The Best Hotels In The Cotswolds

The Bell at Charlbury

Charlbury, Oxfordshire

With its cosy nooks, log fires and orchard garden, this 17th-century pub in the market town of Charlbury (an uber popular destination for the ever-increasing number of Cotswolds-loving folk) is another Daylesford Stays triumph – and part of the collection which includes The Wild Rabbit.

As always with Daylesford – the vision of Lady Bamford who opened the first farmshop in 2002 – the food is exceptional; hearty pub classics sit alongside ingredient-led dishes, with seasonal produce from Daylesford’s Market Garden and sustainably sourced meat and fish. Generous Sunday roasts are cooked slowly over fire in The Barn – an open-plan feasting space that’s also perfect for year-round parties and family gatherings. In the summer, the huge garden is the place to enjoy wood-fired sourdough pizzas from the Garden Bar. 

Inside, the bar forms the heart of the pub, with a hand-picked selection of modern craft beers from independent British breweries, alongside traditional cask ales and wine from independent vineyards. Large inglenook res take the chill out of the cooler evenings. 

The 12 beautiful bedrooms sitting above the pub and The Barn feel like a home away from home. Each room is characterful and welcoming, featuring bespoke pieces by British artisans and craftspeople. From twin rooms tucked away in the eaves and spacious rooms located in the oldest part of the pub, all have been sympathetically restored to retain many of their original features. Filled with natural light, each room combines exceptionally comfortable beds featuring sumptuous bed linen and cloudlike pillows, all in the signature Daylesford palette combining contrasting textures and fabrics. 

Throughout the year, The Bell hosts a series of craft, art and floristry workshops in The Barn, as well as Easter egg hunts and summer parties in the Garden. The many epicurean delights of Daylesford Farm and farmshop, plus Bamford Wellness Spa, are only a short drive away and the beauty of the Cotswolds is right on The Bell’s doorstep. 

Doubles from £152 +44 (0)1608 692887; thebellatcharlbury.com

Bull Burford

Burford, Oxfordshire

This Grade II-listed, 16th-century coaching inn, tucked away in the medieval Cotswolds town of Burford, has been making headlines for all the right reasons. First, when it was acquired by PR impresario and local resident Matthew Freud; second, when it reopened in 2023 after a full-scale renovation. 

It offers everything you’d want from a refined rural weekend escape – including two destination restaurants. Chef Adam Harris heads up the signature dining room, Bull, where the focus is on seasonal, locally sourced produce (on Sundays, it’s a roast-only menu). Outside, in the sunken courtyard’s bespoke marquee, Wild offers a supper club-style setup, with chef Ben Chamberlain serving an imaginative ten to 12 course tasting menu of grill-led dishes – think spider crab cones with pit leeks and masago, rhubarb-glazed pork belly with onion crunch, and a yuzu custard parfait to finish. 

Beyond the dining, there are many cosy corners to settle into. Herd, the sitting room, comes with an open fire in the colder months, while the cocktail bar, Vincents, is effortlessly stylish. Both are hung with pieces from the hotel’s remarkable art collection, which ranges from big names like Damien Hirst, Salvador Dalí, Banksy and Francis Bacon to rarer finds such as a Roman marble mosaic, a fragment of Byzantine sculpture. 

While the shared spaces buzz with life, the 18 individually designed bedrooms bring calm and character. Expect original timber beams, wonky floors, stone fireplaces and exposed Cotswold brickwork, all softened by a grown-up palette of dusky pinks and muted blues, modern furnishings and playful details like in-room drinks trolleys and a communal pantry stocked with homemade brownies and books. 

The events programme is just as well-considered as the interiors – from secret cinema nights in a 16-seat private screening room to dealer-led poker evenings held in a hidden, sunken space accessed through an old prison door. It’s perfectly placed between Oxford and Cheltenham, with Bourton-on-the-Water and Blenheim Palace close by, this is an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds – or simply staying put. 

Doubles from £275 44 (0)1993 220994; bullburford.com

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. The flagship of The Calcot Collection, a small, eclectic hotel group, which includes Lord Crewe Arms and The Painswick, there’s a total of 34 refreshed and reinvigorated cream-hued rooms here. 

Those in the manor house are designed with couples in mind, while family rooms and suites occupy converted cottages and barns; deluxe suites have their own private garden. The recently expanded spa is superlative; the ComfortZone’s treatments menu is fabulously indulgent. Should you be lounging in the indoor or outdoor pool or the hot tub, this time can be guaranteed uninterrupted thanks to an Ofsted registered crèche. 

The Grain Store is the state-of-the-art gym, kitted out exhaustively: there’s a Technogym, spin shed, holistic and exercise studios, plus a host of ­fitness classes. Linger over imaginative seasonal dishes in the Brasserie restaurant 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 £344 +44 (0)1666 890391; calcot.co

Dormy House

Broadway, Worcestershire

Standing proud on the sprawling 500-acre Farncombe Estate is Dormy House. Overlooking the picture-postcard village of Broadway, this 17th-century farmhouse turned boutique retreat boasts cosy corners, open ­fireplaces and flagstone doors. Its 39 cheerful bedrooms and suites are the exemplar of quintessential country living with a touch of Scandinavian style. Dormy House is also home to an internationally renowned spa, offering utter relaxation in the form of thermal suites, a Himalayan salt sauna, a snow shower and an outdoor ­fireside hot tub. 

The interactive 12-seat chef’s table restaurant, MO, boldly puts Dormy House on the Cotswolds’ food map, with chefs and a sommelier guiding diners through eight innovative courses. The Back Garden restaurant offers a seasonal menu of local, high welfare meat and responsibly cultivated veg, while The Shed provides the perfect spot for a nightcap. 

You’re free to explore the beautiful Farncombe Estate, or take a short drive to the village of Broadway with its exquisite houses, manicured lawns, and art galleries. For spectacular views of the countryside, a short hike will take you to Broadway Tower. 

Doubles from £395 +44 (0)1386 852711; dormyhouse.co.uk

The Double Red Duke

Claneld, Oxfordshire

This wisteria-clad coaching inn close to Oxford and on the edge of the Cotswolds comes from the minds of 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. 

This is cooked 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 Margot Henderson and Niklas Elkstedt. 

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. 

Doubles from £180 +44 (0)1367 810222; countrycreatures.com

Ellenborough Park

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

The finest estate in the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park is located within 90 acres of glorious grounds, just moments away from Cheltenham Racecourse. The lovingly restored 15th-century manor house was once 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 private hideaway, The Lodge, have appealing country house character (think antique furniture, rich fabrics, heavenly beds and rolltop baths). Alongside an outdoor heated pool and soul-soothing spa, the new Spa Garden Retreat is home to a hot tub, sauna, ice-bath, relaxation area and modern sun loungers. 

From fresh seasonal produce to an inviting atmosphere, there is a dining experience to suit everyone. Spring and summer see an al fresco dining delight in quirky dining carriages on the South Lawn and the Taittinger Terrace. Guests can also enjoy a glass of Champagne from the converted Horse Box trailer bar while watching the sunset over the racecourse. 

Doubles from £269 +44 (0)1242 545454; ellenboroughpark.com

The Fish Hotel

Broadway, Worcestershire

Tucked away on Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds, alongside Dormy House and Foxhill Manor, The Fish is a boutique property with some extraordinary features. Alongside country-chic rooms and suites in The Stables, The Outhouse and The Coach House, there are three show-stopping luxury treehouses accessed via a rope bridge (perfect for a family escape). 

Fifteen converted shepherd huts are also nestled within the grounds, with cosy double beds and freestanding baths – some have their own private hot tubs. A stroll down the hill leads to Hook, the restaurant helmed by Farncombe’s culinary director Martin Burge. With a focus on sustainable and seasonal cuisine, he’s introduced a delectable maritime-inspired menu. 

Eat on the large, paved terrace, or in the dining room, with an open kitchen for watching the skilled chefs at work. Large groups will love Feasting on e Deck, an outdoor space where you can enjoy a three-course BBQ extravaganza. It’s a fabulous spot for families and dogs, with an array of activities available on the Adventure Field, children’s woodland play area, agility course specifically for canines and – are you ready? – an outdoor ‘dog tub’. 

Doubles from £225 +44 (0)1386 858000; thefishhotel.co.uk

Foxhill Manor

Broadway, Worcestershire

Nestled deep within the scenic woodland of Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds, this majestic Arts & Crafts Grade II-listed property was originally a private home and retains the feel of a private manor house hotel to this day. The sister hotel to Dormy House and The Fish, Foxhill Manor redefines luxury with an all-inclusive boutique experience that off­ers endless indulgence and impeccable service. 

There are very glamorous rooms and three suites to choose from, all individually designed and with views of the rolling countryside. Instead of a restaurant, you’re invited to chat through your foodie desires with the chef, who will make you a bespoke dinner to order, while cocktails can be mixed on demand, and wine fridges and pantries are available for guests to raid. 

On the estate, outdoor activities like falconry and clay shooting can be arranged, and in the valley below lies the beautiful Cotswolds village of Broadway. Guests are offered access to the fabulous spa at Dormy House, too. And for the ultimate in privacy, the property can be exclusively hired for a group to enjoy. 

Doubles from £790 +44 (0)1386 854200; foxhillmanor.com

The Harcourt Arms

Stanton Harcourt, Cotswolds

Within a 30-minute drive from Oxford, and on the cusp of the Cotswolds, this 17th-century pub sits in the centre of the charming Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt. While it ticks all the boxes of a lovely village pub – cosy nooks and crannies, roaring log res and wood burners – it also has the feel of a stylish baronial countryside manor. 

The ten rooms really are something special: comfortable, cosy, and individually named and decorated. Broadway is for families (it sleeps up to four); light, airy and accessible, Burford has direct access to the rear garden; and the regal Blenheim suite is ideal for an indulgent treat or celebration, with its beamed vaulted ceiling, leather sofas and wooden four-poster bed. 

The atmosphere is both rarefied and relaxing. Sink into a squidgy sofa by the re to enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine or one of the many new ales on offer as you watch the world go by. If you feel peckish, order elevated pub classics (battered haddock with chips and crushed peas, steaks that are grilled to perfection) or bar snacks such as the renowned sage and onion Scotch egg with Oxford sauce. The main menu also delivers on presentation and choice. Perhaps start with the gin-cured smoked trout, pickled jalapenos, lime and crème fraiche, followed by whole roasted poussin, pea and asparagus fricassee – and save room to top it off with the acclaimed lemon meringue cheesecake. Service and attention to detail is excellent, and goes way beyond what you might expect in a pub. There are summer terraces too, for when the weather turns warm. 

This being the gateway to the Cotswolds, there’s plenty to see and do on the doorstep, from pottering around towns like Witney and Burford to concerts at Blenheim Palace and the irresistible lure of retail therapy at Bicester Village. Head south for a stroll to Devil’s Quoits, a henge and stone circle, or for a longer walk, pick up the Thames River path nearby. For shing enthusiasts, Linear Fisheries is just down the road and has multiple lakes with some of the best carp shing in the UK. 

Doubles from £105 +44 (0)1865 416516; theharcourtarms.com

The Lakes By Yoo

Lechlade, Gloucestershire

Discover a slice of bucolic bliss in the heart of Gloucestershire. Nestled among 850 acres of rolling meadows and greenery, centred around a series of pristine lakes, this is a tranquil escape. It began as a vision shared between property developer John Hitchcox and celebrated designer Philippe Starck, who dreamt of creating a modern countryside retreat. 

The result is a secluded rural estate, ideal for everyone, from couples in search of romance to multi-gen groups with the whole family (and dogs) in tow. Choose from a selection of luxury hotel rooms, cabins, apartments or houses, all with serene lakeside locations and unbeatable views – some even come with their own rowing boats, paddleboards and canoes. For dining, there’s a lakeside restaurant, bespoke private dining options, or the dedicated Guest Services team will ll up your fridge for a home-cooked feast.

The Lakes by YOO o­ers a variety of experiences, from wild swimming, watersports and ziplining to an on-site farm and nature-based Kids Club. Just want to chill out? Head to the Spa and Wellness Centre, with its state-of-the-art gym, 17m heated pool, cryotherapy chamber and indulgent treatments. 

Doubles from £325 +44 (0)1367 254260; thelakesbyyoo.com

The Lygon Arms

Broadway, Worcestershire

Originally a 14th-century coaching inn, The Lygon Arms in Broadway has 86 unique guestrooms and suites 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 re in one of the cosy lounges or book a table in the outstanding Grill or the relaxed Tavern, both menus created 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 o­er. There are four EV charging points too, so eco-minded guests are well catered for. 

Doubles from £306 +44 (0)1386 852255; lygonarmshotel.co.uk

No. 131

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

This is the place to stay in Cheltenham: your urban base in the heart of the Cotswolds. Owned by British fashion power couple Jade Holland Cooper, founder of her eponymous brand, and Julian Dunkerton, co-founder of Superdry, No.131 is where heritage excellence meets contemporary cool. 

Spread across a trio of handsome white-fronted Georgian townhouses on e Promenade, there are 36 fabulous rooms, with re ned detailing, divine beds, stylish bathtubs, bold statement fabrics, modern British art, and period bathrooms for a touch of old-fashioned luxury. 

Then there are hideaways, hangouts and sun-dappled terraces aplenty with outdoor bars and al fresco dining. Streetside elegance abounds at No.131 The Terrace restaurant. Menus range from a weekday mixed-price ‘Green’ menu, with dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, to indulgent suppers and the famous Sunday roast. The restaurant is complemented downstairs by the relaxed buzz of Gin & Juice, the heart of Cheltenham’s social scene, where you can work your way through a list of 400 gins and boogie the night away every weekend with its resident DJs. 

A destination restaurant in itself, YOKU (which means the desire to do things exceptionally well, with kindness and care) is the hotel’s Japanese fine dining restaurant, a one-of-a-kind setting where sushi meets style. Don’t miss the ‘Underwater Kingdom’ with its beautiful array of sashimi. 

For an extra spoiling time, book in for the hotel’s ‘Stay in Style’ package. Guests are greeted with champagne on arrival and then can be whisked off to have a personalised styling appointment at the Holland Cooper flagship boutique at nearby Dunkertons Park, followed by an overnight stay and breakfast. Dunkertons Park, which is also owned by Jade and Julian, is a stylish lifestyle destination in its own right. Here you can find street food vendors, a charming French-style boulangerie, and a programme of interesting events. 

Doubles from £150 +44 (0)1242 822939; no131.com

The Painswick

Stroud, Gloucestershire

A glorious combination of eclecticism, heavenly food and creature comforts, all set in one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest towns, this picture-perfect Palladian house, owned by The Calcot Collection, is a relaxing, chic haven with ace cuisine and fabulous views over the Slad valley. The Calcot Collection, which includes Lord Crewe Arms and Calcot & Spa too, is master of the art of creating laidback luxury, conjuring up an arty, subtly funky feel in the sitting rooms and furnishing the 17 bedrooms in pale, soothing tones, with characteristic attention to detail. 

Families and groups of friends will love the private new three-bedroom cottage, sitting next to the hotel, with its own kitchen and lounge area. Head chef Jamie McCullum can cook you a tray bake supper ready and waiting for you to pop into the oven. Alternatively, enjoy the hotel’s just-relaunched restaurant SAUCE, with its brand-new menu of small plates, feasting boards and tasty puds. Breakfast in the sunny restaurant is a delight too – as is the sumptuous Painswick afternoon tea in one of the cosy lounges or on the lovely terrace with valley views. 

Doubles from £219 +44 (0)1452 813688; thepainswick.co.uk

The PIG-in the Cotswolds

Barnsley, Gloucestershire

THE PIG has expanded its litter, with this honey-hued, 17th-century Grade II-listed gem, which features original listed arts and crafts gardens by Rosemary Verey. Sitting peachily in the delightful Cotswolds village of Barnsley, the house is genuinely unspoilt and elegantly appointed, with cosy nooks and crannies to hunker down in. 

Spread across the main house, the honey-stone Stableyard, and the gardens, there are 26 generous bedrooms – all wonderfully piggy (rich fabrics, super comfy beds, reclaimed textures and roll top baths), complete with fabulous garden views. 

The much-loved 25 Mile Menu brims with delicious dishes made up of daily harvested produce from the kitchen garden and fresh ingredients from small Cotswolds producers. If you can tear yourself away, go in search of the Fieldhouse, tucked away under the trees, which offers bespoke treatments, using family-run, natural skincare brand Tribe517. The Village Pub – another PIG triumph – is just across the lane and the cobbled-street towns of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury are a stone’s throw away. 

Doubles from £415 +44 (0)3452 259494; thepighotel.com

The Village Pub

Barnsley, Gloucestershire

The first PIG pub – and, unsurprisingly, it’s simply gorgeous. Just four miles from Cirencester, this Grade II-listed inn is rurally located in the lovely village of Barnsley and comes with all the delightful touches you could want. The pub started life as three cottages, which were converted in the early 18th century. Today, there are six gorgeous bedrooms tucked into the eaves. Each one is different – but all are naturally stylish, with Egyptian cotton bedlinen on a sumptuous mattress and en-suites with a monsoon shower. 

The food is proper pub food done well – very well. Tuck into the likes of bangers and mash, smoked haddock fish cakes and pork chops with brandy sauce. All complemented by local gravity fed ales straight from the barrel, ice-cold IPAs and Guinness on draft – and a serious wine list to match. The following morning, a traditional full-cooked English breakfast sets you up for the day. THE PIG – in the Cotswolds is just across the lane – here, you can enjoy a treatment at their magical spa or book a table at the restaurant, with its superb 25 Mile Menu. 

Doubles from £165 +44 (0)1285 740421; thevillagepub.co.uk

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa

Malmesbury, Wiltshire

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 a 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 is aiming for gold in 2026, with ambitious targets to reduce their impact on the planet. 

Doubles from £379 +44 (0)1666 822888; whatleymanor.com

The Wild Rabbit

Kingham, Oxfordshire

This beautiful 17th-century inn built from golden Cotswold stone is an idyllic place to dine, drink and sleep. Slow luxury is at the heart of The Wild Rabbit – which comes from the Daylesford Stays stable – with sustainability and nature woven through every detail of its pub and cottages. 

The bar is welcoming with open log fires and comfy armchairs, and is generously stocked with wines from independent vineyards, craft beers and local ales. With a menu of signature seasonal cocktails, settle in by the log fire or take your drink on to the sunny terrace on warmer days to while away an afternoon. 

The Wild Rabbit’s elevated dining room re­ects an intimate connection to the produce on its doorstep, serving thoughtfully crafted and imaginative dishes. Constantly evolving and changing with the seasons, the menu is designed to make use of fresh ingredients at their peak, with as much emphasis on local provenance as possible. 

The high-ceilinged dining room is light-filled and bright and has been featured in The Michelin Guide. The kitchen is open so that diners can experience the theatre of the chefs at work, creating an atmosphere that feels dynamic and lively. 

Thirteen pub rooms have been designed to feel warm and welcoming, with hand-picked antiques, books on the shelves and playful linocuts by Hugo Guinness. They offer all the considered touches you would expect from a stay: fine linen sheets, botanical products in the bathroom and other thoughtful additions to ensure a comfortable, memorable experience. 

There are also 34 traditional Cotswold stone cottages, each one within a two-mile radius of Daylesford Farm, including 13 in Kingham – a short walk from the Wild Rabbit. During your stay, explore Daylesford Farm with walking trails ranging from 40 minutes to two hours. Discover Daylesford’s farmshop and retreat in the Bamford Wellness Spa, which offers pampering spa days, massages and facials, plus yoga and pilates classes. 

Doubles from £152 +44 (0)1608 692866; thewildrabbit.co.uk