10 ideas for weekend breaks in the Cotswolds, whatever the season

Ahh, the Cotswolds. There's nowhere better to escape to than this marvellous corner of Britain for a weekend break in the country.

Straddling six counties and home to honey-hued villages, gently undulating hills and luxury hotels with impressive restaurants, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty truly is one of the most picturesque places in the world - and it's right here on our doorstep.

Whatever the season or weather, weekend breaks in the Cotswolds make for an idyllic escape - whether you're looking to get active with clay pigeon shooting and country walks or rest up in a five-star spa setting and indulge in long, lazy pub lunches.

When it comes to taking off for a few days in the country, nothing beats a romantic mini-break or family staycation in the Cotswolds as you get to know the likes of Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway.

Anyone who's anyone spends their downtime here, too - and, while we can't guarantee you'll bump into Cotswold residents Kate Moss and the Beckhams, you can have a thoroughly good time by checking into our pick of the best places to stay during a weekend break.

Whether you're planning an autumn escape or looking ahead to summer 2021, these are the Cotswold weekend breaks to have on your radar.

Step inside this outstanding house owned by the National Trust and you can enjoy all the things you'd expect from a traditional Cotswold pad. There's enough room for 10, making it the ideal rental for families or a group of friends.

Inside, it's grand yet homely and relaxing, with glorious panelling and views of the lovely gardens from the floor-to-ceiling windows. A grade I listed manor house on the edge of the Cotswolds and close to Bath, Horton Court has starred in period dramas Wolf Hall and Poldark, too.

From £1182 for three nights.

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If you're after a little adventure on your Cotswold weekend break, The Fish is the place for something different. Part boutique hotel, part adventure hideout, the exciting and eclectic accommodation offering includes shepherd’s huts, treehouses and rooms in The Coach House and The Farmhouse for exclusive use.

Alongside its 68 places to sleep is seafood restaurant Hook, a screening room and The Original Muck Boot Company’s boot room with wellies for loan so you can get out and do some exploring, too.

Doubles from £150.

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For a Cotswolds cottage with an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and zip wire to keep everyone entertained, look no further than this idyllic stone house with room for 12 people. Thyme & Sage affords quintessentially Cotswold style and is close to Cheltenham, where you can eat out and hit the shops.

The interior is as cosy as it gets for a weekend break, with an Aga for getting creative in the kitchen, a wood-burning stove to keep you toasty warm on colder days and beautiful original features, such as the wooden door and exposed rafters.

From £2,869 for two nights.

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Afternoon tea, the races and country walks - Ellenborough Park is just the place for indulging in all the luxuries of a rural escape while in traditional surroundings. Steeped in over 500 years of history and heritage while set within 90 acres of sprawling countryside, the former stately home offers a quintessentially British experience.

It overlooks Cheltenham Race Course and there's plenty to keep you entertained, whether you're here in the summer or winter. You can relax with afternoon tea in the Great Hall and Minstrel’s Gallery, swim in the heated outdoor pool or borrow a Dubarry wax jacket and wellington boots to make the most of the outdoors.

From £220 per night.

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Set amid the rolling hills the Cotswolds are known for, Barnsley House has just 18 elegant bedrooms, a top-notch spa and a private cinema for a weekend of luxury. Once the home of famed garden designer Rosemary Veery, the grand 17th-century manor house is all about grown-up rest and relaxation.

Outside, there are four acres of gardens to explore, spanning a Libernum walk, beautiful blooms and topiaries. The spa is a secret hideaway surrounded by nature and you'll want to visit the outdoor hydrotherapy pool with countryside views.

From £239 per night.

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Looking for somewhere that treats dogs like VIPs too? Lucknam Park has it all. It's dog friendly, has an impressive ESPA spa, Michelin-starred dining at Restaurant Hywel Jones - the works. A long drive stretches up to the 17th-century hotel that fronts the amazing 500 acres of listed parkland as something fit for a royal.

You can explore the outdoors with woodland walks, play tennis and there's even a cookery school. Expect a classic interior to match the historic surroundings as you enjoy a little R&R at one of the best hotels in the Cotswolds.

From £348 per night.

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If you're looking for a pad to seriously impress your friends or family, you'll want to take a look inside Georgian manor house Cotswold Grange. There's enough room for you to entertain 20 and an array of spaces to soak up the chic Cotswold vibes, from the outdoor heated pool to the outstanding terrace.

Inside, there's a home cinema room and games room, antique furniture and a roaring open fire. The country retreat is in an excellent location for clay pigeon shooting, horse riding and scenic walks.

From £6,052 for three nights.

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Prefer something more laidback yet stylish? Retreat to The Bower House in the market town of Shipston-on-Stour for a relaxed Cotswold break. Set in a grade II listed building, there's all the character you'd imagine from a historic restaurant with rooms.

The restaurant is run by Sukhjinder Aujla, who previously worked at Nobu and The Savoy, so you're in good hands when it comes to dining. Upstairs, there are five luxurious rooms, which feature custom-made beds, antiques and eclectic art.

From £99 per night.

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With its traditional, English country feel, this characterful cottage for a small group or family is an enchanting hideaway in the quaint village of Eastleach. A grade II listed building, All Souls Cottage has the church-style windows you'll spot around the Cotswolds and timelessly chic interiors, plus a minster fireplace housing a woodburner.

The village is in an excellent location for walking and spending lazy afternoons feasting on traditional pub lunches at 16th-century inns.

From £969 for one week.

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Dormy House began life as a working farmhouse in the 17th century and as a hotel today it fuses the best of quintessential countryside living with a touch of Scandinavian style, in a nod to the family who owns it.

The chic 38-bedroom hotel has three restaurants and a world-class spa, plus cosy lounges providing plenty of space for you to kick off your shoes and relax in - possibly with your canine friend.

From £269 per night.

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