Gina is a Cotswolds veteran and our go-to on knowing where the best places are to eat, drink and stay are. Her husband grew up there and it’s where the two of them got married, so she knows a thing or two. She’s got plenty of Cotswolds guides on her blog, but she’s put together a special Mini Guide To The Cotswolds here just for us too. Another one for any more staycations you’ve got planned this year.
The Cotswolds is easily one of the quaintest parts of the UK, thanks to its rolling hills and myriad of pretty villages of honey coloured houses. It’s no surprise that many have been flocking to the area as of late, and with an impressive number of gourmet restaurants and luxurious hotels to explore, it’s easily one of the places you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
“The Cotswolds is easily one of the quaintest parts of the UK, thanks to its rolling hills and myriad of pretty villages of honey coloured houses.”
Where To Stay: Foxhill Manor
This private country house hotel near Broadway village only has eight bedrooms, each individually designed in elegant colour schemes. Stay in either the spacious Chestnut bedroom which features its own dining room table and plush furnishings, or the Oak suite that boasts ‘his and her’ bathtubs with sweeping views over the 400 acre Farncombe Estate. Indulge in the hotel’s ‘no rules’ policy: guests are invited to eat whenever and wherever they like throughout the property, whether that’s breakfast in bed, or dinner in the cinema. The lack of a formal menu means that you’re welcome to pop into the kitchen and chat with the chefs, who will whip up whatever you fancy, making for a truly special gourmet experience.
Thyme
Cotswolds luxury at its finest, Thyme is a family-owned estate that sits within the village of Southrop, but still boasts 150 acres of ground for guests to roam. Aptly self-described as a ‘village within a village’, the hotel encompasses several converted cottages and farmhouses dotted across the estate, as well as a spa, outdoor pool, cookery school, and stunning Ox Barn restaurant where chef Charlie Hibbert is at the helm. Bedrooms are extremely luxurious, featuring pastel furnishings, and jewel-coloured bathtubs.
The Rectory Hotel
Another of my favourite countryside escapes, The Rectory Hotel is a stunning Cotswold conversion offering 18 boutique bedrooms decorated in a laidback luxe style. With beautifully kept gardens and an outdoor pool, this is the perfect location to visit in summer. From enjoying afternoon tea al fresco, to sumptuous dinners and tasty breakfasts served in the Scandi-style conservatory, this is definitely a gourmet getaway for those that want to kick back and relax – and eat well whilst doing so.
Where To Eat: Daylesford, Kingham
A Cotswold favourite, Daylesford farmshop and deli sprawls across an impressive estate in Gloucestershire, encompassing various cottages that you can stay in, as well as their famous Bamford spa. Pop in here for lunch in the deli (menu options include hearty salads and sandwiches), or pick up some gourmet ingredients and tasty supplies in their farm shop. Their smart-casual restaurant, Trough, is also a great dinner option.
The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote
This gourmet pub-restaurant offers delicious British food in a cosy setting: expect beautifully presented dishes which are hearty and filling, such as crispy buttermilk chicken and homemade gnocchi, as well as a traditional roast on Sundays. Don’t miss out on their homemade beer bread with whipped Marmite butter, and make sure to leave room for the divine desserts.
The Bell Inn, Langford
One of my favourite restaurants EVER, let alone in the Cotswolds, The Bell Inn at Langford is a gourmet restaurant with rooms offering up delicious pub grub: think lip-smackingly tasty British classics, served in a cosy and rustic setting. Don’t miss their homemade flatbread starters, and make sure to save room for their puddings too.
Read more: Gina Goes To
Gina has a knack for finding the most beautiful plays to stay, eat and explore all over the UK. In fact, she’s just published a book called ‘British Boutique Hotels’ – it’s a great guide to work through for your own staycations, or even to give as a gift. There are also plenty of other tips for the Cotswolds and more on her blog, so head over there for a read.
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