The Cotswolds is set in an area of outstanding beauty and you can definitely see why. There are many villages that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale, with their cobbled winding streets, idyllic streams running through them, and honey-hued stone cottages, it really is the definition of picturesque.
Below, we have compiled together the best places to stay from country house hotels to hideaways and fabulous pubs with rooms.
Calcot Hotel
Surrounded by the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, Calcot hotel offers a variety of luscious rooms, sublime spa treatments & hearty dining. You can choose from a cosy room for 2, a suite, or a family pad. All the rooms are decorated beautifully and styled with comfort and luxury at the core. Bring your appetite as you choose from 2 of the most fabulous restaurants to dine in, whether you want dinner in a typical Cotswold inn at The Gumstool Inn or an imaginative menu, at The Conservatory. A blissful retreat is also on the menu as you take a dip in the outdoor fireside hot tub or why not treat yourself to a treatment to truly unwind. They also offer fun activities, such as disc golf, tennis, and segwaying so bring your children along, or if you want a romantic retreat, then just bring your inner child.
Artist Residence
If you have ever been to any of the Artist Residence in the country you will know how beautiful the design of the rooms are, with luxury furnishings, delightful antiques, and bohemian styling. Set in the Cotswolds countryside and just a stone’s throw away from the incredible city of Oxford, this makes for a great retreat if you are looking for a mix of city and country life. There are many rooms to choose from whether you want one of the 5 luxurious bedrooms that are all nestled under the cosy thatch of the main building, or pick one of the three suites in the farm outbuildings, or my favourite for a romantic stay would be the exceptional Shepherd’s Hut. Whether you decide to stay in winter, then snuggle up by the roaring fire in the clubhouse with a cocktail, or in the summer, lounge about on the sunny terrace.
The Swan Inn
Set in a tucked-away honey-stone village, this 16th-century pub combines the modern furnishings and style of today with the character of the original building. If you are looking for a stylish retreat with a typical Cotswold pub then The Swan at Ascott-under-Wychwood will be just what you are looking for. There are eight bedrooms to choose from and all are uniquely designed and have a traditional country touch throughout which adds to their charm. It is an appealing foodie venue, too, with an adventurous menu based on artisanal ingredients and all within an incredible dining room. They have a sweet courtyard area with cottage garden plants and delightful tables and chairs to relax on, where you can enjoy a glass or two of wine or even your dinner when the weather is a little warmer.
Rectory
The Rectory is a contemporary Georgian country house hotel & restaurant that is the perfect place to relax and unwind. It has 18 bedrooms that are all beautifully furnished. 15 of the rooms are set within the main house and the remaining three rooms are in a separate cottage that is a home from home, complete with cosy living room, a fireplace, and a fabulous kitchen. They have two places to dine in, from their charming onsite restaurant where you can sit within a striking glasshouse and experience classic food with a contemporary edge. Or head across the road to their sister pub, The Potting Shed who champion outstanding pub food and fine ales. That’s not all though; you can enjoy a proper cocktail or glass of wine in their stylish bar or explore their English garden and relax around their heated outdoor pool for a proper luxury escape.
Broad Street Townhouse
This Grade-II listed boutique hotel is set within the heart of historic Bath, making it the perfect base to immerse yourself in the history and architecture of the city. Broad Street Townhouse boasts 11 king-size ensuite bedrooms that are individually decorated with contemporary, stylish furnishings. You can choose from cosy snug rooms or spacious luxury rooms. The rooms pay homage to the history of the building and add a Victorian feel from the headboards, bathroom tiles, and decorations. There is a café and bar that offer a delicious range of pastries, sandwiches, and light bites, plus artisan coffee, craft beer, and cocktails so you can start your evening in style just downstairs. For breakfast, they offer an amazing hamper full of treats from pots of yogurt and strawberry compote, muesli, fresh orange juice, croissants, and fresh fruit, so why bother going downstairs when you can feast in bed.
Barnsley House
Barnsley House, near Cirencester, is located in the beautiful Cotswold countryside. You won’t even need to leave the hotel as they have their own spa which is hidden in the garden. It includes a tranquil outdoor hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, and steam room and you can also indulge yourself in some of the most relaxing spa treatments. That’s not all, they also have their very own private 30 seater cinema. So if you are looking for a romantic date night, then either check out their upcoming screenings or hire the venue for yourselves and pick through their DVD library from action film to chick-flicks. If you are just looking to unwind then take a walk through their gardens and immerse yourself in nature. They have an onsite restaurant which is divine, or across the road, they also own the Village Pub, for more relaxed, country dining.
Cowley Manor
This contemporary-chic country house hotel features 31 charming bedrooms, a multi-award-winning spa, and 55 acres of Grade II listed gardens just waiting for you to explore. Cowley Manor has rooms available no matter who you bring, they even allow dogs. Choose from sweet smaller rooms to rooms with a bathtub for two and wrap-around balconies. Whether you are wanting to escape for the night, or live a life of luxury, they really have it all. Unwind in the spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, steam room and sauna, and plenty of treatment rooms for you to be indulged in. There is no need to leave the hotel when It comes to dinner as you are spoilt for choice, so expect quintessential British classics in the restaurant, a cocktail in the bar, or a picnic on the terrace.
Thyme
Nestled in the middle of the Cotswolds and surrounded by serenely grazing livestock, Thyme is a charming estate that you will never want to leave. Known as a village within a village, this lifestyle brand not only has an exquisite country house hotel but also offers its guests a cookery school, charming shops, and cosy pubs to relax in. The hotel is full of restored historic buildings and has a mixture of cosy rooms, larger suites, and walled garden cottages to stay in. Head towards their shops to treat yourself to sustainable homeware, something from their fashion boutique, or a one-off antique treasure to take a snippet of the Cotswolds home with you. Finish off your night away with a delightful meal at one of their pubs for a perfect evening of delightful settings and delicious food.
Dormy House
Perched above the beautiful village of Broadway, is the most perfect rural retreat to really experience the Cotswolds at a luxury hotel. Dormy House is set In 400 Acre Grounds, and this farmhouse chic hotel has all the home from home comforts and more, with hot tub suites, panoramic Cotswold views, and a spa to relax in. This private hillside location is the perfect destination if you are wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of life and completely switch off. Treat yourself and a loved one to a morning in the spa and soak in the serene pool. Or sit with a glass of fizz in the terrace hot tub, and warm up in the Scandi-style thermal suite. There are 3 incredible restaurants to dine in from an interactive 8-course tasting-menu experience to relaxed dining in the onsite country pub.
Cotswold Farm Hideaway
Surrounded by rolling hills that are covered in a thousand North Country sheep, the Idyllic Cotswold Farm Hideaway are two renovated farm cottages offering its guests the perfect getaway with an exclusive and electric setting with friends and family. The owners are Swiss, which you can see from the use of natural and raw materials in the property, but they have also added a splash of colour to create a fun atmosphere. White Hall is a 4-bedroom cottage that can sleep up to eight guests and has original features throughout from the exposed beam and inglenook fireplace. It also has a glorious garden with a large outdoor seating area, which is perfect for summer evenings and BBQs. Winterspring cottage is a delightful 2-bedroom cottage that can sleep four people, and mixes the original features like the very high ceiling with modern touches of a fun spiral staircase and charming fireplace.
Lake By Yoo
The Lakes by Yoo is a private estate of second homes & luxury villas which you can rent for a glamorous lakefront or woodland staycation. There are a range of 4, 5, and 6 bedroom homes, so it makes for a perfect getaway with a group of friends or the family. All the homes are beautifully designed with style, comfort, and wow factor. There is a range of activities available for guests to have a go at including sailing and fishing, and definitely visit the spa for a tranquil escape in a serene, lakeside setting. They have an incredible onsite restaurant, Elsa’s Tipi, where they have pizza nights at weekends for you to indulge in but as all the properties come with exquisite kitchens you can rustle up a dinner in style.
The Double Red Duke, Clanfield
Opened on the 17th May is another wonderful pub with rooms from Country Creatures. The Double Red Duke has a range of beautifully designed rooms for you to stay in, from a cosy room for two or a large room that comes with an insta worthy roll-top bath. Head to the bar for a cocktail to start your evening in style before heading to their exquisite restaurant which has exceptional style but also that classic Cotswold charm. Here you can expect to feast on seasonal delights and pub classics but make sure you save room for pudding as there will definitely be something that takes your fancy. If that wasn’t indulgent enough, they also work with the fabulous 100 Acres to bring you a variety of massages in their sweet shepherd’s hut in the garden.
The Painswick
A secluded country hotel In the picturesque Cotswold town of Painswick awaits you for the perfect retreat. The Painswick has sixteen sweet bedrooms that will whisk you away for a peaceful slumber and probably inspire you to redecorate as they are all uniquely styled to such a high standard. They have a restaurant at the hotel that flaunts the very best of consummate cooking in the most country chic setting you could wish for. Their food is designed to tempt your inner foodie and perfect for sharing, which makes it a great place for a romantic dinner date. After dinner head to the lounge which boasts roaring fires and sink-into-me sofas while you enjoy a delightful nightcap or treat yourself in the day to a quaint afternoon tea on their romantic balcony which has the most stunning views of the Cotswolds countryside.
The Wild Rabbit
If you are looking for the perfect Cotswold staycation, it doesn’t get much better than The Wild Rabbit. The rooms have all been so tastefully decorated with a nod to country chic but also with comfort and luxury at their heart. Situated in the picturesque village of Kingham, this is a great place to base yourself if you want to experience all the best the Cotswold has on offer. You may be aware of their sister enterprise Daylesford, which is an organic farm shop, deli, spa, and more, and you will definitely see the similarities between each place. Their restaurant offers locally sourced, seasonal food in a beautiful relaxed, and welcoming setting, where you will fall in love with all the cosy corners. This is the place to stay if you want incredible photos, inspiration, and a romantic getaway.
The Fish Hotel
This quirky, country hotel nestled in a hillside in a 400-acre private estate in the delightful Cotswold countryside, is truly a luxury retreat. The Fish not only have rooms and suites for you to stay in but check out their adorable huts, fairytale treehouse, and incredible 6 bedroom farmhouse. Children and dogs are both welcome here and there are activities for both to keep them busy, such as a fun dog agility course. This really is the gateway to a world of relaxation and outdoor adventure. The Fish has some amazing places to eat too, If you fancy some fish, then definitely head to the laid back yet luxurious seafood-inspired restaurant The Hook, or if you are wanting afternoon tea then definitely try their Tipsy Tea for Hoogly tea-infused cocktails and don’t worry, the dog can join in too with their dog-friendly afternoon tea.
For more information on the Cotswolds, click on the following links, for the ultimate guide, dog friendly things to do, the most picturesque villages to visit, a weekend away in the Cotswolds, the 10 best walks in the Cotswolds, a mini guide to the Cotswolds and a day out in the Cotswolds.
