Set on The Prettiest High Street In The UK™, the Cotswold House Hotel and Spa in Chipping Campden is a real gem in the heart of one of the most picturesque parts of the country (so pretty, in fact, that former Spice Girl Mel C has reportedly bought one of the homes opposite). Originally dating back to 1815, the house has recently benfitted from being completely refurbished, maintaining its quaint, historic features and also bringing it bang up to date for the modern guest. While there are plenty of other hotels in and around Chipping Campden, this really is our favourite - with standout features including the sunset-facing balconies overlooking the gardens (tick!), the award-winning spa (yes, please!) and the Fig restaurant offering the best fine dining in the area (yum!).
The Room
Our spacious and richly-appointed junior suite was the perfect base for relaxing in when we weren’t soaking up everything that the hotel and the Cotswolds has to offer. On arrival, we were greeted with much-needed, melt-in-the-mouth cookies in our mini-bar area, which were trussed up and offered to us as a little welcome gift. The prerequisite tea-making facilities were up to our (high) British standards, with a particularly nice touch being the cafetiere and local coffee. There were plugs for phones by the bed (another one of our silly niggles) and the room temperature was spot-on – rare in English hotels where it always seems to be boiling hot. There was also a sweet little balcony overlooking the gardens (don’t forget to shut those curtains when you’re in your comfys) and the bathroom was superb, with a huge tub and waterfall shower, plus a telly we didn’t actually get round to using, but we appreciated its presence, nonetheless.
Eating and Drinking
The hotel has got all bases covered when it comes to food. Looking for country pub-style grub? Head to the Bistro on the Square, which offers a timeless menu of classic dishes, from small sharing plates to sandwiches, salads, pies and grills. Want an alfresco lunch, to soak in some of those rare British summertime rays? Order at the bar and sit outside in the gardens with a glass of rosé. Need something a little fancier, for a special occasion? Look no further than the Fig, which offers fine dining from Tuesday to Saturday evenings, with signature dishes including grilled octopus, slow-cooked Guinea fowl, beef fillet, roast turbot and prosecco and parmesan risotto – all of which come highly recommended by our tummies. Can’t decide? Do the tasting menu – which features all their hits as a kind of ‘best of’. If you’re wanting to venture further afield, the Noel Arms opposite (also owned by the hotel) is similar to the Bistro with great alfresco seating, while the Chef’s Dozen down the road has a beautiful courtyard too.
Spa
Tucked away in a separate building at the bottom of the beautifully manicured gardens sits the hotel’s spa. Featuring a large hydrotherapy pool (read: swimming pool with jets), Jacuzzi and steam room, as well as sun loungers so you can pretend you’re really in the south of France, the spa is testimony to the theory that good things come in small packages. Overcrowding isn’t a concern, as the reception will only allow the right amount of people at a time, with sessions limited to two hours at peak times. In fact, we actually had the spa completely to ourselves for a good hour. While you’re here, you absolutely have to book in for a treatment – with a comprehensive menu of massages, facials and more by Decleor. We opted for the hot stone massage – a decision we’d happily repeat – but other recommendations include tranquillity scalp massage (yes please!) and the express energising facial.
Insider Tip
If you’re not driving to Chipping Campden, the best station to use is Moreton-in-Marsh despite Honeybourne being marginally closer. Why? Well, Moreton is considerably larger in size, whereas you’ll struggle to get a taxi to come out to you at Honeybourne – a city girl error that we nearly suffered, had not a kindly passing taxi driver taken pity on us.
When To Go
The question should really be ‘when not to go?’ as we can’t imagine there’s any time of year that this picturesque house doesn’t look good. If you’re keen to plan your trip to coincide with a bit of culture though, do come for the Chipping Campden literary festival (May 9-14), the international music festival (14-27 May) or the Cheltenham literature festival (6-15 October).
The Lowdown
Prices start from approx. £105 per night on a bed and breakfast basis. For reservations, please visit bespokehotels.com/cotswoldhouse or call 01386 840330.