Nestled in the picturesque pastures and rolling hills of the English countryside lies the Cotswolds. This idyllic enclave has long been a favorite of the English elite and foreign travelers; here, immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and charm, where nature’s beauty reigns supreme and time stands still. Just a short two-hour drive from central London, the Cotswolds are a perfect place to spend a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Where to Visit:
Broadway: Brimming with fairytale-like villages and boutique and luxury hotel options, choosing the ideal place to call home base in the Cotswolds can be daunting. Start with one of our favorites, Broadway. Located in the county of Worcestershire, Broadway is known as “The Jewel of the Cotswolds.” Its central location is fantastic for exploring nearby villages, and there are plenty of activities for all interests. Broadway Village is extraordinarily quaint. Stroll around the charming town and admire the distinctive architecture and wisteria-draped, honey-colored Cotswold stone cottages.
Broadway’s “High Street” is an attraction in and of itself, home to traditional English pubs, boutiques, and art galleries. Spending an afternoon exploring the narrow streets and local shops is easy. Be sure to pop into the town’s Cotswolds Distillery outpost, where you can sample locally crafted gin, and the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, home to an exhibition focused on the area’s fascinating history.
Broadway is also conveniently located on the Cotswolds Way National Walking Trail, which spans 102 miles between the villages of Chipping Campden and Bath. Its 102 miles traverse verdant pastures, leafy woodlands, and historic towns. While completing the 102 miles may be a lofty goal, there are many pleasant shorter walks and hikes to enjoy closer to Broadway yet still on the Cotswold’s Way. An enjoyable adventure is the Broadway Tower Walk; begin this 4.4-mile walk in town and follow the markings through fields and pastures until you reach the Tower. Completed in 1798 and once used as a holiday retreat for artists, it is open to the public today and offers expansive views of the breathtaking skyline. Other worthwhile activities are visiting nearby Snowshill Manor and Garden and the area’s fragrant lavender fields in summer.
Oxfordshire: Another of our favorite Cotswolds destinations is Oxfordshire, located on the edge of the Cotswolds and a bit closer to central London. It is just an easy one-and-a-half-hour drive. From medieval villages and rural estates to the bustling university town of Oxford, there is plenty to see and do in Oxfordshire. Be sure to visit Woodstock, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the home of Blenheim Palace. Bampton is worth a stop and will easily be recognized by Downton Abbey fans as scenes of Downton Abbey Village were filmed here. Burford is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque villages, dubbed the “Gateway to the Cotswolds.” It is popular for its local artisanal shops and antiquing.
Arguably, the most iconic site in Oxfordshire is Blenheim Palace. Deemed the “Prettiest Palace in England,” Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still home to the Churchill family. The Palace sits on a stunning 2000-plus acres of green space; visitors are invited to explore the Palace, the formal gardens, and beyond. A favorite route is the easy path to The Queen Pool for a romantic view overlooking the lake or the more vigorous walk to the Column of Victory, where magnificent sunsets illuminate the sky. Depending on the time of year, there are always activities on the calendar at Blenheim, from flower shows to food festivals. For kids, there is a fun adventure park perfect for entertaining the entire family. After your visit, venture into Woodstock, where you can explore the shops and indulge in an afternoon tea or cozy dinner.
Oxford, established in the ninth century, is famous for its elite University, renowned libraries, and charming city center. Oxford offers several attractions worth visiting, and the magnificent Bodleian Library should be at the top of the list. Opened in 1602, it is the most extensive academic library in the United Kingdom and awes visitors with its unique architecture. Its central location makes the Bodleian Library a great place to begin your day in Oxford. The Ashmolean Museum is another must-see, as are The Oxford University Museum of Natural History and any of the University’s 38 colleges, each boasting exceptional architecture and rich history.
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Where to Stay:
Dormy House Hotel & Spa: Located at the top of the bucolic Farncombe Estate in Broadway, Dormy House is a 5-star boutique hotel filled with Cotswolds’ charm and welcoming service. The hotel’s cozy decor invites guests to relax and unwind, and all of the property’s rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with comfortable furnishings and modern amenities. There are accommodation options for all tastes, with rooms in the main house and nearby cottages. Dormy House’s award-winning full-service spa is popular with guests, and the heated pool is a welcome amenity. With its convenient location on the Estate, the well-trained concierge can easily arrange activities such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, or falconry.
Estelle Manor: Located in Eynsham, a small medieval village in Oxfordshire, Estelle Manor is the pinnacle of elegance and sophistication. This 5-star, majestic property offers exquisite sprawling grounds, meticulously preserved interiors, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a new indulgent Roman-inspired spa complete with five thermal pools, ten treatment rooms, and a tea lounge. Multiple dining options are available, from the chic Billiards Room specializing in authentic dim sum to the elegant Glasshouse, where family-style farm-to-table fare is served. Estelle Manor’s accommodations are equally luxe, decorated with antiques, unique artwork, sumptuous linens, and high-end amenities.
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To plan your escape to the English countryside, contact The Destination Designer.
