Start The Festive Season In Style In The Beautiful Cotswolds

As the festive season approaches, the Cotswolds come alive with an array of enchanting events. So grab a mulled wine and a mince pie because we've handpicked a few of the best Christmas markets, festivals, and events for you to enjoy.

Christmas Markets

Chipping campden at christmas

Chipping Campden Christmas Market: On this magical day, the streets of Chipping Campden are transformed into a festive wonderland. Explore a wide variety of stalls, savour festive food and drinks, and find unique Christmas gifts. Don't miss the town's Christmas lights coming to life at dusk and a special appearance by Father Christmas. Make your visit extra special and stay at Honey Pot, our luxury cottage for two, with a heavenly Hypnos bed, 500+ thread-count cotton bed linen, and a rejuvenating rain shower.

When:  2nd December 2023, 12pm - 6pm

Where:  High St, Chipping Campden, GL55 6HB

cheltenham christmas market

Cheltenham Christmas Market: In 2023, Cheltenham hosts not one but two Christmas markets. The Christmas Gift Market (November 16-19) offers a fantastic selection of retail gifts, including homewares and food & drink. The Arts & Crafts Christmas Market (December 14-23) showcases the work of local traders and creators, from pottery to original art. Stalls will line the Promenade and Long Gardens. Stay at The Bolt Hole, just a 15-minute drive away from Cheltenham, and enjoy the luxurious king-size bed and en-suite bathroom with its own roll-top bath.

When:  16th - 19th November & 14th - 23th December 2023

Where:  The Promenade & Long Gardens, Cheltenham, GL50 1PJ

Moreton in Marsh Christmas Market: This market promises an eclectic mix of Christmas goodies, from giftware to food and drinks. Stay at our special grade 2 listed cottage, The Loft, only 13 minutes away in Stow on the Wold. Enjoy a late check-out, modern amenities, a roll-top bath, and luxurious bedding. Plus, we welcome your furry friend with a bed and treats.

When:  25th November 2023

Where:  High Street, Moreton In Marsh, Glos, GL56 0AX

Christmas Festivals

the bolt hole in winchcombe

Winchcombe Christmas Festival:  Winchcombe transforms into a magical winter wonderland during this festival. With over 70 real Christmas trees, street entertainers, choirs, carol singing, and bands, you'll be immersed in the Christmas spirit. Explore 40 market stalls filled with gifts and festive food. The shops will also stay open late so you can shop and browse the night away.

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 cosy place to stay.

When:  8th - 9th December 2023

Where:  North St / Abbey Terrace, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ

Craft Festival Cheltenham: This festival returns with 100 of the finest designer makers from across the UK. At Cheltenham Town Hall, you'll find handmade jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, woodwork, and furniture. There are plenty of festive workshops and craft demonstrations to enjoy.

When:  17th - 19th November 2023

Where:  Cheltenham Town Hall, Imperial Square, GL50 1QA

Entertainment & Activities

Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle: Explore a magical nighttime trail around Sudeley Castle's stunning grounds and enchanted woodland. This year's theme is "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" and you can meet Dorothy, Toto, and other iconic characters. Enjoy festive warmers like spiced mulled wine and hot chocolate and before heading home - The Bolt Hole is just minutes away on foot -  explore the gift shop for unique Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

When:  Multiple dates in November & December, 2023

Where:  Winchcombe GL54 5LP

Bourton-on-the-Water Christmas Tree Lighting: Don't miss the magical lighting of the Christmas tree in the River Windrush in the center of Bourton-on-the-Water. The reflections in the river create a truly enchanting scene. The festivities continue with a special shopping evening in town.

For more information nearer the time please contact https://bourtoninfo.com/

When:  Last weekend of November, 2023

Where:  River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water

We hope this inspires you to take a magical break in the Cotswolds this festive season, we’re sure you’ll head home with some wonderful memories!

the christmas tree at bourton on the water

What Makes Our Properties Special?

We are always overjoyed when we hear from our guests about how special their stay was with us, and so we thought it was about time we shared with you a little story about each of our beautiful properties.

From when we first started out in 2017, our vision for Unique Cotswold Cottages was always to create something really special.  We wanted to wow our guests so they would leave our cottages with unforgettable memories.

Over the last 6 years we have stuck by this vision, we watched it come to life as we tirelessly and meticulously planned, designed, and created.

Each of our properties has their own unique story that gives them their charm.  And by adding special touches to each and every one of our hand-picked cottages, and sending a personal pre/post arrival email, we have created the vision we set out to accomplish.  This forms part of our unique stamp and lays the foundation for a superbly comfortable stay.

We have done this by leaving a handwritten welcome card for every guest that stays with us. 

A welcome tray filled with high quality local and sustainable treats such as wine, organic rape seed oil, biscuits and honey is provided for our guests to use and enjoy. 

We provide unique local offers and discounts for guests at local restaurants, cafes and pubs.   And to make their stay that much more special, they also have their own on-hand housekeeper who lives locally so should there be any requirements, all our guests need to do is pick up the phone and our housekeeper will be there to help.  

welcome tray at honeypot

We want to make sure each and every one of our guests has the most comfortable and restful night’s sleep.  This is our absolute top priority!  So in all of our cottages you will find the best of the best mattresses by Hypnos in all our cottages, 500 thread count Egyptian cotton bed linen, roll-top bath tubs, walk-in showers and Egyption cotton towels.

Our cottages have all mod cons including high speed wifi and we also offer a later check out than usual, so guests can enjoy taking their time on their last morning with us.

Guests also have the option to book an in-cottage Spa treatment from Solace Asia Therapy, which specialises in deep tissue massage, reflexology, Thai stretch massage and much more.  

Our cottages are of course in beautiful walking country so guests have their own personal walking map, we have umbrellas, spare bathroom accessories in case anything is left at home, and let’s not forget your four-legged friends - they have their own basket, treats, blankets and bowls.

And if you are wondering what are the best villages to visit in The Cotswolds, well our cottages are located in some of the prettiest places to visit in this glorious landscape.  So without further ado, let’s look a little more closely at our properties and their locations…

Little Gem Cottage - Bourton-on-the-Water

Our first cottage, Little Gem, is over 200 years old. It was a garage for many years but then became a cottage that belonged to the neighbouring house.

When we acquired Little Gem back in 2017, it was very tired and in desperate need of some TLC so we rolled our sleeves up, got to work and it is now a beautifully refurbished Cotswold stone cottage complete with a log burner, fully equipped kitchen, delightful private patio garden and private parking.

The bedroom has a king size bed, a roll-top bath and walk-in shower in the bathroom.

An open plan living/dining/kitchen space has every top quality appliance you should need and the stable door in the kitchen leads to a charming, private patio garden with Weber barbeque, outdoor sofa and table & chairs for outdoor dining.

Located in Bourton-on-the-Water - also known as ‘The Little Venice of the Cotswolds’ - and a stone’s throw from the centre of this charming village.  Bourton itself is a quintessentially quaint Cotswold village with its low stone bridges and it has many cafes, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants serving delicious local food.

The Loft, Stow-on-the-Wold

The Loft is a beautiful, romantic rooftop apartment for two in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.  The Grade II Listed building is over 400 years old, it lived one of its many lives as a bakery and we have taken great care to preserve its charm.

This cosy and quirky apartment is at the top of a stunning Cotswold stone building but don’t be fooled - the loft is both spacious and luxurious and has its own access and delightful, private decked terrace with outdoor dining and sofa, perfect for unwinding with a bottle of wine or breakfast.

In the loft we have created a haven with the feeling of a retreat so it is perfect for a romantic getaway where you can enjoy the large bedroom with a stunning roll top bath complete with a view of the stars.  There is also a walk-in shower, a large lounge with a dining table, a kitchen with breakfast bar, and everything else you could possibly need.

The Loft is in the heart of Stow village so you can peruse the boutiques and antique shops to your heart’s content!

The Bolt Hole - Winchcombe

At over 150 years old, The Bolt Hole spent many years as a butcher's shop before we lovingly refurbished it to the delightful holiday cottage it is today.  With its open plan living/dining room/kitchen and every appliance you should need including a washing machine, dishwasher, 6-ring hob, double oven, fridge with freezer box and microwave so guests can enjoy the ease and comfort of this home-from-home.  

To add to the cosy atmosphere of this little haven, we also installed a log-burner and wall-mounted Smart TV to turn those chilly evenings into a perfect setting for snug relaxation.

Despite the Bolt Hole’s size it boasts a king-size bed with views from the bed of the beautiful countryside, a walk-in shower and roll-top bath.  We also welcome babies and have provided a cot and highchair.

The Bolt Hole is in the conservation area of Winchcombe which is deemed an area of notable historic interest worthy of preservation.  Winchcombe is the ‘walkers paradise’ of the Cotswolds and with its wealth of delightful walks and cycle routes on the doorstep you’ll be pleased to know there are many timbered inns, coffee shops and restaurants - including the celebrated Michelin rated “Restaurant 5 North Street”  - to satisfy your appetite!

Honey Pot - Chipping Campden

Delightfully cosy Honey Pot is Ideally situated just off the  high street in a very quiet location, and yet it is just  a minute’s walk away from the centre of Chipping Campden.  

We have made our guest’s stay at Honey Pot as smooth running as possible with a large private parking area and EV charger right outside.   Guest’s can enjoy air conditioning when the weather is hot and relax in the private enclosed garden on a balmy evening with a bottle of wine, or for breakfast in the morning.  Honey Pot has everything you need to make as comfortable a break as possible including dishwasher, walk-in shower and luxurious touches everywhere.

Chipping Campden, a charming old wool merchant’s town in the heart of the cotswolds,  was described by the noted Historian G.M. Trevelyanas as ‘the most beautiful village street now left on the island’, and it’s not hard to see why with its elegant terraced buildings, dating from the 14th century to the 17th century.

Here our guests can enjoy a vast choice of independent shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants.  We have partnered up with some of these wonderful eateries to offer our guests a discount. 

NEW - Hideaway Cottage

Our stunning Hideaway Cottage was originally named after the nearby River Windrush and in its past life has been a bookmakers and a boot shop.  The name Hideaway feels very apt, as the access to the back gate and private garden is hidden away.

Beautifully decorated and immaculately presented, this property will surprise and delight.  A little bigger than our other properties, Hideaway has a cosy study/bedroom as well as a beautiful wood panelled master bedroom with king size bed - both have been lovingly decorated with fixtures and fittings including wood panelling, and as with the rest of the property are high quality, sustainable and locally sourced wherever possible.

The master bedroom at hideaway cottage

The spacious bathroom has a roll top bath and walk-in shower - perfect for unwinding after a day’s exploring or walking the surrounding Cotswold hills. 

The fully equipped kitchen with top quality appliances, opens out to the cosy living space with log burner, beautiful sofas and smart tv for those cosy nights in.

Hideaway has its own private parking space complete with EV charger for guest use.  The delightful private patio garden has Bramblecrest table and chairs for outdoor dining and outdoor sofa so you can enjoy the morning papers. 

Bourton village is just a short, easy stroll away where you can enjoy the many characterful shops, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants including The Mousetrap Inn and Bakery on the Water, a fourth-generation, family run artisan bakery.

We hope that you have enjoyed our ‘tour’ and we would love to welcome you soon as another happy guest.  Should you wish to look further into our properties and our ethos, you can find more info on our website www.uniquecotswoldcottages.com. 

Happy browsing!

Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Tapestry of Fairs and Festivals in the Cotswolds this Summer

That time is upon us when we can stretch out on the grass with a glass of something cold and fizzy and be entertained by something musical, theatrical & magical!

We have hand-picked just seven of the many fairs & festivals - ranging from big name events to the lesser known small & local  - that will be happening in the Cotswolds this summer. Fingers crossed for dry weather!

The Big Feastival  

Experience the ultimate blend of music and gastronomy at The Big Feastival, where the spirit of Glastonbury meets an abundance of mouthwatering culinary delights. Set in the serene ambiance of a secluded Cotswolds farm, this extraordinary festival promises a feast for the senses.

An impressive lineup of musical talent, including the likes of Sigris, Tom Grennan, Blossoms, Example, and Hot Chip DJs. But the festivities don't end there - comedy acts, family entertainment, and a stellar lineup of renowned chefs add to the excitement. And if that isn’t enough, get ready to indulge in some of the most exquisite food you'll ever taste.

Our fabulous property The Loft is only a 13 minute drive away and is a fittingly luxurious base for a visit to The Big Feastival.

Where:   Alex James' Farm, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6UJ 

When:   25th - 27th August

Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival

The event welcomes esteemed guests, including celebrity MasterChef winner, Lisa Faulkner. Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of live entertainment, featuring captivating music performances and engaging street theatre acts.

Wine tastings and a cheese Masterclass offer delightful opportunities to savour exquisite flavours. In the chefs' kitchen, the finest culinary talents from the Cotswolds will take the stage, demonstrating their exceptional skills and sharing their delectable recipes with the audience. Keep an eye out for special appearances by celebrity chefs, adding an extra touch of culinary brilliance to the event.

the bolt hole

Where:   Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham

When:  Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th June

This is a dog-friendly festival!

Cheltenham is just a 20 minute drive and train ride from The Bolt Hole, our cosy cottage in beautiful Winchcombe. The perfect place to stay if you love to retreat to the peace and quiet of the countryside.

Cheltenham Music Festival 

Launched in 1945, the festival has proudly celebrated the enduring love for classical music. Showcasing a diverse and rich program, it takes full advantage of the breathtaking Cotswolds surroundings to create a truly magical musical experience, featuring the world's top classical talents.

Bringing together a delightful selection of musical delights, the festival offers a range of captivating performances. From chamber music to unique and alternative experiences with classical compositions, attendees are treated to an array of musical wonders. The lineup includes esteemed artists such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Manchester Collective, Laura Cannell, The Carice Singers, Scottish Ensemble, Laura van der Heijden, and many more.

Where:  Various venues in Cheltenham - check the website for details.

When:  8th - 15th July

Park Fair

This summer, Park Fair is making its highly anticipated return to The Great Tew Estate in the Cotswolds for its second year.

This three-day boutique festival is dedicated to showcasing independent artisans, beloved fashion and lifestyle brands, and delightful family entertainment.

Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere as you enjoy live music, engaging workshops, thrilling fairground rides, and tantalising pop-up dining experiences, all designed to enhance your curated shopping adventure.

Park Fair unites a remarkable lineup of contemporary talents. With six distinct areas, guests can revel in a festival ambiance while exploring an array of shopping delights, indulging in delicious feasts, experiencing glow-up transformations, embracing wellness activities and enjoying captivating entertainment.

little gem

Where: The Great Tew Estate, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 4AF

When:   Fri 30th Jun 10am-5pm, Sat 1st Jul 10am-9pm (late opening), Sun 2nd Jul 10am-5pm

Being just a 15  minute drive from The Loft and 20 minutes from Little Gem and Hideaway Cottage, you are spoilt for choice for places to stay!  All of our cottages are refurbished and styled to the highest standards and we have thought of everything that will make your stay extra special.

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the three-day show returns to Blenheim Palace in June, showcasing the best of British gardening. With more stands, entertainment, and the magnificent Grand Floral Pavilion, it offers stunning outdoor floral displays, a new 'Insect Trail,' gardening talks, delicious food, crafts, and live music. 

Plant lovers can enjoy shopping, admire floral displays, and seek expert advice from plant experts at the show.

Where:  Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL

When:  Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th June 2023

Dogs allowed but not in the Palace, Walled Garden or Formal Gardens

The Showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse

Experience the thrill of Cheltenham, an iconic racecourse that captivates racing enthusiasts worldwide. The adrenaline-fueled spectacle of the Gold Cup draws colossal crowds on-site and captivates millions through televised broadcasts. But the excitement begins even earlier!  Brace yourself for the heart-pounding action of the Showcase event, igniting the jump racing season in late October. This event sets the stage for a whirlwind of major races. Follow the journey of promising horses, destined to shine in the months leading up to the Showcase.

Make a weekend of it and stay at our charming cottage, The Bolt Hole, nestled in the picturesque town of Winchcombe and only a 10 minute drive from the racecourse.

Where:  Cheltenham Racecourse, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, GL50 4SH

When:  27th & 28th October 2023

Moreton in Marsh Show

Moreton Show is a grand agricultural extravaganza nestled in the Cotswolds. Celebrated as one of the largest of its kind, this vibrant event paints a vivid picture of rural life. Prepare to be enthralled by captivating livestock displays, thrilling equestrian showcases, and mesmerising falconry demonstrations. Immerse yourself in a world of local craftsmanship, delicious artisanal food, and cutting-edge innovations at the bustling exhibition stands. Against the backdrop of idyllic countryside, Moreton Show is a cherished tradition that invites you to embrace the essence of rural heritage—a truly unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Where:  Batsford Road, Moreton-in-Marsh,Gloucestershire, GL56 0AB

When:  Saturday 2nd September 2023

Hideaway Cottage

Why not indulge and treat yourselves to a stay in our exquisite rooftop apartment, The Loft, located a mere 15-minute drive away. Alternatively, our beautiful cottage Honey Pot, with its own e-charger, also just 15 minutes away, awaits your arrival. Or how about our newest addition, charming Hideaway and also Little Gem, both in Bourton-on-the-Water, are a 25-minute drive from the racecourse.  Our cottages offer everything you need for a rejuvenating weekend escape.

Sustainability and the tourism industry

At Unique Cotswold Cottages, we're trying to do our part to help protect the environment as much as we can and we thought we would share with you some of the sustainable initiatives that we have been working on.

So, what are we doing? Well, we believe that investing in local suppliers is one of the best ways we can do this, so we are consciously buying products that are locally sourced or made in the UK. By doing this, we have reduced our carbon footprint and we are supporting local businesses at the same time. 

For example, our guest soaps are made by a local artisan producer Petala Soaps made in Bourton of the Water, the home of our gorgeous properties  Little Gem Cottage and Hideaway Cottage.  Petala soaps are not only a delightful addition to our cottage bathrooms, but they are also an environmentally conscious choice.  To make the soap this local artisan producer uses a highly sustainable, traditional cold-process method from natural oils.

Plus, our logs are supplied by local company Cotswold Firewood and Logs who source their firewood locally from either waste products from tree surgery operations or timber taken from thinning sustainable woodland.

We're also trying to make it easier for our guests to be eco-friendly. So that our guests can charge their electric vehicles while they stay with us, we've installed EV chargers at two of our properties, Hideaway Cottage and Honey Pot with plans to do this in the rest..

During the renovation of our Hideaway Cottage property, we donated numerous household items and furniture to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, ensuring that our unused items went to a good cause and did not end up in landfill.

We're also proud to say that we work with lots of other Cotswold and UK-based companies who share our commitment to sustainability. To name a few:

• Cotswold Gold is a local supplier of high-quality rapeseed oil. Their oil is cold-pressed and bottled on their family farm in the heart of the Cotswolds, ensuring that the product is not only delicious but also sustainable. We include it as a welcome gift, so that our guests can taste and enjoy the delicious flavour of this locally-produced oil. 

• At all of our properties, we provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from Faith in Nature. Their products are natural, cruelty free and ethical. Their production facility is in Lancashire, UK, using the water from nearby Lake District. What's more, they use 100% recycled and recyclable bottles and plant a tree for every product bought. 

• Bramblecrest is a UK-based company that manufactures their outdoor furniture in Indonesia, where they have a team of highly skilled artisans who use sustainable materials and techniques to create their products. They are committed to ethical and responsible sourcing, and their furniture is made to the highest quality standards. So when you relax on their outdoor sofas or enjoy breakfast on their table and chairs, you can do so knowing that you are supporting a UK company that values sustainability and quality craftsmanship.

Bramblecrest garden furniture at Hideaway Cottage

• Rise and Fall is one of our absolute favourite suppliers, and we are proud to offer their Soft and Smooth bedding range to our guests for the ultimate night’s sleep!  They are committed to sustainability and minimising their impact on the environment. Their cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and chemicals.  They also work with suppliers who share their values and are certified by independent organisations such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Fairtrade. Additionally, Rise and Fall uses packaging that is made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable.

Rise and Fall bedding at Little Gem

• Serious Tissues is a UK based company provides all our properties, The Loft, Little Gem, The Bolt Hole, Honey Pot and Hideaway Cottage with 100% recyclable and plastic-free toilet paper made from old paper such as newspapers, office documents, and Christmas cards. Their 3-ply toilet roll comes in a recycled cardboard box and is free from chemicals, perfumes, and dyes. But that's not all; when you purchase a pack of Serious Tissues, they plant a tree in various locations across the globe to help restore ecosystems and protect forests. As of now, the company has planted 341,064 trees.

Serious Tissues loo roll in the bathroom at Little Gem

• For our latest refurbishment project, Hideaway Cottage, we turned to David Hunt Lighting, a reputable lighting company based up the road in Shipston-on-Stour. David Hunt Lighting is known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, producing lighting fixtures that not only illuminate a space but also add to its aesthetic appeal.  They use eco-friendly materials and employ energy-efficient manufacturing processes, making their products a great choice for us. We also made sure to select carpets made in the UK to support local manufacturing and reduce our carbon footprint.

• We are currently trialling Arya Eco kitchen sponges which are made from coconut fibres and natural, sustainable, plastic free materials.  And Envirowipe cleaning cloths which are fully compostable and also made with 100 percent natural fibre, for use in the kitchens of our properties. 

So, that's what we're all about at Unique Cotswold Cottages. We believe that sustainable tourism is the way of the future, and we're committed to doing our part and we are working to make sure our properties are as environmentally friendly as possible.