The 10 Best Hotels in the Cotswolds
28 November, 2019
- Words by
- Olivia Morelli
Just
Just
a couple of hours’ drive from London’s busy streets lies
the rustic villages and bucolic landscape of the Cotswolds. Escape
the city and enjoy farm-to-table food and luxurious spas at these
cosy countryside retreats.
Want to escape the city? Cosy up in these countryside
retreats
hotel
Dormy House
Located in the 400-acre Farncombe Estate, this converted
17th-century farmhouse offers a snug escape with a modern twist.
Spend days rambling through the countryside before heading to the
spa, where Scandi-themed interiors exude an air of tranquility. In
summer months, take a dip in the 16m infinity pool, or in winter
make a beeline for the juniper-scented heat of the Finnish cabin,
the salt-infused therapy room or the outdoor hot tub. Round off the
day with dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants – we recommend
The Back Garden for sustainable, locally sourced food in the form
of a seven-course tasting menu.
hotel
The Bull Inn
Set in a renovated 16th-century inn, this hotel places focus on
bespoke design and home comforts. Wake up in one of the eight
bedrooms – split between the old inn and a converted barn – in
which opulent fabrics and statement wallpaper are paired with
roll-top baths or walk-in showers. Head downstairs to start your
day with fresh, seasonal food (we’d opt for Arlington poached eggs
and avocado on toast or brioche french toast with cinnamon sugar
and bacon).
hotel
The Swan
Only an hour’s train ride from London, this quaint inn can be
found in the village of Ascott-under-Wychwood. You’ll be welcomed
by the warmth of a roaring fire underneath wooden beams,
olive-green walls and artwork curated by owners and hoteliers Sam
and Georgie Pearman. Come evening, sink into crimson-coloured
armchairs and order a few aperitifs before you head into the
restaurant, where modern British fare by renowned chef Dan Smith
guarantees you’ll have to be rolled out of there.
hotel
The Rectory
In the charming village of Crudwell, The Rectory is perfectly
placed for a weekend of countryside activities. Pootle around the
hotel’s walled gardens (keeping an eye out for the 13th-century
grade II-listed dovecote) before venturing out to taste-test your
way around stalls at the Stroud Farmers’ Market, or pop into
antiques shops to decorate your house with Cotswold trinkets.
Return to The Rectory for a candlelit dinner in The Glasshouse and
drinks in the snug hotel bar.
hotel
The Fish Hotel
Oozing countryside chic, The Fish Hotel is just as cute and cosy
as its sibling, Dormy House. Hole up in wood-clad huts complete
with laid-back decor and views over the rolling fields. As night
draws in, dine at aptly named seafood restaurant Hook before
curling up by the log-burning fire and sipping on a pint of local
ale.
hotel
Ellenborough Park
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
This regal residence offers an opulent stay near Cheltenham Spa.
Spend mornings dawdling by the hand-painted staircase or admiring
artwork decorating the extravagant Great Hall. Try clay-pigeon
shooting in Ellenborough’s vast grounds or while away the hours
getting luxurious treatments in the hotel’s spa (where there is
also a juice bar). In the evening, hunker down in oak-panelled
rooms with four-poster beds and original fireplaces.
hotel
The Wild Rabbit
Kingham, United Kingdom
Located on the estate of sustainable farm Daylesford, this hotel
draws in those searching for an eco-friendly escape. Dine on
seasonal food sourced from local British farmers in the hotel’s
brick-laden dining room before huddling up by the raised fireplace
for a glass of wine from small, independent vineyards. Retire to
cream-hued bedrooms named after different woodland creatures – our
favourite is the Squirrel, which has a king-size bed and a bay
window seat overlooking the fields.
hotel
Soho Farmhouse
Chipping Norton, United Kingdom
Set in 100 acres of Oxfordshire land, Soho Farmhouse manages to
feel at once like a rustic countryside retreat and a sophisticated
London townhouse. Start your day (naturally) in the Cowshed Spa
& Farmhouse Parlour where innovative treatments ranging such as
CBD facials and cryotherapy are on offer. Follow with coffee and
breakfast amid velvet-clad armchairs, embroidered cushions and
curated curios in the Hay Barn before nabbing a bike and exploring
the verdant Cotswold grounds. Return to soak in a roll-top bath and
take a well-deserved nap on sprawling king-size beds.
hotel
The Lygon Arms
Broadway, United Kingdom
Packed with a history dating back to the 14th century, this
antique-filled hotel pairs refinement with rustic demure at the
heart of bucolic Broadway. Wander around the town to pop into
vintage stores and art galleries before returning to the Lygon for
a dip in the heated pool, which is decadently framed by towering
pillars and, for sunny days, a retractable glass roof. Round off
the day with a meal in the regal 16th-century hall, where sleek
marble tables and leather seats are brought down to earth by
wood-panelled walls and stone fireplaces.
hotel
Thyme
This 17th-century hamlet is one for the foodies. Complete with
an on-site farm, kitchen garden, cookery school and two revered
restaurants, this place puts guests in safe culinary hands. Start
your epicurean trip at the Ox Barn with a breakfast of homemade
kefir or toast smothered in ricotta and honey topped with figs from
the garden – all washed down with a cup of tea, of course. Come
evening, dine on hearty, country-pub style fare at The Swan. In
need of a break from all the food? Head to Meadow Spa for an
exclusive therapy (we recommend the holistic body and face
ritual).