Stepping into Chipping Campden feels a little bit like stepping back in time. On our taxi ride from the nearby train station in Moreton-in-Marsh, the driver had to stop and give way to a herd of sheep crossing the road. ‘It’s part of the Cotswolds experience’, he said whilst waving at the shepherd in front of us indicating his patience to the herd. And an experience, it certainly was!
Visiting this little piece of forgotten in time heaven definitely felt like we were back in the 14th century, when the town started to take shape. From its straw thatched roofs, honey-coloured stone architecture and the noticeably small front doors on most houses, everything about Chipping Campden felt like time had stopped, which is what makes it the perfect place to put everything on pause and indulge in relaxation. There is certainly no better place to do this than at the award-winning Cotswold House Hotel and Spa.
Hotel
This charming Grade II listed townhouse converted into a luxury four-star hotel, boasts 28 gorgeous bedrooms and suites offering a touch of authenticity among its modern amenities.
The hotel is situated in the heart of Chipping Campden with picturesque views of the Cotswolds-style architecture from every window. The Cotswold House Hotel and Spa is suitable for families, couples and explorers looking to trek through the many trails and walks, or just looking to shop around the local markets.
Its stunning garden is perfect for soaking up the summer rays whilst relaxing after a long Cotswolds trail walk, or just enjoying a glass of bubbly in a post spa afternoon haze. The garden is a great find for those on the lookout for a beautiful, tranquil wedding venue and the hotel’s team can make all those dream-wedding demands come true.
Cotswold House Hotel and Spa is part of Bespoke Hotels representing luxury boutiques around the world, together with its sister property The Noel Arms, situated just across the road. The hotel is also dog friendly so you can grab your little pals with you on this relaxing English escape.
Room
With 28 rooms and suites to pick from, there will be something for everyone. Starting from the contemporary designed rooms with a dash of country chic which offer five options for the different traveller’s taste. Each room is full of character with views of the Chipping Campden high street, and you can also pick from the suites, some of which are offering an outdoor hot tub for full relaxation.
Room 12, was the Seizencote suite, which opens up to the lounge area overlooking the honey-coloured Town Hall. The living room area is furnished with a large cosy sofa and armchairs perched opposite the fireplace. The brightly lit room also offers a little corner situated by the window where you can find the desk area – a perfect writers’ retreat.
Following along the suite, the next room is the spacious bathroom featuring large walk-in showers and oval-shaped stone baths and White Company toiletries for the ultimate indulgence. Once you are past the bathroom area, you enter the bedroom furnished with the large queen-sized bed. The design of the room offers country-style décor with elegant art.
The bedroom overlooks the private patio area where you can start the day with a cup of coffee in hand, enjoying the blissfully quiet morning of this secluded area. The patio also has an entrance to the main garden and the spa.
Food
At Cotswold House you can find two restaurants. The first one – The Bistro on the Square – offers a relaxed ambience for casual dining offering sharing platters, range of snacks, daily special and signature cocktails. This is also where the a-la-carte breakfast is served where you can pick from a variety of tasty salmon options, or locally sourced sausages for your full English breakfast.
The second restaurant, situated to the left of reception, is Fig. This is the fine-dining option of the hotel where the elegant interior offers a more formal setting.
For starter, a good choice would be the creamy glazed goats’ cheese served with apple, quince jelly and hazelnut crumbs, or if you fancy a seafood option, then the very succulent pan-fried scallops, topped with crispy smoked bacon, pea puree, gremolata and sprinkled almonds, would be a good option.
There is a variety of mains to choose from both from the specials’ menu and the main menu. A recommended choice would be the rosemary glazed duck breast served with fine beans, potato dauphinoise, onion puree, juniper berry jus, or fillet of pork, wrapped in tasty prosciutto served with spinach, apple hazelnut carrots and dauphinoise potatoes.
If there’s still space for dessert, then pick one of the sweet traditional British puddings such as apple and cinnamon crumble or indulge in a chocolate marquise sitting on chocolate soil and served with raspberry sorbet and Amaretto.
All this was complemented by one of the most delicious wines I’ve tasted – the Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc from the Awaters Valley in New Zealand. The wine’s dryness was balanced by the stone fruit flavours coming through with a particularly strong apricot taste.
The restaurant also offers private dining upon request as well as traditional afternoon tea, and if you are looking for a lunch spot, the hotel’s sister property Noel Arms, offers very relaxing home-like atmosphere with generous servings. It’s situated just across the road offering variety of delicious meals using locally sourced ingredients.
Spa
To find the spa, you have to walk through the serene garden, which, in itself, is part of the relaxing experience in which you are about to indulge. Tucked away at the end of the garden, formed from the old stables, is the intimate Cotswold House Spa. Upon entry, you are welcomed into a tranquil setting where you can pick from a plethora of treatments. You can pamper yourself with one of the many world renowned Decleor holistic treatments or head to the steam room and heated pool, where you can just switch off, soak in the warm ambience and nourish your body with calmness.
All treatments need to be pre-booked before your stay in order to secure one of the seven treatment rooms.
To do
Of course, one of the main activities to undertake in the whole of the Cotswolds will involve your walking boots and joining one of the many Cotswolds Trails. The hotel itself offers a tailored walking map made of shorter routes which all start from the hotel.
Another important thing to do whilst in Chipping Campden is to go shopping in the many local shops and markets. The word ‘chipping’ actually means market in old English, and the town certainly lives up to its name. The Town Hall hosts a daily market where you can find handmade jewellery, art and house decorations. The shops of the high street offer local produce, from sweet Cotswolds honey, creamy cheese to woollen products and cosy blankets. Chipping Campden is known for its wool trade. Remember those sheep I mentioned at the start?
In a nutshell
A stay at the Cotswold House Hotel and Spa is everything that you need in order to escape the stresses of modern life and indulge in authenticity and peacefulness. After a long day of exploring the world-renown beauty of the Cotswolds, there is no better place to lay your head and breathe in the tranquil air that this place offers to aid in your relaxation.
Factbox
Address: Upper High Street, The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AN
Tel: 01386 840330
Email: reservations@cotswoldhouse.com
Website: cotswoldhouse.com
Instagram: @Cotswoldhousehotel
