November 01, 2022

HOW TO ENJOY A ROMANTIC FESTIVE BREAK IN THE COTSWOLDS

November 01, 2022/ maddy lawrence

The lead up to Christmas is an especially exciting time to be in the Cotswolds, with so much going on you will be spoilt for choice.

Here at Unique Cotswold Cottages we know a thing or two about creating unforgettable experiences. So, we have sought out the best christmas markets, festivals and entertainment, so all you have to do is wrap up warm and enjoy!

Christmas markets;

Chipping Campden Christmas Market runs on Saturday 3rd December 2022 when the whole street is closed off to traffic for the day. As well as a wonderful variety of stalls lining the street there will be festive food and drinks in the Market Square and an indoor market on both floors of the Town Hall. All three areas will be transformed into a festive wonderland with enticing stalls offering arts and crafts, Christmas decorations, festive food, cards, toys and truly original Christmas gifts. The Town's Christmas Lights are switched on at dusk, and of course, there is an appearance by Father Christmas!
Make your visit even more special by staying at Honey Pot, our luxury cottage for two - with its Hypnos bed,500+ thread-count cotton bed linen and rain shower complete with Egyptian cotton towels - it is the perfect place to unwind after a day’s Christmas shopping! Just minutes away from the centre of the village and with private parking and an on-site EV charger, Honey Pot is perfectly located for the perfect stay.
Where: High St, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HB
When: 3rd December 2022, 12pm - 6pm
The Christmas Cotswold Fair at Daylesford Organic is possibly the most indulgent of Christmas fairs, there will be more than 200 stalls and some of their new brands include Plum & Ashby, Killy & Co and Chien Lunatique.
Exclusive tutorials with fabulous chefs, interior designers, design specialists and many more. All workshops are complimentary with your tickets but you need to reserve your place!
Daylesford is just 15 minutes drive away from our beautifully refurbished Cotswold stone cottage, Little Gem, the perfect retreat with its log burner, roll top bath, parking, garden and sumptuous bed.
Where: Daylesford Organic, Daylesford, Nr Kingham, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG
When: 7th - 10th November 2022
Book tickets here
Cheltenham Christmas Market will run daily from Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December 2022. Around 80 market stalls offering festive food, gifts and Christmas decorations will run along the Promenade and Long Gardens in front of the Municipal Office.
Why not stay at our Winchcombe cottage, The Bolt Hole, which is just a 20 minutes drive from Cheltenham. You’ll find a wealth of delightful walks from your doorstep as well as some of the finest places to eat. The bedroom provides 500+ thread-count cotton bed linen, a large king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a roll-top bath, a walk in rain shower and log-burner, to help you relax after a day's walking and shopping
Where: The Promenade & Long Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1PJ
When: Thursday 8 December to Saturday 24 December 2022.
Entrance is free.
Moreton in Marsh Christmas Market hosts an exciting mix of stalls selling an eclectic mix of Christmas goodies including giftware, food, drink and much more besides. A fabulous base to visit the market is our very special grade 2 listed cottage, The Loft, just 13 minutes away in Stow on the Wold. With late check out, all mod cons, roll top bath and luxurious bedding - we even welcome your pooch with a bed and treats - it is the perfect place to unwind. Why not book yourself a taxi to Moreton’s Christmas market so that you can indulge in a mulled wine or two?
Where; High Street, Moreton In Marsh, Glos, GL56 0AX
When; Saturday 26th November 9am

Christmas festivals;

The Cheltenham Christmas Wine Festival - Hurry, tickets are selling fast! At this exciting festival you'll be able to taste over 150 still and sparkling wines, plus a selection of spirits too. Book a taxi from one of our luxury cottages - at time of writing Honey Pot and The Loft are available!
Tickets; £35 (plus booking fee)
Where; Pittville Pump Room, East Approach Drive, GL52 3JE
When; Friday 25th November 2022 6.30pm - 9.30pm
Winchcombe Christmas Festival - Beautiful Winchcombe turns into a magical winter wonderland as Shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants throw open their doors and welcome you in. The town’s annual festival offers a warm invitation to all to come enjoy a traditional Cotswold Christmas. With over 70 real Christmas trees lighting up the town, street entertainers, Morris dancers, choirs, carol singing and bands you can’t help but get into the Christmas spirit! Browse over 50 market stalls laden with gifts & festive food, and the shops will be open late too. Luxury cottage, The Bolt Hole with its stone walls, oak beams and log burner, is in the centre of the town making it the ideal place to stay.
Where; North St / Abbey Terrace, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ
When; 6 December 2022 5pm – 8pm
Stow-on-the-Wold Christmas Tree Festival 2022 - Preparations are now underway for the annual Christmas Tree Festival which will take place at St Edward’s church in December 2022. Come along and enjoy the wonderful display of Christmas trees decorated by children, organisations and businesses in the town. Best Tree in each category is voted for by the public. Stay in the Christmassy mood with dinner at one of Stow’s cosy pubs and then stroll home to The Loft, our 200 year old romantic apartment with its roll top bath in the bedroom with a view, and luxurious bed with Hypnos mattress 500+ thread-count cotton bed linen.
Entrance; Donation guide, £5 per couple
Where; St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold
When; 10.00am to 5.00pm on Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th December 202
Craft Festival Cheltenham returns this Christmas season with 100 of the finest designer makers from across the UK for its first pre-Christmas show in Cheltenham. This curated event brings the best professional makers to the iconic Cheltenham Town Hall where you will find makers of handmade jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, and furniture. There will be a signature programme of festive workshops and craft demonstrations.
Tickets form £7 Book Here
Where; Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA
When; Weekend of 26-27th Nov
Entertainment & Activities;
Spectacle of Light, Sudeley Castle - Explore the magical night-time trail around Sudeley Castle’s stunning grounds and enchanted woodland. As well as the majestic trees and romantic ruins all lit under the stars, there will be sparkling water features, a mesmerising Carpet of Colour, light beams, lanterns and so much more. Grab yourself some mulled wine or a hot chocolate, tuck into some delicious food from the castle terrace and browse the lovely gift shop for some unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs. Just a few minutes away is The Bolt Hole, our delightfully cosy and luxurious cottage - the icing on the cake after a magical festive evening!
Tickets; From £19.20
Where; Winchcombe GL54 5LP
When; 25-27 November, 2-4, 8-11, 15-23, 27-30 December 2022
The Snowman in concert - the Mozart Symphony Orchestra returns to Cheltenham Town Hall, bringing their famous Christmas show from London for one day only. “You would be hard pushed to find a more magical Christmas experience”. The Times
Tickets £30.00, £25.00, £20.00, £15.00, £10.00
Where: Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA
When: Friday 23rd December 2022
Chocolate Making Classes - make your own Belgian truffles. You will learn some basic chocolate making techniques including flavouring, piping, enrobing and spinning chocolate. Then finally, after tastings as well, your truffles will be professionally gift wrapped using simple techniques that will add the "wow" factor. Give them to a friend or better still, treat yourself to a gift! Just 5 minutes away is Bourton on the Water where our cottage Little Gem is located. Indulge in your creations in front of the log burner or for sheer decadence - in Little Gem’s roll top bath!
Tickets; £48 - £50 Book Here
Where; Wyck Rissington Village Hall, GL54 2PN
When; 17th December 2022, 2pm - 4pm
Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas Tree Lighting - The 2nd December is the lighting up of Bourton on the Water's wonderful Christmas tree which the Chamber of Commerce puts in the River Windrush in the centre of the village each year. The profusion of lights reflects in the babbling river creating a truly magical scene. The festivities continue with a special shopping evening in the town.
Where; River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water
When; 2nd December 2022 6.30pm

October 19, 2022

Shopping in the Cotswolds

October 19, 2022/ maddy lawrence

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.

September 02, 2022

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

September 02, 2022/ Amanda Brahams

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.

June 15, 2021

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

June 15, 2021/ Amanda Brahams

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.

Do, Eat, Go!

5. Cheltenham Literature Festival

6. Burford Literary Festival

7. Autumn Classic Historic Race Day At Castle Combe

9. Tour & Tasting At The Cotswolds Distillery

Unique Cotswold Cottages