britain

The Cotswolds might be my new favorite place on planet earth. After all, where else can you enjoy the charm and tradition of British culture in a quaint and cozy setting? We recently returned from our European adventure, and this countryside leg of our trip was the highlight for me. Today, if you’ve been curious about what it’s like to visit the Cotswolds, keep reading!

How to Get to the Cotswolds

Our Euro trip began in Paris, so we made our way to England via The Chunnel. A quick 2-hour train ride found us in a not-so-foggy day in London Town, and we quickly went about exploring. We took the sights with the help of a private guide before having a truly fabulous dinner at Gymkhana. Our trip was made complete with a night’s rest at my favorite London hotel, Claridge’s, a historic hotel located in the heart of Mayfair. Next time we make the trek across the pond, we will stay in London longer. With so much to do, see, taste, and experience, London is a must-stop for anyone traveling to the Cotswolds.

Our car rental situation was seamless thanks to a delivery service that dropped our SUV directly to our hotel. We signed a few papers and were on the road in no time, which meant less time spent in line at a rental agency and more time spent enjoying England. Navigating London streets was a little tricky, but once we got on the highway, it was a quick hour and a half to the countryside.

On the way to our Cotswolds hotel, we made a quick stop in Oxford. Long known for its prestigious university and literary history, Oxford is a must-see for readers and history nerds (like me!). We stopped for a visit at C.S. Lewis’ home before touring the church, gardens, and university grounds. After enjoying pub fair and a few pints at the legendary Turf Tavern, we set off again for our final destination in the countryside.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

Pulling up to our hotel was, in a word, dreamy. Estelle Manor, a Jacobian-style mansion, is a newly renovated 108-room hotel set on 85-acres of privately owned English countryside. With a historic manor main house, greenhouses, gardens, and stables that were renovated into luxury cottages, Estelle Manor a visual treat for its guests and members.

Despite its rural setting, Estelle Manor is anything but quiet. There is a certain cool vibe to just about everything they do, and the funky bold design in the hotel common areas is reflected in everything from their restaurants, rooms, and pool. Our suite was large, with operable windows that allowed us to let in the fresh air and overlooked the picturesque pool area. Every corner of our room was decorated to the nines with antique furniture, unique fabrics, and one-of-a-kind accent pieces. Literally, take me back today. I was obsessed.

What to Do at Estelle Manor

Dining at Estelle Manor

The hotel boasts a several restaurants on-property that serve everything from French pastries to dim sum. Enjoy traditional British dishes at the Brasserie, upscale Japanese cuisine in the armory, and even Chinese fusion food in the Billiards room. My favorite was The Glasshouse, located just adjacent to the gardens, where we enjoyed breakfast each morning. A variety of dishes were available for choosing, and there was no beating the near-perfect design of the greenhouse-turned-restaurant.

The Pool

Because we arrived to the Cotswolds on the tail-end of a heat wave, the pool was the place to be. Striped cabanas and plush towels were provided to guests who sipped on spritzes and watched kids splash in the pool. Lounge chairs overlooking the pasture were available to those looking for less action and more rest.

The Eynsham Baths

Beyond the pool, one cant-miss highlight of the hotel is the Eynsham Baths, a massive 3,000-square-meter Roman bathhouse with saunas, cold plunge pools, and more. We opted to purchase a day pass in order to enjoy the facilities, and we spent a long morning rotating through the cold and hot water features at leisure.

What to Do in The Cotswolds

Beyond the walls of Estelle Manor, there is so much magic to unpack in the Cotswolds. Because we had a car, we were able to explore the neighboring villages, taking in the sights, shoppings, and available dining. Our favorite town was Burford, a quaint spot just 20 minutes from our hotel that had antiques, cozy dining, and locally-owned shopping. We spent a couple of hours alone in the Burford Garden Company looking at heirloom roses, home decor, and a fabulous selection of gifts to bring home. Design and garden nerds: THIS IS THE SPOT FOR YOU! Check out more of our favorites below.

Burford This village lined with Cotswolds stone buildings has walkable shopping, dining, and antiquing in one place!
Oxford A must-visit for readers and history buffs!
Bourton-on-the-Water Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, this idyllic village has footbridges, walking paths, and cute souvenir stores for visitors.
Blenheim Palace This estate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and is available to tourists for tours!
Stow-on-the-Wold & Daylesford Farm: Garden enthusiasts will love this farming community that offers a number of lodging, dining, and shopping opportunities.

A Taste of the Cotswolds

I was so visually inspired by all the natural and man-made beauty I experienced in the Costwolds. Coming home, I decided to bring a bit of my travels home with me! Check out a few of my Costwolds-inspired favorites below. Happy Shopping!

1. Ginori Teapot 2. Aged Terracotta Pots 3. Barbour Dog Leash 4. Fable Leather Backpack 5. Staud Wells Dress 6. Pewter Lidded Box 7. Organic Cotton Cropped Sweater 8. Cartwright & Butler Biscuits 9. Wicker Gathering Basket 10. Le Chameau Boots 11. Lake Pajames Set 12. Josh Young Table Lamp 13. Birkenstock Socks