The Best Hotels In The Cotswolds
By Rebecca Cox
2 weeks ago
It's time to plan your escape to the country
Photo by Conor Sheridan on Unsplash
There’s nothing quite like waking up in this part of the UK. We’ve found the best hotels in arguably the prettiest countryside in England, which will make you want to stay longer than a weekend. Start planning your next country escape with our roundup of the best hotels in the Cotswolds.
Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide
Best Hotels In The Cotswolds 2024
Reviews are taken from this year’s Great British & Irish Hotels Guide – here’s where to buy your copy.
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
Thornbury Castle is the real deal: so real that Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed and Princess Mary, later Mary I, visited regularly. After centuries as a picturesque ruin, the Howard family transformed it in Victorian times into a splendid private residence. All the panelling and decorative features are either original or hand-crafted reproductions, including much of the furniture, the ornate carved ceilings and tapestry wall-hangings. Spiral staircases lead to 27 unique, romantic bed chambers, many with coronet or fourposter beds. Their baronial style has been cleverly updated with 21st-century luxuries: rooms are well-heated with opulent bathrooms. The magnificent Tudor walled gardens have been restored to their full glory and comprise formal areas and a living statue of Henry VIII, along with a kitchen garden, Tudor herb garden, wildflower meadow and heritage orchard within the castle grounds. Thornbury’s fine dining options include its three AA Rosette restaurant and the atmospheric Tudor Hall and Baron’s Sitting Room, which are perfect for a private supper. Best of all, it’s an authentic, thundering castle.Â
Doubles from £249.Â
+44 (0)1454 281182; thornburycastle.co.uk
The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham
Tucked away in peaceful Shurdington, near Cheltenham, is this relaxing 16th-century Elizabethan manor house hotel in eight acres of lush grounds. The 21 bedrooms are countryside chic at its best. There are 13 in the main house, six in the adjoining coach house and two in the restored gatehouse. Some have four-poster beds, others have roll top baths or exposed beams. All have super comfortable beds. Talented chef Abhijit Dasalkar brings flair and imagination to the kitchen, producing fresh, bold, innovative plates. The award-winning three AA Rosette fine-dining Garden Room Restaurant – all oak panelled with beautiful views over the garden and lily pond – serves fresh, contemporary flavours, using local seasonal produce and suppliers. For something more relaxed, choose the modern Orchard Brasserie, with its internationally inspired bento boards and delicious traditional afternoon teas. The sumptuous Elan Spa is another highlight, offering luxurious Temple Spa treatments, pampering mani-pedis and nurturing cancer wellness massages. The spectacular surrounds of the Cotswolds up the wellness factor further and dogs are welcome at the hotel.Â
Doubles from £224.
+44 (0)1242 862352; thegreenwayhotelandspa.com
The Swan, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire
This 16th-century timbered inn with inglenook fireplaces, reclaimed wooden floors and a large central bar, is part of the Lionhearth group of Cotswolds pubs (alongside The Chequers in Churchill and The Black Horse in Salford). You’ll find 11 dashingly pretty bedrooms with handcrafted wallpaper, exposed stone walls and statement bed heads. The newest addition is The Cygnet suite, which is located in a separate building overlooking Ascott-under-Wychwood village and features a rolltop bath. In the charming timber-and-stone dining room, striking Lewis & Wood wallpaper and art by Keith Tyson create an intimate setting, while the garden terrace has a barbecue, pizza oven and wooden planters – the ideal spot for a pepperoni pizza and a pint of locally brewed Hawkstone pilsner on a warm summer’s evening. Other excellent fare from head chef Jack Sencherey Evans includes the Sunday roast and dishes such as 28-day dry aged steak, Goan king prawn curry, and wild mushroom and orzo risotto. Breakfast is a delight too, with porridge and orchard fruits, sourdough crumpets with Chipping Norton honey, or a full Cotswold breakfast to choose from.
Doubles from £95.Â
+ 44 (0)1993 832332;Â lionhearth.co.uk
The Rectory
This popular Grade II-listed Georgian country house hotel and restaurant has 18 pared-back but beautiful bedrooms: 15 in the main house, plus three in a separate cottage. All are kitted out with contemporary furniture, beds with luxury velvet headboards in shades such as mustard or navy, and roll top baths with luxurious Bramley products in the bathroom. Here, all the little details have been considered, from the smart TVs and art collection to the honesty bar that’s stocked with brandy and whisky. Downstairs, two inviting sitting rooms have sink-in sofas, board games, paperbacks and, in winter, a roaring fire. Jake Simpson, former head chef at Soho’s Bocca di Lupo (he was also trained by Quo Vadis’ Jeremy Lee) cooks up delicious seasonal flavours. A particularly lovely spot to book in the summer when guests can make the most of the sprawling English garden and the heated swimming pool that is open April to October. Across the road you’ll find the sister pub, The Potting Shed, a popular locals’ haunt with a mean Sunday roast and good array of local ales.Â
Doubles from £170.Â
+44 (0)1666 577194; therectoryhotel.com
Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
An outstanding countryside retreat set within a 90-acre estate on the outskirts of Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park is a lovingly restored Cotswold manor, parts of which date back to the 15th century. It’s steeped in history: home to the Earl of Ellenborough, former governor general of India in the 1830s (the influence of his travels is visible in the Great Hall and Minstrels’ Gallery), today it has been elevated to contemporary glory. The 61 rooms, suites, and newly added self-catering hideaway, The Lodge, all have appealing country house character (think antique furniture, rich fabrics, heavenly beds and roll top baths). There’s an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub and sauna (part of the new serene Spa Garden retreat) and a soul-soothing spa, as well as a private path leading to Cheltenham Racecourse. The main restaurant specialises in British classics with a twist. Spring and summer months see an al fresco dining delight in quirky dining carriages, decked Cedar Pavilion and sunny Taittinger Terrace. Guests can also enjoy a glass of champagne from the converted Horse Box trailer bar while watching the sunset over the racecourse.Â
Doubles from £249.
+44 (0)1242 545454; ellenboroughpark.com
No. 131, Cheltenham
This is the hip place to stay in Cheltenham: classic on the outside, fashionable on the inside. Spread across three Georgian townhouses on The Promenade, there are 36 fabulous guestrooms, with quirky detailing, divine beds, stylish bathtubs, bold statement fabrics, modern British art, and period bathrooms for a touch of old-fashioned luxury. Then there’s hangouts, hideaways and sun-dappled terraces aplenty with outdoor bars and al fresco dining. Streetside elegance abounds at 131 Terrace Restaurant and its tasty food is complemented downstairs by the relaxed buzz of Cheltenham hotspot, Gin & Juice, where you can work your way through a list of 400 gins and dance the night away every weekend with its resident DJs. As for the seasonal, carefully sourced food, menus range from a fixed price weekday menu to decadent suppers and the best roast lunch on Sundays. Don’t miss Yoku, the hotel’s fantastic Japanese restaurant, where sushi meets style and fashion meets food, which serves mouth-watering Asian cuisine (order the ‘Octopus Kingdom’ with its incredible array of sashimi).Â
From £150.Â
+44 (0)1242 822939; no131.com
Tudor Farmhouse Hotel, Clearwell, Gloucestershire
In the heart of the Forest of Dean in the magnificent Wye Valley, surrounded by ancient woodland, Tudor Farmhouse Hotel is an utterly chic 20-room boutique retreat. All ancient wood beams and crackling fires, the 17th century farmhouse and its converted outbuildings house luxurious rooms and particularly sumptuous beds, most with a freestanding tub. Its 14 acres of wildflower meadows are a protected site of Special Scientific Interest, due to its rare plants, and foraging trips are one of many nature activities on offer from the hotel’s expert team. Head chef Gavin Roberts champions organic and hyper-local produce – try his fantastic 20-mile menu, which at dinner features wild garlic soup and roasted monkfish – including vegetables and herbs from the hotel grounds. Sunday lunch is also a real draw, and breakfasts are showstopping – a real gastronomic getaway. If all that indulgence leaves you craving some fresh air, whether it’s canoeing on the river Wye, local salmon fishing, visiting the nearby Clearwell Caves, endless bucolic walks, or wildlife safaris organised by the hotel, there’s something here for everyone.Â
Doubles from £139.Â
+44 (0)1594 833046 | tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk
The Double Red Duke, Clanfield, Cotswolds
This wisteria-clad coaching inn close to Oxford and on the edge of the Cotswolds is a recent hotspot from Sam and Georgie Pearman of Country Creatures and Cubitt House. Guests can hunker down in one of the cosy sitting rooms for drinks before heading to the open-plan bar and garden room for – the biggest draw – the food. Henrik Ritzén (of Bluebird fame) cooks over a live fire; book the chef’s counter to be at the heart of the action. Think charred squid, smoked aubergine and miso dip, the best longhorn steaks, and crème brûlée for dessert. They also do a fabulous chef series throughout the year, hosting exciting talent such as Will Bowlby, co-founder of London’s wildly successful Indian restaurant Kricket. Upstairs, comfortable rooms (the biggest sleep a family of four) with original wooden beams shine a spotlight on British artisans. Upholstered furniture is designed by George Smith, fabrics and wallpaper are from Fermoie and Rapture and Wright, among others. There is also a shepherd’s hut in the herb garden for massages using all-natural, botanical products. The garden room for up to 40 and a 12-seater feasting room can both be hired for parties.Â
Doubles from £200.
+44 (0)1367 810222; countrycreatures.com
The Painswick
A glorious combination of eclecticism, heavenly food and creature comforts, all set in one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest towns, this picture-perfect Palladian house was renovated and relaunched by owner, The Calcot Collection, in spring 2016, and has been transformed into a relaxing, chic haven with ace cuisine and fabulous views over the Slad valley. The Calcot Collection is master of the art of creating laidback luxury, having developed Calcot & Spa and the Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland. Now it has worked its magic on this 18th century mansion, conjuring an arty, subtly funky feel in the sitting rooms and furnishing the 17 bedrooms in pale, soothing tones, with characteristic attention to detail – splash out on George’s Suite, with its fabulous four-poster bed or, for families and groups of friends, the new three-bedroom cottage. When it comes to food, Jamie McCullum has come up with an inventive and wonderfully seasonal à la carte and tasting menus in The Restaurant. Breakfast is a delight, too – as is the sumptuous Painswick afternoon tea in one of the cosy lounges or on the terrace with valley views.Â
Doubles from £188.Â
+44 (0)1452 813688; thepainswick.co.uk
Calcot & Spa, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Set within 220 acres of rewilded countryside, Calcot suits many occasions – honeymoons, family gatherings, spa breaks, country weekends – with equal success. Although it has roots going back to the 14th century, the present stone manor became a hotel in 1984 and celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Today, it’s the flagship of The Calcot Collection, a small hotel group that includes Lord Crewe Arms and The Painswick. Guests checking-in will find 34 refreshed and reinvigorated cream-hued rooms, a recently expanded spa (with ComfortZone treatments), an Ofsted-registered crèche, and The Grain Store, a new, state-of-the-art gym and wellness sanctuary. Rooms in the manor house are designed with couples in mind, while family rooms and suites are in converted cottages and barns; deluxe suites have their own private garden. Linger over imaginative seasonal dishes in the Brasserie restaurant (the Brecon venison lasagne is superb) or graze in The Hive café, which transforms into a buzzy cocktail bar at night. It’s also only a stone’s throw from Highgrove and Gatcombe Park if you’re after a dose of royalty.
Doubles from £299.
+44 (0)1666 890391;Â calcot.com
The Bell Inn, Langford, Oxfordshire
Cotswold born and bred, Peter Creed and Tom Noest have the perfect pedigree to run an authentic 16th-century country pub with rooms: Tom as cook and Peter running front of house. They reopened The Bell – a much-loved local inn in a picturesque Cotswold village – in December 2017, and were garnering rave reviews within weeks. ‘I had not just the best mouthful of the year, but the best mouthful of my life,’ remarked food critic Giles Coren after he visited. It’s a real foodies’ pub, with a no-nonsense, ever-changing menu concentrating on locally sourced, fresh, hearty British dishes – pub classics, roasts and wood-fired fish, vegetables and pizzas, served in a cosy, beamed and flagstoned room. The eight stylish, renovated bedrooms – some above the pub, others on the ground floor – have king-size beds and knock-out bathrooms. You’ll be hard pushed to find a better value or more laid-back Cotswold inn and arrangements can be made for guests to take part in a range of sports, from stalking and fishing to clay pigeon, driven and rough shooting.Â
Doubles from £80.
+44 (0)1367 860249; thebelllangford.com
The Lygon Arms, Broadway, Worcestershire
Originally a 14th century coaching inn, The Lygon Arms in picturesque Broadway has 86 unique guestrooms and suites – all cosy and traditional in feel – and is located in the heart of the Cotswolds. Over the years it has played host to many famous guests: King Charles I met here with his supporters, giving his name to the impressive ‘Charles I Suite’ complete with four-poster bed and many original features. Further proving the hotel’s universal appeal, Oliver Cromwell also occupied a room here immediately before his victory at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Relax next to a roaring fire in one of the cosy lounges or book a table in the outstanding Grill or the relaxed Tavern, both venues overseen by the exceptionally talented chef James Martin (of Saturday Kitchen fame). A delectable afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Russell Room or you can unwind in The Lygon Spa, which has a Victorian galleried swimming pool and a range of rejuvenating and blissful beauty treatments on offer. There are four EV charging points too, so eco-minded guests are well-catered for.Â
Doubles from £250.
+44 (0)1386 852255; lygonarmshotel.co.uk
Wild Thyme & Honey, Ampney Crucis, Gloucestershire
Set in the picturesque Cotswolds village of Ampney Crucis near Cirencester, Wild Thyme & Honey has been restored from a 16th-century inn into a relaxing retreat. On the banks of the babbling Ampney Brook, there are 24 comfortable bedrooms (many with roll top tubs), where exposed Cotswold stone, natural wood floors and lovely woolly textures blend seamlessly with a New York loft-style look and thoughtfully designed airy spaces that let nature in. Take a seat in the hotel’s village pub and restaurant, The Crown, to feast on their award-winning breakfast menu, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with sweet treats and savoury delights, or hunker down with a book and make yourself at home. Borrow wellies for a ramble or visit a National Trust property – Bibury, Lodge Park and Chedworth Roman Villa are nearby. Come evening, sip on expertly crafted cocktails or dabble in the world of wine with a tasting from the bar’s enomatic machine. Menus roll with the seasons and celebrate the finest British produce – expect elevated classics alongside dishes inspired by global cuisine. Dogs are welcome too.
Doubles from £150.Â
+44 (0)1285 851806; wildthymeandhoney.co.uk
Wild Rabbit, Kingham, Oxfordshire
A beautiful old inn built from golden Cotswold stone, The Wild Rabbit is both a trendy hotspot and a haven of eco-elegance, all powered by renewable energy and part of the neighbouring Daylesford Estate. The moment you step inside the pub with rooms, the mellow space invites instant relaxation with its open fires, comfy sofas and armchairs. It is sophisticated, convivial and informal and the 13 rooms are sanctums of rustic, low-key luxury (most are doubles, but the family-style Hedgehog room can sleep up to two small children as well). Downstairs, you can tuck into the pub’s fine dining seasonal menu, which celebrates the best organic local produce – most of which comes from Daylesford and its sister farms. Just a few fields away is the estate, which guests can explore via its walking trails, which take between 40 minutes and two hours. There’s also the farm shop, café, deli and Bamford Wellness Spa, offering massages and facials, plus yoga and pilates classes. Guests can then return to The Wild Rabbit to meet, eat, party, chill and – if they want – bed down for the night in great comfort.
+44 (0)1608 658389; thewildrabbit.co.uk
The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote, Oxfordshire
A beacon among the new breed of converted inns, The Feathered Nest is as comfortable, stylish and well-equipped as a fine hotel, but smaller and more relaxed. Attractively laid out and furnished, this handsome property is triumphing under owner Adam Taylor. The four bedrooms, each with breathtaking views of the Evenlode Valley, blend the practical with the luxurious, kitted out with Nespresso machines, gleaming antiques, books and magazines. Plus, there’s a cosy one-bedroom cottage, with flagstone flooring, exposed fire mantle and wooden beams. In the rustic chic dining room or outside on the terrace, the modern British food in the three-AA rosette restaurant is as impressive as the bedrooms. New head chef Renemar Pinedo (who cut his teeth at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Dabbous) takes inspiration from his Caribbean roots with a focus on fresh seafood and open grill cooking. There’s also an excellent wine list. They are dog-friendly too – four-legged friends are welcome in The Cottage and the cosy bar, which has live music, friendly locals and a roaring fire
Doubles from £150.
+44 (0)1993 833030; thefeatherednestinn.co.uk
The Lakes By Yoo, Lechlade
Think you know the Cotswolds? Think again. Discover a secluded oasis where luxury meets nature in perfect harmony. Nestled among lush meadows, woodlands, and shimmering lakes, this retreat redefines the traditional hotel experience. Choose from cosy cabins or luxurious lakeside homes, each offering unbeatable views and serene surroundings. Families and couples alike can unwind and explore, with a plethora of activities to suit every taste. With amenities such as zip wires, paddleboards, kayaks, and an onsite farm providing an authentic rural experience, every moment here is designed to enhance your stay and create lasting memories. And after you’ve worked up an appetite, dine al fresco at the teepee bar and kitchen, where regular events feature live music and culinary delights. Your dog is welcome too, ensuring no family member is left behind. Experience a slice of bucolic bliss where every detail is tailored to your relaxation and enjoyment. Conveniently located, yet irresistibly captivating, it’s a destination that’s easy to reach and hard to leave.
Cabins from £695 per night.
+44 (0)1367 254 260; thelakesbyyoo.com
The Lamb Inn, Shipton-Under-Wychwood
The third venture from Peter Creed and Tom Noest, who also own The Bell Inn Langford and run Little Bell at Soho Farmhouse, this is exactly what you might expect: a lovely, modern country pub with rooms that showcases the duo’s passion for classic British food. Relax in the cosy bar, or the large beer garden in the summer, before sitting down to eat in the restaurant. Tom heads up the kitchen, preparing traditional favourites (fish and chips, double cheeseburgers, steaks) alongside interesting, simple dishes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, offal and game. There are ten comfortable rooms with beamed ceilings, antique furniture and ensuite walk-in showers (the biggest also have roll-top baths) – they make an ideal sanctuary after a day exploring the Cotswolds. The pub itself is in the pretty village of Shipton-Under-Wychwood and there is plenty to discover nearby, from Burford and Chipping Norton to the Batsford Arboretum and Cotswold Farm Park. The Lamb can also arrange all kinds of pursuit days, from deer stalking and pigeon shooting to coarse fishing and simulated game.Â
Doubles from £89.Â
+44 (0)1993 832116; thelambshipton.com
Thyme, Southrop Manor Estate, Gloucestershire
Paradise in glorious Cotswold countryside, Thyme offers botanically inspired bedrooms in a collection of stone houses and cottages, decorated with Bertioli fabrics and wallpapers that are hand-painted by founder, Caryn Hibbert. Family-run, Thyme is far more than just a hotel with thoughtful touches at every corner. The food – overseen by culinary director Charlie Hibbert – is its raison d’être, with first-class chefs, a highly regarded cookery school and exceptional produce from its own farm and kitchen gardens. Choose to eat in The Swan, Thyme’s charming 17th-century former bakery turned village pub, or The Ox Barn, where just-picked ingredients dictate the menus. There’s also Baa bar in the old lambing sheds for coffee and cocktails, and salads at Orchid House, part of the tranquil Meadow Spa. Restorative treatments take place in Meadow Cottage or the Botanical Bothy (here, the signature ritual includes breathwork, pressure point techniques, and a herbal bath for deep relaxation). Borrow bicycles or wellies to explore the countryside, sign up for floristry and painting classes, or work up an appetite with games of tennis on the estate’s court.
Doubles from £420.Â
+44 (0)1367 850174; thyme.co.uk
The Crown Inn, Enstone
In the pretty, peaceful village of Church Enstone, this sister pub to the Kingham Plough and The Hare, Milton-under-Wychwood, makes a brilliant base for exploring the Cotswolds. The market towns of Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Stratford-upon-Avon are all nearby, as is Soho Farmhouse, while Bicester Village is a 20-minute drive away. Above the pub, owners Matt and Katie Beamish offer five beautiful ensuite rooms with original oak beams and luxurious touches. There’s also a two-bedroom cottage next door sleeping four. The Crown’s flagstone floor bar is cosy in winter, while the suntrap walled garden is lovely in summer. On the seasonal menus of modern British dishes, only the very best of fresh, locally sourced produce is used. Expect innovative twists, re-imagined pub classics and daily changing specials alongside seasonal bar snacks, incredible Sunday roasts and a very good children’s menu, plus water bowls and biscuits for dogs. Keep an eye out for weekly changing local and guest ales, too, such as those from Hook Norton Brewery just down the road.Â
Doubles above the pub from £150; cottage £225
a night (2-night minimum stay).
+44(0)1608 677262; crowninnenstone.co.uk
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa
This beautiful, Grade II-listed Cotswold manor house hotel, set in 12 acres of gorgeous English gardens, makes a popular choice for Londoners who crave a grown-up, gourmet getaway. The hotel is close to the market towns of Malmesbury and Tetbury, as well as King Charles’ Highgrove and verdant Westonbirt, the National Arboretum. Serene, cosy and dog-friendly, it has 23 elegant rooms and suites, a cinema, and large spa, featuring an hydrotherapy pool, a thermal suite with sauna and a Himalayan salt cabin. Executive Chef Ricki Weston showcases British ingredients with innovative flair, earning the hotel’s Dining Room a prestigious Michelin star. Guests can savour exquisite tasting menus, expertly paired with wines, and experience heritage cooking techniques first-hand. Additionally, Grey’s offers a more relaxed dining experience with a neighbourhood eatery vibe. Committed to sustainability, Whatley Manor has earned silver accreditation with EarthCheck and a Green Michelin star, with ambitious targets to reduce their impact on the planet.Â
Rooms from £379.
+44 (0)1666 822888 |Â whatleymanor.com
