With chocolate-box towns, rustic pubs and its quintessentially English countryside, even the dreary weather won't get you down in the Cotswolds — the perfect place to escape to all year round, but extra special in off-peak winter season.
The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is overflowing with gorgeous hotels for overnight stays and getaways, with SoGlos selecting 19 wonderful country house hotels, inns and spa hotels to keep the winter blues at bay in 2024.
The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester
Promising a plush bed in the heart of Cirencester, The Kings Head is a top choice for foodies seeking some winter comfort, with two vibrant restaurants and its own deli and wine cellar.
Chow down on prime cuts of succulent meat at The Grill or dine at the hotel's swanky bar and restaurant, MBB Brasserie — and, if there's a dish that tickles your fancy, you can pick up the ingredients to create it at home from the Corn Hall Deli. After a good meal, relax in the vaulted spa, warming up in the sauna before a luxurious treatment.
The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stylish with the substance to back it up, The Old Stocks Inn is a transformed 17th-century coaching inn that's an Instagram lover's dream, brimming with photo opportunities from its colourful decor to the original penal stocks right outside its front door.
Sip pre- and post-dinner drinks in the cocktail lounge, which mixes up some quirky creations with a dash of theatre, and tuck into locally-sourced, seasonal fare in the double AA rosette restaurant — which also serves a great breakfast to keep you well-fuelled for a day exploring Stow and the surrounding area.
Ingleside House in Cirencester
Brave, bold and theatrical in design, Cirencester's boutique Ingleside House hotel is packed with personality, standing out from the crowd with its 11 individually-styled rooms and lavish residents' lounge.
As well as benefiting from a great central location, ideal for exploring the so-called 'capital of the Cotswolds', the hotel has its own award-winning restaurant and piano bar, Teatro, and the Barn Theatre right on its doorstep.
De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Nestled among the 150-plus lakes that make up Cotswold Water Park, the contemporary De Vere Cotswold Water Park hotel is one for the outdoor lovers.
Overlooking Lake 6, it offers waterside walks from its doorstep, so pack plenty of layers and prepare to go out exploring. Return to a hearty meal in one of the hotel's three eateries, which all benefit from spectacular views of the lake, and visit the spa to soothe cold limbs in the hydrotherapy pool and sauna.
The Bay Tree in Burford
A wisteria-wound archway leads guests to a bar and restaurant area, with a roaring open fire offering a cosy experience akin to a warm hug from a loved one.
Exposed beams, flagstone floors and honey-hued Cotswold stone add to the charm and character of the Grade II-listed Bay Tree in Burford, but contemporary furnishings allow for a comfortable and relaxing stay — with deluxe double and twin rooms available to book, all stocked with luxurious Molton Brown toiletries for maximum pampering.
Calcot Manor in Tetbury
One for the spa lovers, Calcot Manor is a truly blissful retreat, spoiling guests from top-to-toe with its menu of indulgent treatments and dreamy outdoor hot tub, set by the fireside and surrounded by idyllic countryside.
With what it calls its '220-acre Cotswold playground' to explore, it's a fantastic option for families seeking a winter getaway too, with adventure play areas and cycling trails with complimentary bike hire for frosty adventures. Or, if it's too chilly to enjoy the great outdoors, there's a purpose-built Playbarn packed with toys, games consoles and even a 12-seater cinema.
The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold
Welcoming weary travellers for 11 centuries, England's oldest inn The Porch House offers a cosy place to hunker down for the night, with 13 charming bedrooms all brimming with age-old character and touches of modern luxury.
Take advantage of its Winter Wonderland offer, valid until the end of February, which includes a two-course evening meal from a seasonal set menu in the beautiful restaurant, overnight accommodation and breakfast in the morning for two guests.
The Old New Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water
The home of Bourton's miniature Model Village, The Old New Inn has a choice of nine nature-inspired bedrooms, with a beautifully-refurbished taproom and restaurant where hungry guests can grab a spot by the fire for dinner and drinks.
Right in the centre, it's a great choice of accommodation for anyone looking to explore one of the Cotswolds' most popular villages in the wintertime, when they can expect fewer crowds.
Cotswold House Hotel and Spa in Chipping Campden
Enjoy a spot of Regency grandeur at the elegant Cotswold House Hotel and Spa, found on Chipping Campden's Upper High Street. Every bedroom in the Grade II-listed town house is exquisitely decorated to show off the building's period character — and some even have their own hot tub.
The hotel's Bistro on the Square is a relaxed spot for a warming morning coffee or a night cap before bed, with over 70 varieties of gin and classic cocktails on its drinks menu; while the adjacent Fig restaurant offers a romantic setting for an evening meal. Don't forget to book a visit the spa, which has a hydrotherapy pool, hair salon and nail bar for extra pampering.
The Manor House in Moreton-in-Marsh
Sat on Moreton-in-Marsh's bustling High Street, The Manor House is a 16th-century manor house-turned-hotel where guests can soothe their winter blues, sipping wine by the open log fire or taking afternoon tea in the library.
If the weather holds out, take a stroll around its lovely walled gardens or venture down the road to the nearby Batsford Arboretum, which is known for its glorious display of snowdrops in the wintertime, before a bite to eat in The Beagle Brassiere.
The Slaughters Manor House in Lower Slaughter
Escape the blustery weather at The Slaughters Manor House, a luxury country retreat in the incredibly picturesque Lower Slaughter — which is an enchanting example of a Cotswold village that's well worth braving the cold for.
Retreat to the hotel's billiard room, where you can grab a cue and play, or kick back with a drink in one of the lounges; with a glamorous bar to discover in its labyrinth of rooms, too. Better yet, the rooms promise a comfortable night's sleep, with Vispring beds, crisp sheets and enviably plump pillows.
Thyme in Southrop
Winter is a wonderful time to stay in one of Thyme's tranquil, botanical-inspired bedrooms, making the most of its lower room rates in January, February and November.
Dispersed throughout different houses and cottages on the estate, its rooms are part of a peaceful hamlet in Southrop, where old farm buildings have been lovingly transformed into bars and eateries. Pack your wellies for frosty walks through the gardens before snuggling up by open fires or unwinding in the spa, which offers a menu of winter wellbeing experiences.
Lords of the Manor Hotel in Upper Slaughter
Not only does it provide luxurious lodgings, Lords of the Manor Hotel is home to a triple AA rosette restaurant, The Atrium, which offers distinguished fine dining. Foodies can tuck into creative tasting menus, pairing the best seasonal produce with wine flights from one of the oldest wine cellars in the Cotswolds.
Wrap up warm to explore its eight acres of perfectly manicured grounds, which blend seamlessly into the surrounding hills, or stroll further along to find yourself in Upper Slaughter's lovely little village square which oozes quintessential Cotswold charm.
Three Ways House Hotel near Chipping Campden
Best known for hosting the Cotswolds' world-famous Pudding Club, Three Ways House Hotel is a heavenly staycation spot for those with a sweet tooth, with a handful of wacky pudding-themed bedrooms and, of course, the opportunity to sample the best of British desserts at one of its regular Pudding Club events.
Located in the small village of Mickleton, it's well-located for exploring nearby Chipping Campden and the rest of the north Cotswolds, which offers some beautiful winter walks — and, for anyone travelling with a four-legged companion, the hotel welcomes well-behaved dogs, too.
The Lygon Arms in Broadway
With multiple accommodation options to choose from, whether it be a weekend break in the cottage, or a weekday escape in the courtyard suites, a stay in The Lygon Arms is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Specially offering three nights for the price of two this winter season, hotel guests can relish in the peace of the spa's heated pool, steam room and sauna, and wake up to a complimentary breakfast. Plus, be sure to book a table in the exclusive restaurant, Grill by James Martin, for an unforgettable dining experience with dishes designed by the celebrity chef himself.
The Ebrington Arms near Chipping Campden
Rise to the sounds of nature this winter, during a stay at The Ebrington Arms — and explore the glorious local area of Chipping Campden after a peaceful nights rest.
With Batsford Arboretum just a 15 minute drive away, the hotel provides a wonderful base, with its double and king-sized rooms all decorated and designed to compliment the rustic outdoors that surround the building. Each room comes with a tea and coffee station and television for slow mornings and visitors can move to the restaurant for a menu of seasonal dishes prepared with the finest local produce.
The Bell at Sapperton
Three beautiful rooms, all graced with a woodland-themed moniker, await at the award-winning Sapperton pub and inn, The Bell.
The showstopping super king suite comes with everything required for a dream break in the Cotswolds countryside, including a huge super king-sized bed, a rain shower, a television complete with Netflix and even a mini kitchen with a microwave, toaster, fridge and kettle — book now for its low season rates running until March 2024.
The Wheatsheaf Inn at Northleach
A 17th-century beauty, The Wheatsheaf Inn features 14 bespoke bedrooms with Hypnos beds, flatscreen televisions, freestanding bathtubs and a Nespresso coffee machine — for a caffeine kick to savour in comfort.
Savings can be made with a variety of packages available, with the best rate guaranteed when booking direct. Also be sure to sample the seasonal menu at hand just downstairs, with dairy-free, plant-based and gluten-free options aplenty to ensure everyone is satisfied.
The Feathered Nest Inn at Nether Westcote
With a luxury cottage to explore and four gorgeous guest rooms to lay your head this winter, look no further if you're after a true country-style stay.
Quintessentially Cotswolds, The Feathered Nest at Nether Westcote looks like it leapt straight from the illustrations of a cosy countryside dream, with stone fireplaces and neutral colours adorning the walls and comfy furnishings. Treat yourself to a break in the cottage that sits separate from within the grounds of the inn, complete with king-sized bed, freestanding bathtub and fully equipped kitchenette — with dogs welcome too.
