This beloved part of England is perfect for a summer vacation. If you’ve been planning a trip to London, we highly recommend exploring this quaint region located in the English countryside!
This idyllic cluster of counties and villages is the perfect escape from the bustling city of London. The country roads are lined with lush pastures and iconic limestone cottages making it a scenic drive from every angle. Rent a car (be prepared to drive on the opposite side of the road) and take in all that The Cotswolds has to offer!
The Cotswolds is pretty widespread; there are so many little towns to explore so we recommend staying for a few days. To kick-off our travel guide, here are our top charming hotels to admire and rest your feet at. The Mallory Court Country House is decorated with contemporary furnishing and antiques. It sits in between local parks, museums and the Warwick Castle. Entertain yourself with horseback riding, a stroll through the gardens and butterfly farm or a relaxing treatment from their spa.
If you’d like to enjoy a true country pub, save your appetite for The Kingham Plough. They offer elegant pub classics with a modern British touch. Everything is sourced locally and made from scratch in their kitchen. The food is so delicious you won’t want to leave. Fortunately, they also offer country-chic-styled rooms decorated with locally sourced vintage pieces. We also recommend the pizza at The Stump! We stumbled upon this charming inn while out on a drive – and the food did not disappoint. If you have adventurous taste buds, request their Death Sauce.
The Porch House offers a historic stay dating back to 947AD. You’ll find lavish rooms that boast character offering classic features such as beamed ceilings and stunning stone walls. Their accommodations include claw foot tubs, fireplaces and they are dog-friendly. Lyon Arms is another to add to your list set in a 17th century coaching inn you’ll find plush rooms that feature a mix of traditional and contemporary design. This hotel also offers a delicious bistro and restaurant, several lounges and a bar. This hotel is also dog-friendly and full of fun activities on the grounds such as croquet, archery and walking trails.
If you’re staying for a few more days, book a room at The Double Red Duke. This chic hotel occupies a 16th century stone cottage nestled amongst gardens and other attractions. Each room is decorated differently than the next. Not far away is Thyme, a quaint hotel set on a 150 acre farm. Here you can try a cooking lesson with produce from the land, relax at the pool or take a tour of the farm – though you can simply stop by for a drink if you’re feeling peckish!
There are so many historic landmarks and museums to explore. We were in awe of the rich history, architecture and romantic cobblestone streets. Dive into the countryside’s rich culture and lush greenery by visiting the National Trust. For wallpaper and textile lovers (aren’t we all 😉 ), William Morris’ home at the Kelmscott Manor is a MUST SEE. You can tour his cherish home, outfitted in classic WM patterns.
Celebrate history and design at The World of RH where you’ll find rare art and artifacts from across the globe. There are also 3 dining experiences (including a fresh juice bar) on the grounds and historic gardens by iconic Capability Brown.
Continue your search for classic English antiques at these stores; you’re sure to find a rare gem!
For additional home goods, vintage and clothing we recommend Domestic Science, and Pom. The Curated Store is the absolute best for shopping local small businesses, you’ll find many treasures for yourself or loved ones back home. While out and about, be on the look out for footpaths nestled in between the town shops. These paths often lead to fields of farm animals that you can walk among (did someone say sheep)!
The walking tours and antique shopping will have you hungry for some traditional fare, so we have some options for you, whether you plan to stay in or eat out! All around England, you can find my all-time favorite grocer, Daylesford Organic. I am just plain OBSESSED with their selection – so visiting their Cotswold location was a dream come true. Here you can stock up on specialty groceries, wine and homewares. It’s a truly remarkable shopping experience. Bring some goodies home with you or stay a while and enjoy a meal on their grounds.
To quench your thirst, check out Hawkstone Brewery and Napton Cider. Many of the hotels we listed above have their own food offerings, but you can also pop into Number 32 for breakfast or lunch.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our little Cotswolds travel guide! The English countryside has no shortage of charm, featuring homes of thatched roofs and climbing ivy. If you’re looking for more ‘good design’ travel content subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram to travel along with us in real-time.
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We typically send these fun little nuggets of info out once per month. We love sharing design tips, travel ideas and our favorite local spots!
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