The problem with UK staycations (and writing about them!) is the second there is a streak of beautiful weather, places can get a little overrun. Never fear, that’s where we are here to help. Here’s our round up of 5 off the beaten track options for your next Cotswolds escape.

If it’s honey-coloured thatched houses you are after, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Minster Lovell situated on the River Windrush. Rumour has it that this town is the most haunted in the region, but don’t let that put you off. In amongst the expected features for a Cotswold village you’ll find the picturesque ruins of 15thC Minster Lovell Hall, perfect for a wander before popping into the cosy 

for Afternoon Tea with a glass of champagne. A great village for blowing off the cobwebs with a walk, without the tour group crowds. What’s not to love?

If you’ve had your fill of (other) tourists, Stinchcombe might be the perfect antidote. This tiny village on the edges of the Cotswolds is peaceful by nature while being only half a mile away from the M5. Stinchcombe is the perfect stop off - or palate cleanser perhaps! - between destinations - the ideal place to stretch legs and get some people-free snaps of you outside a darling cottage. We know what you came for, let’s not beat about the bush.

If you are hunting for curios while out in the Cotswolds be sure to pop by 

 to explore the eccentric Charles Wade’s curious collection for inspiration. According to the caretakers of the manor, National Trust, his collection contains anything from mechanical doorbells to samurai swords. Now that’s something we bet you didn’t expect from the Cotswolds.

Towering over the charming village of North Nibley is an unexpected sight - the Tyndale Tower. Built in honour of William Tyndale, an early translator of the New Testament into English, the tower was built in 1866 and is 34m tall. Inside the tower you’ll find a winding stone staircase leading to an incredible view over the AONB that you won’t have to share with the hoardes.

If the weather is not on your side, why not head indoors for an unexpected experience - a taster session in hand-building your own pottery at 

. Each 2.5 hour session is only £30 making it the perfect activity with your girls for a rainy day before putting your feet up in front of a pub fire in the evening.

Off the beaten track in the Cotswolds - 5 things to do

 is a magnificent piece of Gothic architecture that dates back almost 1,000 years. It sits majestically in the heart of Gloucester city and is one of the most visited historic sites in the UK. This iconic cathedral has been the backdrop for many TV and film productions, including Harry Potter and Doctor Who.

The cathedral boasts stunning stained-glass windows while its towering stone columns are a true testament to the skill of the craftsmen who built it. The Great East Window is one of the most impressive features of the cathedral, and it tells the story of the Bible in stunning detail.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral to learn more about its history and architecture. The tour takes visitors through the Nave, the Cloisters, and the Quire, where they can admire the intricate stonework and marvel at the sheer size of the building.

In addition to being a tourist attraction, the Gloucester Cathedral is also a place of worship and regularly hosts services and events throughout the year. Visitors can attend choral evensong or other musical events, or simply take a moment to reflect in the peaceful surroundings.

The Gloucester Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or just seeking a moment of serenity. It's an awe-inspiring building that will leave you feeling humbled and inspired.


Step Into A Thousand Years Of History

Gloucester Cathedral

The Cotswolds Distillery is a small-batch craft distillery located in the heart of the Cotswolds that produces award-winning gin, whisky, and other spirits using locally-sourced ingredients. The distillery was founded in 2014 by Daniel Szor, an American finance professional with a passion for artisanal spirits.

The distillery offers a variety of tours and experiences for visitors, from a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery and barrel warehouse to a gin-making masterclass. You can also sample their range of spirits at the distillery’s tasting room, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Cotswolds countryside.

The distillery's signature Cotswolds Dry Gin is a must-try, with its unique blend of nine botanicals, including lavender, bay leaf, and fresh grapefruit peel. For whisky lovers, the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is a deliciously smooth and complex spirit, with notes of honey, vanilla, and a subtle hint of spice.

What sets the Cotswolds Distillery apart is its commitment to sustainability and the local community. They use sustainable and recyclable materials in their packaging and work closely with local farmers to source the best quality ingredients for their spirits. So, when you sip on a glass of Cotswolds gin or whisky, you know that you're supporting a local business with a conscience.


Sip Your Way Through The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds Distillery

Where Golden Architecture And Rolling Hills Await Your Discovery

Discover the Cotswolds with Francesca McKay, your guide to this designated Area of Outstanding Beauty, nestled in the heart of the UK. No one can argue with the beauty of the golden stone architecture and rolling hills that make up this rural gem.

Whether you’re looking for long walks in the countryside, a day at the polo or an afternoon at the spa, The Cotswolds has it all. From Michelin-star restaurants, cosy fireside gastropubs and beautiful farm shops stocked with local produce.

A landscape boasting some of the best walking routes in the country and finest country hotels, whether you’re a foodie in search of new revelations, looking for country pursuits or are more of a culture vulture, The ‘Wolds is the destination for you.

Don't miss out on this exceptional adventure - join us as we discover the Cotswolds and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.


Cotswolds

 is a luxurious and chic retreat situated in the heart of the Cotswolds. This exclusive 850-acre estate offers both residential and second homes for those looking for a permanent slice of heaven.

The estate is surrounded by freshwater lakes, meadows and woodlands, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. You can snuggle up with a good book by the fire, or if you're feeling more adventurous, enjoy water sports, workshops, fishing and outdoor activities.

For those seeking relaxation, The Orchard Spa is a must-visit destination featuring a 17-metre swimming pool, gym, sauna and treatment rooms. Designed by award-winning architects, The Orchard Spa captures the essence of nature and tranquillity.

If you're feeling peckish, Elsa's is the perfect spot for casual dining with outdoor seating, log fires, and stunning lake views. Renowned chef Alex Nutt serves up a relaxed menu using local ingredients, delicious snacks, and a bar that caters to your wine and barista coffee needs.

England is a playground for adventurers. From the north to the south and everywhere in between, we uncover the hidden gems. 

United Kingdom

A Chic Retreat In The Heart Of The Cotswolds

The Lakes By Yoo

 is nestled away in the Cotswolds countryside, just 5 minutes away from the M5. This 17th-century manor house is steeped in history and overlooks the stunning Stroud Valley.

The hotel boasts 36 bedrooms, including nine in the original manor house - the ones you want for the full Lord and Lady of the Manor experience. The remaining rooms are housed in more modern extensions, providing convenience without compromising on decadence.

Stonehouse Court Hotel offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience for those looking to explore the Cotswolds or break up a mundane M5 journey. The traditional manor house is quintessentially British and ticks all the boxes for those seeking a Jilly Cooper-esque country escape.

So whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a solo adventure, Stonehouse Court Hotel offers the perfect mix of history, luxury, and convenience for a truly unforgettable experience.

Unwind In A Quintessential British Manor House In The Cotswolds

Stonehouse Court

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Lower Brailes, lies a luxurious lifestyle destination that provides the perfect retreat for a weekend getaway in the Cotswolds.

While the golf course is undoubtedly the star attraction at 

 (the scattering of golfers confirms this), you don't have to be a keen golfer to check in. The hotel is designed to appeal to travellers and families looking to unwind in the Cotswolds.

The newly-built lodges at Feldon Valley are a wonder to behold, offering the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds. The interior design is sleek and stylish, with contemporary furniture and vintage touches in the form of old books; the perfect blend of modern and traditional.

But the lodges aren't the only thing that seriously impresses at Feldon Valley. The hotel, restaurant, and lounge areas provide a modern yet comfortable and luxurious setting. If you're looking to sample head chef Darren Brown's creations, be sure to book in advance as the restaurant fills up quickly with hungry tourists and casual diners alike. The menu features dishes like ricotta dumplings, Cornish plaice, and dark chocolate mousse. And if you're vegan, no problem! You can request a vegan-friendly menu in advance.

Feldon Valley truly exceeded our expectations, offering the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and relaxation. So pack your bags and head to this hidden gem in the Cotswolds for an unforgettable getaway.

Unwind In a Luxurious Lodge Overlooking The Fairways And Hills Of The Cotswolds 

Feldon Valley

 is a 200-year-old romantic country house hotel nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds. This luxurious stay offers guests a captivating experience of country charm with a splash of luxury, all served up by a warm and welcoming team.

With five room categories to choose from (Classic, Cosy, Superior, Noteworthy, Romantic), spread across the main manor house and adjacent coach house (which includes two pet-friendly rooms), the Burleigh Court Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Nestled within three acres of lush gardens with panoramic views across Gloucestershire's Golden Valley, this hotel boasts stunning views and a spectacular two AA rosette restaurant that'll make your heart sing.


Experience Luxury And Charm In The Heart Of The Cotswolds

The Burleigh Court Hotel

Treat your four legged loved one this Valentine’s Day with a sumptuous doggy dinner at Lower Mill Estate’s field-to-fork restaurant, Ballihoo. For a Valentine’s feast, Ballihoo will be offering three different gourmet meals for pets to enjoy alongside their humans, as they all deserve a special treat too. 

With something to suit all tastes, the menu offers up plates of beef, spinach, and cinnamon 

 or for the pescetarians, salmon, red peppers and kidney beans to tickle the taste buds 

 Not forgetting those with strict dietary requirements, Ballihoo will also be offering a doggy vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free option of courgette, carrots and lentils 

Guests staying at Lower Mill Estate can simply order their pooch a tasty meal alongside their mains to enjoy some quality time spent together.Paw-fect for a countryside getaway, Habitat Escapes’ designated nature reserve in the Cotswolds, Lower Mill Estate, is filled with waterways and trails ready to be explored. Pull on some wellies and get out to wander the trails together, letting dogs roam every inch of their exciting new surroundings before returning home to a luxury lakeside lodge to wash off muddy paws and get warm. For those older dogs, guests can hire bikes and trailers from the on-site Activity Hub to make sure everyone is able to see every inch of the wildlife haven. Treat yourself and your pooch to a luxurious stress-free trip in the English countryside, complete with a delicious meal at Ballihoo for the whole family.Below we have rounded up a selection of the fabulous dog-friendly properties at Lower Mill Estate for a getaway with the dog who has your heart.

Set within a traffic-free location in Mill Village, Ewen House is an idyllic traditional Cotswolds style property which welcomes guests and their four legged friends. The open-plan ground floor living area opens out onto an enclosed terrace with views across the water garden, ideal for pets to explore their surroundings safely. There is a wood-burning stove for guests to gather around and warm up in the living room, and even the dog can relax in front of the fire, too. Sleeping up to eight people, there is plenty of space in Ewen House for all the family to enjoy a countryside retreat.

 Habitat Escapes offers Ewen House from £95 per person* for a four night stay in February. The property sleeps up to eight people and one dog.

Nestled in the tranquil Water Garden of Lower Mill Estate, Le Mirage is a holiday oasis tucked away from the rest of the estate. This RIBA award-winning property with ground source heating, forms one of the 10 eco-friendly homes surrounding a beautiful water garden that is filled with wildlife. Perfect for a big family and their furry friend, this property sleeps up to 11 and the open-plan downstairs living space is the ideal area to gather together after a day out exploring the expansive estate.

Habitat Escapes offers Le Mirage from £101 per person* for a four night stay in February. This property sleeps up to 11 people and one dog.

Goldeneye is a bright and modern ground-floor three-bedroom apartment that accommodates up to six guests and a dog. Incredibly spacious thanks to the open living and eating area, Goldeneye is a great home for a family getaway, including a private garden area where pets are allowed to roam freely. The bright and airy property is ideally situated on the estate only a five minute walk from the on-site spa and restaurant.

HOW: Habitat Escapes offers Goldeneye from £94 per person* for a four night stay in February. This property sleeps up to six people and one dog.

Here at House of Coco, we think that the best Valentine’s can sometimes (often) be your puppers – and TeamCocopup Charle definitely agrees. 

Treat your four legged loved one this Valentine’s Day with a sumptuous doggy dinner at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds

A Doggy Valentine with Habitat Escapes

The answer is yes….what’s the question?

This mantra sums up our stay at the George Inn, Cotswolds. Nothing was too much trouble for the charismatic team there who gave this charming little bolthole the five star feel.

Nestled in a sleepy residential area, enveloped by sprawling splendid countryside, we navigated the scenic soaked roads with ease to our destination.

I highly recommend a pit stop at the nearby world renowned 

if you can possibly factor it in to your journey. A fashion mecca, this place has everything and with amazing savings to be made, it’s a great way to spend the day before holing up in The George for the night.

After being shown to our spacious and inviting room, we started unpacking and as we went to put our personals in the bathroom, were greeted by an inviting sight.

The George has invested in Instagram dream bathrooms to give that wow factor. Beautiful Burlington suites set the scene for the ultimate in relaxation.

It was difficult to tear ourselves away from the draw of the room, as we were exhausted and ready to rejuvenate. Good thing we did though, as we had an amazing experience in the cosy luxury of the restaurant thanks to a Head chef who knew exactly how to please his clientele.

For starters, we wanted to choose a small plate from the garden menu and go a la carte for mains. We asked if this was possible and the answer was yes, no problem. This set the tone for the whole stay.

Kicking off with a South African sparkling wine – the George Inn owners’ choice as it’s their homeland – was a delicious, crisp way to start off our delectation. With mains we moved on to a wonderful 2021 French choice, Soleil Des Alpes.

I opted for sweet chicken thigh with soy, chilli & spring onion. Let me assure you, I am chicken obsessed and a tough nut to crack. This was the most tender, succulent and tasty white meat dish with tang I’ve ever had and I would have happily paid head chef Val for the recipe.

My guest Zoe opted for grilled goats cheese truffle with oatcakes and was not disappointed in the indulgent rich tasting offering.

For mains I couldn’t ignore the steak, which the chef benevolently seared well done for this carnivorous charlatan. Zoe delighted in the panko coated pork schnitzel – chips swapped out for a creamy comfort mash infused with caramelised onion – another yes moment – and declared it delectable.

Now, when you have an amazing meal, but feel full and tired, is there anything more appealing than resting for a bit then having dessert delivered to your room to enjoy in bed? That question was rhetorical – no, there is not! These guys cater for every whim and fancy.

Cue two splendidly presented deserts materialising once we had time to change into pj’s and select our movie of choice for the night.

Apple and plum crumble with custard – the epitome of comfort food for me as the rain lashed down outside, I could not have been more happy in that moment.

My partner in crime went leftfield and chose the dark chocolate sponge with Aero chocolate, honeycomb & mousse. What a fusion, aesthetically pleasing and utterly delicious.

We rolled into a state of comfortable satisfaction as we perused Freeview & Netflix before settling on something low brow before a night of deep satisfied slumber.

We had pre-selected our breakfast of choice which could be enjoyed in bed or in the restaurant. We opted for in bed because why not? When else can you enjoy this level of indulgence and not have to deal with the crumbs?

Perfectly executed and delicious to boot, we could not fault this brekkie.

Mine, the combo platter which consisted of continental, George Inn style & a poached egg with smashed avocado salsa sensation.

Zoe went mainstream full English which was perfectly prepared, followed up by extra OJ and lashings of coffee and tea.

What more could we want? Well I couldn’t resist that freestanding bath and the bubbles were calling so I fully leaned into it. The luxurious 

 doubled up as a sumptuous bubble bath which felt as decadent as could be.

It truly was a wrench to leave and I was honestly taken aback at just how wholesome our stay was. It’s ideal for couples, friends, singles, strung out parents and literally anyone who just needs a little ‘me time’.

I’d love to re-visit for their Sunday roast, I bet it would be legendary, please do let us now if you go and enjoy your stay as much as we did.

The answer is yes - what's the question? The mantra which gives this Cotswolds bolthole the five star feel

The George Inn Barford - A Costwolds Rejuvenation Retreat

 is the place where elevated Cotswolds dining meets a relaxed atmosphere. It’s worth a visit if you wish to have a romantic dinner and Indulge in the best "farm to fork '' produce the season has to offer, crafted into a two-rosette cuisine bursting with authentic local taste.

The focus is on serving uncomplicated and seasonal British food that's big on quality and flavour. Guests can choose to dine in the historic oak-panelled restaurant or enjoy al fresco dining on the outdoor front terrace with spectacular rural valley views.

And don't miss out on the special foodie events! Every Thursday night, they organize authentic wood-fired pizzas or Cotswolds Teppanyaki on the rear terrace. They also host regular wine tastings combined with delectable food pairing and supper clubs every last Thursday of the month, where you can connect with local food lovers over some delectable local food around one big table.

Taste The Flavors Of Cotswolds And Indulge In Elevated Dining

Burleigh Restaurant

Are you ready to transport your taste buds to Tokyo? Look no further than 

 - the much-anticipated signature dining addition to No.131 in the heart of Cheltenham and the Cotswolds.

With its sleek decor, stunning lighting, and an ambiance that will take your breath away, YOKU is the ultimate destination for those looking for a chic and stylish dining experience.

But it's not just about the atmosphere - the food is the star of the show here. The chefs at YOKU pride themselves on sourcing the freshest ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes. From the sushi to the sashimi, everything is prepared to perfection, and the presentation is nothing short of a work of art.

When it comes to the dress code, YOKU is all about smart chic - dress to impress, and you'll fit right in with the stylish ambiance of the restaurant.

Your Ticket To Tokyo In The Heart Of Cotswolds

Yoku

, a charming and rustic countryside pub nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds. This is the place where food is celebrated and the flavors speak for themselves. With a simple food philosophy, they strive to source the best ingredients from local suppliers to create fresh and exciting culinary experiences. And with seasonal menus and daily specials, you can expect something new and delicious with every visit.

At the Double Red Duke, the chefs are experts in the art of cooking over fire, with smoky flavors infused into every dish. From whole suckling pigs to grilled asparagus with wild garlic and parmesan, the menu offers a variety of snacks, small plates, large plates, and sides to satisfy every palate.

The smoked beef tartare with shallots and parmesan, devilled kidneys on toast, and curried crab with pickled kohlrabi and rye brioche are just a few of the standout dishes that showcase the creativity and expertise of the chefs. Seafood lovers won't be disappointed with the wood-fired cod with Jersey Royals, smoked velouté, and trout roe, or the grilled sea bass with wild garlic pesto.

For those seeking a more casual dining experience, the fish and chips with peas and tartare sauce is a crowd-pleaser, while the Caesar salad with grilled chicken or spring vegetable salad with hazelnut vinaigrette is perfect for those looking for a healthier option. Whatever your taste buds desire, the Double Red Duke has something to satisfy your cravings.

Cotswolds

What Francesca says about Cotswolds

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A Doggy Valentine with Habitat Escapes

The George Inn Barford - A Costwolds Rejuvenation Retreat

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The Lakes By Yoo

Stonehouse Court

Feldon Valley

The Burleigh Court Hotel

Food & Drink

Burleigh Restaurant

Yoku

The Double Red Duke

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Off the beaten track in the Cotswolds - 5 things to do

Gloucester Cathedral

The Cotswolds Distillery

Cotswolds

What Francesca says about Cotswolds

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What's Trending in Cotswolds

A Doggy Valentine with Habitat Escapes

The George Inn Barford - A Costwolds Rejuvenation Retreat

Stay in Cotswolds

The Lakes By Yoo

Stonehouse Court

Feldon Valley

The Burleigh Court Hotel

Food & Drink

Burleigh Restaurant

Yoku

The Double Red Duke

Active in Cotswolds

Off the beaten track in the Cotswolds - 5 things to do

Gloucester Cathedral

The Cotswolds Distillery