The It List Explores... The Cotswolds
From living in London for nearly ten years, The Cotswolds became a regular staycation destination for my husband and I and my wider family. In terms of countryside, the Cotswolds is up there with the most beautiful landscapes in the world adorned with picture perfect towns lined with charming cottages, homes, stores and some incredible eateries all adorned with the iconic Cotswolds limestone.
Approximately two hours from London depending on where in the Cotswolds you are heading, it feels like another world to city life. We loved the slower pace and calmness found in the Cotswolds, the beautiful nature walks and hikes, some of the world’s best local pubs and restaurants and cosy guest houses nestled amongst some epic 5-star luxury hotels if that is more your vibe. Air B n B is also brilliant for the Cotswolds if going with a wider group be it family or couples, and we also used a superb site called Cotswolds Luxury Rentals for a special trip for my Mums birthday.
If you are lucky enough to be there to catch a snowfall, it is beyond special and feels like a scene straight out of the Holiday with Jude Law and Cameron Diaz. Fun Fact if you are looking for a romantic date idea in the UK, you can visit the pub where they had their first date in The Holiday! The town is called Shere in Surrey and the pub is The White Horse, I had one of my favourites ever surprise dates here! Anyway back to the Cotswolds…!
Favourite Towns to Visit
Chipping Campden
Personally, my favourite town in the Cotswolds, in fact I don’t think you’ll find many prettier towns anywhere on your travels, this is the most quintessentially Cotswolds town and we love every corner of it. Considering its modest size there are a plethora of excellent shops, eateries, and accommodations of varying levels. Chipping Campden is the perfect destination when you are in need of a weekend to slow down and unwind with beautiful nature walks, cosying up by a fireplace in the local pub with a glass of wine and an early bedtime in one of the cosy guesthouses.
Where to Stay?
Great selection of charming and luxury homes and cottages on Air BNB
Where to Eat/Drink?
Michael's is my favourite restaurant –order the Beef stifado – staff are always so lovely!
Huxleys for coffee and cake
The Eight Bells for a cosy pint and glass of wine and gastropub style eats
What to Do?
Relax and unwind in one of the many cosy pubs and restaurants, take a long walk from Chipping to Broadway via Broadway tower, browse the local shops, the Cotswolds Luxe is a fabulous store, I always come home with something special from it!
Castle Combe
Straight from the scene of a movie (in fact scenes from Harry Potter were filmed here! As well as scenes from Downtown Abbey, Dr Doolittle and War horse) Castle Combe is a delightfully quaint village home to one of our favourite hotels in the UK. Stepping in to Castle Combe feels like you are stepping back in time, it is a magical place with a handful candle lit pubs and eateries nestled in the most breath-taking countryside scenery.
Where to Stay
The 5 star Manor house Hotel we have stayed here twice and beyond adore it for its old worldly charm, the smell of the log burning fires, the exceptional bedrooms and cottage rooms with four poster beds! and delicious food. An absolute gem for a special occasion or romantic getaway. The grounds are beautifully calming for a light stroll, and considering its luxurious appearance it is truly relaxed in every sense, so pack your wellies and your favourite book and you will have the best time!
Where to Eat/Drink
The Michelin starred restaurant at the Manor House Hotel
The Castle Inn for cosy gastropub vibes and board games
What to Do?
Local walks, explore the market, go for long countryside drives, chill by the fire with your favourite book
Broadway
One of the busier and larger villages in the Cotswolds, a superb spot to spend a Saturday wandering the high street beaming with local treasure troves, antique shops, sweet shops and charming pubs and restaurants. It can work really well to spend your weekend with one night in one of the quieter villages and the none night in Broadway for some atmosphere. It is a very short drive to Chipping Campden for example. Broadway is home to some of the top luxury hotels in the Cotswolds like Dormy House and Foxhill Manor either in the village or a short drive/walk away.
Where to Stay
Where to Eat/Drink
BroadwayDeli
Russells– for fish and chips
What to Do?
Potter the shops, art galleries and museums and visit Broadway tower
Bourton on the Water
Another of the more bustling and happening villages in the Cotswolds, Bourton on the Water as the name would suggest is built on the river Windrush and makes for a most picturesque setting famous for its honeycomb colour stoned building. Heaving with pubs, restaurants and delightful local boutiques and museums, Bourton is a must visit.
Where to Stay
Airbnb is a great option for this area
Where to Eat/Drink
Smiths of Bourton epic burgers!
What to Do?
Visit the model village, have a riverside lunch and glass of wine, explore the local shops, there is a fab shop for Christmas decorations!
Getting There
The Cotswolds is a huge area spanning some 800 miles and running through five different counties, and so planning your trip carefully is a must in terms of best airports, driving routes etc. Renting a car is a must in order to make the most of the beautiful countryside and the easiest option for getting to and from the closest airport. From Dublin the best airports are Bristol or Birmingham. Some areas are only 90 minutes from Heathrow too but do your research in advance!
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