This region, 130 kilometers northwest of London, invites you to escape to a picture-postcard countryside seemingly frozen in time. Its bucolic charm and slightly old-fashioned way of life are simply irresistible.
Rolling green hills, meadows stretching as far as the eye can see, peaceful and picturesque villages, golden stone houses surrounded by generous flowerbeds, Victorian manor houses inhabited for generations by the same lordly families, not to mention parks and gardens of exquisite refinement… The Cotswolds have long captivated London's high society and artists seeking inspiration, now joined by an increasing number of tourists from elsewhere. Most explore the region by car along the aptly named "Romantic Route," a 250-kilometer stretch with two loop itineraries. It begins in Cheltenham, renowned for its Regency architecture. Further north, in Winchcombe, one should slow down at St. Peter's Church to admire the low houses with their time-worn facades and windows adorned with vibrant flowers. To the right, a small road leads to Sudeley Castle, a castle surrounded by ten magnificent gardens, the most impressive of which, the Queens' Garden, boasts some 69 varieties of roses. From the highest point in the Cotswolds (331 meters above sea level), at the foot of Broadway Tower, the panorama stretches on a clear day as far as Worcester, some 30 kilometers away. A stop is then a must on Park Road, the main street of Chipping Campden, lined with antique shops, tea rooms, and art galleries. For a more romantic atmosphere, head towards Bourton-on-the-Water, a charming village bisected by a small stream. On sunny days, the benches and lawns are packed with people watching the swans glide by. In the southern section of the Romantic Road, the roads are narrower and winding, and more rural. No new buildings or billboards disturb the harmony of the landscape. Amidst gently sloping meadows and dense forests, it's not uncommon to encounter hikers, joggers, cyclists, or horseback riders. The churches, particularly those in Northleach and Cirencester, whose construction was financed by wool producers, vie with one another in size and beauty. In the village of Burford, people play cricket, polo, golf, or bridge. The final stop, Painswick, is known for its public garden dotted with 99 shrubs trimmed into points, squares, or circles, and its 18th - century Rococo garden. One can stroll leisurely there until teatime, a sacred moment… so British.
Address Book
Cowley Manor Experimental: A Contemporary Fairy Tale
This 22-hectare property, recently acquired by the Experimental Group (which also has properties in London, Biarritz, Menorca, and elsewhere), is located near Cheltenham. Dating back to the 17th century, it is said to have inspired Lewis Carroll when writing Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Italianate manor house, once owned by English kings, boasts 31 bedrooms, an extra-large spa, a restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients in a stunning wood-paneled dining room, a cocktail bar, a lounge, a library, and more—all decorated by the French designer Dorothée Meilichzon. Five new bedrooms have recently been created in an annex by the British architect Matos Ryan.
The Double Red Duke: An Inn for Epicureans
This former coaching inn, in the hamlet of Clanfield in Oxfordshire, has been transformed into a contemporary inn. A perfect stopover for guests of the 19 rooms decorated with carefully selected antique objects and artwork, and for patrons of the gastropub run by Swedish chef Henrik Ritzén (of Aquavit in London fame): a reason in itself to venture into the Cotswolds! The opulent interiors, patterned headboards, colorful wallpapers, and the incredible charm of the honey-colored building are all highlights.
countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke
The Fox at Oddington: Simple Joys
A former village pub, over a century old, recently transformed into a gourmet and convivial spot. People come as much for the atmosphere, with the crackling fire in the pizza oven, as for the dishes that celebrate local produce or the selection of beers and wines from independent producers. Upstairs, six charming rooms are decorated with antiques. And next door, a country house with four bedrooms is available for private rental, perfect for group stays.
The Wild Rabbit: Organic, beautiful and delicious
This trendy (but not ostentatious ) spot in Kingham was launched by Carole Bamford, a leading figure in the organic food movement. It's worth a visit for the dishes of chef Sam Bowser, who puts a stylish spin on traditional British cuisine. Rare breeds of meat, fruits, and vegetables come from nearby farms, including Daylesford, a benchmark for organic produce, also owned by Carole Bamford. You can also discover tasting workshops, cooking classes, concerts, and more. And to extend the experience, the establishment offers 13 rooms with a rustic-chic design.
