The Cotswolds provides the ultimate country retreat for those living in the city. Rolling hills, fudge-coloured villages full of the thatch-roofed cottages that you see in picture books, old country manor houses which have been converted to glorious little boutique boltholes; if you’ve ever lusted after a charismatic, historic, country escape, you need to try the Cotswolds.
We have picked 10 of the best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds. Expect exposed beams, antique furniture, cream teas on the lawn and even complimentary Hunter wellies for long country strolls to a dreamy country pub. Our picks will make your dream of a country idyll come true.
Our first choice is the beautifully refurbished Oakhouse 1 boutique hotel in the pretty village of Tetbury (which is also frequented by the Royals and the polo crowd). Described by TATLER as “The Notting Hill of Gloucestershire .. a little rock ‘n’ roll…a little country classic .. the vibe is fizzy French house party” and equally popular with THE GUARDIAN “We are spirited into a fantasy world, a collision of colour, modern design and trad sumptuousness”, this gorgeous boutique hotel has it all.
Our second choice is The Greenway which is an old country house looking over acres of lawns which lead onto one of those classic rolling Cotswold hills. In position three
I choose the Old Swan and Minster Mill which can be found in the most perfect Cotswolds village imaginable.
Wherever you choose, there is nowhere that you can enjoy a more quintessentially English country break than in the Cotswolds.
10 Of The Best Boutique Hotels In The Cotswolds
Oak House No.1 Boutique Hotel - A Celebrity Hang Out In The Cotswolds
Oak House No.1 is a luxury boutique hotel in the Cotswolds packed full of intriguing objects and wonderful artworks. These unique and opulent surroundings have attracted many celebrity guests including Martin Freeman, Peter Andre, Tim Minchin, Kelly Jones and more. These rockstars and royalty are attracted by the immaculate and luxurious rooms and the casual and discreet environment. Oak House No.1 is nestled in the heart of the picturesque, fudge-coloured Cotswolds town of Tetbury. This little town has been wealthy since the 15th-century wool trade.
Old Swan & Minster Mill Review, Cotswolds
As you drive up to the Old Swan & Minster Mill you can’t help but be delighted by its perfect Cotswolds village setting, complete with grey stone cottages fronted by grass verges and colorful flowers. The hotel, which was built circa 1445, spans numerous cottages and outbuildings. Beyond these, the small village tails off to one end, and the River Windrush gurgles past at the other. Take in the hotel's beautiful surroundings with our video tour. The reception is in one of two main buildings and sits beside an enormous open fire.
The Cotswold's Greenway Hotel and Spa
If I was quizzed about England's Cotswolds and what all the fuss was about, I'd point the inquisitive towards The Greenway Hotel and Spa, a member of the Eden Hotel Collection and Small Luxury Hotels. Turn off a busy road, travel up the hotel's long driveway, and you are instantly transported into the heart of the English countryside. There are picturesque villages like Stowe On The Wold nearby, but dear reader, should I have felt bad in having no real desire to leave the Greenway?
Review of England’s Oldest Inn, The Porch House
With staycations very much on the up again, where better to pay a visit to than the beautiful Cotswolds – quintessentially English; with beautiful villages, gorgeous boutiques and endless stylish country pubs complete with beautiful pub gardens. We recently stayed in the heart of the Cotswolds in an enchanting country inn: The Porch House in Stow-on-the Wold. Located right in the centre of Stow, you are ideally situated to explore the town and its surrounding villages.
Boutique Cotswold Luxury At The Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms at Paxford is located in the heart of the rural Cotswold hills, just north of the historic town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Set in a typical old stone pub in the centre of Paxford, The Churchill Arms beautifully combines a traditional country inn with a touch of modern design. This contemporary 17th century pub features boutique rooms as well as exceptional food and varied wine and ale choices. With just two cosy boutique ensuite bedrooms, you will feel part of the village when you stay at The Churchill Arms.
Review: Tudor Farmhouse, Cotswolds
Imagine lying in a bubble-filled rolltop bath, looking up at the blue sky through the skylight in your beam-filled rooftop room. A warm summer breeze blows the bubbles ever so slightly, a Cockrel cocodoodles in the garden, and the only thing to contemplate is how lovely your afternoon country stroll was and which dish to choose for your evening's delight. That's how I felt during my stay at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel near the Forest of Dean and on the edge of the Cotswolds. Utterly relaxed and ever so far from the madding crowd, a mood reflected in our video tour of the hotel.
Ellenborough Park Review, Cotswolds
Arrival at Cheltenham's Ellenborough Park was impressive. The hotel sits alone on the side of a hill, in acres of immaculate grounds with sweeping views down to one of the UK's most famous racecourses. We were expecting great things from this hotel as Ellenborough Park has won many awards, its main restaurant is the proud recipient of 3 rosettes. Having seen the grounds, I couldn't help thinking that I had found the Four Seasons of the Cotswolds. As I approached the main house there seemed not one but three extravagant weddings!
Review: Calcot Manor, Cotswolds
Calcot Manor & Spa offers stylish rooms, a sublime spa, and top-notch dining, set within 220 acres of rewilded Cotswolds countryside. Calcot Manor & Spa is set in a 14th-century weathered stone manor house located three miles from Tetbury and amid the rolling Cotswolds hills. Calcot Manor & Spa offers a gorgeous spa with an indoor pool and outdoor hot tub, an additional outdoor pool, a kids’ Playzone, and two restaurants, all sitting within its 220 acres of meadowland.
Review: Lucknam Park Hotel
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa and Spa, part of the Relais Chateaux group of hotels, is a country house hotel near the beautiful city of Bath, on the edge of the Cotswolds, set in acres of listed parkland. This hotel is less than half an hour's drive from central Bath. You approach this impressive hotel up a long treelined driveway. In the Spring, carpets of yellow daffodils run down either side of the driveway in the spring - magic! Upon entering Lucknam Park Hotel through the double doors, you are met by a large elegant room with wooden-clad walls and a reception desk in the corner.
Review: The Manor Weston Near Bicester
The Manor Weston Near Bicester is a charming, historic English country house sat in lovely country gardens with swathes of lawns up an impressive tree lined driveway. This hotel would be the perfect setting for an Agatha Christie style murder mystery. In fact, you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea on the terrace and then wear off the calories with a lazy game of croquet on the lawns, or a more energetic game of tennis in the grounds. You can even take in a Polo match at nearby Kirtlington. Yes, this hotel is the epitome of Britishness!
You may also be interested in our top 5 guesthouses in the Cotswolds.
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