bell Inn meanwhile is more than worth a detour for. A recipient of a Bib Gourmand, this is a winner for anyone who loves gastro-pub food that delivers on taste and without any pretence. From the Cotswold IPA rarebit to the custard tart with poached rhubarb, this is innovative yet traditional British food at its best. With a relaxed atmosphere, warming log fire, dog-friendly policy and menu to return to to try again, it is a real treat. Over the past year the team at The Bell Inn have pivoted into a shop temporarily to provide some of the finest local produce as well as delicious cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy, stunning cook at home pies and even beautiful ceramics.

As a foodie favourite in the Cotswolds, it was very exciting to hear of The Bell Inn owners getting their hands on a new pub, The Lamb Inn, in Shipton Under Wychwood, promises tasty pizzas, duck frites and aioli, a tantalising wine list and stunning Cotswold stone exterior and warm and cosy interior, we can’t wait to try it out.

The Farncombe Estate: 

Comprised of Dormy House, Foxhill Manor and The Fish, The Farncombe Estate is located close to Broadway and part of our UK properties portfolio. These refined properties each offer a different feel and ambience. Dormy House is relaxed, a 17th century farmhouse and with the incredible Dormy House Spa. Foxhill Manor is impressive, a listed building with eight rooms and suites as well as a ballroom and bar. The Fish meanwhile is almost Scandinavian in style, with Shepherd’s Huts and private hot-tubs.

Idyllic for a few days or a week’s stay, all guests of The Farncombe Estate can make use of the Dormy House Spa, enjoy the culinary prowess of the estate’s chefs and utterly relax.

Should you wish to explore the Cotswolds for your next holiday, simply get in touch and we will be happy to recommend places to visit, help to book your hotel or cottage, and give you something to look forward to! For now why not have a browse of our boutique UK hotels here and our cottages here.