The Cotswolds are simply one of the most beautiful locations in the United Kingdom. The rolling hills of the region begin near the meadows of the Upper Thames and continue towards the Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham. The Cotswolds are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and have, for many years, been a popular location for both international and domestic tourists to visit. The natural beauty of the area is astonishing, and its many quaint cottages and villages make it the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a quintessentially English countryside experience. The Cotswolds are wonderful if you are a keen lover of the outdoors—there are many lovely walks—or if you prefer to spend your time learning about prehistory (the region is known for its Jurassic limestone) followed by a pint or a bite to eat in a charming pub. Regardless of your reasons for visiting this wonderful part of England, you will need somewhere to stay. In the list below we explore some of the best hotels the Cotswolds have to offer—and there is certainly no shortage!
Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter
Despite the slightly sinister name, Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter is as delightful a hotel as they come. The hotel, built in Cotswolds stone, was once a 17th century rectory. It is set in eight acres of garden and parklands and is truly a scene of beauty and tranquillity. There is a fine dining restaurant on offer in the hotel itself, and this has been awarded four AA rosettes. There is a choice of two dining styles available, you can either dine in Atrium, a formal restaurant setting, or à la carte in The Dining Room if you are a guest and want a slightly more relaxed setting for your meal. The rooms look out over either parkland or the walled gardens of the rectory. Though the hotel is located in the countryside, it is only a 15-minute drive from the village of Longborough, which has an opera house and plenty of amenities.
The Bull, Charlbury
The Bull is a stunning pub-style hotel in the delightful village of Charlbury. It was restored and redesigned by Phil Winser and James Gummer, who run The Pelican in London’s trendy Notting Hill. Winser and Gummer have focused on the traditional features of the English pub in The Bull, making centerpieces of large wooden beams, roaring fires, and stone flooring. The rooms are elegant yet rustic with a touch of luxury, with canopy beds and standalone bathtubs. You are never far away from a good drink and a delicious meal at The Bull, with the restaurant downstairs producing outstanding seasonal food. The village itself is exemplary of what the Cotswolds have to offer, with gorgeous stone cottages and quaint winding streets. There is plenty to eat, drink and see in the village itself but you’ll find it difficult to pull yourself away from The Bull.
The Close Hotel, Tetbury
The Close Hotel in the market town of Tetbury is an excellent option for those with a keen interest in history. This 16th century house was built in 1535, during the reign of King Henry VIII, for a local yeoman named John Steede. The building was converted into a hotel during the 1970s and has maintained many of its beautiful historic features, including its stunning grounds and walled garden. There is a restaurant on site with views out over the garden. Here, they serve seasonal food and it is possible to drop in for lunch, dinner, or even just for afternoon tea and perhaps a drink at the bar. Each room is individually and uniquely decorated and is equipped with an en-suite and coffee and tea making facilities. There is also parking available on site. The Close Hotel are winners of a Green Tourism Bronze Award.
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire
There is no shortage of historic holiday experiences in the Cotswolds and Estell Manor in Oxfordshire is one of the very best. This astonishing hotel is located in a Jacobethan hall that has been painstakingly decorated by the minds behind Ennismore’s Maison Estelle in Mayfair. This vast hotel stretches over 108 rooms and suites, each decorated in a modern take on traditional English style. There is a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, a hair salon, and a kid’s club—Estelle Manor caters for all your needs. When it comes to your morning or evening meals, you have options, too. Informal breakfasts and suppers are held in the Brasserie, while The Billiard Room offers a more formal affair and an exquisite Chinese menu developed by Ah Tat Ip. For more than a touch of luxury, Estelle Manor is the place to go.
The Stump, Cirencester
The Stump is the place to go for those seeking a rustic and slightly more casual holiday experience. This charming pub, hotel and pizzeria was opened by Harry Henriques and Fred Hicks, who have been making delicious pizza together since 2012. The Stump is set in an old roadside inn and has all the comforts of a traditional Cotswolds pub. There are only ten rooms so this is an intimate and friendly place to stay. Downstairs in the pub, they serve generous and inventive pizza dishes and beers and ales from local brewery DEYA. Cirencester is a charming market town on the River Chum and boasts plenty of places to visit, including museums, a Roman amphitheatre, and the historic grounds of St Mary’s Abbey, which was consecrated in 1176.
The Cotswolds is certainly one of the most charming parts of Britain to take a holiday and it is very well-equipped with places to stay. As you can see from the list above, there are a variety of quaint and elegant hotels on offer, each with outstanding food options and activities nearby. Whether you prefer to spend the majority of your holiday in a luxury facility like Estelle Manor, or you prefer to get out and about in your local surroundings, there is something on this list for you.
