Spanning five counties, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds are where romance meets rural charm in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its honey-stone villages and picture-perfect countryside, this idyllic region is the ideal setting for a romantic retreat, celebrating an anniversary, or simply a peaceful escape with your partner.
The Cotswolds is renowned for its quaint, historical villages where stone cottages meet cosy tearooms to create the perfect getaway. Couples can explore rolling meadows full of wildflowers and tranquil lakeside views or indulge in spa treatments and fine dining in this versatile rural region.
With something to suit every couple, here are some of the best hotels in the Cotswolds.
Calcot & Spa, Tetbury
A luxurious haven, Calcot & Spa is an elegant country house hotel set within 220 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside. Prioritising relaxation in an area full of rural charm, this hotel is designed for an indulgent stay and is an ideal destination for honeymoons and anniversaries.
Guests can check in lavish rooms complete with plush cream furnishings and soft lighting, private terraces and fireplaces, perfect for cosy evenings together.
The rooms here are designed for an intimate atmosphere that informs softer lighting choices and furnishing that prioritise an elegant comfort. However, in the surroundings of such outstanding natural beauty, it is the private terraces that remain the biggest draw, providing an opportunity to retreat into the embrace of nature with all modern amenities at hand when required.. The best of both worlds, indeed.
Calcot & Spa boasts an award-winning spa, a state-of-the-art facility with outdoor hot tubs, saunas, and a heated indoor pool. The on-site restaurants, The Brasserie and The Hive, are some of the finest places to drink and dine in all of Gloucestershire and also offer private dining rooms so guests can enjoy seasonal dishes in a cosy environment.
The town of Tetbury is just a short drive away and is known for its antique shops, independent boutiques, and historic architecture. Also nearby is the Westonbirt Arboretum, home to breathtaking seasonal displays from spring blossoms to fiery autumn foliage. The treetop walkway provides a unique way to explore this beautiful landscape.
The Close Hotel, Tetbury
Another hotel close to Tetbury, The Close Hotel is a beautiful, 16th century townhouse where period character meets modern comfort. With just 18 individually designed rooms, each space has its own distinct personality, with a colour palette ranging from soft florals to bold tartan. Many rooms feature four-poster beds, free-standing bathtubs, and picturesque countryside views, creating a warm and inviting retreat. The hotel’s Garden Room restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with the finest local ingredients, while cosy lounges with roaring log fires and deep armchairs beckon guests to settle in with a glass of wine. The Close Hotel is a place to slow down, unwind, and soak up the warmth of the Cotswolds.
Beyond the hotel, Highgrove Gardens, the private estate of King Charles III, offers exclusive guided tours where couples can wander through wildflower meadows and perfectly manicured landscapes. Nearby, Chavenage House, a striking Elizabethan manor, is a true testament to the area’s storied history with its weathered stone and oak-panelled interiors. A familiar sight to many, this stately home has played a starring role in period productions such as Poldark.
For outdoor pursuits, the Cotswold Water Park, made up of 150 lakes, provides a lovely setting for canoeing, paddleboarding, or simply taking in the stillness of the water.
The Pig in the Cotswolds, Cirencester
Tucked away in the heart of Barnsley village, The Pig in the Cotswolds is a vast, 17th-century manor house complete with golden stone, gables, and original mullion windows. The hotel’s garden-themed rooms make for a lovely stay, and for a little more seclusion, there are three hideaways: the Rosemary Verey Suite, the Secret Garden Suite, and the Potting Shed. Courtesy of co-founder and designer Judy Hutson, the hotel bar and restaurant are a vivid representation of The Pig’s magnificent garden with their striking flower wallpaper and abundant plants. There is also an extensive kitchen garden, meaning that many of the dishes served in the restaurant are made from produce grown on-site.
The cobbled streets of Cirencester, often called the Capital of the Cotswolds, are just a short drive away. Boasting a storied Roman past, the Corinium museum in Cirencester is home to one of the biggest collections of Romano-British antiques and marks the site of Roman Britain's second-largest city.
Thyme, Southrop
Described as a ‘village within a village’ by owner Caryn Hibbert, Thyme is a cluster of honey-coloured cottages in scenic Southrop. This idyllic retreat offers elegant accommodation as well as farm-to-table dining at the renowned Ox Barn, where guests are served beautifully plated dishes that are seasonally inspired. Cocktails can be found at the hotel’s own Baa Bar, where the botanical-infused drinks are made with herbs from the garden in the perfect setting for pre-dinner relaxation. There is also an exclusive meadow spa that provides restorative treatments using natural botanicals as well as a clear, spring-water-fed pool. For a more immersive experience, guests at Thyme can take part in bespoke cooking classes, floristry workshops, or garden tours.
Known as the gateway to the Cotswolds and located a mere 15-minute drive away from Thyme Hotel, the town of Burford is one of the most picturesque places in Oxfordshire. Famous for its steep high street that leads to the river Windrush, Burford is a haven of history with its Georgian architecture, charming pubs and towering medieval church.
Soho Farmhouse, Chipping Norton
The Soho Farmhouse is set within 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside and is one of the more exclusive hotels in the Cotswolds. A stylish, members-only retreat, this hotel boasts cosy cabins and a rustic charm that creates an idyllic setting for romance. The cabins are beautifully designed, each with woodburning stoves, large bathtubs, and stunning views of the country. The on-site dining options, including the Japanese-inspired Pen Yen and the popular Main Barn, serve a variety of expertly prepared dishes. Soho Farmhouse hosts a cinema where couples can watch anything from new releases to well-loved classics and enjoy a drink of choice. A short drive away from Soho Farmhouse lies Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of England's largest houses, built between 1705 and 1722. Initially built for the first Duke of Marlborough in the early 1700s, the palace was designed by Lancelot Brown and is considered ‘a naturalistic Versailles’, marking the beginning of a new, exciting architectural style.
