Our weekend in
{THE COTSWOLDS}:

This small village is home to The Pig in the Cotswolds and is perfect for a quiet getaway. Strolling through Barnsley reveals stone cottages, flowering gardens and a sense of tranquil, rustic beauty.

Formerly known as Barnsley House, The Pig in the Cotswolds has a charm that is set to hopefully be enhanced under The Pig group’s care. We’ve had several lovely stays here. With its quintessential Cotswold stone architecture and picturesque village location in Barnsley, you feel like you are stepping into a timeless English countryside scene. Staying here feels more like visiting a charming country estate than a traditional hotel.

Images: https://www.thepighotel.com/in-the-cotswolds/

The main hotel rooms at Pig in the Cotswolds capture the cosy yet luxurious feel of an English manor, with a focus on comfort and character. Each room is uniquely designed, featuring sumptuous furnishings, rich fabrics, and small, thoughtful touches like vintage books and soft throws.

Our favourite stay, however, was in Home Farm House, a separate three-bedroom cottage just across from the main hotel. This was a perfect base to stay as a family with our three girls. It has a large master suite, two spacious bedrooms and a living area perfect for gathering with friends or family.

The hotel’s restaurant reflects The Pig’s dedication to garden-to-table dining. The menu is built around fresh, local ingredients, much of which is sourced from the estate’s own gardens. Dishes like roasted root vegetables, artisan breads and game meats celebrate the best of the region’s produce, served in an inviting space that combines rustic decor with warm, natural lighting.

There is also a spa offering a range of treatments and manicured gardens, both adding to the sense of tranquil escape.

The Village Pub is, as the name suggests, a quintessential English pub. It is attached to The Pig in the Cotswolds and is warm and welcoming, with a roaring fireplace and rustic decor. The menu offers classic British pub fare, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and comforting flavours.

This beautiful village’s stone-fronted cottages and quaint shops make it feel like a scene from a storybook. A scenic country walk from the village leads up to Broadway Tower, an eccentric 18th-century folly offering breathtaking views over the countryside.

Dormy House is a quintessential countryside retreat with an indulgent, modern edge, combining rustic charm with refined luxury. The ambience is warm and inviting, blending farmhouse elements with contemporary elegance, making it a perfect hideaway for couples looking to unwind in style.

The rooms at Dormy House are beautifully designed, each featuring soft, natural colours that echo the surrounding landscape, with exposed wooden beams and plush furnishings. Luxurious details like deep-soaking tubs and open fireplaces add to the charm.

Images: https://dormyhouse.co.uk

The Shed is the more relaxed, laid back dining option at Dormy House (below left). With its roaring fire and lots of cosy corners, it offers the ideal place to enjoy a light lunch, an all day dining menu or a post-dinner tipple.

The Back Garden celebrates the best of the back garden, literally. Sustainability and seasonality are at the heart of this restaurant’s philosophy, with slow foods, high-welfare rare-breed meats and responsibly cultivated grains & veg.

After a long country walk, we loved sinking into the spa for a little indulgence, with an array of treatments, a serene indoor pool and views over the lush countryside.

This bustling Broadway Deli is filled with locally sourced produce, artisanal treats, and specialty items. The eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere make it a great place to pick up a picnic or enjoy a casual lunch.

This quintessential market town is full of independent shops, antique stores, and traditional pubs. The historic High Street, lined with honey-coloured buildings, slopes down towards the River Windrush, creating picture-perfect views. We loved exploring the boutiques and stopping for coffee in one of the charming cafés.

The Bull at Burford is a refined yet relaxed retreat located on the High Street. This historic coaching inn, which dates back to the 15th century, has been thoughtfully reimagined by its owner, PR guru Matthew Freud. It is now a chic retreat that retains the charm of its medieval roots while introducing a fresh, stylish sensibility. This is on our wishlist for a future stay, but we have dined there and had a peak around.

Note, not to be confused with the similarly named Bull at Charlbury!

Images: https://www.bullburford.com

The design of The Bull blends old-world charm with modern touches. Original timber beams, centuries-old stone walls, and cozy fireplaces lend a historic feel, while carefully curated furnishings and eclectic artwork infuse the space with personality. Bold, colourful artwork juxtaposes beautifully with the inn’s earthy tones and natural textures.

Each of the rooms is uniquely designed, celebrating the inn’s heritage while offering modern comforts that make for a relaxing stay. The rooms vary in size and style, but all feature a blend of classic and contemporary elements, from four-poster beds and clawfoot tubs to plush bedding and high-end linens. Quirky artwork and soft lighting create what looks like an inviting, homey feel.

The Bull at Burford is a dining destination in its own right, with several options to residents and outside visitors. The main restaurant (below left) focuses on British cuisine with a contemporary twist, highlighting seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Standout dishes include the Norfolk chicken rösti, crab toast and a critically acclaimed Sunday roast. The space itself has rustic wooden tables, ambient lighting and thoughtful design touches.

Situated in a sunken courtyard, WILD (below right) is a tribute to the raw and elemental power of fire. Watch on as the locally sourced meats, seafood, and vegetables from the garden are cooked on the open grill.

Images: https://www.bullburford.com/

Huffkins right on the high street offers delicious pastries, cakes and sandwiches in a warm, inviting atmosphere. The café and tea rooms’ historic charm makes it a nice spot for a coffee break or a quick lunch.

Known as “The Venice of The Cotswolds,” Bourton on the Water is famous for the tranquil river running through the village, crossed by charming stone bridges. Quaint shops, riverside cafés and traditional cottages line the streets, making it an idyllic spot for a stroll. The village is only 20” drive from the Wild Rabbit, which is good place to stay if you want to visit this pretty village.

This riverside Bakery on the Water is a charming spot to stop for freshly baked pastries and coffee, with warm, rustic decor and a scent of fresh bread in the air.

Charlbury is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path village with winding streets and historic buildings. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet wander, with charming pubs and cute shops waiting to be discovered.

In the heart of Charlbury, The Bull at Charlbury is a historic inn with a stylish twist. This 16th-century coaching inn has retained much of its original charm, with flagstone floors, exposed beams and a roaring fireplace that. The ambiance is relaxed and intimate, combining traditional Cotswold charm with a touch of contemporary flair.

Note, not to be confused with the similarly named Bull at Burford!

The rooms at The Bull are comfortable yet characterful, each one offering a blend of rustic decor and modern amenities. Wood-panelled walls, antique furnishings and luxurious bedding make for an inviting stay, with views over Charlbury’s charming streets from some rooms and over the courtyard from others, including the one we stayed in. The colour palette is warm and earthy, adding to the cosy feel.

The restaurant (below left) offers a menu that celebrates seasonal British cuisine. The pub has a stylish yet down-to-earth vibe that’s perfect for Charlbury. We enjoyed dishes like slow-braised meats, hearty pies and seasonal sides, all served in a cozy dining area filled with vintage charm. It’s a place where locals and visitors mingle, creating a lively atmosphere. There is also a nice central garden where enjoyed a coffee or two (below right).

Chipping Norton is a vibrant market town known for its charming stone buildings, lively high street and rich history, including the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church. The bustling market square is lined with independent boutiques, cozy pubs and artisan cafes, making it perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and dining. Surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside, Chipping Norton is also a great base for exploring the Cotswold countryside.

Soho Farmhouse is a members-only club open to non-members for stays during the week. This sprawling estate, set over 100 acres, offers a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. It’s a place where guests can embrace a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle while indulging in the food, drink and pampering amenities Soho House is known for.

Once at our cabin, we found bikes waiting for you outside, the primary mode of transport for getting around the expansive grounds. Wellies are also thoughtfully placed by your door.

Soho Farmhouse offers a variety of accommodation, from quaint Piglet Rooms for, to more spacious cabins, complete with wood-burning stoves and lounges. All the rooms blend eclectic interiors with a cozy, countryside aesthetic.

We splashed out on a three-bed cabin for our last stay with our three girls (below), as a reward for all the hard work done revising for Uni exams!

In terms of dining, you are spoilt for choice and we have stayed on site for all our meals on the several trips we’ve made.

The Main Barn (below left) is the heart of the Farmhouse, offering hearty, seasonal meals. The menu celebrates local produce, with dishes like farm-fresh salads, slow-roasted meats and wood-fired pizzas. The rustic décor complete with exposed beams, wooden tables and an open kitchen creates a warm, homely ambiance with a splash of cool, contemporary chicness. The Hay Barn (below middle) offers a relaxed dining experience with homemade pasta and pizza favourites of ours.

Pen Yen (below right) offers exquisite Japanese robata grill cuisine in a relaxed yet stylish setting. Overlooking the lake, this restaurant blends Asian flavours with the countryside’s laid-back charm.

Images: https://www.sohohouse.com/houses/soho-farmhouse

Located in a converted mill, The Mill Room is Soho Farmhouse’s quintessential English pub, complete with crackling fireplaces and wooden bar stools. The cozy interior invites you to relax with a pint of local ale or enjoy a glass of wine by the fire, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of activities.

The Chequers is a quintessential Cotswold pub, radiates warmth and rustic charm, with its traditional stone facade. The decor is an artful mix of antique furnishings, low-beamed ceiling and cozy leather armchairs. The menu celebrates British pub classics with a twist, featuring dishes like rich, slow-cooked lamb shank, hearty fish and chips and seasonal pies made with locally sourced ingredients. The bar boasts an impressive selection of local ales and ciders.

Known for its classic beauty, Kingham has a peaceful charm with a village green framed by cottages.

The Wild Rabbit is a contemporary retreat crafted for those seeking a peaceful yet luxurious countryside escape, with a chic, modern twist. It is part of the ever-expanding Dayslford empire created by Lady Carole Bamford. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and discerning eye, she has infused The Wild Rabbit with her ethos of sustainable luxury, authenticity and aesthetic sophistication.

The rooms at The Wild Rabbit are beautifully minimalist, each designed with Scandi-style decor perfectly complementing the Cotswold stone walls and original beams. Soft, neutral tones create a soothing ambiance and the furnishings have subtle touches of luxury like plush linens, natural fabrics and carefully curated antiques.

Dining at The Wild Rabbit features a farm-to-table philosophy that celebrates the best of local, seasonal produce. The menu blends British tradition with modern twists. The decor is simple yet sophisticated, with exposed wood, flickering candlelight and rustic accents.

Image: https://thewildrabbit.co.uk/

The grounds of The Wild Rabbit encourage relaxation, with paths leading to Daylesford’s organic farm shop. It’s the perfect starting point for scenic walks, whether around the village or through the surrounding fields, making every stay a deeply immersive experience in the best of Cotswold life.

Daylesford Farm is more than a farm shop, it’s a beautifully designed destination for a Cotswold dining and shopping experience. We spent the whole morning and lunch there on our last trip!

The Home Shop (below left) offers stylish homeware and decor, while The Farm Shop (below right) is filled with fresh produce, cheese, and local delicacies.

Images: https://www.daylesford.com/our-locations/daylesford-farmi

The Legg Bar (below left) is a chilled out, lounge-like area for drinks or coffee. The Trough restaurant (below right) serve farm-to-table meals, with seasonal, organic ingredients. The Old Spot is perfect for a relaxing brunch or dinner, including great, wood-fired pizzas.

Located at the edge of Cotswolds, just outside Cheltenham, Cowley Manor Experimental is a classic Cotswold retreat with a twist. Having stayed here a couple of times, we’ve seen it evolve, especially since being taken over by the trendy Experimental Group. Set in acres of manicured gardens and overlooking scenic lakes, it combines timeless elegance combined with modern design touches and a sense of stylish fun.

Images: https://www.cowleymanorexperimental.com/

Rooms at Cowley Manor blend the historic charm of the manor house with the quirky, colourful sensibility the Experimental Group is known for. Rooms feature bold prints, plush fabrics, and a mix of vintage and modern furniture, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and playful. Large windows open onto the stunning grounds, filling each room with natural light and views of the gardens or lake. Bathrooms are equally opulent, with freestanding tubs and rain showers, offering a spa-like experience right in your room.

The main restaurant serves a contemporary British menu with an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The decor blends classic elegance with modern art pieces that surprise and delight. The outdoor terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch or evening cocktails, with views over the rolling lawns.

The spa at Cowley Manor is housed in a modern building that contrasts with the historic manor and features an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and a range of treatments that make relaxation inevitable. The grounds themselves are stunning, with winding paths, secret gardens, and plenty of space to wander or simply sit and take in the beauty of the Cotswold countryside.

With cozy pubs, countryside walks and hotels blending the best of tradition and contemporary design, the Cotswolds offers an idyllic escape from the everyday. The different villages each has their own distinctive charm, for a luxuriously slow-paced stay.