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Places To Visit In The Cotswolds

Declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds, in southern England are famed for many things. The green rolling hills, charming towns and quaint little villages, all associated with a typical English landscape.

Most of the elaborate, well-preserved buildings have a fascinating history and were a result of the affluence stemming from the wool trade that developed after the industrial revolution.

If you are looking for a break, to experience life at the slower pace of country retreats, sampling afternoon tea treats next to a roaring fire, horse riding across breath taking vistas or taking in the atmosphere of country pubs then you should be heading to the Cotswolds.

Here are some places to visit in the Cotswolds to fully appreciate this magnificent place, steeped in beauty and history.

Cotswold Wildlife Park And Gardens

Set in 160 acres and boasting over 200 different species of animals, the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, near Burford, is a must-see for any visitor to the Cotswolds. It is famed for housing one of the largest snake species, the green anaconda. With a variety of animal exhibits representing species from all over the world, exotic planting in the parks and gardens and a park train with its railway, this is an experience you should not miss.

A giraffe — Bet you thought giraffes were taller?

Bourton-on-the-Water

The River Windrush, spanned by low-arched bridges, runs through the main street of this gorgeous village, often voted as one of the prettiest in England. Referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. A large number of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and general shops offer relaxation and shopping options.

There is also Birdland Park, which is a must-see for penguin lovers. It is an incredible place if you enjoy bird watching. The kids will especially enjoy The Jurassic Journey-themed landscape.

For those who love Christmas, make a point of witnessing the transformation of this beautiful village into a scene from Christmas Card Art with the annual lighting of a Christmas tree on the River Windrush. The reflections of the lights on the River Windrush is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. The tree lighting is a project of the Chamber of Commerce and the tree stays lit all of December.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Located on the Fosse Way at the point where several roads meet, this historic town is the centre of the Cotswolds. Visit this beautiful town where you will find some of Britain’s best antique shops in the large Market Square along with a large number of the cosiest cafes, restaurants and English-style inns.

One of its best attractions is St Edward’s church whose famous north door is flanked by two ancient yew trees. The door is a hidden gem of the Cotswolds. The ‘Doors of Durin’ from J R R Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings is rumoured to have been inspired by it. The Porch House, dating back to the 10th Century is believed to be Britain’s oldest pub and is also found in Stow-on-the-Wold. Pop in for a break from antique shopping for modern dining in a historic setting.

Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Farm Park has been a sanctuary for rare breeds of farm animals for half a century. Visit especially if you are in the Cotswolds with your family. Activities include kid-friendly activities and educational activities like feeding the animals and farm tours to view and learn about the various protected livestock at the farm.

Cotswold Lavender Farm

Located in the Cotswold countryside, near Snowshill, at the Hill Barn Farm, these 70 acres holding hundreds of thousands of lavender plants is a sight any lavender lover must see. The limestone-drained soils of the Cotswolds offer the best growing environment for lavender plants.

Cotswolds Lavender — Talk about entering a purple patch

Activities include going through the vast fields to learn about lavender farming whilst wandering through areas with aromatic air and enjoying delicacies flavoured with lavender in the tea room situated in a restored barn. Souvenirs made with lavender right on the farm are available at the gift shop. The plants bloom between May and August so that would be a great time to visit.

Always a popular spot for visitors, during the summer months you will see plenty of Cotswold lavender photos on social media such as Instagram.

You can buy your very own Cotswold lavender travel poster in our shop.

Cotswolds Lavender illustration close up

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, with its impressive Baroque architecture has a fascinating history. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Blenheim is the only non-royal country house in England that holds the title of palace. Wander around the formal gardens, a park, a lake and grand buildings of this historical gem.

The palace sits on seven acres of land and is a wonder to behold from the air. Included in the over 2000 acres surrounding it is the famous Marlborough Maze set within the Walled Garden. Covering two miles, the maze will take you a few hours to figure out.

The palace has a long history and also happens to be the birthplace and ancestral home of the late Sir Winston Churchill.

Cotswold Water Park

The leisure activities at Cotswold Water Park are unique in the sense that, unlike other water parks, there are no slides or large man-made tunnels to tumble through – everything is based on nature. The park is a large nature reserve featuring 150 lakes spread out over 40 miles.

Boy on a kayak — Fancy a spot of boating?

The lakes which provide great water-sports and fishing opportunities were created by gravel extraction. If you are looking to enjoy boating, water skiing and windsurfing as well as some cycling and wildlife spotting, you must include Cotswold Water Park in your places to visit in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way is a treat for all who enjoy walking in the great outdoors and for fitness enthusiasts who love a challenge. The 164km long National Trail runs from the town of Chipping Campden in the north and the City of Bath in the south. Challenge yourself to walk the entire Cotswold Way and enjoy the breathtaking views that include historic sites and picturesque villages dotted along the way.

The common walking route is broken into several sections so you can choose to do a section or sections at a time or try the entire trail. Take in the natural beauty of the Cotswolds countryside as you walk the Cotswold Way and you can include having conquered one of the ‘Great Walks of The World’ in your list of achievements.

Most Romantic Street

Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter is known as the most romantic street in England. Lower Slaughter in general is a picturesque village that many agree belongs on a postcard. Copse Hill Road takes the charm of this village a notch higher with its natural beauty which is enhanced by a beautiful tinkling stream and limestone cottages surrounded by beautiful trees. A stroll along this street belongs at the top of your itinerary when you visit the Cotswolds.

A view along the river Eye in Lower Slaughter, in winter — Lower Slaughter is one of the many beautiful villages in the Cotswolds

Gloucester Cathedral

Are you a mediaeval building enthusiast? When in the Cotswolds you owe yourself a visit to Gloucester Cathedral to see one of the best buildings in that architectural style in England. You could choose to marvel in the fantastic architecture, climb the tower to enjoy the breath taking views or visit the hidden library. Make sure to spend a few moments of peaceful reflection in the cathedral for an unparalleled experience of tranquillity. Take a break at the Monk’s Kitchen to relax and enjoy the delicacies on offer.

Part of the Harry Potter movies were shot in this magnificent building so you can also get an idea of what it feels like to be in Hogwarts!

Arlington Row

Is Bibury the prettiest village in the whole of England? William Morris certainly thought so and declared it the most stunning village he had seen when he visited in the 19th Century. You have a chance to decide for yourself when you are in the Cotswolds and are looking for a place of interest to visit. Arlington Row also takes pride of place amongst the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. The cottages appeared on the inside cover of all UK passports between 2015 and 2020 and are considered as much an English symbol as Big Ben or other famous landmarks.

The Row comprises stone cottages converted for use by weavers as far back as the 17th century. They worked in the nearby Arlington Mill. If you find yourself wondering what feels so familiar about this charming village, chances are you will have spotted something from a film that you might have seen. It is the site chosen by many movie makers as a location for their work.

Bibury Trout Farm

Set apart a day to spend in Bibury, another of the prettiest villages in England. Fish lovers will enjoy the Trout Farm which is not only Britain’s oldest but also the best-preserved trout farm. Catch your lunch and hire a barbecue. You can then visit the wine and deli shop to gather ingredients to cook up a great meal. You can also opt to watch and feed the fish, play some golf or enjoy a leisurely walk on the beautiful grounds. There is an on-site cafe where visitors can partake in the delicious offerings of the seasonal menu as they relax.

Daylesford Organic Farm and The Wild Rabbit at Kingham

Kingham bears the signature limestone cottages and beautiful village greens that give the Cotswolds villages their stunning look. Inside this village lies two gems of the Cotswolds that are worth a visit.

Renowned for being one of the UK farms that practice sustainable organic farming, Daylesford is an experience worth adding to your Cotswold tour. On the over 2000-acre farm, you will find fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, a cookery course and even a spa! The on site creamery offers quality dairy products and from the farm shop, you will find preserves and fresh produce to take away as souvenirs of your visit.

The owners of Daylesford Organic Farm are also responsible for another must-see feature of the Cotswolds – The Wild Rabbit. Described as a ‘modern British inn’ the Wild Rabbit serves superb food made with fresh produce from the Daylesford Farm and features luxurious accommodation with a choice of rooms or cottages. You will want to add a visit here to enrich your English pub experience.

Warwick castle

Grab a slice of history at Warwick Castle. Built by William the Conqueror, it has a history dating back to 1068 and is located next to the River Avon, it is a historical landmark that you should make a point of seeing. You can take tours of the grounds and interior where you can learn more history through the interactive shows.;

Although it’s not actually in the Cotswolds, Warwick is sufficiently Cotswolds adjacent that you can include it as part of your visit, if you are in the North Cotswolds.

Rollright Stones

Found on the outskirts of Chipping Norton, not far from Long Compton, these stones are shrouded in mystery. Visit the site to see first-hand the prehistoric megalithic monuments believed to be an ancient stone circle.

Westonbirt, National Arboretum

Westonbirt, which has been declared one of England’s Historic Parks and Gardens is an adventure you must have when you are in the Cotswolds. It is home to an estimated 15,000 trees spread over 600 acres. It makes for a beautiful walking site where one can get to see a variety of trees from all around the world. There is also the option of a treetop walkway that will give you a birds-eye view of the lush magical forest below. The Arboretum has child-friendly activities so you can plan a family outing and enjoy a wonderful day in this beautiful park together.

Kelmscott Manor House

This limestone manor is on the Heritage List of England and it was one of the favourite places of famed textile craftsman and poet William Morris. He drew inspiration for his work from the Manor and the Cotswolds in general. Visit this historic site for the beautiful grounds surrounding it and the stream and get inspired by its charm as the great William Morris did. Get to see the well-preserved contents of the estate that include original textiles. There is a gift shop that features Morris’ designs so you can take some home with you. A tea room offers you a chance to relax and enjoy some delicious treats.

Shopping in Cirencester and Cheltenham

Fancy a spot of shopping while in the Cotswolds? You could head to Cheltenham for some of the best shopping experiences in the big shopping centres available. Not to be missed are the variety of activities at The Brewery Quarter such as cinema and bowling.

Browse through the designer boutique shops and take in the wonderful atmosphere at one of the fabulous cafes with outside sitting. Cheltenham is also famous for its festivals so grab a schedule while shopping and plan to attend one of these unforgettable events.

Cirencester offers a wide array of antiques and should be included in your schedule. If in need of a more unique shopping experience you should also try the Corn Hall indoor market.

Broadway Tower

Visit this unique folly tower which is the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. It forms part of the Cotswold Way and offers exhibitions as well as a cafe and gift shop. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions in England.

Of course there are plenty more places to go in the Cotswolds, so if you haven’t found something of interest here then keep exploring our site for more inspiration.

Otherwise, the only thing that’s left to say is, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out there and start discovering the Cotswolds.

A short stay near Stroud

Hotels, Places to Stay, Restaurants, Reviews

Sitting below the western slope of the Cotswold hills, at the meeting point of the five valleys, Stroud’s history as a distinct location dates back to the 13 th century. Well known for its links to the textiles industry, Stroud’s woolen mills were well-serviced by the Cotswold sheep who grazed the hills overlooking the town.

Visitors might note a distinctly artistic vibe; Jasper Conran nicknamed Stroud the ‘Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’ and there is a distinct sense of the artisan woven throughout the villages as you tour the area.

Within a 30 minute drive of Cotswold’s classics like Tetbury from the South, Cirencester from the East and Cheltenham from the North. Stroud lies just 30 mins from the beautiful city of Gloucester although, for the purists we should mention that it’s not ‘officially’ in the Cotswolds (more Cotswolds adjacent as we like to say). If you’re staying in Stroud, the only thing you’re going to be short of is time to get to all that the area has to offer.

View of the Stroudwater canal from Stonehouse court — Canal views

Stonehouse Court Hotel

As ever in the Cotwolds, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay. We were lucky enough recently to be invited to experience a stay in Stonehouse Court Hotel and used it as a base for a bit of exploring. We were particularly interested in finding out more about the Cotswold Canal restoration, so the hotel’s location, overlooking the Stroud Valley with a gate that opens on to the canal was particularly compelling.

An absolutely stunning Grade II listed building, Stonehouse Court dates back to the
Domesday Book and is classified by English Heritage as one of the most important historic buildings in the country.

Stone Spiral staircase — Where does this go?

The hotel staff manage to expertly create an environment that is at once opulent and welcoming. Where many establishments with a similar lineage might feel stuffy and pompous, Stonehouse Court never strays close to feeling anything other than luxuriously comfortable.

We arrived on a dank Saturday afternoon to a warm welcome from manager Maz and
eagerly accompanied him on a tour of the hotel. It’s always such a pleasure to hear the
genuine enthusiasm from people like Maz who love what they do. It never fails to amaze us how so many in the hospitality industry continue to provide such exemplary service,
especially after all that the last couple of years have thrown at them and here was no
exception.

Where others see challenges, Stonehouse Court has embraced the potential for change, finding opportunity in the haze of uncertainty and continuing to develop innovative initiatives, such as those propelling its sustainability policy.

Afternoon Tea

After settling in to our beautiful room, we were invited to enjoy afternoon tea in the bar.
The food could be described as nothing short of outstanding and well worth a visit for this
alone. Nestled into comfy chairs, with the fire glowing beside us, we found ourselves
genuinely reconsidering our plans to get out and about as we worked our way up the trellis to the scones at the top.

A slight disagreement ensued on the ‘proper’ way to approach – cream or jam first – but we were able to agree that they were outstanding. Cherry and almond scones are our new favourite thing, but the apricot-filled mini doughnuts were a very close second.

A short stroll

Given that the winter light was beginning to fade, we didn’t stray far, but were intrigued to
wander up to the canal and investigate the ‘Ocean Jubilee Bridge’, a restored railway bridge originally dating back to 1844. Slightly closer to the hotel is the Ocean swing bridge, one of five moveable bridges in the navigable section of Stroud Valley Canals between Ocean Stonehouse and Hope Mill.

We returned after some fresh air and some friendly ‘hellos’ from local dog walkers to our
room to relax and freshen up. Here it occurred to us that if you’re needing an escape from it all for a 24-48 hour period, you could legitimately hole up in the Giffard Suite at Stonehouse Court for the entire period, emerging refreshed, stress-free and ready to face the world again. It’s a minor thing, but one aspect that we really appreciated was the ability to control the heating – we prefer to sleep in a cooler temp, so access to the TRV-controlled radiator was most welcome.

Delicious dinner

Staying at the hotel for dinner, Sophie warmly welcomed us into the wood-panelled dining room, presenting us with the sort of menu that made us wish we’d been fasting for a week prior to arrival. We skipped nibbles and starters despite being sorely tempted, and went straight to mains. You will notice that we have not included photos of our food here and that’s because it looked and smelled so incredible as it was served that we devoured it
immediately – it’s true that you can taste the difference when food is being created by
people with genuine talent who love what they do.

We all know how expensive it is to eat out these days. For us, it’s become an occasional
treat, and that inevitably means that our expectations are higher. Unfortunately, it also
means that we have, on occasion, been disappointed. Here, at Stonehouse Court, our faith
was restored.

A great start to the day

The following morning, we indulged ourselves with a full English breakfast delivered to the room. Again, it was faultless and set us up for a morning spent walking along the canal, exploring little cuts here and there and, finally, making our way to Ebley and a welcome coffee shop – we can sniff out a carrot cake at a great distance. Another area that has benefited from the Canal restoration project, it’s well worth a visit to admire Ebley Mill.

Returning briefly to Stonehouse Court, we left reflecting on the hotel, its staff, and the
service. Their care was evident, as was their collective excitement for what the future might bring. It’s clear that it would be unthinkable to the staff and owners to take short-cuts anywhere, whether it be the attention to detail that touches every element of the experience, the quality of the food and the service, or the health and safety of their
customers.

What they’ve done, and continue to do, is to look at their processes and consider how, in
bolstering their sustainability practices, they can implement small changes that future-proof their sustainability as a business too. Holders of a Silver Green Tourism Award, their creative approach includes initiatives such as their Kitchen Garden Project – their chef’s gardens where they aim to produce an ever-expanding array of seasonal fruit and veg; their ‘pass on a clean scheme’; a commitment to 100% renewable energy use and a goal of ‘zero waste’ within five years.

Stonehouse Court hotel's green tourism award — Proudly displayed at the main entrance

Pop into Painswick

Next stop for us was Painswick, somewhere that we’ve not spent a great deal of time in the past and we’ll be returning to later in the year to really do it justice.

The town was quiet, unsurprising for a Sunday in January, and the sun was doing its best to
shine as we explored. St Mary’s church is often the focal point for visitors as are the 99 yew
trees in the churchyard. The church is open to visitors every day of the year and is easily
accessible from the nearby car park which is also home for public conveniences (always a
plus).

As always in the Cotswolds, the real joy comes from a slow wander, taking in the
architecture and the history and considering the many stories that have begun here and the many more that have yet to be told.

Where will your next Cotswolds adventure take you? Why not read about some must visit Cotswolds restaurants for some inspiration?

Eat, Sleep, Walk, Repeat

Guides

Due to COVID-19 most, if not all, of us have spent the last year living under some kind of restrictions here in the UK. These have varied from full lockdown to restrictions of movement and travel, and parameters placed on where we can go and for how long, who we can see, how far we can travel and so on.

Twelve months ago, we sat chatting over a delicious meal at the Porch House, in Stow on the Wold, pondering what might happen next. Just a few days later the whole of the UK went into the first lockdown, for several months.

We’ve had our daily lives and routines disrupted or completely uprooted, been unable to visit loved ones, pop down to the local pub, or even enjoy a ‘normal’ Christmas arguing with family.

This post isn’t about looking back though. Let’s permit ourselves to start looking forward, because there is light at the end of the tunnel and, as we stumble bleary-eyed into spring, we can also, perhaps, start looking forward to planning and actually doing some things this summer (and even before then).

Of course, we aren’t quite there yet but it’s nice to be able to start getting excited about the possibilities of a ‘normal’ summer again. Judging by how quickly festivals and outdoor events that have put tickets on sale have sold out, lots of us are feeling the same way.

Yes there are still lots of ifs, buts and things that need to go according to plan for a return to normal. Whilst we’re all merrily fantasising about all the things we can do and places we can go, there’s still no guarantee that foreign travel will be possible, at least without caveats, or perhaps at all, and recent experience has taught us that things can change without warning.

A love of local

One of the very good things to have come out of lockdown has been a reconnection with all things local. A greater appreciation of what’s on our own doorsteps and a rediscovering of things that we were perhaps taking for granted or not fully appreciating, as is often the case when something is ‘right there’.

Being able to indulge in our love of walking, and seeing how we (as a nation) have embraced this pastime has been another major plus. For the able-bodied, walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and, as we’ve mentioned on our page on walking in the Cotswolds, it’s a great way to get a better look at the beautiful countryside that this part of the world has to offer.

Full disclosure here, we’re going to admit a bit of bias. We’re big fans of the Cotswolds (as you might have guessed). We’re also big fans of getting out and about and exploring the countryside and, in our opinion, there’s no better way of doing that than on foot. Let’s face it, walking is pretty much as good for you as running but with the added benefit of not actually having to do any running!

Let’s go explore!

In the spirit of discovering the Cotswolds, here are some ideas for doing just that this year, once lockdown is over. After all, there’s a reason why millions of visitors flock to this region every year and with it being just on our doorstep, we really should be getting out there and refusing to take it for granted.

At first glance the Cotswolds seems like a vast area to explore. Over 800 square miles of beautiful countryside and picture-postcard villages. Our key piece of advice would be to not try to do it all at once.

Take your time, go for a bit, give yourself a few days and make the most of it. Although the whole Cotwolds AONB is large, you’ll soon realise that lots of the places that you’ve heard of are actually located quite close to each other. In fact, within walking distance.

Let’s take a walk

As we’ve mentioned on our Cotswolds walks page, there are loads of great walking routes in and around the Cotswolds. But you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy or make the most of these. Although the 100 mile Cotswold Way National Trail can take you on foot all the way from Chipping Campden to Bath (or vice versa), don’t feel obliged to try to tackle the whole thing.

Let’s take the North Cotswolds end as an example and the historic market town of Chipping Campden, under normal circumstances it’s an incredibly popular spot for visitors all year around.

Chipping Campden

Home to the start (or end depending on how you look at it) of the Cotswold Way, just next to the historic Grade I listed Market Hall; Chipping Campden is a real focal point for fans of the Cotswolds, and it’s easy to see why.

The town oozes Cotswolds charm and history, with more listed buildings than you can shake a stick at (an English turn of phrase that doesn’t make a lot of sense when we try and break it down), honey-coloured stone buildings as far as the eye can see, and a museum dedicated to the C R Ashbee’s Arts and Crafts movement.

Chipping Campden makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. There are plenty of places to stay in the town. Right opposite the Market Hall, on the historic high street, there’s the intriguingly named Badgers Hall B&B (which also offers an excellent cream tea, amongst other treats).

Another option, and one that will be available sooner, because of the way that lockdown restrictions are being lifted, is glamping at Campden Yurts, nestled at the foot of Dover’s Hill, on the edge of the town.

Campden Yurts is just on the edge of Chipping Campden

Broad Campden

A short stroll across the fields away from Chipping Campden is the less well known but equally beautiful village of Broad Campden, a village where the influence of C R Ashbee can also be felt. If you’re a fan of a thatched cottage, you won’t be disappointed here.

Walking is probably the best way of exploring Chipping Campden’s mini neighbour. For a start, there’s not really anywhere to park and some of the best bits of the village are tucked away down narrow lanes, much better explored on foot.

Blockley

Just up (and then back down) the hill from Broad Campden is Blockley. Somewhat unusually for the Cotswolds, Blockley is famed more for silk trade than wool.

Beware though, if you come to Blockley, you might fall in love and never want to leave. The village feels less like somewhere to visit fleetingly and more somewhere you’ll instantly want to put down permanent roots. We last visited on a beautiful Spring Day, the kind of day that visitors hold in their mind when they picture visiting the Cotswolds.

The church in Blockley features in the TV series Father Brown

It was quiet, and we enjoyed a stroll around this unspoiled village, taking in the church and graveyard that sit in an elevated position, with a strategically placed bench for weary travellers to rest a moment. We loved the community shop, and will definitely be returning when the café reopens, and we can’t complete this section without a mention of the immaculately clean public toilets. If you’re someone who plans their trips based on where you know there are going to be public conveniences that you feel happy to visit, add Blockley to the list immediately!

Broadway Tower

We’re not going to sugar coat it. If you’re planning on walking from Chipping Campden to Broadway Tower (or Broadway village), then you’re going to be walking up some hills. But let’s face it, if you’re walking in the Cotswolds then hills are probably going to feature at some point, and trust on this, the views are worth it.

National Trust owned Dover’s Hill is the site of the Cotswolds Olimpicks (no, that’s not a typo), including the slightly questionable sport of shin kicking amongst other things. For the rest of the year it offers stunning, unspoilt views across the surrounding countryside.

In the shadow of the tower about to head down the hill towards Broadway

Middle Hill, the second highest point in the Cotswolds is home to Broadway Tower and, on a clear day, you can see 16 different counties from here. There’s a café (takeaway at the time of writing); a cold war era nuclear bunker; the resident red deer and of course the tower itself.

Broadway Village

The beautiful Worcestershire village of Broadway is nestled at the foot of Fish Hill and is yet another Cotswolds location where the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement can be felt.

We’ve already written much about the wonderful village of Broadway, so we won’t repeat ourselves too much here. Suffice to say that the view of the village from the Cotswold Way is nothing short of magnificent.

The village of Broadway as seen from about halfway down the hill. This picture doesn’t really do it justice.

Actually, we will say a bit more about Broadway, it has a wonderful selection of independent shops, museums and galleries. When you’re weary after all that walking, why not treat yourselves to a night of luxury at the Lygon Arms or Broadway Hotels?

Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway, Cotswolds — The Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway, in the Cotswolds

Stanton

The little village of Stanton feels like the very archetype of Cotswolds’ tranquillity. Just down the road, or Cotswold Way if you’re walking, from Broadway, this charming village is everything you might expect from the Cotswolds and more.

Sit and have a drink as you enjoy the view from the Mount Inn, or wander through the sleepy narrow lanes of the village.

Winchcombe

The market town of Winchcombe is known as the walking capital of the Cotswolds. As a visitor, you’ll be made welcome and find plenty of facilities at your disposal. Winchcombe offers an interesting mix of attractions and activities for the visitor, including the ruins of Hailes Abbey; the very much not ruined Sudeley Castle – last resting place of Katherine Parr and the only one of Henry VIII’s wives to survive him; and a chance to jump aboard the Gloucestershire – Warwickshire railway.

If any or all of this has piqued your interest, check out the suggested itineraries on the National Trails website for more ideas.

Or, if thinking about all that walking has made you work up an appetite, why not read about some must visit restaurants in the Cotswolds.

A taste of Victoria’s Restaurant, Cheltenham

Restaurants, Reviews

As we edge closer to the end of a year that, for most of us at least, we’ll be glad to see the back of, we’re doing our best to stay positive and count the highlights.

This year, in particular, it’s been a case of quality over quantity, and with fewer opportunities to do anything, our expectations have increased exponentially – we can more or less count on one hand the number of times we’ve been ‘out out’ to eat, and when we do, we want it to be really good.

With exactly those expectations, we were delighted to receive an invitation to visit Victoria’s restaurant. A recent addition to Cheltenham’s dining scene, Victoria’s sits within the Queen’s hotel on the corner of Imperial Square.

MGallery Queen's Hotel bar looking very festive — MGallery Queen’s Hotel bar looking very festive

Safety without sacrificing style

Rolling with the COVID punches in style, they’ve introduced necessary safety features that provide all the reassurance you might need as a diner, without losing that essential ambience.

This is no mean feat – we all yearn for ‘normality’ but not at the cost of our health. That’s the paradox – as a guest we want to know that these standards are being upheld, but we don’t want it spoil our enjoyment or put us on edge.

Accolades must go to the whole of the hospitality industry who’ve applied layers of new procedures designed to improve on what were already rigorous levels of hygiene and sanitation, but done so in a way that is almost invisible, always maintaining those elements of warmth and humanity that is so essential to guests.

Beautiful surroundings

In Victoria’s, the décor, lighting and acoustics collude to deliver comfort and intimacy. This is place to enjoy time with loved ones and friends, sampling the best of British cuisine in an unhurried setting.

The deep plum tones nurture the soul, enabling some much-needed relaxation, and are the perfect canvas for the warm lighting to dance across. Clusters of candles glow on the broad window sills, creating wax stalactites.

Spoiled for choice

Victoria’s menu epitomises ‘spoiled for choice’. Take our advice and turn up hungry; the portions are generous without being overwhelming. Our non-driving party member was treated to a local gin from the ‘Gin Trolley’ as an aperitif, which was delicious and moreish in equal measure.

As we considered the menu we were treated to a plate of sour dough and baguette, presented with a parsley butter that looked like miniature pistachio packages and tasted divine.

Beautifully presented pear Waldorf salad

We considered sampling signature pork pie, but chose to we save ourselves, opting instead for what we thought might be relatively light starters. Between us we chose the Waldorf Salad; where rich chunks of blue cheese were perfectly complemented by the crunch of celery and pear; and the ‘Not a Scotch Egg’ that combines a quail egg with mackerel pate, with impressive results.

The Beef Wellington is a signature dish at the restaurant and if you try it you can see why

Sublime is an oft-overused word when it comes to food reviews, but we’re unapologetic about applying it to Victoria’s signature Beef Wellington. Melt in the mouth goodness that rendered the steak knife wholly redundant. It really was simply incredible, served with roasted root veg, gratin potatoes and a red wine jus that, honestly, we’d have been happy to served in a shot glass as an accompanying drink.

Unsurprisingly, after two courses, we felt that we couldn’t manage a whole desert each, so opted to share the Pecan Pie, served with clotted cream. One mouthful in and we both regretted taking the sharing option…

Something to look forward to…

If you want something to look forward to in 2021, put Victoria’s on your list. You deserve it.

Bravo, Victoria’s, Bravo!

Check out their website to have a look at the menu and get up to date availability information.

If this has whet your appetite, why not read about a few more must visit restaurants in the Cotswolds, for more inspiration.

A Sunday Feast at the Hollybush, Witney

Restaurants, Reviews

Described by The Telegraph as the ‘pretty Cotswolds town that tourists haven’t discovered’, historic Witney is famous to many as the traditional centre of Oxfordshire’s wool industry.

Houses in Witney — Some houses, in Witney

We’ll side-step the fact that strictly speaking Witney isn’t actually in the Cotswolds AONB but just on the eastern edge (we only mention this, because if we don’t someone else will but if you really want to get into neither are lots of other places), and focus instead on our reasons for visiting.

The dining houses at the Hollybush, Witney — The view from our dining house

On a sunny Sunday in September we made good on a long-standing promise to visit the Hollybush; an independently run pub right in the heart of this bucolic market town.

In the invite we were teased with the chance to check out their ‘private dining houses’ in order to sample some 1 AA Rosette-awarded food.

Intrigued, we took the family, and so it came to pass that Five went to the Hollybush.

It’s at this point that we should maybe mention that the last time we did something similar, was just before lock down was announced in March.

This time around it was just before the 10pm curfew was introduced for hospitality venues. These events are entirely coincidental and we are in no way harbingers of doom. Honestly.

That’s what Sundays are for

Warmly greeted by Alex and his team we were lead through the pub, treading the flagstones into the garden and into one of four wooden dining houses.

Planned by the team long before lockdown, the enforced closure provided the opportunity to do something positive with the time out, so the Hollybush team set about converting the decked beer garden into something radically different.

Dining houses at the Hollybush, Witney — Take your pick

Swing tunes playing through the speakers created an ambience of calm in the courtyard on a day when summer returned, framed against a clear, September sky.

Boar burger from the Hollybush Witney — You won’t get ‘boared’ of this burger…

The dining houses, or ‘pods’ as we came to call them, can comfortably sit up to 10 people (although with the current rule of 6 that is a bit more limited) and the unexpected bonus for anyone with a family member who regularly forgets how to behave in public is the element of privacy. Even with the doors wide open there’s a home-from-home feel that confers just the right balance of being ‘out-out’ with the comfort required to create the perfect relaxed atmosphere.

A feast on a plate

The menu provided some challenging choices – do you go for the special or the Sunday roast? We shared a few nibbles, deciding to save ourselves for the main event and we were glad that we did. This is food to be savoured.

Sunday roast at the Hollybush Witney — Sunday roast, of course

The team at the Hollybush pride themselves on using high quality, locally sourced ingredients – it’s a commonly heard refrain, but the proof really is in the pudding (and every other course) here. Melt in the mouth Cotswolds lamb with seasonal veg and delicious cauliflower cheese was an absolute highlight, as was the Wild Boar Burger from the specials menu. Layered flavours combine perfectly in every dish, nothing over seasoned or underdone. This is food prepared and served by people who care.

Catering for even the most teenage of appetites

For most of us, nibbles followed by a main meant we had little room for dessert. A great shame considering the temptations on the menu.

We ignored the plaintive cries of the sticky toffee pudding in favour of teas and coffees. Luckily we’d brought a hungry teenager along for the ride who settled on the Chocolate Marquis, a dish as beautiful as it was tasty, that arrived with the addition of a couple of extra spoons ‘just in case we found room to share’.

Chocolate marquis from the Hollybush Witney — Oh hello, maybe we do have room for dessert…

Throughout our meal the Hollybush staff were impressively present without ever being invasive. No mean feat given the layout. And the relaxed atmosphere was such that we had to remind ourselves that we weren’t actually in a much nicer version of our own garden.

We were genuinely impressed with our visit, and we’ll happily return. It’s more than just the impressive nature of the food and the surroundings – the sense you get that the team love what they do makes it all the more special.

We can’t wait to see how things work out at the Hollybush – they deserve great things to come their way.

If this hasn’t done enough to whet your appetite then we don’t know what will but if you do want to find out more about the Hollybush, check out their website.

Tetbury Music Festival

Things to do

The Tetbury Music Festival is an annual series of concerts, held in the Cotswolds market town of Tetbury.

The festival was started in 2003 and has been running on the first weekend in October ever since, although sadly due to the Coronavirus the 2020 festival was cancelled.

Gumstool Hill in Tetbury — This way to the festival…

Please check their website, for up to date information on that, which should be available from the 1st June 2020.

Royal connections

HRH Prince Charles is the patron of the festival – his Highgrove Estate is just to the south west of the town.

The skyline of Tetbury is dominated by the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin, and the spire can be seen on any approach to the town. The spire, the fourth highest in the country along with the tower were dismantled and rebuilt in 1891, over one hundred years after the medieval church was rebuilt.

The majority of the concerts are held in the local parish church, St Mary’s.

St Mary's church in Tetbury — The impressive and imposing St Mary’s church in Tetbury

In addition to the church, festival events also now take place at the Tetbury Goods Shed arts centre.

Converted from a former Great Western Railway centre building in 2016 and opened in 2017, the Goods Shed is a regional centre of arts excellence.

Origins

Established in 2003 by Graham Kean and Elise Smith OBE, the festival was inspired by and aimed to add to the already splendid selection provided by

the Bath International Festival in May
the Cheltenham International Festival of Music in July
MozartFest in late September

and become nationally recognised for its own contribution to the musical calendar.

The Snooty Fox in Tetbury — The Snooty Fox are one of the supporters of the festival

Since its foundation the festival has welcomed many renowned classical musicians to Tetbury, to perform over the years and has been growing in stature year on year.

The festival itself is a charity and made possible by the help of local volunteers and sponsors, as well as the revenue that they generate by selling tickets to the events.

The festival is not to be confused with TetFest, which is another local annual event and music festival.

For more information about Tetbury, read our dedicated guide to the town.

For more about other parts of the Cotswolds, check out the rest of our website.