The 10 Best Hotels in the Cotswolds

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

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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.

Address

Willersey Hill Broadway Worcestershire WR12 7LF

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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).

Address

Sheep Street OX7 3RR

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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.

Address

4 Shipton Road OX7 6AY

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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.

Address

Crudwell SN16 9EP

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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.

Address

Broadway WR12 7LH

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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.

Address

Southam Road GL52 3NJ

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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.

Address

The Wild Rabbit Kingham Chipping Norton OX7 6YA

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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.

Address

Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4JS

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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.

Address

High Street, Broadway WR12 7DU

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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).

Address

Southrop, Lechlade GL7 3NX