Fancy a change from the regular Scottish/Irish whisky pilgrimage ? Why not considering a picturesque getaway south of the border, in one of the most charming English area, the Cotswolds ?
For those in the back of the room who don’t spend 1546798 hours a week reading the Spirits news websites, be aware there are now more than a couple of working whisky distilleries in England (Not to mention all the gin/cider/beer/liquor producing facilities), including The Lakes Distillery up North, the English Whisky Company (St George’s Distillery) in Norfolk, the London Distillery Company but also, the newly-opened Cotswolds Distillery, to name but a few !
I had the chance to spend a few weeks in this wonderful part of the world last month, amongst the typical English-style golden cottages, the rural farmer markets, the bucolic yellow fields and the OUTSTANDING food & drink scene. Whether you’d like to treat yourself with a quick weekend away from the city or embark on the full Cotswolds experience, here are 3 accommodation options for you :
1. The Old Stocks Inn – from £99 per night
Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn is a recently refurbished 17th-century coaching inn that really stands out from the crowd. This boutique hotel is luxurious, but not stuffy. Elegant, but not pretentious. Quaint, but not twee. Runned by a passionate team, the Old Stocks Inn boasts a unique atmosphere offering all the conviviality of an ancient inn in a modern and classy setting.
From restful rooms and hearty food, to artisan coffees and hand-crafted ales, The Old Stocks Inn has something special to offer both overnight guests and passers-by. It’s all delivered by a charming troupe, who make it their business to give each and every guest the warmest welcome in Gloucestershire !
Location : The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1AF, UK
Tel :+44 1451 830666
3. The Malt House – from £130 per night
Found in the impossibly pretty village of Broad Campden, The Malt House has been providing guest accommodation for over 40 years. Now under the direction of its fourth owners in its incarnation as a luxury guest house, the 16th century, Grade II listed former malt house welcomes guests from far and wide.
Whether you are looking to get away from the everyday rush or want somewhere from which your Cotswold journey can begin, The Malt House is hard to beat. 3 acres of private grounds and landscaped gardens are the perfect place to relax and unwind, a place where you can reflect on the days adventures, and soak in the prettiest part of England.
Location : Broad Campden, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6UU, UK
Tel : +44 1386 840295
4. The Fuzzy Duck – Price on request
The Fuzzy Duck Armscote is a quintessentially English country pub and boutique bed & breakfast, set in the picturesque Warwickshire hamlet of Armscote. Located just a few miles south of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, it offers the perfect country retreat and is an ideal base from which to explore Shakespeare’s haunts and the rolling hills and river valleys of the stunning Cotswolds.
Steeped in history, the building once housed the local blacksmith and in the 18th Century became a popular Coaching Inn. It remains Armscote’s only pub and, saved and sensitively refurbished in 2013 by the family behind Baylis & Harding, it retains many distinctive character features, including exposed beams, flagstone floors and magnificent fireplaces. Clever, contemporary touches now lend this remarkable building a luxurious yet comfortable atmosphere, which can’t fail to charm.
You may also like
