Posted on June 19, 2024
With summer in full swing, people all over the country are looking to book a holiday and each year more and more people opt to stay in England rather than go abroad. So it’s not surprising that The Cotswold is attracting more and more visitors each year due to its picturesque rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning landscapes. Whether you're looking for a tranquil countryside retreat or a base to explore historic towns, The Cotswolds offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best places to stay, from cosy bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, ensuring your summer vacation is both comfortable and memorable.
Thatched Cotswold Cottage
This bijou bolthole is the perfect love nest a deux – there is nothing ‘twee’ about this Cotswolds thatched cottage, with a beautiful, timeless, light and airy interior. There’s the obligatory woodburner in the characterful snug, with shaker style kitchen and decadent roll-top bath to relax in. Perfectly placed for Chipping Norton, Daylesford, Soho Farmhouse and surrounding market towns. It’s also a great spot for walks and cycle routes – with one well-behaved pup welcome, it’s a great destination for a babymoon or place to escape and recharge.
Little Cotswold Cottage
The clue is in the name, this diminutive Cotswolds cottage available for holiday lets is small but perfectly formed. Packed with charm, character and carefully sourced antiques it’s the perfect getaway for a small family, with two double bedrooms. The quirky reclaimed wood kitchen and bedroom up in the eaves (complete with roll-top bath) makes it stand out from other ‘generic’ holiday lets, it’s a great location to base yourself if you’ve never been to The Cotswolds before as all the ‘top spots’ are in easy reach.
Greys Court
Greys Court is a collection of 5 cottages in Southrop, offering ‘luxury country retreats’ to discerning guests. Each cottage has its own charm, some created from renovated stable blocks, whilst another from the old Dovecote. All have been reimagined with the highest quality interiors and finishes – it’s a great option if you’d like to holiday with friends and family, but in separate cottages in current climes. Thyme is nearby, the stunning hotel/spa/restaurant ‘village’, whilst Southrop itself has a great pub, The Swan, within strolling distance.
Olivers Travels
Olivers Travels have over 30 properties in The Cotswolds – covering everything from grand manor houses that sleep 18, to super modern lake-side retreats and characterful properties. Wildwood Manor is a stand-out for us; set in 10-acres the rambling characterful property has a welcoming, family feel, with lots to keep guests young and old occupied. It would be the perfect venue for a big celebration, family reunion or multi-family getaway. Pure, Cotswolds bliss.
Unique Homestays
Unique Homestays offer just that – a selection of luxury stays in The Cotswolds that offer something just a little bit different. A favourite has to be Little Red Lock near Banbury, a converted forge situated on the side of the Oxford Canal which offers kayaks to make the most of the watery location. There’s a wooden hot tub to relax in – surrounded by fields and the odd narrow boat passing by. Inside are all the country charms you’d hope for in a rural escape, from a cosy Aga, to stuffed Chesterfields, woodburning stove and characterful beamed bedrooms.
The Fish Hotel
The Fish Hotel near Broadway is a quirky collection of ‘hotel houses, huts and treehouses’ nestled in a hillside within a 400-acre private estate of prime Cotswolds countryside. Choose from luxury Shepherds Huts to incredible treehouse retreats in the woods, or the estate’s farmhouse which sleeps up to 13. Wherever you choose to lay your head, residents can dine at ‘Hook’, the estate’s seafood restaurant, or enjoy a cocktail or two in the cosy bar. There are bikes to hire, clay pigeon shooting drives as well as Broadway and the surrounding countryside right on your doorstep for antiques hunting and rural walks.
Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saison
If you are hankering after some seriously decadent escapism after lockdown, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons has just reopened; offering ‘Oxfordshire heritage meets French flair’ thanks to maître de maison, Raymond Blanc. The gardens really are the draw in summer months, as are the 2 Michelin starred restaurant and individually appointed rooms. The summer calendar at the world-renowned cookery school is full of tempting courses, from patisserie to vegan cooking if you are inspired to brush up on your own culinary skills.
The Lygon Arms
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Broadway, The Lygon Arms is a historic four-star hotel that offers a blend of timeless charm and modern luxury. With roots dating back to Tudor times, this iconic inn has hosted notable figures like King Charles I. Guests can unwind in the lush, three-acre Cotswold gardens or indulge in the luxurious spa, which features an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and nail bar. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, The Lygon Arms provides an enchanting escape with its elegant accommodations and warm hospitality.
Thyme
Located in the idyllic village of Southrop is the "village within a village." We can’t stop mentioning Thyme,and for good reason, set on a sprawling estate that includes a farm, a cookery school, and beautifully restored buildings. Whilst staying at Thyme, you can enjoy elegant accommodations, a great farm-to-table dining experience, and plenty of activities like cooking classes, spa treatments or even the garden tours. The serene countryside setting and thoughtful amenities make it an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature and savour the simple pleasures of rural life.
The Wheatsheaf Inn
The Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach is a traditional coaching inn with a modern twist. This charming inn offers stylish, comfortable rooms and a renowned restaurant that serves seasonal, locally-sourced cuisine. Guests can relax by the roaring fire in the cosy pub or enjoy a refreshing drink in the beautifully landscaped garden. The Wheatsheaf Inn's blend of rustic charm and contemporary comforts make it a popular choice for visitors wanting to experience the best of Cotswold country living.
Stancombe Park
For a memorable staycation in The Cotswolds, consider Stancombe Park’s luxurious accommodations set within its pristine countryside estate. The Farmhouse, the largest property, features six en suite rooms, perfect for families or groups exploring the area. For a romantic escape, The Temple offers seclusion and beauty with its own lake, hidden tunnels, and grottoes amidst Grade I gardens.
Underwood House, a bright and inviting 1840s home, boasts a large garden with views of Tyndale's Monument, ideal for relaxation and entertainment. Lastly, Javelin Cottage, a quintessential Cotswold cottage, overlooks parkland and provides easy access to the Cotswold Way, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts and hikers.