ESCAPE TO THE COTSWOLDS

As soon as you set foot in the magical, otherworldly realm of the Cotswolds, it’s almost certain you’ll fall under its spell…

Bibury Village

Ancient Jurassic limestone is used in the local architecture to create warm, honey-stoned villages preserved in time, with idyllic houses and breath-taking rolling countryside surroundings providing a bucolic escape from everyday life.

Littered with stately manor houses, regal castles and stunning gardens, there’s an abundance of photogenic and fascinating sites to visit. Or, if you’re more into rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, then tucked away in mansions surrounded by acres of private land you’ll find A-list celebrities from Kate Moss to David Beckham residing amongst UK royalty, Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Meanwhile, Brit-pop royalty Alex James and TV journalist Jeremy Clarkson have settled down as born-again farmers, whose wares are available to buy in rustic local shops.

Majestic but mellow, progressive without being arrogant, the Cotswolds has always offered a unique English charm that’s the perfect antidote to the stresses of everyday life. A charm that is never timelier than right now, in our current state of historical flux. Stretched across 6 counties and a huge swathe of Southern England, with its’ norther-most part just 90 minutes from London, it’s no wonder that more and more city dwellers are flocking to the Cotswolds to realise their countryside dream in its vibrant, sustainable communities.

Burton-on-the-Water

Wild Rabbit, Kingham

PLACES to stay

The Cotswolds’ dazzling array of accommodation includes distinctive, luxury hotels, stylish country pubs and grand manor houses like nowhere else.

Set in sprawling grounds with 26 different gardens over 12 acres, Grade II listed Whatley Manor in Malmesbury boasts 23 stylish rooms, a luxurious spa, and private cinema. The fine dining experience courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating is also not to be missed.

The romantic Barnsley House, a stones’ throw away from picturesque Bibury (said to be the prettiest village in England) offers 18 elegant rooms, beautifully renovated interiors, a standout spa and impressive grounds designed by Rosemary Verey that provide organic ingredients to its kitchen.

Just outside the photogenic village of Broadway, The Fish Hotel is the biggest of the Farncombe Estate’s trio of fantastic hotels. This collection of honey-stone buildings on Fish Hill offers 67 stylish bedrooms, a farmhouse sleeping 13, and The Lodge with a light-filled restaurant, huge bar and games room. On the estate you can have a go at clay-pigeon shooting, archery and riding a Segway. Or brace the great outdoors and walk to nearby Broadway Tower, the Cotswolds highest castle designed by Capability Brown, for panoramic views of the rolling Cotswolds countryside.

Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton

Outside Terrace, Wild Rabbit

At Southdrop Manor Estate, Thyme began in 2009 as a cooking school and has been a slowly unfolding labour of love for it’s owner Caryn Hibberts since then. Now with a rentable manor house, standalone rooms and The Ox Barn added as well as a spa, shop, florist and spacious terrace, the mood is South of France when the weather permits. Interiors are beautifully furnished in modern rustic style, with marble bathrooms and crackling fireplaces.

For a more traditional but none-less impressive option, The Lygon Arms is a 16th century coaching inn nestled in the middle of Broadway high street. With classic, sumptuous interiors in the main house and more modern aesthetic in the courtyard suites, there’s a real focus here on embracing the lazy countryside life; from valet parking on arrival to afternoon tea and papers by the fire.

Owned by Lady Carol Bamford of the JCB construction company, The Wild Rabbit is an upmarket 18th century stone pub which boasts not only 13 rustic-chic rooms onsite but 9 beautifully manicured cottages in the surrounding village of Kingham. Truly the essence of the Cotswolds at its premium.

Fish Hotel

Whatley Manor Spa Lygon Arms, Broadway

Broadway Tower

PLACES to visit

Central to the Cotswolds luxe lifestyle, Daylesford Estate and organic farm is the original outpost of Lady Carole Bamford’s luxurious empire. Attracting day-trippers from London as well as vacationers from far and wide, this is not just a working farm but a lifestyle. On offer there’s a gorgeous café and restaurant offering wholesome deliciousness, a food hall packed with organic treats to take home, high-grade shopping including homeware, plants and even fashion, and the Bamford Wellness Spa – a sensory haven. There are also 6 guest cottages for those who want to prolong the indulgence.

For animal lovers, Cotswolds Wildlife Park just outside the popular village of Burford is 160 acres of parkland filled with white rhinos, leopards, lions, zebras and giraffes. It also boasts an impressive garden with a huge diversity of plants and a tropical greenhouse. Walk in the footsteps of royalty at the impressive Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, once home to Katherine Parr the only surviving wife of Henry VIII, with other noble guests including Elizabeth I and Charles I. The castle was restored in the 19th century and with beautiful gardens surrounding it, plus a full programme of events, it has enough to keep you fascinated for hours.

Offering a unique splash of luxury with fascinating history, Blenheim Palace was designed by Sir John Vanburgh in the 18th century and construction overseen by Sarah Chruchill, the first Duchess. It is the birthplace and ancestoral home of Sir Winston Churchill, and a designated World Heritage Site that draws thousands each year to marvel at its grounds and collections. In early September it hosts Salon Prive, one of the UK’s most prestigious automotive events. Here you’ll find classic automobiles showcased alongside the latest supercars, fine dining and a luxury retail village.

The Cotswolds outpost of the hugely popular Soho House group, Soho farmhouse is a next-generation hideaway that’s a mix of members club, hotel and American ranch. Though entry is restricted to members and their guests, once inside there’s enough on offer to impress even the most urban of visitors, including a beautiful homeware shop, Cowshed spa, indooroutdoor swimming pool, gym and cinema, as well as several restaurants including Japanese fusion at Pen Yen. There’s a mint-coloured bicycle for each guest to get you around the ample grounds, as well as a cocktail-serving milk float making the rounds. In short, a Disneyland for privileged grownups.

Daylesford Farm Shop, Kingham

Blenheim Place (Credit - Tom Hartley Jnr) Soho Farmhouse Pool & Spa

PLACES to eat

The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote Tucked away in the picture perfect village of Nether Westcote lies a chic Country Inn with arguably the best views in the Cotswolds. The creative menu from Michelin starred Chef Matt Weedon has a devoted following, with offerings such as Chateaubriand, Orkney Scallops all made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The expansive wine list is best enjoyed on the spacious terrace in summer or, by the roaring open fire in winter. www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

Ox Barne at Thyme, Southdrop Manor Estate Chef Charlie Hibbert came from Quo Vadis, one of the best restaurants in London, back to his Cotswolds roots to head up the team cooking in this beautiful stone barn renovation, where all original features remain. An open kitchen, plus ingredients sourced from chef’s own garden make this a treat not to be missed. www.thyme.co.uk

The Chequers, Churchill A firm favourite with cotswolds’ locals in the know, with Jeremy Clarkson a regular visitor this grown-up gastropub has rustic French charm mixed with down-town New York cool. Famous for its cheddar souffle and impressive list of locally brewed ales, the food options are plentiful and the atmosphere inviting. www.countrycreatures.com/the-chequers

Double Red Duke, Clanfield Perhaps the Cotswold’s newest noteable venture, born out of lockdown creativity, this honey hued 16th century building showcases photogenic interiors and an equally impressive menu, with steak from Hawksmoor’s Richard Turner as the specialty. www.countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke

Pen Yen, Great Tew For a welcome antidote to the Cotswolds’ ubiquitous pub fare, the excellent Japanese grill Pen Yen at Soho Farmhouse relies on locally sourced ingredients for it’s innovative dishes and offers some serious people watching of the club’s rich and stylish members. www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse

Lobster at The Feathered Nest

EVENTS CALENDAR 2022

March 15-18: The Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse April 14-October 2: Giffords Circus, various locations April 27-May 2: Cheltenham Jazz Festival May 5-8: RHS Malvern Spring Festival May 30-August 2: Longborough Opera Festival June 4: Summer Classic Car & Bike Festival, Three Counties Showground June 15-17: Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford July 2-3: The Cotswolds Show and Food Festival, Cirencester Park July 8-16: Cheltenham Music Festival August 4-7: Wilderness Festival, Charlbury August 26-28: The Big Feastival, Kingham September 1-4: Salon Prive, Blenheim Palace September 15-18: Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials October 7-16: Cheltenham Literature Festival December 26: Heythrop Boxing Day Hunt, Chipping Norton