Shopping in the Cotswolds

Who doesn’t love to shop?  Especially when you’re surrounded by luxury boutiques, local & organic specialist food shops and artisan markets all in the beautiful setting of the Cotswolds.

Read on to find out where to visit for the best Cotswold shopping experiences this Autumn:

Stow on the Wold

For a fabulous break away from the busyness of life immerse yourself in a beautiful setting with a selection of indulgent boutiques and gift shops. The Loft, our luxury grade II listed Cotswold stone cottage, is the perfect place for you to unwind and enjoy this wonderful village.  Our beautiful, romantic apartment for two in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold has a large bedroom with a stunning roll top bath to relax in, & a view overlooking the rooftops.  With its own access and delightful, private decked terrace with outdoor dining and sofa, you really can tuck yourselves away for a weekend of indulgence.

• Calling all bookworms!  The Borzoi Bookshop is an “independent bookshop that has been trading for more than 40 years…and are happy to source unusual and specialist titles from publishers that you might have difficulty finding elsewhere.”

• A delectable option in Stow is the Cotswold Chocolate Company.  A family run company making fresh, handmade and hand finished artisan chocolates, using only natural ingredients - you can see them making chocolates in their on-site kitchen.  You’ll find them at France House, Digbeth Street, Stow on the Wold.

• For something a bit special be sure to visit Sam Wilson Studio Ltd  where you’ll find some beautiful fabrics & interiors, home & kitchen items and stationery - fabulous for gift shopping for a friend, or yourself!

• Just 11 minutes from Stow is the very special Daylesford Organic.  Frequented by many a Cotswold celebrity, this upmarket establishment is simply bursting with luxury home accessories including candles & diffusers, tableware & hand care.  Then there is the grocery where you can indulge in the highest quality, organic, local meat & fish, their dairy, bakery and deli.  Make sure to leave enough time to explore the gardening, floristry and outdoor living areas.  And if that isn’t enough they also have a cafe and a spa!

Chipping Campden:

This ancient and charming old wool merchants' town is an absolute delight.  Make the most of your time here by staying at Honey Pot - our beautifully refurbished Cotswold stone ground floor apartment is the perfect stay at the end of the day’s shopping, with its 500+ thread-count cotton bed linen, double bed with super comfortable Hypnos mattress and brand new rain shower complete with Egyptian cotton towels.

Honey Pot is located just off the high street with its elegant terraced buildings, dating from the 14th century to the 17th century.

• Hart Silversmith is something quite special, their craftsmen design and make silverware including handmade & unique bespoke contemporary jewellery, in the same workshop that was established in 1902.  They will make your commission come to life, using methods and techniques that have been employed for centuries.

• For surprise and delight be sure to visit Louise Pocock Millinery. Louise uses traditional handcrafting techniques along with her trademark flair for colour and quirkiness.

• Calling all foodies -  Award-winning deli & wine shop in the Cotswolds, Tokes Food and Drink, is a stone’s throw from Honey Pot, and if you prefer a night in you can get Home-cooked meals, cheese, and deli goods delivered straight to your door

• Allow yourself ample time to browse luxury homewares showroom Cotswold Luxe which boasts a wide selection of products all beautifully styled and showcased within the perfect backdrop - a fantastic Grade II listed property.

• For high quality, award winning homewares and cutlery be sure to visit Robert Welch, creating award winning designs, the company is now in its seventh decade.  Robert was “passionately driven to design highly functional, affordable products which possessed a timeless elegant beauty.”  His design legacy remains the abiding principle and inspiration for the company today.

Winchcombe:

For the perfect break, stay at the delightful Bolt Hole, in the centre of the beautiful town of Winchcombe with its timbered inns, coffee shops and restaurants including the celebrated “Restaurant 5 North Street''.  The bedroom provides luxury bed linen, a large king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a roll-top bath to relax in after a day's shopping.

• For stunning interiors visit the Rapport Interiors showroom.  Filled with an extensive range of beautiful fabrics, paint, wallpaper, carpet and furniture, it really does have the wow factor.  They also offer a flexible interior design service.

• Swift Studio stocks art and design from local producers. The vast majority of their products are handmade by local creators and their ethos being that good business can be, and should be, friendly, ethical and sustainable. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10-4pm.

• If you love to explore an antique shop then Winchcombe Antiques Centre is the place for you.  Take your time browsing their huge range of antiques and enjoy afternoon tea in the tea rooms - they have over 15 different teas to choose from as well as freshly ground coffee and homemade cake.

Bourton on the water:

Make your stay a luxurious one at Little Gem, our beautifully refurbished Cotswold stone cottage.  It is just a few minutes walk to the enchanting centre of Bourton-on-the-Water, known as ‘The Little Venice of the Cotswolds’, with its attractive low stone bridges over the quaint River Windrush and abundance of shops, tea rooms and restaurants.

• For some beautiful handmade pottery, Cotswold Pottery is a must.  Run by John and Jude Jelfs, everything on show in the pottery showroom is hand made in the studio. Visitors are welcome but due to the small size of the working area, the studio is not open to the public. A phone call is advisable if you’d like to visit. 01451 820173.

• Bakery on the Water is a small family run artisan bakery and cafe, serving delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and if you want to take it away for a picnic they will pack it up for you.

• Are you a bit of a magpie?  If so you’ll love The Lodestone - the staff are knowledgeable and professional and one visitor says of this treasure trove of crystals & jewellery “I would personally consider this beautiful little shop to be a heaven on earth, containing a beautiful plethora of specimens.”

• The Cotswold Perfumery specialises in creating fine fragrances for the niche market.  They sell a range of unique fragrances as well as creating bespoke fragrances for companies in the niche perfume market, sold under different names in London, the USA, the Middle East, Russia and Europe.  They also run perfume courses here that attract delegates from countries as far flung as New Zealand and Bermuda!

• For beautiful hand poured candles with great attention to detail, visit Cotswold Candle Co, just 17 minutes away.  You can visit the workshop by appointment, see how the candles are made and sample the entire range which has over 25 fragrances and are also available in reed diffusers, room sprays and travel tin candles. Candle making kits and match bottles are also available.

10 EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN THE BEAUTIFUL COTSWOLDS IN AUTUMN 2022

Autumn is nearly upon us, so are you wondering how to tune in to take in the colours, feast on the harvests, get wellies on and walk some of the most stunning countryside the UK has to offer? 

Then hunker down with your favourite people and pets in a cosy pub with a real fire and a top notch roast?

And perhaps how to add some culture to the mix and lose yourself in some classical music or a literature festival?

If this sounds tempting read on for some fabulous things to do and visit this season in the beautiful Cotswolds…

1. Westonbirt Arboretum or Batsford Arboretum

Westonbirt arboretum near Tetbury is staggeringly beautiful in Autumn as the leaves give the most beautiful display of golds and reds.  It will depend on the weather as to when the colours will be at their peak so it is worth checking their website and social media for updates.

Batsford arboretum is offering photography workshops from the 23rd - 30th October and is just a short drive from Honey Pot, The Loft, The Bolt Hole and Little Gem.

2. Royal Gardens at Highgrove or a visit to Sudeley Castle

The Royal Gardens at Highgrove so you can catch both of these in a day visit if you wish.  These stunning gardens are open to the public for guided tours on selected dates between April and October.  If you want something a bit special you can book one of their Champagne Tea & Garden Tours.

Sudeley Castle, nicknamed ‘The hidden gem of the Cotswolds’ is just a stone’s throw from The Bolt Hole.  This Autumn Sudeley is offering archeological dig experiences, searching for the remains of a long-lost Tudor garden built for Katherine Parr.

3. Enjoy Sunday lunch in one of the best dog friendly pubs with an open fire.  The cotswolds offers some of the best eateries in the UK, two of which are on the doorstep of our luxurious dog friendly cottages.

• Winchcombe - The Corner Cupboard Inn  This 15th Century Inn located in Gloucester Street, Winchcombe is definitely worth a visit!   It has charm aplenty with roaring fires, oak beams and all the character that its age suggests.  A real ale bar and a comprehensive wine list excites the connoisseur. Ingredients are sought locally and food served daily.

• Stow on the Wold - The Stag @ Stow (formerly The White Hart) 

A 'boutique' style Inn, which has been refurbished throughout. The Inn has two cosy bars, open fires and an atmospheric dining room. Hearty food is served during the day, with finer dining in the evening. All food is sourced locally and prepared on site.

• Bourton-on-the-Water - The Mousetrap Inn

This beautiful, cosy and quirky freehouse pub welcomes you and your four legged friends.  Cosy up round the fire and order something wonderful from the fantastic menu.  “Our small team of talented chefs create delicious dishes, with a focus on working with local suppliers to source sustainable produce and reducing food wastage while doing justice to the brilliance of the Cotswold larder.”

• Chipping Campden - The Ebrington Arms

This beautiful 17th century pub is “widely acclaimed as being one of the country’s finest inns, being at the centre of The Cotswolds, and in a hidden idyllic village”.  The Ebrington has won the CAMRA North Cotswold’s Pub of the Year Award four times over, and as soon as you visit you’ll know why!  A truly special place serving award winning homemade food that has held two AA rosettes and a Bib Gourmand for the past seven years running. They also feature in the Good Food Guide, Michelin Guide and Good Pub Guide, and were awarded 'Escape of the Year 2016'.

4. Classical music in Northleach and Cheltenham

Northleach’s Church of St Peter and St Paul, only a 10 minute drive from Little Gem, is hosting a Neopolitan Night concert on 4 November for the Cotswold Festival of Music.  

On the 24th September the Cheltenham Chamber Orchestra are performing the ever-popular Mozart Overture to The Magic Flute, followed by Adam Heron (BBC Young Musician piano finalist 2018) performing Mozart’s piano concerto No 20 in D minor.  The concert will be held on the 24th September at Cheltenham Town Hall, just a 20 minute drive from The Bolt Hole https://guide2.co.uk/gloucestershire/events/cheltenham-town-hall-events-1/ 

5. Cheltenham Literature Festival

Cheltenham is the world’s first literature festival and with more than 1000 authors from the worlds of fiction, poetry, film and TV, sport, food, travel and politics it really is a feast for any bookworm of any age.  Stephen King, Stanley Tucci, Jamie Oliver and a whole host of famous names will be at the festival which runs from 7-16 October.  Cheltenham is an easy drive from The Bolt Hole or why not take the train?

6. Burford Literary Festival

If you prefer a smaller event then Burford Lit Fest may be just your thing.  It has been described as "the real literary festival" and the organisers say “many of our events are bijou and this enables the events to feel more like a conversation than a presentation”.  Burford Lit Fest runs 22nd - 25th September 2022.

7. Autumn Classic Historic Race Day At Castle Combe

If you love classic cars this is not to be missed!  The event will be “celebrating the first Porsche driving in the UK at Castle Combe 70 years ago on the 4th October 1952, by Claude Bannister in a Porsche 356!” 

The Classic Historic Race Day will take place on the 24th September.  It is a little bit further to travel but well worth the visit if you are an enthusiast.  Our closest cottage is Little Gem in Bourton-on-the-Water.

8. Heritage Open Days

England’s largest festival of history and culture is nearly upon us and this is your chance to explore hidden places and try out new experiences.  The festival allows visitors free access to historical landmarks that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entrance fee.  Heritage Open Days runs from 9th - 18th September https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ 

9. Tour & Tasting At The Cotswolds Distillery

The Cotswold Distillery produces spirits of an exceptional quality.  Visit for a gin or whisky blending masterclass or one of their award-winning Tour & Tastings - and if you fancy indulging they also offer a Tour & Tasting with lunch!

Why not book a taxi from The Loft in Stow on the Wold or Honey Pot in Chipping Campden, just 15 minutes away.

10. Say Cheers To Cheltenham Wine Festival

If wine is more your thing the The Pittville Pump Room hosts The Cheltenham Wine Festival, on Saturday 29th October 2022. With a choice of over 250 exciting wines, this is your chance to taste, discover and learn about different wine styles, grape varieties and the people and special places behind them. 

5 top tips to stay cool in the Cotswolds because it's hot and it's about to get hotter...

Here are some suggestions to help you stay cool during these summer months

1) Paddle in the River Windrush at Bourton on the Water - this is a favourite of many over the summer months and our dog loves it too. Its shallow enough that little ones can have a paddle and there is a great atmosphere on the river banks in the summer months.

2) Take a stroll round Batsford Abaroretum http://www.batsarb.co.uk where there are lots of tall trees to shade you from the sun. Dogs are welcome on leads too.

3) Cool down with ice cream at The Cotswolds Ice Cream stand in Bourton-on-the-Water - there a quite a few options along the river and plenty of places to stop for a drink as well. Home to Little Gem Cottage https://www.uniquecotswoldcottages.co.uk/little-gem-cottage and our newest property which is due to be refurbished and launched later on in the year.!

4) Enjoy a refreshing beverage in the garden of one of our favourite pubs - https://www.theebringtonarms.co.uk and https://fuzzyduckarmscote.com - have delightful grassy outside areas with shade and excellent food

5) Keep out of the sun by visiting one of The Cotswolds Treasures - Like https://sudeleycastle.co.uk - with their thick stone walls that will keep you cool. this is just a short stroll from the Bolt Holehttps://www.uniquecotswoldcottages.co.uk/the-bolt-hole where picnic blankets and a picnic hamper is provided.

*** Special Offer ***

We are offering a 5% early bird discount for any bookings made between now and the 31st January 2021 for stays from the 1st of March 2021 onwards.

5 staycation destinations you might consider moving to

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….

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

5 signs your relationship is in need of a staycation

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

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.