Places to stay
The Rectory Hotel, Crudwell
Experience a perfect weekend getaway at The Rectory Hotel, a charming Georgian rectory transformed into an 18-room hotel. Immerse yourself in classic country-house style as you relax in guest rooms with luxurious amenities like claw-footed baths, goose-down bedding, and rich fabrics. However, the real magic happens in the rooms below where award-winning chef Rob Weston leads the kitchen. Indulge in creative twists on classic local dishes, such as cured trout with blood orange and English wasabi or guinea fowl with wild garlic spatzle. Prices for doubles start at £160 per night with breakfast included. Visit therectoryhotel.com for more information.
Russell’s of Broadway
As a beloved establishment in the Cotswolds, Russell’s of Broadway offers a delightful experience. Located on Broadway’s picturesque high street, this restaurant also features seven light, airy, and luxuriously comfortable rooms. Their menus change seasonally, highlighting local produce in dishes like barbecued monkfish with crispy rice cake or Creedy Carver duck breast with salsify. Make sure not to miss out on their indulgent desserts before retiring to your cozy bedroom upstairs. Prices for doubles start at £170 per night with breakfast included. Visit russellsofbroadway.co.uk for more information.
Middle Rose, Blockley
For a cozy self-catering cottage experience, Middle Rose in the charming village of Blockley is the perfect choice. Just a two-minute walk from the high street, you’ll find the wonderful Blockley Café offering delicious locally sourced food. If you’re a cheese lover, don’t miss the Cotswold Cheese Company in Moreton-in-Marsh, which sells over 120 different artisan and farmhouse cheeses, with a focus on those from the Cotswolds. For craft beer enthusiasts, Off the Square in Stow-on-the-Wold is a must-visit. Middle Rose accommodates four people and starts at £150 per night with a minimum stay of three nights. It is part of Luxury Cotswolds Retreats, which offers a range of self-catering properties. Visit luxurycotswoldretreats.com for more information.
Where to eat
The Kingham Plough
Located near Chipping Norton, The Kingham Plough offers all the charms of a traditional gastropub with a warm welcoming atmosphere and character. The menus feature local suppliers’ ingredients and offer a mix of hearty classics like Cotswold venison pie and fish and chips, as well as lighter options like charcuterie boards and teriyaki salmon tartare sourced from local producers in Chipping Norton. Visit thekinghamplough.co.uk for more information.
The Double Red Duke, Clanfield
This 16th-century honey-hued building in Clanfield exudes charm both inside and out. The interior boasts jade green banquettes and red leather bar stools, while outside, scarlet-and-white parasols adorn the terrace. The open-flame kitchen specializes in steaks, but also offers delicious options like spit-roast chicken and wood-fired cod. Vegetarian and vegan options are available as well. Take a circular walk from the pub door to work up an appetite and explore the beautiful surroundings. Visit countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke for more information.
Muse Brasserie, Cheltenham
For a more formal dining experience, Muse Brasserie is the perfect choice. This French fusion restaurant is led by two chefs from Paris and India. The stunning dining room features vibrant blue walls adorned with hundreds of bottles, powder-pink furniture, and blossoming branches, creating an alfresco-indoor ambiance. The menu offers a wide range of options, from Gallic classics like pissaladière and ham, pea, and leek terrine to Indian curries and samosa chat. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy inventive dishes like Chettinad jackfruit and tandoor cauliflower steak. Visit musebrasserie.com for more information.
Time to shop
Daylesford Organic
If you want to experience the essence of the Cotswolds in one place, visit Daylesford Organic. Initially starting as a farm shop and cafe, Daylesford has grown into a countryside Harrods Food Hall. The store offers a vast selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, and pre-prepared dishes. Additionally, they have an artisan bakery and an organic restaurant serving everything from breakfast wheatgrass smoothies to charcuterie and cocktails. Keep in mind that prices can be on the higher end. Visit daylesford.com for more information.
Stroud farmers’ market
To fully appreciate the diversity of produce in the Cotswolds, head to the Stroud farmers’ market. Held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, the market features over 50 stalls offering hand-baked goodies, cheese and relishes, cured meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t miss out on trying a sourdough loaf from the Salt Bakehouse or indulging in sweet treats like Sicilian cannoli and custard tarts. Market favorite Pippin takes doughnuts to the next level with fillings like lemon and pistachio, cappuccino, and strawberries and cream. Visit stroud.gov.uk for more information.
Upton Smokery, Burford
Though smaller in scale compared to Daylesford, Upton Smokery offers equally mouthwatering food. This specialty shop focuses on smoked meats, fish, and cheeses. They also have an excellent barbecue selection with seasonings that enhance the flavors. After your visit, take a stroll along Burford’s charming high street, browse the boutiques and gift shops, and treat yourself to a sinfully good cream tea at the Priory Tea Rooms. Visit uptonsmokery.co.uk for more information.
Learn to cook
The Cotswold Baking Workshop, Shipston-on-Stour
Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, The Cotswold Baking Workshop offers small and informal classes. Held in a home kitchen, these classes give you the opportunity to learn how to make doughnuts, macarons, eclairs, choux pastry, and Portugal’s famous pastel de nata. Group classes are only two hours long, and private/bespoke tuition is also available. Make it a full culinary experience by combining the class with lunch or an early supper at The George in Shipston, awarded the best pub in Warwickshire in 2022. Visit cotswoldbaking.co.uk for more information.