Cotswolds: Your Winter Travel Guide

Winter transforms the Cotswolds into one of England’s most charming countryside escapes, where honey-coloured cottages, picturesque villages and rolling landscapes set the scene for cosy days and festive evenings. From roaring fireplaces and boutique hotels to Christmas markets and traditional country pubs, the region feels particularly magical during the colder months.

Whether you’re planning a festive weekend or a peaceful countryside retreat, there’s plenty to discover. Our Cotswolds winter guide brings together the best places to stay, eat and explore, from luxurious manor houses and independent cafés to scenic winter walks and charming villages.

HOTELS (££)

Estelle Manor, North Leigh – A magnificent country-house retreat offering elegant interiors, exceptional dining and a Roman-inspired spa, surrounded by beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

Cowley Manor Experimental, Cowley – A stylish five-star country-house hotel featuring bold contemporary interiors, beautiful gardens and a luxurious spa with indoor and outdoor pools.

The Lygon Arms, Broadway – A historic coaching inn combining centuries of English heritage with elegant accommodation, welcoming fireplaces and a luxurious spa.

Thyme, Southrop – A beautifully restored countryside estate offering elegant accommodation, a botanical spa and seasonal dining surrounded by picturesque Cotswold scenery.

Dormy House, Broadway – A stylish countryside hotel celebrated for its award-winning spa, contemporary interiors and intimate dining experiences, ideal for a relaxing winter weekend.

COSY RENTALS

The Bull, Charlbury – A restored 16th-century inn combining rustic character, individually designed bedrooms and a lively dining atmosphere.

The Double Red Duke, Clanfield – A characterful country inn featuring eclectic interiors, cosy bedrooms and an acclaimed restaurant specialising in open-fire cooking.

The Fox at Oddington, Lower Oddington – A stylish countryside pub offering charming bedrooms, inviting fireplaces and seasonal British dining in a cosy setting.

Wood Farm House, Cotswolds – A beautifully designed five-bedroom farmhouse featuring elegant interiors, spacious living areas and a private cinema room, ideal for a luxurious group getaway.

The Bell at Charlbury, Charlbury – A historic coaching inn featuring thoughtfully designed rooms, traditional architectural details and welcoming interiors for a peaceful winter stay.

BRUNCH AND COFFEE SPOTS

Daylesford Organic, Kingham – A celebrated organic farm destination serving seasonal breakfasts, freshly baked pastries and excellent coffee alongside a beautifully curated farm shop.

The Hive, Stow-on-the-Wold – A welcoming independent café loved for its comforting breakfast dishes, homemade cakes and freshly brewed coffee.

Lynwood & Co, Burford – A popular independent café offering speciality coffee, artisan pastries and freshly prepared brunch dishes along Burford’s picturesque High Street.

Quince & Clover, Great Tew – A charming countryside café serving creative seasonal brunch dishes, homemade cakes and quality coffee in a relaxed setting.

Otis & Belle, Various Locations – An independent artisan bakery celebrated for its slow-fermented sourdough, buttery pastries and handcrafted patisserie, with locations including Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold.

RESTAURANTS

Ox Barn at Thyme, Southrop – Set within a beautifully restored agricultural barn, this acclaimed restaurant celebrates seasonal British ingredients through thoughtful, ingredient-led cooking.

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham – A sophisticated country pub and restaurant offering refined seasonal British cuisine, rustic interiors and locally sourced ingredients.

The Orangery at RH England, Aynho – An elegant dining destination at historic Aynho Park, combining grand architecture, beautiful interiors and a refined menu in a spectacular setting.

The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote – A charming hillside restaurant combining refined seasonal cooking, spectacular rural views and welcoming interiors.

The Pig in the Cotswolds, Barnsley – A relaxed country-house restaurant celebrating locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes inspired by its kitchen-garden philosophy.

PUBS

The Kingham Plough, Kingham – A much-loved village gastropub serving seasonal British dishes, local ales and comforting classics in a traditional setting.

The Chequers, Churchill – A charming countryside pub combining rustic interiors, welcoming fireplaces and hearty British cooking.

The Royal Oak, Ramsden – A charming traditional village pub offering seasonal British cooking, a welcoming atmosphere and cosy countryside interiors.

The Potting Shed, Crudwell – A characterful countryside pub known for its relaxed atmosphere, locally sourced ingredients and comforting seasonal British dishes.

The King’s Head Inn, Bledington – A traditional village inn known for its historic character, comforting British food and welcoming countryside atmosphere.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market, Woodstock – Running from 13 November to 20 December 2026, this spectacular market features wooden chalets, artisan gifts and festive treats against the magnificent palace backdrop.

Woodstock Festive Fayre, Woodstock – Held on 27–28 November 2026, this charming festive event brings together independent makers, artisan gifts and seasonal shopping across three historic venues.

Cirencester Christmas Market, Cirencester – Taking place on 28–29 November and 5–6 December 2026, the town’s Advent and Christmas markets offer independent stalls, handcrafted gifts and seasonal entertainment.

Chipping Campden Christmas Market, Chipping Campden – On 5 December 2026, the picturesque High Street comes alive with artisan stalls, festive refreshments and traditional Christmas celebrations.

Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping, Broadway – Held on 27 November and 4 December 2026, Broadway’s festive evenings feature illuminated shopfronts, extended shopping hours and live entertainment.

VILLAGES AND TOWNS

Stow-on-the-Wold – A charming market town known for its historic square, independent boutiques, antique shops and traditional countryside pubs.

Broadway – Often called the jewel of the Cotswolds, this picturesque village is celebrated for its honey-coloured buildings, boutique shops and festive High Street.

Bibury – One of England’s most photographed villages, famous for its historic Arlington Row cottages and peaceful riverside surroundings.

Castle Combe – A beautiful medieval village featuring historic stone cottages, a picturesque bridge and charming countryside scenery.

Bourton-on-the-Water – Known for its beautiful stone bridges and riverside setting, this charming village becomes especially atmospheric during the festive season.

WINTER WALKS

Chipping Campden to Broadway – Follow a scenic six-mile stretch of the Cotswold Way through rolling countryside, passing Dover’s Hill and Broadway Tower for beautiful panoramic views.

Bourton-on-the-Water to Lower Slaughter – A picturesque countryside walk connecting two charming villages through peaceful fields, stone cottages and riverside paths.

Blenheim Palace Parkland – Explore magnificent landscaped grounds, peaceful lakes and historic surroundings at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Westonbirt Arboretum Trails – Wander through beautiful woodland paths surrounded by remarkable trees, frosty landscapes and seasonal countryside scenery.

Castle Combe Village Walk – Discover historic streets, a picturesque stone bridge and peaceful countryside paths in one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful villages.