COTSWOLDS: RUSTIC BEAUTY

  • Woodstock
  • Burford
  • Bibury
  • Bourton-on-the-Water
  • Stow-on-the-Wold
  • The Slaughters
  • Kingham
  • Broadway

Only a two-hour drive from central London, the Cotswolds have long been a popular weekend destination for the well-heeled Londoners. British celebs like Hugh Grant, Kate Moss and Damien Hirst all have country houses here. Even Prince Charles has a charity shop near Tetbury, at the Royal Gardens at Highgrove, selling a variety of local produce. The region became rich during the Middle Ages thanks to the wool trade and it has produced Europe's best wool and textiles, untill Australia and New Zealand overtook its throne. It has a very special landscape with rolling green hills, dotted by little hamlets and villages with ages-old cottages built from the local limestone. Thanks to the endurable Cotswolds stone, these villages have stayed unchanged since the Tudor times. From larger towns like Cheltenham and Cirencester to smaller towns like Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold and villages like Bibury and the Slaughters, the Cotswolds is full of charm. Some of England's oldest country-house inns and pubs, as well as best chef restaurants and farms are to be found here. Starting from the university town of Oxford, you could see pretty much in 3 days. Shakespeare addicts could also end up their route at the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, where the famous writer was born.

Blenheim Palace surrounded by 2000 acres of parkland.

Woodstock

For those approaching the region from Oxford, this charming Georgian town is the gateway to the Cotswolds. Besides its charming architecture, independent boutiques and pubs, Woodstock is also famous for the 18th-century Blenheim Palace.

 

 

 


A gardener's paradise: Burford Garden Company.

Burford

A beautiful village with a medieval arched bridge over the River Windrush. Its main street is lined with numerous antique and gift shops, while its narrow side streets are full of flower-filled cottage gardens. Don't forget to visit St John’s Church, which has many interesting memorials made for the town's great families. The Tolsey Museum also worths a visit for its 16th century building, which was once a meeting place for the medieval merchants.
 


A typical stone cottage with a steep pitched roof.

Bibury

This little village well worths a visit with its Arlington Row, which is the most photographed street all around Cotswolds. The cottages lining up the lane were built around 1380 for wool storage, but they have been used as residences since the 17th century.

 

 

 

  • The Swan

    This 22 room charming hotel also has a nice restaurant ideal for lunch.

  • Bibury Trout Farm

    This natural reserve founded for breeding the native Brown Trout is ideal for families with children.


One of the little stone bridges crossing River Windrush.

Bourton-on-the-Water

This popular village is called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" due to the little stone bridges crossing River Windrush. On the last Monday of every August, the local football team plays a game of football right in the river. A peculiar but entertaining tradition going on for 100 years! Don't forget to visit the Model Village, a 1/9th  scale replica of the village itself.


 

  • The Dial House Hotel & Restaurant

    One of the oldest buildings in the village, dating back to 1698. Go for its sumptuous Afternoon Tea experience.  

  • The Lamb Inn

    A heaven of comfort, great food, rural peace and quiet near Bourton on the Water.


A standard room at the Old Stocks Inn.

Stow-on-the-Wold

This 12th century town is the highest all around the Cotswolds, offering gorgeous panoramas of the surrounding villages and an constant breeze. As it stands at a junction where several roads meet, it used to be the main sheep market of the region. That's the reason why it is also called "the Heart of Cotswolds". Today, its large Market Square still retains it ambience and is surrounded by town houses, antique shops, cafes and pubs. 
 

  • The Old Stocks Inn

    A far cry from the dark and rustic feel of many Cotswold hotels, with modern colors and fabrics.

  • The Porch House

    England's oldest inn dating back to 947 AD now serves as a boutique hotel and a lively dining space with bar and lounge areas.


Gin cocktails at the Slaughters Masnor House.

The Slaughters

Upper and Lower Slaughter are two picturesque villages frequently used for filming and productions as well. They can be reached by a pleasant walk from Bourton-on-the-Water. The Old Mill at Lower Slaughter is a nice museum with a nice gift shop, selling lots of curious things from handmade soaps to brassware and leather goods. Its riverside cafe is also a good pit stop with good home cooking and home-made icecream.
 

  • Lords of the Manor Hotel

    The only Michelin-starred hotel dining room in Gloucestershire and its 8 acres of lawns and gardens make this establishment special.

  • The Slaughters Manor House

    A 17th century manor, offering stylish rooms and regional produce cooked by a skilled chef.


A child enjoying Daylesford Organic Farm.

Kingham

This small village is mainly a foodie destination, thanks to its two amazing pubs, as well as the Daylesford Organic Farm nearby. The latter is a vast estate, where organic farming practices were introduced 30 years ago. Today, Daylesford is a huge establishment with a dairy,  a shop selling local goods, a cooking school and a spa called Bamford Haybarn as well. 

  • The Kingham Plough

    Serving excellent food by chef Emily Watkins, this pub with 6 rooms has put Kingham village on the map. 

  • Wild Rabbit

    A modern touch to the traditional English inn –a great place to eat, drink and sleep.


The 14th century Broadway Tower.

Broadway

Often called the "Jewel of Cotswolds", it is a town with honey-colored cottages dating back to the 16th century. Antiques hunters should check the shops along the High Street. The Lygon Arms, a magnificent manor that has been used as a hotel since 14th century is worth a visit for its bar and lounges. The Broadway Tower overlooking the town and the surrounding landscape from a hilltop 312 metres above sea level, as well as the magnificent gardens of Hidcote and Kiftsgate are the hotspots not to miss around Broadway.

  • Broadway Hotel

    19 rooms blending contemporary style with traditional design. 

  • Hotel Buckland Manor

    An amazing manor with 15 rooms, located in a breathtaking setting in the village of Buckland.




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