England’s Beautiful Cotswolds Are More Popular Than Ever
The Cotswolds have become even more popular for travelers to London
seeking a bucolic getaway after visiting the bustling metropolis. This picturesque area in the south of England with its unspoiled countryside and quaint villages provides an ideal place to relax, rejuvenate and bask in nature’s splendor. Not to mention the luxurious accommodations, delectable farm to table cuisine, pampering spas and retail therapy at the fashionable shops.
Its pastoral charm and proximity to London also makes it a popular haven for the fashionable set and celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kate Moss, Elizabeth Hurley and David and Victoria Beckham. You can rent a car or hop on the train for the scenic 90-minute ride from London. There are plenty of options to get around as well as excellent tours. I highly recommend staying in the Cotswolds at least a few days to truly experience this idyllic locale.
Daylesford Organic
Lady Carole Bamford, a true visionary, set up Daylesford in 2002 with the aim of wanting to produce good, nutritious food from her farm. Today Daylesford Organic is a renowned destination in the heart of the Cotswolds; one of the most sustainable farms in the UK that attracts visitors for its top products and alluring ambiance. In addition to the acclaimed organic country farm shop with the freshest produce, cheese, poultry, fish, meat, jams and baked goods– there’s a restaurant, home shop, Bamford Spa, Members Club, Cooking School, Fox pub with music, The Wild Rabbit -a refined inn with cozy rooms and a Michelin Starred Restaurant along with beautiful cottages that perfectly blend luxury with rustic charm. Not to mention – the working organic farm with animals. Welcome to Daylesford Organic, an inspiring paradigm of sustainability, wellness and country living at its finest – a must visit for anyone coming to the Cotswolds. www.daylesford.com
Manor House
Nearby, The Manor House Hotel with 34 rooms in the quaint town of Moreton in Marsh, is a lovely 16th Century Cotswold retreat. Rooms are stylish and sophisticated; each individually designed with supremely comfortable beds. This stunning country manor with gorgeous gardens is a perfect synthesis of pastoral luxury and homey comforts. While there, meander about the historic market town with art galleries, clothing and antique shops, traditional pubs and more, dotting High Street, right at your doorstep.
Return to the atmospheric library with comfy armchairs for afternoon tea, or the fireplace in the lounge, – perhaps take a stroll amid the walled gardens and loll in a deck chair or enjoy a cocktail on the terrace. I dined at their impressive restaurant on the most exquisite whipped chicken liver parfait with black cherry, soft herbs followed by rack of lamb with tender stem broccoli, sping peas, chimichurri & lamb jus, cooked to perfection paired with the finest red wine and with glorious views of the gardens. www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-manor-house-hotel/
Cotswold Tours & Travel
There’s no better way to take in the sights and experience a destination than with the experts, the people who really know the area and Cotswold Tours & Travel is superb. Jonnie Trice-Rolph my exemplary guide for exploring the Beautiful North Cotswolds was also a horse trainer, horse rider and horse whisperer who grew up here. Needless to say he knows everything and everyone and he’s personable, professional and entertaining to boot. Did I mention this is horse country? Cotswold Tours & Travel is known for customizing tours to each client’s individual preferences and delivering the top authentic experience of the English countryside.
I journeyed with Jonnie through the charming towns of Broadway Tower, Broad Campden, Chipping Campden, Cotswold Guy, Stow on the Wold and Lower Slaughter as well as the hidden village gems of Blockley, Snowshill, and Stanton. Passing rolling hills, sheep grazing, historic villages, horses in meadows, grand manor houses, gorgeous gardens, awesome landscapes and the famed honey-colored limestone buildings, I enjoyed a spectacular immersion in the extraordinary natural beauty of the area. And popped into the Porch House, the oldest inn in England and also stood in the very spots that inspired Tolkien’s, The Lord of the Rings. Strolling the towns and villages, visiting boutiques, local shops and chatting with the friendly people, provided a delightful immersion in the local life as well. https://cotswoldtoursandtravel.com
Lygon Arms
The Lygon Arms, set in a 14th century coaching inn, in enchanting Broadway in the heart of the Cotswolds, is part of the Iconic Luxury Hotel portfolio. This historic property boasts a glamorous guest book. Former visitors to the luxurious hotel include King Edward VII, his young grandson, the late Prince Phillip, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The hotel’s 86 beautifully restored individually designed guest rooms and suites celebrate its storied heritage, combining old world glamour and modern luxury. Posh accommodations including the regally appointed Charles I Suite feature antiques, original paintings and handsome accents and are spread across the hotel’s grounds including the Main House, Orchard Wing, Garden Wing and Courtyard, including 2 cottages. For some well-deserved pampering, The Lygon Spa sits beside the stunning three-acre lush private garden. There’s also a 13-meter indoor swimming pool with retractable roof, heat facilities and a fully-equipped fitness center in addition to relaxed lounges, meeting spaces, a cozy afternoon tea room and a summer alfresco courtyard. And celebrity-chef James Martin delivers British fare at The Grill and Tavern. Guest here want for nothing. Enjoy a splendid stroll on beautiful High Street, right outside -home to an array of shops, galleries, restaurants and drinking establishments. www.lygonarmshotel.co.uk