Driving directions and key collection

The Bolt Hole, 15 Hailes Street, Winchcombe GL54 5HU

CHECK IN:: is at 3pm (Please don't enter the property earlier unless you have had confirmation that it is ready from myself or your housekeeper)

CHECK OUT: Check out is by 11am

KEY COLLECTION: The key will be located in a key safe just to the right of the front door. Please return the key to the lock box when leaving.

TO OPEN THE KEY SAFE BOX slide down the front cover, scroll the numbers until you get to 5656 aligned, along the middle, and then pull the black tab down. And the cover will open.

DIRECTIONS: Winchcombe is 10 miles from junction 9 of the M5 and 7 miles from the A40

From Cheltenham – When arriving in the village of Winchcombe, continue along Gloucester Street B4632 and along the High Street, which then leads into Hailes Street. Once you reach Hailes street, the cottage (with its green frontage) is located after a short distance on the right-hand side. ‘The Bolt Hole’ sign is on the right-hand side of the door.

Alternative way to find the cottage.

Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/FVaey2xcwhTMeMfc7

What3words location is https://w3w.co/spoil.online.tasteful

what3words is a really quick and simple way to find, share and save exact locations. The system converts GPS coordinates into 3 word addresses. To use enter the words above into https://what3words.com/ or their app.

If you have a car, usually unload directly in front of the property on the yellow lines and then move the car. There are then a number of good parking options once the car has been unloaded with FREE unrestricted on street parking is available both the left and right ends of the street around 5 minutes walk away. Car parking options are:

Option 1: Turn right out of The Bolt Hole and drive approx. 200m until the road turns into Broadway and there are no restrictions.

Option 2: Turn left out of the cottage to just after the free 2 hour car park at Abbey Terrace and park along the road where it is unmarked and unrestricted

Option 3: Turn left out of the cottage and drive through the village until you see the time restricted free parking of 2 hours between 8am – 6pm, Monday to Saturday at the car park on Abbey Terrace.

Option 4: All day parking for £1 a day at the Back Lane Car Park next to the library on Back Lane. Car access is from Back Lane but you can walk down Cowl Lane, exiting out on to the High Street. Chargeable times, Mon to Sat: 8am - 5.30pm. Sun: 12.30pm - 5.30pm

We have compiled a comprehensive list of instructions, recommendations and suggestions in our guest information folder in your cottage. So if you have any questions during your stay, the answer is likely to be in there. If you cannot find what you need, then please contact your local housekeeper Meghan on 07854 879835 between 9am and 6pm.

TAXIS

We strongly advise you pre-book taxis, as there are not many and they get very booked up. This is essential for collection and return to and from the train station.

From Moreton-in-Marsh Station - https://www.moretoninmarshtaxiandminibus.com, 07895 028 448

Or http://www.cotswoldstaxis.co.uk, 07895 575 795

Amiga Cars Winchcombe +44 (0)1242 603060

Taylor Private Hire Winchcombe +44 (0)1242 603651

Abbey Private Hire Winchcombe +44 (0)7546 989643

Local EV Charge Points

Regrettably, our insurance will be invalidated for any EV charging into a three-pin plug socket or using an extension lead through windows/doors. Therefore, we are sorry but EV charging from plug sockets in this property is prohibited.

These are some local EV charge points:

Monta Charging Station (15 mins)

Ellenborough Park Hotel, Southam Ln, Cheltenham GL52 3NJ

Pets

We welcome house-trained, adult dogs and want you and your furry friend to feel welcome. However, please can you follow these few doggy rules:

Please keep pets off the furniture unless on a doggy blanket
Please take away your dog waste
Please remove pet hairs from the carpets and furniture before you leave. We know it's natural for pets to lose fur, so we've provided a vacuum cleaner and mop in your property for your convenience.
Please do not leave pets unattended in the property
Please do not allow pets upstairs or in bedrooms

You won't be charged extra for cleaning if you bring your pet, but if they shed a lot, we may need to pass on the extra fees to cover the time it takes for additional cleaning.

Location

Winchcombe is a Cotswolds market town, set above the River Isbourne, with a history dating back over 3000 years. The town became prosperous from its Abbey (one of the largest Benedictine monasteries in England), its wool trade and as a producer of tobacco. Although the Abbey (and the tobacco!) have gone there is still much to see of historic Winchcombe.

If you take a stroll along Gloucester Street through Abbey Terrace to Hailes Street and then back along Chandos Street and down North Street you will see the wealth of the town reflected in many of the buildings as well as in the surrounding countryside. Around the town your will see black and white plaques that provide the details and origins of some of the oldest streets and lanes.

The stone Church of St Peter displays an altar cloth worked by Catherine of Aragon. Outside the church there are 40 gargoyles, said to represent local town characters from the 1460's. Dent's Terrace is a splendid set of almshouses and there are beautiful sets of cottages on Vineyard Street.

Winchcombe borders Sudely Castle which is renowned for its 1000 year, Royal history and beautiful gardens, home of Queen Katherine Parr up to her death in 1548.

Food & Drink

When it comes to eating and drinking you will be spoiled for choice. Winchcombe has "Fair Trade" status and a selection of restaurants, pubs, and teashops. So, whether you want a quick snack or a special meal there's plenty to choose from to suit all budgets. Booking is advised for busy periods and weekends and opening times may vary

The Corner Cupboard Inn 15th-Century Inn located in Gloucester Street, Winchcombe; 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. Food is served Monday - Friday 12:00pm - 3:00pm, 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Saturday 12:00pm - 9:00pm and Sunday 12:00pm - 8:00pm. Dogs are welcome in the bar area.

Norths Bakery – Produce a large variety of fresh bread/cakes/pastries and are open Monday – Friday 7am – 4.30pm. Sat 8.30am, to 3pm.

The Tipsy Egg - The Tipsy Egg is an independent café on Hailes Street in the lovely Cotswold town of Winchcombe. Everything is created using locally sourced ingredients and you'll find breakfast, fresh homemade cakes, light lunches, daily specials, sustainable coffee and hot chocolates. Gluten free and vegan options are always available and the Tipsy Egg is open 8am to 4pm daily. It is dog friendly.

Restaurant 5 North Street A small family run restaurant from a renowned chef who has previously been awarded four Michelin stars. The cooking at North Street brings together the elements of traditional British cooking with the more sophisticated ingredients and techniques of classic French cuisine. Ideal for a special meal. Serving lunch Wednesday - Sunday 12.30pm – 1.30pm and dinner Tuesday - Saturday 7pm – 9pm.

The White Hart Inn The White Hart Inn is a charming 16th Century inn, with the Wine & Sausage Restaurant at its heart. Open daily for breakfast, morning coffee & cakes, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and bar snacks. Serving breakfast 8am–11:30pm, lunch 11:30am–3pm, afternoon tea 3pm–5pm, dinner 5pm–9pm and Sunday lunch 12pm–5pm. Dogs on leads are welcome in all areas.

The Winchcombe Pizza Company @ The White Hart Inn - Tuesday-Saturday 5-9pm

The PIzza Shack - Pips Railway Carriage Cafe - Takeaway - Fridays 5-8pm 07729 685412 to order. Collection is from the carriage.

Local Breakfast Options

You may notice that we don't have a coffee machine, and I just wanted to explain why. We appreciate that coffee preferences vary greatly, so we want to give you the opportunity to explore and find your perfect cup, as well as to support our local coffee shops and eateries. Thank you for your understanding. Below is a list of local places for a coffee/breakfast:

The White Hart Inn does a great breakfast - breakfast can be booked from 8am–11:30am, bookings taken via website (pre-booking is advised). (Dog Friendly)

Hayles fruit farm is just outside Winchcombe. Range of breakfast options including Full English Breakfast. Open for breakfast 9am - 11.45am, Thurs - Sun. Open for breakfast toasties 9am, Mon - Wed. (Dog Friendly) .

Food Fanatics - 12 North Street, Winchcombe GL54 5LH

Special Occasions

If you would like to treat someone for a special occasion, these are your local options:

The Flower Man

14 High St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LJ

flowers@theflowerman.co.uk or 01242 269905

Mon-Sat 0900-1730

Flowers, chocolates, balloons. Will deliver.

Groceries

If you need to buy groceries, there are a couple of good options nearby:

Mid-Counties Co-op supermarket has a good range and sells own-label goods, as well as well-known brands. The address is: Greet Rd, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PT. It is open 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 10.00am to 4pm Sundays.

Cotswold Essentials, 4 North St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LH, open Monday to Saturday 9am to 1pm

Nisa Local is a small convenience store at 22-24 North St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PS just a short walk from the cottage. It is ideal if you just need to pop in for the odd thing. It is open 7am to 9pm 6 days a week and 8am to 8pm Sundays.

Norths Bakery, 10 North St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LH. Independent bakery selling freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries. Open 7am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 4pm Saturdays. Closed Sundays.

Vale Hill Family Butchers, High St, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5LJ offers a good range of meats. Open 7am, to 4pm Tue to Fri and 7am to 1pm Sats. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Pet Sitting Services

If for any reason you need to arrange for some dog care while you are staying with us, please take a look at our suggestions below. These will need to be pre-booked.

Happy Hounds at Winchcombe: Otters Fld, Winchcombe, Greet, Cheltenham GL54 5PN

happyhoundswinchcombe@gmail.com or 07867978696.

Percy in the Park: Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham

percyinthepark@hotmail.com or Zoey:07984600053 Faye: 07783473719

Pittville Pets: 34 Bridge Street, Cheltenham

pittvillepets@gmail.com or 07833555089

The Dog Walker Cheltenham: 110 Fairview Rd, Cheltenham GL52 2ER

info@thedogwalkeruk.co.uk or 01242578823

Bright Eyes Dog Care Cheltenham: 44 Arle Rd, Cheltenham GL51 8JX

info@brighteyesdogcare.co.uk or 07491364728

Cotswold Pet Visits: Cirencester GL7

lushandvintage@icloud.com or 07917192243

Activities

With a vibrant music & arts festival in May/June, a country show in August and a Christmas Festival, there's a great deal to experience in this lovely hidden jewel in the Cotswold crown.

Cycling

The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with quiet country roads and lanes, as well as more challenging mountain biking terrain, making it perfect for all types of cycling. Bikes can be pre-booked for hire from:

· Hartwell's Cycle Hire, Bourton-on-the-Water (http://hartwellscotswoldcyclehire.uk/) Tel: 01451 820405

· TY Cycles, Chipping Norton will deliver bikes (and e-bikes) to your cottage if hire is for two days or more. www.tycycles.co.uk, 01608 238150

In-cottage Spa Treatments

For something special, we are delighted to announce we are now able to offer guests in-cottage Spa treatments from Solace Asia Therapy, which specialises in deep tissue massage, reflexology, Thai stretch massage and much more.

Your lovely therapist Irene, has worked at some top local establishments, including Spas at Daylesford’s Farm and Soho Farmhouse. For prices and to book your treatment, contact Irene on 07745 928985 or email info@solace-asia.co.uk.

Solace Asia Therapy is based in Stow-on-the-Wold, so you can book a visit there or arrange a treatment for you or as a couple in your cottage. Unique Cotswold Cottages guests will receive a FREE gift with their treatment, so do let them know when you book.

Archery, Clay and Target shooting

A nice activity that you could to do before check in or after check out, is some shooting and archery. Old downs pursuits is around 45 mins from Bolt Hole towards delightful Cirencester (which is often known as the capital of the Cotswolds). They offer Archery, clay pigeon shooting and target shooting. If you mention that you are staying with Amanda at Unique Cotswold Cottages they will provide £5 off per person. Contact Sean 07597 093 708, http://www.old-downs-pursuits.co.uk

Walking

Known as the walking capital of the Cotswolds and with "Walkers are Welcome" status Winchcombe sits at the intersection of the Cotswold Way, the Gloucestershire Way, the Wardens Way, the Windrush Way and the new Winchcombe Way. The Winchcombe welcomes walkers website has a wealth of information designed to tempt you to take anything from a gentle stroll to a vigorous long-distance trek. Winchcombe holds an annual walking festival in May.

There are many lovely walks available from the Cottage. A personalised map is provided in the guest book for your use while you stay at the cottage. Please return it to the Guest Information folder when you leave so it is available for other guests use. Other walks are also provided.

Cotswold Lavender

Cotswold Lavender Please check opening times on website as usually only open during the months of June & July. It is now closed until June 2024. They are open all year round for mail order and trade customers.

Guided Tours

Go Cotswolds (07786 920166). is an award winning tour company offering small group guided day tours of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh and Strateford Upon Avon.

Castles, Abbeys and more…

Sudeley Castle (home of Queen Katherine Parr up to her death in 1548) is a must visit just a short walk from the cottage. Other suggestions are: Hailes Abbey (a Cistercian House founded in 1246 and owned by English Heritage), Stanway House (a Jacobean manor house with world-famous fountain) and Belas Knap (a Neolithic long barrow dating from circa. 3800 BC) all offer a fascinating insight into the life of our forbears. Book In advance in order to get discounts at https://sudeleycastle.co.uk

For the more mechanically minded the GWR Steam Railway (which runs from Toddington through Winchcombe to Cheltenham Racecourse) provides a fantastic fun day out for the family and the Prescott Hill Climb is home to one of the world's most prestigious motor racing venues.

Nearby Gardens

There are several famous gardens which are worth visiting, all less than half an hour away. Hidcote Manor, Bourton House and Snowshill Manor all make the perfect afternoon out for those who enjoy strolling through garden grounds.

Golf at Naunton Downs

Naunton Downs offers a fantastic 18-hole 71 par golf course, which is open to visitors as well as members. Located in the stunning countryside between Stow on the Wold and Bourton on the Water, Naunton Downs Golf Club will be a scenic retreat for avid golfers. Weekly passes are available for visitors.

Courses

Floristry and craft courses at The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers - Chipping Campden

Covent Garden Academy of Flowers For over 10 years mother and daughter team, Gillian and Fleur Wheeler trained thousands of students at their renowned Central London design school, but now concentrate on their Cotswolds school. They run a whole range of floristry and craft courses available for all levels throughout the year, from their Signature Hand Tied Bouquet Workshop to the Three Day Flower Design Course and everything in between! If this is something you are interested in then do check their website academyofflowers.com as they are constantly updating and have a range of courses to suit everyone.

Creative and crafty workshops at Larkswold

At Larkswold you’ll find beautiful countryside views, freshly baked cakes, and bottomless teas and coffees. Your creative experience will leave you relaxed and ready for more. They offer a huge variety of workshops from glass infusing to pottery to natural paintmaking - see their website for the full range.

Nearby towns & villages

Winchcombe is a great place from which to explore the beautiful Cotswolds including Bourton-on-the-water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Burford and Moreton-in-Marsh. There are beautiful walks from the villages of Blockley and Ebrington for a more off the beaten track experience.

There are so many beautiful towns and villages around the Cotswolds. Here is a small selection of our favourites with a little info about them:

Bourton-on-the-water - known as The Venice of the Cotswolds - it is a charming Cotswolds village with the delightfully names River Windrush running through it with small stone walking bridges to get you from one side to the other. On either side of the river are shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are also a number of attractions including a maze, and a charming model village. You can take a stroll from here to Lower Slaughter and further on to Stow. It gets very busy in the high season when parking becomes very difficult. Home to Little Gem Cottage

Stow-on-the-Wold - Charming village with an array of shops, cafes, tea rooms, restaurants and pubs. Home of the St Edwards church with its much photographed front door. Good quality restaurants and parking in the square is free for two hours. It is known for its antique shops. Home to The Loft

Broadway - a charming village with lovely wide treelined high-street and pavements. A good selection of pubs and eateries. Enjoy a walk to the Broadway Tower and museum or dine at the famous Lygon Arms. The Cotswolds way runs through Broadway. Home of an arts festival, food festival and lots of other events throughout the year

Lower Slaughter - a lovely stroll from either Bourton or Stow will take you to stunning Lower Slaughter which is handy as in the summer months it is almost impossible to get parked there. There a picturesque village with it honey-coloured stone cottages either side , a pub and a delightful water mill. Booking is strongly advised at the pub.

Chipping Campden is a lovely market town in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire. It is known for its unusual and attractive High Street and is said to be ‘the most beautiful village street now left on the island’ by G.M Trevelyan (English Historian). The high street is long and broad and is flanked on either side by an almost unbroken single terrace, made up of many different architectural styles. Again there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from. Home to Honey Pot.

Markets

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

The farmers market in Bourton-on-the-Water is on the fourth Sunday in the month - 9:30am to 1:00pm. Royal British Legion car park.
Stow-on-the-Wold farmers Market runs once a month in the square on the second Thursday of the month - 9am until 1:30pm
The Winchcombe farmers market is on the second Saturday in the month – 9am to midday in the Guide Hall.
Stratford-upon-Avon farmers market is the first and 3rd Saturday of each month - 9am-2pm
Fairford Market - Held in the Market Place Wednesdays 9am-1pm. Traders include bakers, cheese makers, card sellers and fruit & veg sellers.
Moreton-in-Marsh Market Every Tuesday, (Nov-Mar) 9am to 3pm, (Apr-Oct) 9am to 3.30pm
An extremely popular market in the Cotswolds with many coach parties visiting from far and wide.
Northleach Market Wednesday 8:30am to 3:30pm
Stroud Market - Friday and Saturday (Shambles Fruit and Veg Market)
Cheltenham Craft Market Every third Saturday of the month on the Promenade - 9am to 5pm
Cheltenham farmers market is on the second and last Friday of each month, on the pedestrianised area of the Promenade, outside Cavendish House - 9am to 2pm
Chipping Norton Market Takes place in Chipping Norton Market Place on Wednesday
Tetbury Market - Tetbury market is held on a Wednesday under the Market House at the top of Long Street. The market usually starts at around 9am and goes on until about 3pm
Cirencester Charter Market Monday 10am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 3pm
Cirencester Charter Market is held in the Market Place. The closest car parks are located at Abbey Grounds, Old Station car park, and Brewery car park.

For more details visit the Cirencester market page.

Unique Cotswolds Cottages Sustainable credentials

At Unique Cotswold Cottages, we aim to use local suppliers and trades and UK made products where possible. Here are some of the companies we have used for property refurbishment and supply of ongoing guest sundries.

We use locally recommended chimney sweeps, window cleaners, electricians, builders and plumbers.

Logs are sourced from local tree surgeons who are selling it as a bi-product of their trade rather than cutting trees down purely for the supply of logs.

Whilst renovating the last property, we donated numerous household items and furniture to Ukrainian Refugees.

Some of the Cotswold based companies we use:

Cotswold Gold BROADWAY - Rapeseed Oil

https://cotswoldgold.co.uk/

The Craft Drink Company BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER – Cotswolds Cloudy G&T

https://craftdrink.dearportal.com

Petala soaps BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

https://petalasoaps.com/

Cotswold Lamps & Interiors CHELTENHAM

https://cotswold-lamps-interiors.com/

David Hunt lighting SHIPSTON ON STOUR

https://www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk/