Inside Loop - Dispatch #8 | Unmissable spots to visit in the Cotswolds
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Welcome to dispatch #8 of “Inside Loop” - a bespoke travel consultancy, tailored just for you. Please share with friends to subscribe.
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After being back home in the Cotswolds at my parents’ house over the Christmas/New Year period, I decided I had to do a round-up of some of my favourite spots. The Cotswolds has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers worldwide, and while there are many well-trodden places like Soho Farmhouse, Estelle Manor etc. there are some gems that are hidden away.
1. The Fox at Oddington
Photo Credit: The Fox
Nestled in the heart of Oddington village, The Fox offers a charming escape where farm-to-table dining meets countryside charm. Savour a menu brimming with fresh, seasonal produce from the owner’s (Daylesford) farms, paired with craft beers and artisanal cocktails. I prefer it to its sister pub, the Wild Rabbit. Whether for a leisurely lunch or a cozy evening, The Fox promises an unforgettable taste of the Cotswolds. They also have a weekly pizza night with wood-fired pizzas that you won’t find as delicious in the whole country of Gloucestershire. They have a super cosy low ceiling room in the front with comfy small tables, or a larger, brighter room in the back. The former is great for dinner, and the latter for lunch! Oddington is a picture perfect Cotswolds village and most of the cottages are owned by Daylesford and are impeccably decorated - you can book a stay at one of them here and walk to the Fox for all your meals!
🧡 If you can book a spa treatment at the Daylesford Spa (Bamford Wellness Barn) followed by lunch here, which is a 6 min drive away, you’ve got a pretty dreamy winter afternoon set-up!
2. Stow-on-the-Wold
Photo Credit: Stay Cotswolds
Right in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is a historic market town steeped in charm and tradition. Once a bustling hub for wool trading, its ancient market square, surrounded by honey-colored stone buildings, still echoes with stories of its past. It’s a perfect little town to explore antique shops, cozy tea rooms, and historic inns while admiring the iconic medieval St. Edward’s Church, and less busy than some of the other toursity hotspots of the Cotswolds like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water or Burford! Perfect for history enthusiasts and countryside lovers alike, Stow-on-the-Wold offers a timeless escape into England’s rural heritage. In general, quite a stunning town to walk around and do some leisurely shopping - even Penelope Chilvers has a little boutique here.
🧡 After exploring Stow, have a Guinness at The Porch House - “England’s Oldest Inn”.
3. The Bull in Charlbury
Photo Credit: The Bull in Charlbury
The Bull at Charlbury, nestled in the heart of the “posh part” of the Cotswolds, offers a warm and stylish retreat with a focus on exceptional food and hospitality. Part of a family of celebrated pubs, including The Pelican and The Hero in London, it shares a passion for seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. The interiors are incredibly raw yet cosy, and nicely done. It will be hard to leave!
🧡 Pair this with a long walk - Finstock and the Evenlode (5 miles) is a great route.
4. Jesse Smith Farm Shop
Photo Credit: Jesse Smith
Jesse Smith Farm Shop is a local staple. For as long as I could rremember, my parents would pilgrimage here every weekend to buy delicious meat and cheese for the weekend ahead. It’s a family-run butcher with over 200 years of heritage, located right in the heart of Cirencester which is the “capital of the Cotswolds” - and arguably the most beautiful market town in the region. It’s worth coming here just to sample the 500 cheeses they have on offer.
🧡 Spend the night at the Flåm Marina Hotel and have dinner at the oldest brewery in town, Aegir.
5. Daylesford
Photo Credit: Daylesford Farm
Already mentioned above, since it’s hard to miss everything they touch in the region - but perhaps the most famous of all spots in the Cotswolds, and rightly so, is the institution that is Daylesford. It has transformed into a celebrated destination for those who value quality, sustainability, and connection to nature. Visitors can explore the award-winning farm shop, artisan bakery, and creamery, indulge in seasonal dining at the organic café, and discover wellness at the Bamford Spa. You can even book padel courts at their amazing Wellness Centre! From hands-on cookery classes to lush gardens and farm trails, Daylesford offers an immersive experience celebrating the best of organic farming and sustainable living. You could easily spend a whole day here! It’s a quick drive from Kingham Station, so easily accessible for those coming by train too.
🧡 Stay at one of their cottages and enjoy an AGA oven in every rental, Bamford spa toiletries and fluffy white company sheets…
6. Sudeley Castle
Photo Credit: Visit Cheltenham
Sudeley Castle is a true treasure in the heart of the Cotswolds, packed with over 1,000 years of incredible history. Once home to royalty, including Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, it’s a place where history comes to life. Wander through its beautiful gardens, explore fascinating exhibitions, and soak up the castle’s amazing stories. Sudeley Castle is a must-visit for anyone who loves a mix of history and stunning scenery. It’s incredibly close to the idyllic town of Winchcombe, and not too far from Cheltenham.
🧡 Have lunch before / after at the famous racing pub just a 5 min drive away, The Hollow Bottom in Guiting Power - one of the cosiest pubs in the area!
…and that’s all! If you enjoyed reading this newsletter, please do encourage friends to also subscribe. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you want tailored travel tips on any upcoming trips!
🧡 Camilla