The Cotswolds is home to some impressive boltholes that you can call home for a night or two – whether you’re planning a romantic trip for two, a family escape to the countryside or a getaway with a group of friends.
SoGlos has handpicked 18 of the best places to stay during a weekend break in the Cotswolds, complete with Michelin-starred food, outdoor pools and spas.
The Maytime Inn in Asthall
With its gorgeous Cotswold countryside setting, cosy interior and beautiful bedrooms, The Maytime Inn is a great choice for a weekend getaway. Nestled in the picture-perfect village of Asthall, the lovely inn fuses together Cotswold pub charm with exceptional food and country chic décor.
Not far from the Cotswold town of Burford, The Maytime Inn is an excellent base for exploring the quintessentially English towns as well as Oxford too.
The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold
Set in the picturesque town of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Porch House has offered weary travellers a place to rest their head for thousands of years earning it the title of England’s oldest inn. With 13 unique rooms to choose from including quaint ‘cosy’ rooms, dashing ‘classics’, sensational ‘superiors’ and the best lodging in the house – ‘the suite’, as well as dog friendly rooms.
The Porch House also offers a menu with seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients which is just what you need after a day exploring all that Stow-on-the-Wold has to offer.
The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold
Situated in the heart of Cotswold market town, Stow-on-the-Wold, is The Old Stocks Inn, a contemporary boutique hotel housed in a beautifully refurbished 17th century coaching inn. Expect Instagram-worthy interiors with a laidback Scandi feel, and some bedrooms with plush free-standing baths.
During the warmer months the hotel’s pretty rear patio garden is the perfect spot for afternoon drinks, with pizzas served from the wood-fired oven, while The Old Stock’s restaurant serves up delicious seasonal dishes with a twist. Retire to the bar for one of the hotel’s signature cocktails before sinking into one of the plush beds.
The Frogmill in Shipton Oliffe
Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds just outside Cheltenham, The Frogmill is the perfect getaway while still allowing you the opportunity to explore the exciting and ever busy town nearby.
A classic country pub, restaurant and hotel, the 16th century venue has 28 boutique bedrooms to choose from — including dog-friendly options so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend at home.
Cowley Manor near Cheltenham
Cowley Manor is an impressive country house hotel set on 55 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Cheltenham. The hotel effortlessly marries contemporary decor within its classic architecture and is a must for design enthusiasts – with 30 stylish bedrooms.
Expect luxury from the moment you arrive, with the relaxing C-Side spa, complete with outdoor pool, while the hotel’s modern restaurant serves up delicious British cuisine. And, if you fancy a walk and forgot your country attire, you can borrow a pair of Hunter wellies to explore the hotel’s beautiful grounds!
The Close in Minchinhampton
Near to a number of popular attractions including Highgrove Gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum Tetbury, Badminton and more, The Close bed and breakfast is the perfect place to explore the Cotswolds.
Located in Minchinhampton, The Close is an elegant town house full of period charm with many elements dating back more than 300 years. Surrounded by beautiful countryside to enjoy, the venue also has its very own large garden for you to relax in as well as an award-winning breakfast that you’ll just have to try.
Dormy House in Broadway
Expect a heavy dose of farmhouse chic when staying at Dormy House, a delightful rural retreat perched above the Cotswold village of Broadway. With sumptuous interiors, roaring log fires and cosy nooks where you can easily while away an afternoon, you definitely won’t want to leave!
The hotel offers a choice of rooms, while those looking to splash out can indulge with a night in a hot tub suite. Kick off your stay with an indulgent afternoon tea, before hitting the spa for some pre-dinner R&R. And, if you want to explore the grounds or head out on a day trip, the Dormy picnic hampers are the perfect accompaniment.
Thyme in Southrop
Enjoy the chance to spend the night in beautifully restored historic buildings when staying at Thyme, a delightful Cotswold haven located near Lechlade-on-Thames. The hotel offers a choice of bedroom sizes, some with roll-top baths, with all featuring bathrobes and complimentary toiletries.
The luxurious rural destination, located on the Southrop Manor Estate, is home to village pub, The Swan, where you can enjoy tasty British cuisine, while Thyme also has an on-site cookery school that’s perfect for picking up culinary skills. If that feels like too much hard work, then you can treat yourself to one of the face and body treatments, or simply retreat to the cocktail bar.
The Old Kiln House in Shipton-on-Stour
Branded a Cotswold secret, The Old Kiln House is an 18th century grade II listed town house located in the historic market town of Shipston-on-Stour and is on the border of Gloucestershire.
This luxury bed and breakfast offers three spacious bedrooms with unique features including oak beams which are said to have originated from a ship 300 years ago. In the summer you can enjoy the garden and in the cooler months retreat to the dining room and enjoy your breakfast next to a wood burning stove.
Barnsley House near Cirencester
A charming Cotswold hideaway awaits at Barnsley House, a home-from-home country house hotel located in a picturesque setting near Cirencester. The hotel is set on beautiful landscaped gardens and offers the chance to stay in everything from cosy double rooms to luxurious two-storey suites.
With two restaurants to choose from, a spa, and even a private cinema where you can enjoy a boutique movie experience, you can expect to have a special break when staying at Barnsley House.
The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester
Escape to the capital of the Cotswolds and get set for a relaxing stay at The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester. The hotel’s 45 bedrooms and five one-bedroom apartments feature elegant decor and unique period features, while guests can also expect luxurious linens and Nespresso machines.
If the sun is shining, head to the rooftop bar to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, while the hotel’s restaurant offers a relaxing dining experience. Those in need of some chill time can escape to the hotel’s vaulted spa and indulge in a treatment, with massages, manicures and more to choose from.
Soho Farmhouse near Chipping Norton
Prepare for unparalleled luxury when staying at the Cotswold outpost of private members’ club, Soho House. With Soho Farmhouse welcoming non-members to enjoy weekend breaks near Chipping Norton, although some of the facilities, such as the pool and gym, are only open to members and cabin guests.
The Main Barn is Soho Farmhouse’s central hub and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with afternoon tea, while its mezzanine level benefits from sofas and a wood fire, making it the perfect spot for relaxing. Plus, don’t miss Soho Farmhouse’s Cowshed Spa during your stay.
The Painswick
Home to 16 peaceful bedrooms, The Painswick is a charming boutique hotel nestled in – you might have guessed – the Cotswold town of Painswick. With beautifully executed interiors, a warm welcome and stunning surroundings.
Whether you want lunch, afternoon tea or a romantic dinner, the hotel’s restaurant offers the perfect setting for intimate dining, while its alfresco terrace is made for balmy evenings. There are also spa treatments available, spanning massages, facials and pedicures. Bliss.
The Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter
If wellies, walks and unwinding are what you’re looking for in your getaway then The Slaughters Country Inn in the heart of the Cotswolds is ideal. With 25 guestrooms as well as six charming cottages, blending the traditional features of the oldest part of the house with contemporary design.
Expect roaring log fires and a stunning terrace, with The Slaughters Country Inn offering a gorgeous countryside break no matter what the weather is – with a relaxed bar, where you can delve into a good book or enjoy a classic board game.
Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham
Ellenborough Park is an effortlessly elegant five-star hotel located on the outskirts of Cheltenham, benefitting from stunning views of the surrounding Cotswold countryside. Guests can choose from 61 rooms and suites.
After a peaceful night’s sleep, start the day with a swim in the dreamy outdoor pool, before tucking into a hearty breakfast that will set you up till lunch. With an on-site spa, beautiful grounds to explore, and two restaurants, guests can be sure of a relaxing stay.
The Lakes by Yoo in Lechlade
Enjoy a waterside break without heading to the seaside by booking a stay at The Lakes by Yoo, a private estate set on 850-acres in the glorious setting of Cotswold Water Park. The design-led destination offers the chance to stay in stylish self-catering properties, ranging from three-bedroom lodges to uber-luxurious five-bed lake houses.
Guests can arrange to have tasty cooked meals waiting in the fridge for their arrival or you can order one of the delicious hampers. During the summer months, dine alfresco at Elsa’s food truck, while you can also have a private chef if you really want to pull out all the stops. The Lakes by Yoo also has an on-site spa and runs a host of retreats.
The Wild Rabbit in Kingham
With direct train links from London to Kingham, The Wild Rabbit makes the perfect choice for visitors from the capital, who are searching for a relaxing spot to enjoy a weekend break in the Cotswolds. The stylish accommodation combines pared-back style with creature comforts and an elegant muted colour palette.
In addition to guest bedrooms there are self-contained cottage to choose from that are ideal for family gatherings. The Michelin-starred pub uses the finest seasonal ingredients to create unique and memorable dishes that can be enjoyed in the relaxed setting.
No. 131 The Promenade in Cheltenham
If you crave the buzz of a town, then Cheltenham’s No. 131 makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Cotswolds. Housed in a stunning Georgian townhouse, the hotel features 11 individually designed rooms complete with decadent interiors and some with impressive roll-top baths.
Start your evening with a cocktail in the hotel’s Gin & Juice bar, before heading to YOKU to enjoy some of the best Japanese food in the county.
