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The Mansley Guide To: Cotswolds

If you're seeking storybook landscapes, charming villages, and an escape into the quintessential English countryside - look no further than the Cotswolds. With its rolling green hills, golden-hued stone cottages, and winding country lanes, this charming patch of South West England exudes an irresistible charm that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

In this guide, we'll explore the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, as well as fun areas to visit, eat, and a few inventive ways to spend your valuable time off. Let's jump in!

Top Pick: Cheltenham

Cheltenham is the ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds, offering excellent transport links, a wide range of accommodation, and plenty to do when you’re not out exploring. Unlike smaller villages, it has hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering options to suit all budgets, along with top restaurants, pubs, and cafes.

The town is just a short drive from major Cotswold highlights like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold. It also has direct rail connections to London, Birmingham, and Bristol, making travel easy. If you prefer not to drive, guided tours run regularly from Cheltenham to key Cotswold locations.

Cheltenham itself offers more than just a convenient location. It’s home to major events like the Cheltenham Literature Festival and the Cheltenham Races, as well as excellent shopping, parks, and cultural attractions. After a day exploring the countryside, you can return to a town with plenty of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options.

Serviced Apartments in Cheltenham

Strozzi Palace Suites

Cotswolds

55 St George's Place, Cheltenham GL50 3LA

Savour Michelin-quality food, experience the magic of the Cotswolds or join the roar at the Cheltenham racecourse, before making home to your own stylish suite!

Our iconic Strozzi Palace is built in the image of its Florentine namesake, with all the grandeur and elegance of the Italian renaissance.

Guests love the convenience of nearby parking, self check-in, cooking facilities and lounge space!

Strozzi Palace Suites

Crescent Place

Cheltenham

1a Crescent Place, Cheltenham GL50 3PG

Whether you’re journeying into the Cotswolds, cheering on a horse race or chilling out at a music festival, you’ll find no better landing spot than Crescent Place in Cheltenham.

Our cosy aparthotels are found right in the centre of the community — the perfect base from which to explore nearby restaurants, museums, natural landscapes and events.

Equipped with parking, self-check-in, kitchenettes and city views, guests have enjoyed the comforts of Crescent Place for decades.

Crescent Place

Historical Sites

The Cotswolds is home to some of England’s most celebrated historic sites, offering a rich mix of medieval, Roman, and Tudor history - here are a few of our favourite sites:

  • Sudeley Castle (Winchcombe) – Once home to Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with stunning gardens and Tudor artifacts
  • Chedworth Roman Villa – A National Trust site featuring Roman mosaics, hypocaust heating, and ancient baths
  • Cirencester & Corinium Museum – Formerly Corinium, the second-largest city in Roman Britain, with artifacts from the era
  • Berkeley Castle – A well-preserved medieval fortress, known for the murder of King Edward II in 1327

The Great Outdoors

​The Cotswolds offers a wealth of outdoor attractions, from scenic trails to historic landmarks. Here are some of the most popular spots to explore:​

  • Cotswold Way – This 102-mile walking trail stretches from Chipping Campden to Bath, providing breathtaking views, historic sites, and charming villages along the route​
  • Broadway Tower – An iconic 18th-century folly perched atop one of the highest points in the Cotswolds, offering panoramic vistas across 16 counties​
  • Westonbirt Arboretum – Home to one of the UK's finest tree collections, featuring over 2,500 species, a canopy walkway, and vibrant displays, particularly in autumn​
  • Bourton-on-the-Water & River Windrush – Often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," this village boasts picturesque stone bridges spanning the tranquil River Windrush, complemented by charming riverside greens​
  • Painswick Rococo Garden – A rare 18th-century garden showcasing whimsical designs, hidden follies, and beautiful seasonal displays

Top Picks: Dining

Within the Cotswolds, there's no better destination for a good bite than Cheltenham, where you'll discover a fantastic selection of fine dining options, perfect for those seeking exceptional cuisine. Here are some of the top spots:

  • Lumière – A Michelin-starred gem, offering elegant, ingredient-led menus with a focus on British produce
  • Le Champignon Sauvage – Another acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative modern cuisine by Chef David Everitt-Matthias
  • Purslane – Award-winning seafood restaurant specializing in sustainably caught seafood from British waters, paired with the finest Cotswold produce
  • Prithvi – A modern twist on Indian cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to create innovative and comforting dishes
  • Restaurant Journey – A unique 12-course tasting menu inspired by global culinary traditions, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience
  • The Daffodil – A stylish Art Deco restaurant serving modern British cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients
  • The Black Bear – A refined pub experience offering contemporary British dishes in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a fine dining experience with a twist

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