Cotswolds Travel Guide
The Cotswolds is a place many of the UK’s rich and famous call home, and it's not hard to see why. Rolling hills, quaint villages and picturesque landscapes make this Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) a popular destination for tourists wanting to explore the beautiful countryside and city folk looking for a quieter life alike. Welcome to Week 1 of the Stratum’s Curated Collections where we take you through our favourite destinations across the globe.
Where to Stay
There are many options of accommodation scattered across the Cotswolds. Here we’re going to focus on our favourites and the ones which offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort.
The Manor House Hotel
Constructed in the 14th Century, The Manor House Hotel has character hiding in every corner of the estate while housing a Michelin starred restaurant, a gin bar and an incredible golf course surrounded by the charming Cotswolds countryside.
The rooms all have a cosy feel and capture the spirit of the Cotswolds while offering all the amenities you could ever need. If you want to really get a sense of village living, there are a handful of magnificent mews cottages available as well. Crafted in Cotswold stone and with all their aged beams on show, you can get a sense of the character these buildings possess. The Manor house is situated in one of my personal favourite villages: Castle Combe, in the south of the Cotswolds. Famous for its picturesque setting and its nearby racetrack, whether you want to go on a morning walk around the countryside or go on a track experience day, we can ensure you make the most of your visit.
Foxhill Manor
Located on the Farncombe Estate, Foxhill Manor is a Grade II listed manor house overlooking the incredible Worcestershire landscape. Located in the scenic village of Broadway, famous for its arts and crafts architecture, Foxhill Manor is ideally located for exploring the northern side of the Cotswolds. Foxhill Manor has a motto: ‘whatever you fancy, wherever you fancy it’. This is at the heart of what they do, and rest assured, you will leave Foxhill Manor more rejuvenated than when you arrived. You will have a personal host who is available at any time and the Chef can create your very own bespoke menu. It truly is the height of luxury. And to top it off they welcome dogs, the perfect companion for early morning walks through the countryside!
They offer a range of luxurious rooms and suites. However, there are only 8 in total so the manor has a cosy and personal feel to it.
If Foxhhill doesn't sound quite like your thing, Dormy House and The Fish are also located on the Farncombe Estate. A great option if you want something more casual or Foxhill Manor would stretch the budget just a little too much.
What to Do
The Cotswolds has so many incredible places to visit. From Bourton-on-the-Water — known as the Venice of the Cotswolds — to the medieval town of Burford with its myriad of independent shops, there is plenty to see and do.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Known for its traditional stone architecture and shallow river, it has some of the most wonderful scenes of all the villages in the Cotswolds.
Bourton is home to The Model Village which is a model replica of the village. It is a great place to explore 1930’s Bourton and get an appreciation of the history of the village.
One of my favourite little gems in the village is Bourton’s Little Sweet Shop. It is a traditional sweet shop located on a small pathway coming off from Victoria Street, opposite the Kingsbridge pub. If you have a sweet tooth its a great place to visit for a bit of nostalgia.
When its time for a bite to eat, it is a must to stop at the family-run Bakery on the Water. They have everything from croissants to sausage baps. If you are looking for something a little more substantial they offer breakfast up to 11 am and after that, they have a selection of sandwiches made using their tasty, artisan bread.
I would recommend hitting Bourton off-peak since it is a tourist hot-spot with regular busses from London. Outside of summer is the quietest time to visit but then you are more exposed to the British weather!
Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower is an icon in the Cotswolds landscape. Built as a Folly, it was part of Capability Browns vision of a Saxon Tower. The Tower was used by many pre-raphaelite artists, such as Willam Morris, as a country retreat. Inside are exhibitions about the buildings past including the work by William Morris is available to view. To top it off, if you climb all the way to the top, you can see across 16 counties. It is truly breathtaking and worth visiting just for the view.
Located just outside of Broadway village, it is only a stone's throw away from the Farncombe Estate.
Burford
Burford is a medieval town in the Oxfordshire side of the Cotswolds.
There are plenty of small businesses based here. We recommend visiting The Carpenters Arms on a Sunday for their incredible Sunday roast. Or, if you’re feeling a little less fancy, head to W.J. Castle for a tasty sausage roll to go. If you want to go on a countryside walk, there are some excellent walking routes that take you through the villages of Asthall, Swinebrook, and Fullbrook, bringing you back to Burford — for more information contact your Stratum Associate.
Stow on the Wold
A Traditional market town, Stow is a delightful place to visit and explore. Located adjacent to the Roman road, Fosse Way, it is steeped in history and character.
The Old Bakery Tea Room is an old-fashioned and comforting place to visit. The menu offers some great options for a mid-walk stop. We recommend getting a cup of coffee and a scone (or two) before continuing on with the rest of your day.
If you’re looking for a traditional afternoon tea, look no further than Lucy’s Tearoom. Served with your choice of loose leaf tea or coffee, its the perfect place to get a feel for the town.
If you’re interested in contemporary art, Fosse Gallery is a great place to visit. Priding itself in its friendliness and openness, this is the perfect place for the seasoned art lover or someone who is just getting into it.
Castle Combe
Arguably one of the most picturesque villages in England, walking through Castle Combe is like going back in time. Lined with quaint cottages and meandering streets, it captures the essence of a traditional English village.
Castle Combe is home to The Manor House Hotel featured earlier. If you don’t end up staying there you can still enter the grounds and have a stroll. In the morning with a cold frost in the air, this can’t be beaten.
For food, the Bybrook restaurant at The Manor House Hotel is Michelin starred and offers a tasting menu or a three-course menu. On Sundays, they serve an incredible Sunday lunch. If you are in the area on a Sunday it is not one to be missed. If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, The Castle Inn (also part of The Manor House Hotel) offers a more traditional pub dining experience, but of course, being part of The Manor, it offers an exceptional level of food and drinks.
Another thing Castle Combe is known for is its race track. The track opened in the 1950s and has been host to some incredible races during its lifetime. Track day experiences are available and your Stratum associate will be able to guide you through the options.
Summary
This is just a peek at what is to offer in the Cotswolds. It is an incredible part of the United Kingdom and is a great place to explore unique history and architecture, visit idyllic villages and go on amazing walks. We guarantee after your visit you won’t want to leave!
If you are interested in booking a visit to the Cotswolds, or anywhere else for that matter, get in touch via your Stratum associate or visit our website to become a member. By booking with Stratum you can use our extensive expertise to ensure your trip is a memorable one. We ensure, from start to finish, your trip is perfect and is tailored to you.
Credits
Foxhill Manor [image] Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Stow on the Wold [image] Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
