Imagine a place where honey-coloured stone glows in the morning light, where centuries-old pubs welcome you like an old friend, and where time seems to move at the pace of grazing sheep. This is the Cotswolds. Here's our curated guide to experiencing this enchanting corner of England, where every winding lane and village square tells a story worth savouring.
The Villages: Where Time (Almost) Stands Still
Oddington: A village so picturesque it feels almost suspicious. That is until you meet the wonderfully genuine locals at The Fox, where the crackling fire and wood-fired feasts will convince you this slice of perfection is entirely real.
Burford: Known as the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds', Burford's High Street tumbles downhill like a cascade of architectural beauty. The Bull here isn't just a hotel, it's a masterclass in how to blend heritage with contemporary comfort. Pro tip: the antique shops here are treasure troves worthy of an afternoon's exploration.
Great Tew: If you've ever wondered what a fairy tale village looks like in real life, here's your answer. Thatched roofs galore, gardens burst with unruly charm, and The Falkland Arms serves pints in a setting that hasn't changed much since Shakespeare's time (though the beer selection has improved considerably).
Where to Eat and Drink
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham: Don't let the humble name fool you - this is sophisticated dining at its finest. The seasonal menu changes so frequently that regulars joke about never having the same dish twice (though they're not really complaining). Book ahead. Way ahead.
The Fox at Oddington: Where local life pulses strongest. Come for the wood-fired cuisine, stay for the impromptu conversations with villagers who've called this place home for generations. Their DJ and pizza evenings somehow manage to feel both thoroughly modern and perfectly timeless.
The Cotswold Guy: Positioned a short drive from Soho Farmhouse, this café elevates breakfast to an art form. Their scotch eggs have achieved near-mythical status among locals, and the cappuccinos are strong enough to banish any lingering effects of last night's pub visit.
Daylesford Farm: Less a farm shop, more a temple to organic living. Yes, it's fashionable, but the quality justifies the hype. The produce here tells stories of seasons and soil, and the café serves what might be the finest farm-to-table lunch in the country.
The Bull in Charlbury: The Cotswolds' answer to Notting Hill sophistication, but with genuine countryside soul. The food here isn't just good, it's the kind that makes you reconsider your life choices and contemplate a career change.
Where to Stay
The Bell at Charlbury: Under Daylesford's thoughtful stewardship, this isn't just another pub with rooms, it's a masterclass in refined rustic elegance. Each room tells its own story through carefully chosen textiles and artisanal touches.
Soho Farmhouse (Members Only): Where the countryside gets a glamorous makeover without losing its soul. Think midnight swims, cocktails delivered by vintage milk floats, and cabins that make you wonder why you ever lived anywhere else.
Daylesford Cottages: The sweet spot between luxury and authenticity. These cottages don't just offer a place to stay; they provide a template for how modern country living should feel.
The Fox at Oddington: Our home away from home in the Cotswolds. Six beautifully appointed rooms embrace the region's equestrian heritage, while the separate Coachman's House welcomes larger groups. With its thoughtfully sourced antiques, locally crafted furnishings, and organic linens, The Fox masters that delicate balance between historical charm and modern comfort. If we can find availability, The Fox is always our number one choice.
Long Walks
The Cotswolds reveals its true character on foot, where every path promises discovery:
The Oddington Circuit: Begin at St. Nicholas Church (don't be shy, have a peek inside - the medieval wall paintings are extraordinary), then meander through fields to Daylesford. Time seems to slow between the ancient hedgerows, and there's something magical about earning your lunch at The Wild Rabbit through honest footsteps.
Great Tew Wanderings: Start with breakfast at Quince and Clover, then let serendipity be your guide. Every lane here leads to something wonderful, whether it's an unexpected view, a hidden garden, or a pub that feels like it's been waiting for you all day.
A Note on Timing
The Cotswolds operates on its own schedule. Many pubs stop serving food earlier than you might expect. We've learned this the hard way, so book ahead and arrive hungry. Remember... in the Cotswolds, "dinner at 8" is considered fashionably late, not fashionably London.
Seasonal Notes
Each season paints the Cotswolds in different hues. Spring brings wildflower meadows and the sound of lambs, summer offers long golden evenings perfect for pub gardens, autumn turns the stone villages into a canvas of warm colours, and winter transforms pubs into cozy havens where time seems to stand still by the fireplace.
Essential Tips
Embrace the Mud: Pack those wellies. They're not just fashion statements here. The best paths often come with a healthy dose of countryside beneath your feet.
Fire-Seeking: When choosing a pub, always ask about the fireplace situation. There's an art to finding the perfect fireside spot, and it's worth mastering.
Village Time: Things move slower here, and that's entirely the point. Let go of city-paced expectations and surrender to the rhythm of village life.
MONCADA's Reflections
The Cotswolds mirrors what we cherish most at MONCADA: the beauty of things made to last, the value of taking time, and the joy of discovering places that still honour tradition. Each village, pub, and winding path here has a story to tell. One that only grows richer.
This is more than just a weekend escape. It's an invitation to experience a way of life that celebrates the authentic, the timeless, and the beautifully imperfect. Allow the Cotswolds to remind you that the most meaningful luxuries in life are often the simplest ones.
