DAY TRIPS IN THE COTSWOLDS – WHERE YOU CAN VISIT FOR A DAY OUT

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The Cotswolds define what is quintessentially the British landscape. One of the very many highlights of the area is nature. There's an abundance of locations worth visiting, whether that be culturally important in the arts, trade, history, or simply for something new. Here Unique Cotwolds Cottages have selected some day trips in the Cotswolds where you can visit for a day out:

A popular place to attend in the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage Site over 300 years old. The only palace in the UK not part of royalty, it was also the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Inside its regal walls are a host of antiquities and tapestry, while outside is a large park and gardens.

A 7th-century Saxon town, Chipping Campden is a medieval market with a community ambience but accommodating of tourists. Featuring a 17th-century market hall, The Silk Mill - home of the Guild of Handicrafts, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink, it's also home to the annual Olimpick Games, founded in 1612.

Managed by The National Trust, Hidcote Manor Garden was originally a farmhouse built in the 17th century, 600 feet above sea level. When acquired by Lawrence Johnston, he devised garden rooms surrounding the property, beginning in 1907, showcasing a diverse range of plants collected from all over the world. Essentially a private collection, but now a public space.

Belas Knap is a Neolithic long arrow dating back to around 3000BC. The entrance is a false one, with side entries that would have been invisible to the naked eye. Complemented by design, it would have been hard to notice how it merges with the natural landscape. Easily accessible and managed by The National Trust, this is well worth the look.

A small, tranquil market town, Stow-on-the-Wold is a must for all visitors to the Cotswolds. Located on an advantageous point on an 800ft hill, history reports the location as an Iron Age fort until it was established as a marketplace. It originally played a part in the wool industry, hosting large fairs, which hold up today with the biannual Gypsy Horse Fair, as well as a selection of antique shops to choose from.

MORE ON UNIQUE COTSWOLD COTTAGES

Unique Cotswold Cottages offers luxury cottage retreats in four distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds. Offering 4 boutique cottages to choose from;

‘The Loft’, is a stunning Grade || Listed Building located in Stow-on-the-Wold. With wonderful views from the rooftop and the champagne provided, The Loft is perfect for a couple’s romantic weekend escape.

‘Little Gem’ is a refurbished stone cottage with over 200 years of history located in Bourton-on-the-water, known as ‘The Little Venice of Cotswolds.’

‘The Bolt Hole’ features Cotswold stone walls and oak beams it is in the centre of delightful Winchcombe with its array of pubs, cafes and restaurants. It is located in an “Area of Natural Beauty” and has a wealth of delightful walks as well as historic Sudeley castle on the doorstep.

‘Honey Pot’ is a newly renovated Cotswold stone ground floor apartment in the heart of Chipping Campden with its elegant 14th and 17th century terraced buildings.

THE HIDDEN GEMS OF THE COTSWOLDS - WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE  BEST VIEWS AWAY FROM THE CROWD

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Locating some truly secret locations off the beaten path can be hit and miss with a simple Google search. For the best-kept secrets. Here Amanda from Unique Cotswold Cottages has provided some of these hidden gems and where to get the best views away from the crowds:

Slightly overlooked by neighboring Hidcote Manor Garden, Kiftsgate Garden is an alternative to those who wish to marvel at some of the unique display of rose varieties atop a hillside manor. While this isn't entirely a hidden gem, it's less populated than Hidcote and has beautiful views of the Vale of Evesham. 

Located by the River Coln, Fairford isn't a typical tourist location. This idyllic market town hosts several traditional markets throughout the year, its St Mary's church, built-in 1490, is a Grade 1 listed building boasting 28 medieval stained-glass windows depicting the Bible. You can explore both the town as well as its local lakes – all part of the Walter Meadow Walk. 

If historical sites are on the menu, consider the Great Witcombe Roman Villa. Less crowded than Belas Knap, this is the remains of a Roman villa from circa AD 250. While there are parking facilities, there isn't access for coaches, so not part of the larger tours. It offers uninterrupted views of the ruins, as well as the Witcombe reservoirs.

The Warden's Way offers over 13 miles of walks throughout the Cotswolds of uninterrupted nature. Accessible from many locations such as Bourton-on-the-water, where Unique Cotswolds’ Little Gem Cottage can be rented, through to Winchcombe, where the charming Bolt Hole can also be rented, the route passes through several villages. One of them is The Slaughters - a picturesque village that hosts one of the most picturesque water mills in the area.

Finishing the trip by unwinding; The Cotswolds Distillery produces a single malt whisky made from Cotswold barley. The highlight is perhaps the use of lavender used in the distillery's in-house Cotswold Dry Gin. If the actual ingredients are more of an appeal, there are over 90 miles of lavender on display at Snowshill during June and September. Due to the vast area, there are plenty of chances to see the lavender in its time-limited showcase.

 MORE ON UNIQUE COTSWOLD COTTAGES

Unique Cotswold Cottages offers luxury cottage retreats in four distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds.  Offering 4 boutique cottages to choose from, Unique Cotswold Cottage’s charming offerings kick off with ‘The Loft’, a stunning Grade || Listed Building located in Stow-on-the-Wold. With wonderful views from the rooftop, The Loft is perfect for a couple’s romantic weekend escape. 

Unique Cotswold Cottages also offers Little Gem Cottage- a refurbished stone cottage with over 200 years of history located in Bourton-on-the-water, known as ‘The Little Venice of Cotswolds.’ The third property is ‘The Bolt Hole’, which features Cotswold stone walls and oak beams. The newest property is the charming, cosy Honey Pot in the heart of Chipping Campden.

 

 

 

Spring is in the air - outdoor Cotswold spaces

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Spring is springing in the Cotswolds 🌼💐and outdoor spaces will be opening soon, so we thought we’d help you plan your first outing! Here are a few lovely places with outdoor seating around the Cotswolds-

💛The Lion Inn, Winchcombe

💛The Fish Hotel, Broadway

💛The Cotswold Plough hotel and restaurant, Clanfield

💛Cotswold House, Chipping Campden

💛Ticketty Shake, Chipping Norton

💛Broadway Tower, Broadway

💛Burley Court House, Stroud

💛The Royal Oak, Tetbury

💛Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-hill

💛Wyck house hotel and spa, Stow-on-the-wold

💛 Chester house hotel, Bourton-on-the-water

💛Charringworth manor, Chipping Campden

It’s best to check websites or social media of these places to confirm they are definitely open! 🌸💘

5 staycation destinations you might consider moving to

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After a great staycation, many visitors will miss the place they’ve just been to. In fact, some will take it one step further and consider moving there! The beautiful Cotswolds is filled with staycation destinations that would be a dream to relocate to.

We offer luxury cottage retreats in three distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds. Read on to learn about the 5 staycation destinations you might consider moving to.

  1. Stratford-upon-Avon – known for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is to the north of the Cotswolds. Surrounded by the glorious Warwickshire countryside, this market town is somewhere you might want to move to for its natural beauty and rich, cultural heritage.

  2. Winchcombe – this Anglo-Saxon town is a popular staycation location for its proximity to Sudeley Castle - a gorgeous example of 15th century architecture. You also might want to consider moving to Winchcombe for its tranquil natural environment and close-knit community. It has an amazing array of walking paths and is in close proximity to Cheltenham with all it has to offer. If you’d ever like to visit, Unique Cotswold Cottages have their The Bolt Hole cottage in this stunning location.

  3. Broadway – this pretty Cotswold village lies at the base of the Worcestershire hills and has many local attractions to enjoy like The Heritage Railway or The Broadway Tower. Relocating there wouldn’t be a bad idea either! You’d have dreamy cottages and postcard-worthy landscapes right outside your doorstep.

  4. Chipping Campden – visitors love this market town’s elegant, terraced high street and charming buildings. It’s also worth moving there so you can enjoy their cosy tea rooms and pubs all year round. If you’d ever like to visit Chipping Campden, we have a lovely cottage retreat in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Loft that is only a short drive away.

  5. Cirencester – labelled “The Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cirencester is a popular tourist town for its historical ties to the Romans - having once been a Romano-British settlement! With its bustling shopping areas and good commuter links, it’s a great place to move too as well.

And they call it puppy love….

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As many of you will know by now, all of our luxury cottages are dog friendly as we know your doggies want to enjoy a holiday too! The Cotswolds has lots to offer our four-legged friends, including long countryside walks and a swim in a river along the way! However, there are many other attractions and eateries who are also dog friendly and where you might want to visit during your stay. 

Here is a list of some of our favourites! 

Attractions:

1.     Sudely Castle welcome dogs in their visitor centre and café.

2.     Bird Land, Bourton-on-the-Water, welcome dogs on leads and provide water bowls in the park by the café to keep your doggies hydrated. 

3.     Batsford Arboretum allow dogs in the Arboretum and café as long as they are on a lead. Its a delightful place to wander and there are lots of sniffs and smells for the dogs too. 

4.     The Broadway Tower welcomes dogs to enjoy the new circular walk around the Tower and the dog agility obstacles, however in order to safeguard the deer and other visitors they ask for dogs to be on their leads. There are dog friendly seating areas at both the Morris and Brown Café and the Espresso Bar at the Tower Barn. 

Eateries:

1.     Tea Set Tea Rooms, Broadway and Chipping Norton, allow dogs inside the tearoom as well as out, so they can come along even when it is wet and cold! The tearoom also offers free dog biscuits and unlimited water for the peckish and parched doggies. 

2.     Angel Pub, Burford, welcome dogs everywhere on the premises including in the snug, the bar and the cosy restaurant, as well as the large beer garden behind the pub. 

3.     Daylesford Organic Farm, Gloucestershire, allow dogs in the Old Spot Courtyard and inside the Old Spot, the Legbar and the Daylesford Café courtyard.

4.     The Lion Inn, Winchcombe, welcome dogs into the snug, bar and garden of the pub


 

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5 signs your relationship is in need of a staycation

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Believe or not, a staycation or quick getaway can help struggling relationships. It gives couples a chance to spend quality time together in a new environment. 

 

We offer luxury cottage retreats for two in three distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds. Our lovingly furnished cottages are an ideal setting for a romantic staycation with your partner. If you’re wondering whether your relationship could benefit from a staycation, read on to learn about the 5 signs your relationship is in need of a staycation or getaway.

 

  1. You’re both workaholics – modern life is busy. So busy that we often forget to make time for each other. Some relationships will struggle because of this – especially if both parties are workaholics. Unique Cotswold Cottages have three cottages that are surrounded by gorgeous, rural views. In that kind of setting, you’ll both want to leave your work behind you.

  2. You’re drifting apart – couples can use a staycation to feel close to each other again. The Little Gem Cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water is the perfect place for couples to bond. The cosy log burner and en-suite bathroom makes it a wonderful space to wind down in. After all, you’ll need a stress-free staycation so you can prioritise each other without getting distracted.

  3. Conversation is dead – in a relationship, uncomfortable silences or directionless conversation is not a good sign. The Loft cottage has a secluded sunny terrace and a roll-top bath big enough for two, with views over the rooftops of charming Stow-on-the-Wold, making it a calming place for a couple to chat together in the sunshine. This gorgeous environment will be a conversation starter in itself! 

  4. The fun is gone – a lively staycation is a good way to bring some fun back into a relationship. Across the Cotswolds, there are various walks like the Cotswold Way National Trail that you and your partner can enjoy. A trek around the exhilarating countryside may help re-energise your relationship.

  5. Arguments are common – frequent arguments are not a good sign. A staycation can help you reassess these conflicts with your partner in a new light. Make sure you pick a peaceful destination that’ll clear your heads and improve your communication. We recommend the peaceful haven that is The Bolt Hole Cottage in the centre of Winchcombe. 

 

 

5 Staycation itineraries for you based on your personality

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The beautiful Cotswolds has something for everyone. Whether you want a gentle walk through picturesque villages or want to visit its bordering cities like Bath or Gloucester, there’s a staycation itinerary for your every need. Plan your journey based on your unique personality. 

We offer luxury cottage retreats in three distinct locations within the idyllic Cotswolds. 

Read on to discover the 5 staycation itineraries for you based on your personality.

  1. For the calm & collected – the popular Cotswold villages are suitable for travellers that like peace and quiet. Stow-on-the-Wold is a tranquil village that is ideal for calming walks and cycle rides across the stunning landscape. It’s also home to delightful The Loft, a grade II listed apartment, in the heart of the town. 

  2. For thrill seekers – the Cotswolds isn’t all idyllic countryside. If you’re a thrill seeker on your staycation, check out the Cotswold Water Park at the Wiltshire–Gloucestershire border. You can try out a range of activities from canoeing to water-skiing. 

  3. For the curious – some travellers like to learn as much as they can about different locations. This makes Bath, located to the south of the Cotswolds, the perfect place for them to visit. Go back in time by visiting the ancient Roman baths, then afterwards, head to the Jane Austen Centre for their exhibitions. 

  4. For romantics – if you love romance, Lower Slaughter is home to the ‘most romantic’ street in Britain - Copse Hill Road. Lower slaughter is a delightful 30-minute stroll along the river from Little Gem Cottage in nearby Bourton on the water. Walk through this gorgeous village and you’ll find dreamy stone-cottages. Upper Slaughter is only a few minutes away, so you can enjoy both villages in one day.

  5. For free spirits – not all travellers enjoy concrete plans. If you’re a flexible, free spirit, we recommend walking part of the Cotswold Way during your staycation. You can begin and end your walk wherever you like! Maybe you’ll wander towards Bath in the south, or head up to the market town of Chipping Campden in the north. The Bolt Hole is on the Cotswold Way route. 

 

Our guests dining favourites in Bourton-on-the-Water

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Bourton-on-the-Water has lots of delicious cafes, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants and is the home to Little Gem Cottage🍴☕️🍻 ⁣

Heres a couple of our guests favourites



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🔸 The Mousetrap Inn has a range of locally brewed ales, delicious breakfast and dinners⁣ and dogs are welcome
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🔹The Rose Tree Restaurant (pictured) has lovely home cooked meals for lunch and dinner ⁣and has a lovely outside area for lunches (dogs are welcome outside)


Weird and Wonderful Cotswolds

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Here is the latest unusual event in the Cotswolds:

The Shipston Wool fair - always on the end May bank holiday. This time 27th May 2019. The whole weekend the town is decorated with knitted pieces everwhere - on the lampposts, in shop doorways and more. On the 27th May the fair in the town square has rare sheep, bands, food and craft stalls and activities for children.

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Events to enjoy in June, July, August Cotswolds

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JUNE

Bloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon
Saturday & Sunday, June 1-2
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock 
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/bloodwise-triathlon.html

Chadlington Beer Festival
Saturday, June 1, 12 noon to 11pm
Chadlington Memorial Hall, near Chipping Norton OX7 3NX
Proceeds to the Friends of Chadlington School

Cheltenham Science Festival
Tuesday, June 4, to Sunday, June 9
www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science

The Producers
Tuesday, June 4, to Saturday, June 8
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Presented by the Cheltenham Operatic and Dramatic Society
www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/the-producers/

Friends of Prescott & International Rally Track Day 
Sunday, June 2
Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Gotherington
www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/prescott-eventdiary-2019

Bledington Music Festival
Tuesday, June 4, to Thursday, June 6
https://bledingtonmusicfestival.co.uk/

Burford Festival
Thursday, June 6, to Sunday, June 16
www.burfordfestival.org/

Paul Merton's Impro Chums
Sunday, June 9, 8pm
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/paul-mertons-impro-chums/

The House on Cold Hill
Tuesday, June 11, to Saturday, June 15
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Starring Joe McFadden & Rita Simons
www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/the-house-on-cold-hill/


Paul Weller at Westonbirt Arboretum
Friday, June 14
www.forestryengland.uk/music/paul-weller

Jack Savoretti at Westonbirt Arboretum
Saturday, June 15
www.forestryengland.uk/music/jack-savoretti

Prescott Bike Festival
Sunday, June 16
Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Gotherington
www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/prescott-eventdiary-2019

Porsche at Prescott
Saturday, June 22
Prescott Hillclimb, near Gotherington
www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/porsche-prescott-june-2019

Blenheim Palace Flower Show
Friday to Sunday, June 21-23
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/flower-show.html

Steam & Real Ale Festival
Friday, June 21, to Sunday, June 23
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
www.gwsr.com/Steam__Real_Ale_Festival__21st_to_23rd_June_2019--post--67.html

Al Murray - Landlord of Hope and Glory
Friday & Saturday, June 21-22
Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
www.everymantheatre.org.uk/m-shows/al-murray--landlord-of-hope-and-glory/

Porsche at Prescott & Midland Championship
Saturday & Sunday, June 22-23
Prescott Speed Hill Climb, Gotherington
www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/prescott-eventdiary-2019
 

JULY

Cornbury Music Festival
Friday, July 5, to Sunday, July 7
Great Tew Estate, near Chipping Norton
www.cornburyfestival.com

Cheltenham Music Festival
Friday, July 5, to Sunday, July 14
www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/music

Bugatti Festival
Saturday, July 6
Prescott Speed Hil Climb, Gotherington
www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/prescott-eventdiary-2019

The Cotswold Show
Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14
Cirencester Park
www.cotswoldshow.co.uk

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14
www.tewkesburymedievalfestival.org

The Royal International Air Tattoo
Friday, July 19, to Sunday, July 21
RAF Fairford
www.airtattoo.com

Chalfest - Party on the Hill
Saturday, July 20
France Lynch, near Stroud
www.chalfest.co.uk

Battle Proms Picnic Concert
Sunday, July 21
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/battle-proms.html

WOMAD Festival
Thursday, July 25, to Sunday, July 28
Charlton Park, Malmesbury
womad.co.uk

Compton Abdale Fete
Saturday, July 27, 1.30pm-4.15pm
Lower Farm, Compton Abdale, GL54 4DS (Just off A40 near Northleach)
Traditional village fete set in beautiful gardens
Gloucester Carnival
Saturday, July 27
www.facebook.com/GloucesterCarnival
 

AUGUST

Wilderness Festival
Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire
Thursday, August 1, to Sunday, August 4
www.wildernessfestival.com

BBC Countryfile Live
Thursday, August 1, to Sunday, August 4
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/countryfile-live.html

Festival of British Evening
Friday, August 2, to Sunday, August 4
Gatcombe Park
www.festivalofbritisheventing.com

Vintage Sports Car Club Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, August 3-4
Prescott Speed Hil Climb, Gotherington
www.prescott-hillclimb.com/events/prescott-eventdiary-2019

SoMAC Stage, Gloucester
Tuesday, August 20, to Saturday, August 24

The Big Feastival
Friday, August 23, to Sunday, August 25
Alex James's Farm, Kingham, Oxfordshire
https://thebigfeastival.com

The Phoenix Festival
Saturday and Sunday, August 24-25
Abbey Grounds, Cirencester 
Free festival featuring Totally Tina headlining on Sunday
www.phoenix-festival.co.uk

Local Market days

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Market Days

There are a wealth of local markets around the area. Below is a list of some of them, (these are subject to change around bank holidays and Christmas).

The farmers market in Bourton-on-the-Water is on the fourth Sunday in the month - 9:30am to  1:00pm

Stow-on-the-Wold farmers Market runs once a month in the square on the second Thursday of the month - 9am until 1:30pm

The Winchcombe farmers market is on thethird Saturday in the month – 9am to 2pm

Stratford-upon-Avon farmers market is the first and 3rdSaturday of each month -  9am-2pm 

Cheltenham farmers market is on the second and last Friday of each month, on the pedestrianised area of the Promenade, outside Cavendish House -  9am to 2pm

There is a weekly retail market in Moreton-in-Marsh on Tuesdays - 8am-2pm