Luxury Escapes in The Cotswolds: Where to Stay and What to Do

Picture the prettiest part of England, and you may well picture the Cotswolds!

With its villages, rolling hills, and sweet stone cottages, it is a perfect English countryside destination. From deluxe villas to boutique inns, this place offers amazing accommodations for every traveler. 

Here’s a guide to some luxury escapes in the Cotswolds and what you can do during your stay.

Dormy House

“The hotel that hugs” runs the tagline, and, twee as it might be, it’s not a bad description of this posh, perennially popular Cotswolds getaway. Set around an old farmhouse, Dormy House has expanded to encompass a separate lodge, cottage, and standalone courtyard suites, all furnished with a similar Scandi-chic meets English-pastoral aesthetic. A spa and a choice of three dining settings (Back Garden for supper, Shed for cocktails, and MO for chef’s tasting menus) provide plenty of variety. The service here feels very personal: staff do their best to make you feel like friends, not guests, and you may even get treats for the journey home.

No. 131

Cheltenham is the racy capital of the Cotswolds, a power town that still has style. In the middle of the promenade, this stuccoed lodge has serious curb appeal. The building is all Georgian elegance, but the style is playful and fun—surprising color schemes, industrial fixtures, leather Chesterfield sofas. Along with the odd bit of modern art. There are foodie treats in store, too—a sushi restaurant, a rib shack, a terrace bistro, and a very amazing gin and juice bar.

The Lygon Arms

The Lygon Arms is one of the Cotswolds’ oldest hotels and has a chilling roster of former guests, including Charles I and Richard Burton, no less. In the middle of the beautiful village of Broadway, it’s an oblique stone building that tells history from every oak-paneled, barrel-vaulted corner. The tweed-and-tartan aesthetic appeals to a more traditional crowd, although garden rooms bring a more up-to-date vibe.

Cowley Manor Experimental

What a first impression this 18th-century Italianate wonder makes, with its gallery, balcony, landscaped gardens, and lake views. Inside it’s a surprise: popular and modern, with bold design, bright colors, and a spa, C-Side. There are two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor, both heated year-round, plus an exhaustive list of treatments and branded beauty products. The restaurant feels formal, but again, the food is a surprise—more modern British than stuffy fine dining. The billiard room is fun too, and there are 55 acres of grounds to explore, perfect for letting the kids run wild.

The Painswick

Which Cotswolds village is the prettiest? It’s a heated debate that has fueled many a country walk and Sunday lunch, but Painswick is certainly up there with the best. This elegant grade II-listed Palladian house is a village landmark and combines its period architecture with a dash of designer flair. Along with its offbeat artwork and graphic posters on the walls, retro furniture, clawfoot tubs, and old-fashioned telephones in the rooms. The very best rooms command sweeping vistas of the valley (for a showstopper, you want George’s Suite). It’s part of the Calcot Collection, which also includes Calcot Spa and Lord Crewe Arms in Northumberland.

The Swan

Sometimes nothing beats a good pub, and this one is a corker. The rooms at the Swan are all about country character: beams and low eaves, quirky layouts, wallpapers, and old furniture. Just south of Chipping Norton, the area still has a strong farming ethos and feels a little less prim and proper than other parts of the Cotswolds. The courtyard Garden Grill is a pleasant spot to dine on balmy nights.

More Memorable Experiences

Explore the beautiful place-  You can go for a walk in the lovely town and explore the local houses, traditional pubs, and shops.

Go for a dining experience-  Try the delicious local cuisine at restaurants or cozy pubs.

Relax in a Spa- Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa session, such as a massage or facial.

Hiking or biking- You can rent a bike and go for a ride to explore the countryside. There are many hiking trails too; you can go and witness the amazing spots.

Visit historic places- Explore castles, churches, and villas to learn about the amazing history.

Tips for a Perfect Getaway

Pack accordingly- The weather is very unpredictable here, so be prepared for cold and pack your woolens.

Rent a Car- Rent a car; it will give you the freedom to explore the place smoothly and in your way.

Bookings- As you know, hotels and restaurants get filled up so quickly. Keep this in mind: keep up with booking always.

Capture the beauty- Don’t forget to keep an extra battery backup for your camera to click pictures. You’ll not be able to control taking pictures as everything is so beautiful and picture-worthy.

End Your Journey on a High Note in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a beautiful destination; it’s an experience of natural charm, history, and unparalleled comfort. 

So, pack your bags and prepare to create a memorable journey. The Cotswold offers accommodations and experiences of every type that will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.