A Very Long Weekend in the Cotsowlds
Charming villages, rolling hills lined with sheep, and local pubs.
After a week in London, we rented a car and drove out to the English countryside.
Not only did we have to learn how to drive on the opposite side of the road, but the steering wheel was on the right side, and we rented a manual, which was on the left. Our brains were a bit confused at first, but after a day or two we acclimated quite well.
Maybe the best decision of our lives was renting the most luxurious cottage in the small town of Southrop. The cottage was just a short, less than two minute walk, to the wonderful Swan restaurant and close to wonderful Cotswold field hikes.
Our cottage had a full kitchen and two bedrooms, a living room with a wood burning fire place, and a spa like bathroom. This space is great for two couples or a family of four.
The living room was a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring or a great place to grab your laptop and get some morning work done.
I didn’t mind doing dishes one bit in this kitchen.
It felt like we were at home as everything was high quality and every detail was deliberately planned. Just to name a few, the built in ceiling speakers, custom solid wood cabinets, and luxurious linen were not after an thought.
We spent our long weekend sleeping in (which we never do), exploring the surrounding villages (must see villages below), finding delicious lunch spots, and returned to the cottage to cooked dinner and dined, before finishing each day cozied up next to the fireplace.
MUST SEE VILLAGES
Daylesford
Where ever you stay in the Cotswolds, you must visit the Daylesford Farm Shop.
This place is amazing! An organic market with everything you need to stock your cottage for the weekend. The gluten free noodles where absolutely amazing. And if you like cheese, there is a whole room waiting for you.
Daylesford has a restaurant, cafe, hotel, spa, market, flower shop, household store, outdoor fire pit with drinking place. You can take cooking classes as well. Simply put, it’s amazing and sort of what I think heaven would be like. Everyone there is super nice, and even remembered us. I’d definitely be a regular here.
Make sure to specify “Farm Shop” when finding directions on Apple or Google maps. If you map to just the farm, it takes you down the wrong road. Thankfully we pulled into a driveway and a nice gentleman helped us find our way.
Bibury
I must admit, there isn’t much going on in this town, which gives it the quintessential village. Take a stroll down Arlington hill to see what is said to be “the most beautiful village in England.”
The Swan hotel is a great place to stay or stop and have a meal.
Chipping Campden
Officially my favorite town in the Cotswolds, stop and grab a bite or a pint at Huxley’s. This three floored restaurant/cafe is great for any meal or snack. Have some tea next to the fireplace snuggled up in a cozy chair or dress up for a fancy gourmet dinner.
Winchcombe
The gardens in at the Sudeley Castle were incredible. The ancient ruins were believed to have been originally built in the 12th century. The castle was overtaken and destroyed, left to sit and weather for a long period of time before being rebuilt in the 15th century.
Burford
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is a neat place to visit. You can get up close and personal with giraffes, see rhinos, and walk with lemurs.
Chipping Norton
Drive or wander through the town and discover all the thatched roofs.
In between the towns we’d drive through the rural roads and occasionally get out and visit the farm animals.
Unfortunately I wasn’t a huge fan of Burton-on-the-Water as it was quite commercial and touristy.
Overall if you ever find yourself in London, get a car and head to nature in the English countryside. You won’t regret it.
Do you have a favorite town in the Cotswolds?
