When we picture the ideal autumnal break, it’s tempting to take our inspiration from movie scenes: couples clutching mugs of steaming hot chocolate, crunching through leaves and strolling along frosted riverbanks, snuggling up by a roaring fire, glasses of wine in hand…
But when you book a break at a Cotswolds Inn, those daydreams can become a reality, because each of our seven beautiful hotels is nestled amid the gorgeous Cotswolds countryside, serves exceptional food and drink, and is steeped in the kind of history and quintessentially English style that’s the ideal recipe for a picture-perfect mini-break.
Burford in Oxfordshire is known as the gateway to The Cotswolds, and is also home to The Bay Tree and The Lamb Inn. It’s renowned for being one of the most picturesque towns in England, crammed with higgledy-piggledy houses and cobbled streets to explore – perhaps before warming up in the Burford Museum.
Burford is also just a few minutes’ drive from Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, where you can meet lions, giraffes and penguins, and 30 minutes from the glories of Blenheim Palace, and the season-friendly activities of Oxford, which include taking in the stunning colours at the Harcourt Arboretum, and attending a candlelit Evensong service at Magdalen College.
After a day’s exploring, guests at The Bay Tree can enjoy the peace and quiet of its tucked-away location, which gives you the chance to completely unwind. Its honey-coloured stone, imposing staircases, open fireplaces and exposed beams really set off the cosy atmosphere.
Meanwhile, if you’ve chosen The Lamb for your stay, you can feast on seasonal delights in its award-winning restaurant, including venison loin and roasted pumpkin soup, and enjoy cosy touches like an open log fire, traditional grandfather clock, and Molton Brown toiletries for your bath.
Tetbury in Gloucestershire is home to King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort – and two of Cotswold Inns’ gems: the The Close and the Hare & Hounds. The second-largest town in The Cotswolds, Tetbury’s streets have been bustling with activity since the Middle Ages. Today, they’re famed for boutique shopping and their national gardens – including Rodmarton Manor, Newark Park and, of course, Highgrove Garden, which is just over a mile away (we recommend checking the availability of tours before visiting).
Our inns are as steeped in history as the town itself: The Close is a classic English country hotel and former town house that dates back to the 16th century. Cosily secluded, it combines traditional touches (large picture windows, antique furniture and roll-top baths) with contemporary style, for a classic but exceptionally comfortable stay.
To reflect the stunning countryside of the area, the Hare & Hounds offers its own gorgeous grounds to explore, replete with hidden pathways, secret archways, and manicured lawns, while inside, there are fireside armchairs, a library for book-lovers, and a drawing room for playing board games to enjoy.
Elsewhere in Gloucester, you’ll find the picturesque market town of Moreton-In-Marsh and The Manor House inn. Located on the Fosse Way and steeped in history, Moreton-In-Marsh has been a market town since 1227, and its beauty is even thought to have inspired JRR Tolkein when he was writing The Lord of the Rings.
Once you’ve taken in the sights, you can relax in the 16th-century charm of an idyllic country manor and enjoy signature cocktails at The Beagle Bar, informal dining in a cosy nook at The Beagle Brasserie, or seasonal dishes including South Downs venison tartare and roasted guinea fowl at the 2 AA Rosette Mulberry Restaurant.
The tranquil village of Bibury was described by William Morris as ‘The most beautiful village in England,’ and if you’re visiting, The Swan is a suitably stunning place to stay. Situated on the banks of the River Coln, it’s perfectly positioned for crisp autumn walks and frosty riverside strolls.
As well as one of 22 standard rooms (which, with their antique furniture, Nespresso machines and Molton Brown products in the bathrooms, are really anything but), guests at The Swan can choose to stay in one of its very special Garden Cottage Suites, which are nestled in the grounds of the hotel, and offer a touch more luxury and privacy. One of these suites even boasts a hot tub.
Finally, The Bear of Rodborough can be found in Stroud, which is set against the stunning backdrop of the Five Valleys and is packed with boutique shops and independent traders. As well as being home to one of The Cotswolds’ most famous farmers’ markets, Fridays and Saturdays see the famous Shambles Market opening up on the High Street. The gorgeous Museum in the Park is also just ten minutes’ drive away.
You may, however, be tempted to stay close to home when you book a room at The Bear: a former coaching inn, it dates back to the 17th century, and is set within 300 acres of stunning National Trust countryside (which is why you’re likely to spot a Belted Galloway cow or two grazing on the common opposite). Inside, you’ll find four-poster beds, the cosiest of armchairs to nestle into, and an unrivalled country-dining experience.
Wherever you choose to stay, you can guarantee a break at a Cotswold Inn will be cosy, comfortable, and absolutely ideal for autumn.