Spending uninterrupted quality time with friends and family, a sense of relaxation, food and drink, stunning scenery – these are all the quintessential makings of a perfect holiday.
Unfortunately, not everyone will manage to jump on a plane for a beach escape this year so here’s why to swap your passport for the AA road map of the Cotswolds.
Demand for our holiday cottages has soared since the beginning of the year with bookings up 64% as UK families plan to spend their summer exploring the Cotswold countryside many in fear that some form of travel restrictions will remain in place for the duration of the year. Covid aside, there are so many other reasons to visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
All of our handpicked cottages are nestled in the most prestigious towns and villages from Stow on the Wold with it’s ancient churches and boutique shops to Moreton in Marsh with its handy train link direct from London to Bourton on the Water where there really is something for everyone. You can enjoy a delicious cream tea on the banks of the River Windrush which meanders peacefully through the centre of the village or take a trip to Birdland set in acres of beautiful parkland dotted with rare and wonderful birds. As the evening draws in, join a local ghost walk to discover the secrets of Bourton’s bloody past.
If you’re anything like me and enjoy detouring from the well beaten tourist path there are so many hidden gems to come upon. Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote is the most scenic setting for a romantic picnic and best of all it is tucked away at the top of a tiny Cotswold village making you feel that you are the only one let in on the secret.
If you decide to bring along your four legged friends there are some exceptional walking routes. Notgrove and Cold Aston are the starting point to a 6 mile circular route incorporating stunning views, winding woodlands and the prehistoric burial mound of long barrow. For a slightly shorter trek there is a fantastic walk around the pretty village of Kingham which crosses the famous Daylesford Organic farmland.
After a long day of shopping, exploring, hiking and adventures there is nothing better than to look forward to a perfectly cooked meal in one of the local Michelin recommended restaurants.
If you are a sea food lover, Stow on the Wold is home to The Old Butchers, a family owned establishment who specialise in everything fish related. The restaurant its self is has a relaxed, casual feel with comfortable seating and quirky artwork. The menu boasts dishes from Lobster Thermador to Squid Bolognese. If you’ve planned a special occasion, the unrivalled views and extensive list of fine wines at The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote is the only place to be. A table by the window overlooking the rolling Cotswold Hills with a Chateaubriand to share is dining heaven.
If this small insight has enticed you to come and explore for yourself why not book into one of our chocolate box cottages, complete with complimentary welcome hamper, personalised service and flexible cancellation options.
