Pack your bags and leave your nine-to-five world behind as a staycation in the Cotswolds is the perfect way to unwind. Here are 14 of the best hotels to stay in whilst you’re here.
Escape the fast pace of everyday life with a weekend away at this cute little inn. Nestled amongst the beautiful Cotswold countryside, the Lamb Inn is a cosy and quintessentially English hotel – perfect for tranquillity, comfort and style. During your stay you can expect roaring log fires, four-poster beds and comfy armchairs.
Whilst in the area, make sure you explore the rambling banks of the River Windrush and spend hours upon hours browsing the quaint little shops of Burford.
2. Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton
Whether you’re looking for a walking holiday, a foodie getaway or, quite simply, a peaceful retreat, the Three Ways House Hotel can accommodate all. There are 48 individually and beautifully decorated bedrooms to choose from, including several ‘pudding themed’ rooms, so you are sure to find something to suit your taste.
Make sure to visit on a weekend as Pudding Club takes place on Friday nights where you can indulge in an evening of dessert-themed entertainment and the Parade of Seven Puddings. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this place is well worth a visit.
3. Chester House Hotel, Bourton-on-the-Water
With pitched roofs, honey-coloured walls and country-style décor, the Chester House Hotel epitomises everything Cotswolds and typically English. It is small in size so expect a personal and friendly welcome from the staff, and the bedrooms are decorated beautifully ensuring comfort without compromise for the guests.
The village of Bourton-on-the-Water is just outside the door for you to explore, but if you don’t feel like leaving, you can recline in the cosy bar downstairs with a board game and a pint of something local.
No.38 is a tastefully decorated, Georgian townhouse located close to the hustle and bustle of Cheltenham town centre. A slice of secluded tranquillity during the day, the hotel can be the perfect party venue by night with the option to hire the whole property, a private chef and a butler. After a night on the sauce, unwind in a roll top bath with some complimentary 100 Acre toiletries.
You can take a stroll through leafy Pittville Park or hit the shops only a five minute walk away. With most of the town’s amenities at your doorstep, No.38 is the perfect location for exploring Cheltenham.
5. Tudor Farmhouse, Forest of Dean
Roll top baths, monsoon showers, pocket-sprung mattresses and duck-feather pillows… Tudor Farmhouse is a slice of luxurious boutique heaven and the ideal bolthole for exploring the luscious countryside and limestone villages of the Cotswolds. The farmhouse has been tastefully restored and the interior décor is stylish yet sympathetic to the history of the building.
Wander far from the beaten track with the in-house forager, Raoul van Den Broucke, on one of his foraging expeditions in the nearby Forest of Dean. Depending on the season, you can expect to find edible mushrooms and flowers, pennywort, wimberries and wild strawberries.
6. Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Oxfordshire
Have you been dreaming of a trip to a beautiful country manor in the heart of the Cotswolds? Celebrated chef, Raymond Blanc’s establishment – Belmond Le Manoir, is a spectacular hotel located in the bucolic village of Great Milton in Oxfordshire. Surrounded by acres upon acres of landscaped gardens and green countryside, this hotel is the perfect getaway from the stresses of everyday life.
A dining experience at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is an experience you will not forget. The two-acre kitchen garden provides hundreds of the freshest and tastiest vegetables and herbs and there are over 1,000 different wines stored in the hotel cellar for you to choose from.
7. Thyme, Southrop Manor Estate, Gloucestershire
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or a seasonal staycation, Thyme is a wonderful Cotswold escape for some peace and quiet. With plenty of beautifully decorated rooms, cottages and outhouses to choose from, there are so many stylish and comfortable places to rest your head – whether you’re on your own, with your partner or the whole family have come along for the trip.
If you’re looking for something to do, Thyme Cookery School is the heart of the Southrop Manor Estate. Why not take a cookery class, have a wander around the kitchen garden or attend a tasting session? Bookings are available online.
8. The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold
The Old Stocks Inn tastefully combines 17th century charm with the comforts of modern day luxury. Each room is individually decorated, whilst still retaining the spectacular history of the honey-coloured building. If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday or a charming weekend getaway, this is just the place.
The market town of Stow-on-the-Wold is right on the doorstep and there is plenty to explore. Whether you’re a history fanatic or a bargain hunter wanting to trawl the shops, there is so much on offer. The Old Stocks Inn has put together a list of their favourite places. Why not take a look?
If you love reclining in an armchair in front of a roaring fire after a day exploring the Cotswolds, then where better to do this than The Fish Hotel in Broadway. The rooms are decorated in a trendy Scandinavian style with crisp linens on the beds, Orla Kiely toiletries in the bathrooms and your own fluffy robe to relax in. Treat yourself to a little rural luxury with a staycation at The Fish.
The hotel is located on the Farncombe Estate where there are numerous picnic spots, walking routes and cycle trails to explore – you are spoilt for choice.
After an evening feasting in the cosy dining area downstairs, the charming and delightfully decorated rooms of the Fuzzy Duck are a welcoming place to rest your head. The big comfy beds have Frette linen, artisan woollen throws and soft, squishy cushions so you are guaranteed a peaceful night’s sleep. In the morning, treat yourself to the complimentary Baylis & Harding toiletries in the bathroom.
Stratford-upon-Avon is only a stone’s throw away so take a trip to Shakespeare country and make sure you visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the picturesque River Avon.
With an abundance of character and charm and an easy-going atmosphere, is it any wonder Foxhill Manor was voted ‘2015 Hotel of the Year’ by the Sunday Times? There are five stunning and individually decorated rooms on offer, all with spectacular views across the Cotswold countryside.
A short stroll away you’ll find the quaint little town of Broadway where there are plenty of boutique shops to browse, cosy cafes for afternoon tea and pubs for a taste of the local beers.
Not only does Calcot Manor have a luxurious spa, two delicious restaurants, a cosy pub and a gym on site, but it also has an Ofsted-registered crèche – making it the perfect location for the whole family to grab some R&R. The bedrooms are tastefully decorated with neutral colours and rustic features, so why not pack your bags and come to the Cotswolds for a stylish getaway with the family?
Don your complimentary fluffy robe and slippers and put your feet up with a glass of fizz in the luxurious spa, or escape to the outdoor hot tub and bathe fireside. Whether you choose to indulge in a massage, mud wrap or an aromatherapy, you’ll be floating home from Calcot Manor.
Dormy House can be found on the Farncombe Estate, a lazy stroll away from Foxhill Manor, The Fish Hotel and the picturesque Cotswold town of Broadway. Based in a 17th century farmhouse, the rooms are elegantly and sympathetically decorated ensuring a stylish yet comfortable experience throughout your stay.
There are two great quality restaurants on site so whether you’re after a long lunch or you’re joining a loved one for a romantic dinner, tasty, hot food is right on your doorstep.
14. Seagrave Arms, Chipping Campden
The Seagrave Arms has plenty of personal comforts and it has a really welcoming atmosphere so you’ll feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door. No room is the same, however each one is cosy and nicely decorated and you’ll find hot water bottles for chilly nights and fresh milk waiting for your tea in the morning.
The limestone market town of Chipping Campden is only a mile away from the Seagrave Arms. There are plenty of shops, pubs and cafes to visit and don’t forget the camera as the town is simply picture-perfect.
To find out more about what to do in the Cotswolds, you should read...
