13 best hotels in the Cotswolds to bookmark for a girls' getaway
The best hotels in the Cotswolds have served as the inspiration for countless #cottagecore posts over the years, igniting our desire to leave the city behind and embrace life in the great British countryside. But, if you’re not ready to commit to a packing up your entire life à la Cameron Diaz in The Holiday just yet, then maybe a blissful weekend break in the Cotswolds will satisfy you.
Home to some of the most picturesque villages and market towns in the world – including Burford, Broadway, Chipping Camden, Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold – there’s a never-ending list of places to see and explore that are only a quick drive away in. Plus, some of the UK’s most visited cities (think: Bath, Oxford, Bristol and the Regency-era city of Cheltenham) are all within close distance.
Avid walking and biking enthusiasts will enjoy The Cotswolds Way, which is an incredible 100 mile stretch of walking route that passes through some of the most beautiful villages and views (Broadway Tower, Drover’s Hill and Cleve Hill are particularly stunning), and when you've worked up an appetite, The Cotswolds is a foodie haven. The region is home to popular farm shops including Daylesford Organic and Diddly Squat, while the pub scene is excellent. My personal recommendation? The Milton Hare, perhaps the most perfect country pub I've ever visited – located in the Cotswold triangle of Burford, Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold – where stylish interiors are married with excellent service and excellent local food. I'd recommend trying for the window booth on a Sunday lunchtime. The roast beef is impeccable.
You get it: there are endless reasons why you should visit the Cotswolds today, so, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round-up very best country house hotels, manor houses and boutique hotels that the English countryside has to offer. Whether you’re looking to hide away in cosy a shepherd’s hut, relax in a luxury spa, or simply get lost in good book by the fireplace of a quaint coaching inn, we’ve got the Cotswolds accommodation for you.
Best Cotswolds Hotels 2026, at a glance:
- Best Five-Star: Ellenborough Park
- Best Boutique: Wild Thyme & Honey
- Best Family-Friendly: Lucknam Park
- Best Interiors: The Bell at Charlbury
- Best Self-Catering: Barn Owl with Habitat Escapes
Ahead, the very best hotels in the Cotswolds to visit in 2026.
1. Best Five-Star:
Why Glamour loves it: "Ellenborough Park is a stunning 15th century manor house surrounded by 90 acres of beautiful parkland in Cheltenham. Known as Gloucestershire’s only five-star hotel, Ellenborough Park certainly delivers an impeccable luxury hotel experience. Picture beautiful stone walls, exposed wooden beams and vast open fireplaces, which all come together to create a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere.
"The wood-panelled Great Hall is a great spot for afternoon tea; is also home to the fine dining restaurant. The Cedar Pavilion Tent is more casual dining, while the hotel’s quirky dining carriages, which are a cheeky reference to the Cheltenham’s equestrian history, offer a fun and unique dining experience. The Elemis Spa is a great place to relax and unwind and has a heated outside pool. Oh, and did we mention that Ellenborough Park was dog-friendly too?
“If we were to make a recommendation to totally enhance your stay, it would be to check-in to The Lodge; a private retreat just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. Fusing privacy with five-star service, The Lodge is ideal for all seasons. An ideal size for two adults (and up to two additional children on a camp bed downstairs, plus four-legged friends, of course), it comes complete with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge with a traditional wood burner, bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Enjoy an al fresco dinner and tipples in the sprawling private garden in the warmer months and cosy up with a book and glass of Malbec by the traditional wood burner come Autumn. Perfect.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: Southam Road, Cheltenham, GL52 3NJ, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: £224.
2. Best Boutique Hotel in the Cotswolds:
Why Glamour loves it: "I was in the market for a sweet, quiet boutique hotel in The Cotswolds to visit with my mum this summer, and Wild Thyme & Honey caught my eye. Not only because of its charming name, but because everything I could need for a two-day stay would be right there: rooms, a garden, riverside walks, a quaint Cotswold village to take sunset strolls around, and a restaurant. I wouldn't need to get in my car until I left, if I didn't want to.
"I arrived on a very sunny Saturday evening, and was immediately warmed by the buzz of holiday-makers and locals swarming the hotels' garden. Perched under pink parasols, guests sipped on cold beer, herbal tea and seasonal cocktails (it wouldn't be long before we'd joined them), and the sun reflected off the river which runs along the side of the property. We made our way inside to a cosy lounge where the reception desk is located, a space that'd be so charming in the winter. A kind host gave us a tour of the small-but-mighty property, and took us outside to our room.
"I loved that all of the rooms at the hotel were located around a central courtyard outside: it gave a feeling of living in your own, self-contained cottage while still benefitting from the luxury of the on-hand facilities offered by the hotel staff. Our room was one of the hotels' river views rooms – locals were playing cricket in the field opposite, which felt very quintessential – where a large, comfortable bed sat against an exposed brick wall. There was a free-standing bath in the bedroom, robes and fluffy towels included, and a charming wet room with rainfall shower, Verden toiletries and underfloor heating. We didn't spend all that much time in the room, thanks to the rest of the hotel being so lovely, but it was such a charming space. A standout detail was 24-hour access to a guest pantry, which stocked snacks, drinks, teas and coffees.
“The rest of our weekend comprised of sunset walks around the local village, alfresco dinners at The Crown (Wild Thyme and Honey's restaurant, which was originally a 16ᵗʰ century coaching inn), drinks on the patio, lunch at The Milton Hare (so good) and drives to nearby Cirencester and Burford. I know I said you didn't need a car, but the surrounding area is so lovely, you won't be able to resist.”
- Spa: No.
- Address: Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5RS.
- Price per night: from £170 per night.
3. Best Pub Hotel:
Why Glamour loves it: "The Bell was the latest addition to the Daylesford portfolio when it first opened: a 17th century pub (and the dreamy bedrooms above it) that were beautifully restored to offer cosy log fires, incredible food and a choice of stays. Depending on how bougie you want to go, there are Cosy rooms, Classic rooms, Spacious rooms or Family rooms to choose from: all decorated to draw inspiration from the nearby ancient woodland surrounding the picturesque honeypot village.
“One of it's cosy rooms, The Nest, for instance, features robin red upholstery, leaf-embroidered linen curtains and a robin wall print created by artist, Hugo Guinness. Classic rooms boast four-poster oak beds with pretty, patterned canopies. The Bell is not only beautiful inside, but the perfect base from which to to explore nearby Blenheim Palace or Cotswold villages of Chipping Norton and Stow-on-the-Wold. If you fancy being out in nature, head for a local walk (I found there to be many – and the staff are more than happy to help you choose one) then flop for a Sunday roast or evening meal by the fire.”
- Spa: No. But it's sister property, Daylesford Farm (a 20 minute drive away), offers its Bamford Spa facilities.
- Address: 1 Church Street, Charlbury, Chipping Norton, OX7 3PP
- Price per night: From £162.
4. Best Village Hotel:
Why Glamour loves it: "Everything about the village of Broadway in Worcestershire screams ‘Cotswolds idyll’, from the biscuit-hued brick to the backdrop of rolling hills, and its string of cafes, boutiques and delis. And at the centre of it all, The Lygon Arms, a 14th-century coaching inn, sprawls out along the high street, the most intriguing building in the vicinity. The restored Tudor building features incredibly restored original architectural features, two restaurants by celebrity chef James Martin and an Art Deco spa. The hotel spills out into a private courtyard, flanked by manicured pots, gardens, and larger rooms and accessible suites with their own direct entrances and small patios. Alfresco drinks are a must during summer months, while during colder months, the hotel's public spaces are peppered with open fires and cosy corners for settling down in. Whatever the time of year though, guests are treated to the best of both worlds, a quintessential English countryside break in the midst of verdant hills and all the charm (and ease) of rural village life.
“Plus, among the clutch of galleries and museums here, this summer the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery will host a showcase to mark the centenary of John Singer Sargent's passing, a milestone in the art world. Sargent, the most celebrated portrait painter of the Edwardian era, created a sensation in Paris with his provocative portrait of Mme Gautreau, known as Madame X. Following the scandal, he sought refuge in Broadway, where he joined a community of wealthy American artists. The exhibition, John Singer Sargent and his Circle, will run until 19 July and features a collection of Sargent's most personal works, including portraits of friends and associates, many of which were created during his time in Broadway. And in honour of this, The Lygon Arms has launched a Palette & Pillow package, which includes an overnight stay with breakfast, plus admission to Broadway Museum & Art Gallery, a guided tour of John Singer Sargent and his Circle Exhibition and access to the Colony of Creativity exhibition.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: High Street, Broadway, WR12 7DU, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: From £218.
5. Best Resort Hotel:
Why Glamour loves it: “Set in the picturesque village of Minster Lovell, Minster Mill is a contemporary country hotel that combines bright Scandi chic interiors with rural elegance. Set inside a traditional Cotswold stone buildings, complete with a small swimming pool and the fabulous The Garden Spa, Minster Mill is a great place to get lost and leave the daily stress of city life behind. There are three tranquil spa suites that offer everything from relaxing massages to Rasul mud treatments. Outside the hotel guests can enjoy fly and course fishing, go cycling or play a game at the badminton and tennis courts. Minster Mill is ideally located near Blenheim Palace, Bicester Village and Oxford, making it a great base for exploring all that the Cotswolds has to offer.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: Minster Mill, Old Minster, Minster Lovell, OX29 0RN, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: From £122.
6. Best Family-Friendly Hotel in the Cotswolds:
Why Glamour loves it: "Lucknam Park is our top pick for a luxury family-friendly getaway in the Cotswolds. This 18th-century Palladian mansion house is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and 43 elegant bedrooms. Set across 500 acres of gorgeous parkland, Lucknam Park is so vast that there’s enough space and activities to entertain the whole family. The hotel has an on-site equestrian centre, an outdoor play area and a host of other countryside activities that include cycling, tennis, duck herding, lawn croquet and five a side football.
“The spa is a palace of tranquillity. There is a heated outdoor therapy swimming pool with incredible tree-lined views, saunas, steam room and even a Japanese salt room. You can even get non-surgical facelifts care of swish beauty brand 111Skin. The Hywel Jones-led Michelin-starred restaurant is worth mentioning too and offers some pretty incredible British dishes.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: Lucknam Park, Colerne,Bath, Chippenham, SN14 8AZ, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: Start from £295 per night for a Classic Room, excluding breakfast.
7. Best Self-Catering Property:
Why Glamour loves it: “If you’re looking for a big place to spend the weekend in the Cotswolds with the whole gang, then this beautiful barn-style cottage on top of Howells Mere lake is the perfect retreat. This stunning four bedroom house by Habitat Escapes sleeps up to eight, while the open plan living room and kitchen offer plenty of space to hang out and bond with your besties. The outside deck, complete with hot tub, is the ideal place to spend a balmy summer afternoon.”
- Spa: No.
- Address: Lower Mill Estate, Cotswold, Somerford Keynes, GL7 6BG, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: Habitat Escapes offers a four-night stay at Barn Owl from £176 per person for four nights in April. This property sleeps up to eight people.
8. Best Manor House:
Why Glamour loves it: “This 17th-century country house hotel is located in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Slaughters, near Cheltenham and Stow-on-the-World. Part of the Brownsword Hotel Group, this handsome hotel has everything from beautiful gardens, croquet, tennis courts and a cosy library and snug. The hotel has 19 bedrooms, with our favourite being Antoinette – which has a fairy-tale-esque four-poster bed.”
- Spa: No.
- Address: Copsehill Road, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham, GL54 2HP, England.
- Price per night: From £240
9. Best Golf Hotel:
Why Glamour loves it: “From the long and winding drive that leads up to this gorgeous 14th-century retreat, you will instantly fall in love with the magic of The Manor House. You can wander through the stunning Italian gardens or explore the historical attractions of Castle Combe, which holds a special place in the history of Wiltshire. The star of The Manor House though is the 18-hole championship golf course, which is set amidst rolling landscapes and attracts avid golfers from across the UK. The Potting Shed spa is cute, cosy and does a wicked facial – and don’t worry – no garden tools are involved. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Bybrook, is a true gastronomic wonder and will surely sweep foodies off their feet.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: Castle Combe, SN14 7HX, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: From £290.
10. Best Hotel in Cheltenham:
Why Glamour loves it: “Occupying a 16th-century mansion house, No. 38 The Park is a stylish art-filed guest house with plenty of pizazz. This vibrant boutique hotel doesn’t shy away from bold colours and we are totally feeling it. The vibe is eclectic cool with big art books, contemporary prints and giant flower vases dotted throughout the space. There are 13 rooms spread over three floors which all feature colourful wallpaper, sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets, with some coming with idyllic roll-top baths. This is our top pick for a sexy weekend getaway with your beau.”
- Spa: No.
- Address: 38 Evesham Road, Cheltenham, GL52 2AH, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: From £150.
11. Best For Foodies:
Why Glamour loves it: “Set across 12 acres of beautiful English gardens in a Grade II listed building, Whatley Manor is a grown-up getaway in the heart of the Cotswolds. With just 23 individually designed rooms in classic English style, this is the quintessential countryside retreat in the Cotswolds. The key draw at Whatley Manor is its fantastic culinary offer. The Dining Room, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, and the more casual Grey’s Brasserie, are true gastronomic gems in the Cotswolds. Both led by the superb Executive Chef Rick Weston, the restaurants offer delicious seasonal dishes that make the most of locally sourced ingredients from Wiltshire, Somerset and the hotel’s own kitchen garden. The Dining Room is one of the few restaurants in the UK to be awarded a Green Michelin Star for its sustainable initiatives. Wellbeing enthusiasts will also love the Aquarias Spa, which has a range of state-of-the-art wellness facilities including a floatation hydrotherapy pod, heated stone recliners and salt scrub showers.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: Easton Grey, Malmesbury, SN16 0RB, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: £379 including breakfast and use of the spa.
12. Best in Bibury:
Why Glamour loves it: “From the outside looking in, The Swan looks like it could have been lifted from a Cotswolds postcard. Inside, is very much the same. Located in a picturesque waterfront setting by the River Coln in the very Instagrammable village of Bibury, The Swan is as quintessentially English as you’re going to get in the Cotswolds. The Swan is ideally located near Cirencester, and Burford with Moreton-in-Marsh station just a half hour’s drive away. This 17th-century inn occupies a row of fairy tale cottages. It is stylish and contemporary while maintaining the traditional beauty of its rural setting. The 22 rooms, all coming in various shapes and sizes, are charming and generously sized, with some having hot tubs and four poster beds. Life by the river has certainly never been this sweet.”
- Spa: No.
- Address: Bibury, Bibury, GL7 5NW, United Kingdom.
- Price per night: £240.
Mr. Tripper13. Best Spa Hotel:
Why Glamour loves it: "Historical glamour meets modern luxury at Cowley Manor, a stately house which dates back to 1695 that has been lovingly transformed by French hospitality group Experimental. 36 meticulously designed rooms and the highly-Instagrammable dining room are transformed with playful-yet-tasteful furniture that contrasts elegantly against the old, beautifully preserved facade. After a day spent hopping between the indoor and outdoor pools, or enjoying natural treatments from the C-Side Spa, guests can sip cocktails while looking out on the manicured grounds then tuck into a sumptuous dinner of gougères and Cote de Boeuf by renowned chef Jackson Boxer.
“If you overindulge (as one is bound to do given the menu) walk it off in the property's expansive gardens lined with Atlas Blue cedar and complete with seven natural springs and lakes, or wander further afield on one of the many scenic hikes. With a myriad of activities (from yoga classes to games for children) and its various, photogenic backdrops, it's no wonder Cowley Manor is a favourite among families and wedding parties alike.”
- Spa: Yes.
- Address: Cowley Manor, Cowley, Cheltenham GL53 9NL
- Price per night: From £240.
