The Cotswolds is far more than the sum of its open uncultivated land or moor. It’s a region in the heart of England, adorned with charming hamlets, cobbled lanes and old-world cottages (perhaps that’s where the ‘cot’ part comes in). At Plum Guide, we have all manner of homes of honey-coloured stone between limestone hills that are spread out across the Cotswolds, from Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to Wiltshire and Worcestershire. So, whether you’re tucking into a picnic by Castle Combe or climbing aboard the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, we’ve got you covered for accommodation. Here are 5 cottages to book in Cotswolds for the summer.
Secure a stay at The Nick of Time
Walking trails lead right up to this cottage’s front door, leaving you relaxed amid the forests of the Cotswolds. Myriad country pubs and restaurants lie in the vicinity, so there’s always somewhere to visit and something to do. The cottage itself is rustic, with stone walls and a manicured English garden that makes for an idyllic spot for afternoon tea (or a few glasses of bubbly). Inside, you’ll curl up on the sofa by the fire in those winter months, while snow peppers the windows. Pick from the tomes in the huge book case, or simply pretend to have read them all, while you sit back and watch the widescreen TV (remember to turn it on). Admire the quaint décor and furnishings in one of the two bedrooms as you catch some repose at the end of a day of hiking.
The Nick of Time, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
Enjoy a luxury stay at Merry Dreamers
OK, this one is a bit more of a mansion than a cottage, but we’ve chosen it in case you are planning to go with friends (or a huge family). With 11 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, you’ll never be caught short in this manor house on 27 acres of private grounds. No need to hike through the surrounding meadows and hills in Gloucestershire; the garden alone is enough to tire you out. In fact there’s no reason to ever leave the home. Sure, there are countless museums and artefacts hidden in the Cotswolds countryside, such as the Belas Knap Long Barrow archaeological site…but just think of all the treasures you’ll find back home. Especially in the luxury bathrooms of the Merry Dreamers, featuring L’Occitane products, rainfall showers and roll top baths…or the silk linens on king-size beds…it really is a home for dreamers.
Merry Dreamers, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
Take the family to Two’s Company
We’re now down in Somerset for the third of our 5 cottages to book in Cotswolds for the summer: Two’s Company. This one is somewhere between the previous two cottages in terms of size, with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. It’s the perfect getaway for you and your friends or family, a redbrick cottage based on a farm. Wander around the grounds on an evening or morning stroll, before heading back for a meal in one of the two kitchens. You heard that right, two kitchens. Dine on the patio, while taking in the utter tranquillity. Make it down to the Thames Path for stunning views, and stop in at one of the riverside country pubs.
Two's Company, Plum Guide home in Somerset
Book your ideal stay at Box Cottage
We’re going back to basics with this cosy and intimate cottage in the Worcestershire ward of the Cotswolds. Honey-coloured to match the region’s style, the cottage is appropriately decorated. It boasts a courtyard with a table to dine outside, beside a pergola framed by wisteria. Wander for just a couple of minutes to stumble across local pubs, cafés and boutiques as well as art galleries and market stalls that are part of the area’s enchantment.
Box Cottage, Plum Guide home in the Worcestershire, UK
Relish your countryside escape at Hanging Wisteria
Back in Oxfordshire, we’re ending on the quaint Hanging Wisteria home, which (as its name suggests) lies in a corridor of wisteria (and apple). It’s a perfect countryside escape, with the Bruern’s Gardens and one of Tatler’s pre-eminent spas nearby. Let your little ones frolic on the garden’s play area, which features slides and a swing, before enjoying the games room. Take your family cycling through the countryside and visit Chipping Norton. Back at the home, enjoy drinks on the patio, surrounded by plants and flowers up that almost engulf you.
Hanging Wisteria, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
That concludes our list of 5 cottages to book in Cotswolds for the summer, and if this article has suddenly whetted your appetite for a trip to the countryside, then explore all of our homes in the Cotswolds here.
