Posted on July 17, 2020
With many Britons choosing to take their summer holidays here in the UK this year, we thought we’d share some of our favourite local Cotswolds staycation ideas, something we regularly help house-hunters with who are visiting the area on viewings – including quintessential Cotswold cottages with all the charm; luxury, design-focused boltholes to escape the city, as well as bigger properties for multi-generational getaways, or holidays with (much missed!) friends. If you’re looking for somewhere to be cossetted and pampered, we’ve also included a few hotel options that have recently re-opened – perfect for wining, dining and some much needed R&R...
This bijou bolthole is the perfect love nest a deux – there is nothing ‘twee’ about this Cotswolds thatched cottage, with a beautiful, timeless, light and airy interior. There’s the obligatory woodburner in the characterful snug, with shaker style kitchen and decadent roll-top bath to relax in. Perfectly placed for Chipping Norton, Daylesford, Soho Farmhouse and surrounding market towns. It’s also a great spot for walks and cycle routes – with one well-behaved pup welcome, it’s a great destination for a babymoon or place to escape and recharge.
The clue is in the name, this diminutive Cotswolds cottage available for holiday lets is small but perfectly formed. Packed with charm, character and carefully sourced antiques it’s the perfect getaway for a small family, with two double bedrooms. The quirky reclaimed wood kitchen and bedroom up in the eaves (complete with roll-top bath) makes it stand out from other ‘generic’ holiday lets, it’s a great location to base yourself if you’ve never been to The Cotswolds before as all the ‘top spots’ are in easy reach.
Greys Court is a collection of 5 cottages in Southrop, offering ‘luxury country retreats’ to discerning guests. Each cottage has its own charm, some created from renovated stable blocks, whilst another from the old Dovecote. All have been reimagined with the highest quality interiors and finishes – it’s a great option if you’d like to holiday with friends and family, but in separate cottages in current climes. Thyme is nearby, the stunning hotel/spa/restaurant ‘village’, whilst Southrop itself has a great pub, The Swan, within strolling distance.
Olivers Travels have over 30 properties in The Cotswolds – covering everything from grand manor houses that sleep 18, to super modern lake-side retreats and characterful properties. Wildwood Manor is a stand-out for us; set in 10-acres the rambling characterful property has a welcoming, family feel, with lots to keep guests young and old occupied. It would be the perfect venue for a big celebration, family reunion or multi-family getaway. Pure, Cotswolds bliss.
Unique Homestays offer just that – a selection of luxury stays in The Cotswolds that offer something just a little bit different. A favourite has to be Little Red Lock near Banbury, a converted forge situated on the side of the Oxford Canal which offers kayaks to make the most of the watery location. There’s a wooden hot tub to relax in – surrounded by fields and the odd narrow boat passing by. Inside are all the country charms you’d hope for in a rural escape, from a cosy Aga, to stuffed Chesterfields, woodburning stove and characterful beamed bedrooms.
The Fish Hotel (main pic)
The Fish Hotel near Broadway is a quirky collection of ‘hotel houses and huts’ nestled in a hillside within a 400-acre private estate of prime Cotswolds countryside. Choose from luxury Shepherds Huts to incredible treehouse retreats in the woods, or the estate’s farmhouse which sleeps up to 13. Wherever you choose to lay your head, residents can dine at ‘Hook’, the estate’s seafood restaurant, or enjoy a cocktail or two in the cosy bar. There are bikes to hire, clay pigeon shooting drives as well as Broadway and the surrounding countryside right on your doorstep for antiques hunting and rural walks.
Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saison
If you are hankering after some seriously decadent escapism after lockdown, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons has just reopened; offering ‘Oxfordshire heritage meets French flair’ thanks to maître de maison, Raymond Blanc. The gardens really are the draw in summer months, as are the 2 Michelin starred restaurant and individually appointed rooms. The summer calendar at the world-renowned cookery school is full of tempting courses, from patisserie to vegan cooking if you are inspired to brush up on your own culinary skills.