The best of the Cotswolds’ countryside in winter
Travel guide2 January 2024
the-cotswolds
tomasso-and-francesca-sitting-on-bridge-bibury
Snow-globe villages stuffed with cosy cubbyholes and stoked fires. Honey-coloured houses beaming with light. And miles of rolling greenery to be explored. Join Francesca and Tommaso, of Take My Heart Everywhere, for a quiet country escape this winter.
To eat

Oxfordshire’s rural retreats offer plenty of cosy, thatched pubs and restaurants to while away an evening. The Wild Rabbit and Kingham Plough are no exception, pairing fine dining with local produce for two wholesome but delectable seasonal menus.

Think delightfully dark-beamed roofs and fireplaces draped in fir and pine, accompanied by Herefordshire beef, Cacklebean eggs and fresh vegetable deliveries from local Cotswold farms.

outdoor-dining-in-winter-the-wild-rabbit-kingham
Seasonal dining delights

RRP

£563

Village

£365

Eleventy

Fairisle cashmere wool blend sweat
Insider secret

Prefer a pared-back dinner option? Friends of The Bicester Collection, Francesca and Tommaso of @takemyhearteverywhere recommend one of the Kingham Plough’s comforting grazing plates. Best enjoyed next to an open fire in an equally cosy knit, such as this from Eleventy.

More from Eleventy

RRP

£2,978

Village

£2,226

Eleventy

Shearling trim leather jacket
Eleventy Champagne silk blouse from Bicester Village

RRP

£493

Village

£320

Sale

£256

Eleventy

Champagne silk blouse
Eleventy  Corduroy puffer jacket from Bicester Village

RRP

£1,098

Village

£713

Eleventy

Corduroy puffer jacket
Eleventy Loro Piana fabric jogger pants from Bicester Village

RRP

£614

Village

£399

Eleventy

Loro Piana fabric jogger pants

RRP

£238

Village

£164

BOSS

Relax lounge set
Insider secret

Flying into London? Spend a refreshing first night at Brown’s Hotel. Their on-site spa promises an irresistible post-travel pick-me-up and the perfect excuse to wear your favourite comfies, such as these from BOSS.

To stay

Pure escapism lies at Thyme, a tranquil estate at Southrop, on the southern edge of the Cotswolds. Set against a backdrop of misty hills, their botanical-inspired rooms are a blissful haven of comfort, adorned with antique décor and warming linen.

For those seeking a stay in the city, try Oxford’s quintessentially British Old Parsonage Hotel. A delightful blend of old and new, you’re just steps away from Oxford’s must-see sites, theatres, markets and restaurants.

thyme-hotel-cotswolds
Relax, unwind and rejuvenate at Thyme
To see

A charming escape from the throes of city life, the Cotswolds and its sleepy rural towns make up nearly 800 square miles of sheep-nibbled hills and winding limestone lanes.

Lively market towns Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway are all popular haunts, while honey-coloured stones adorn smaller villages like Paxford and Bibury.

bibury-arlington-row
Bibury, always photo-ready
Rupert Sanderson Seymara suede boots from Bicester Village

RRP

£660

Village

£430

Sale

£322

Rupert Sanderson

Seymara suede boots
Style tip

A remote countryside adventure calls for footwear that can stand the elements. Francesca and Tommaso recommend a pair of ankle boots like these from Rupert Sanderson, which strike the perfect balance between style and comfort.

Barbour Ladies sage beadnell  from Bicester Village

RRP

£219

Village

£206

Barbour

Ladies sage beadnell
Style tip

Look the part in a traditional wax jacket, from the likes of Barbour – easily paired with jeans, cashmere and your favourite boots.

To drink

On dark, wintry days, a cosy Cotswold pub has all the charm (and warmth) you need for a great afternoon of boardgames and laughter with loved ones.

Cosy and contemporary, the Double Red Duke has a warren of lounges with log fires and deep squishy chairs, perfect to sink into with one of their signature drinks. We recommend one of their delicious non-alcoholic raspberry coupes, a refreshing blend of sweet berry and pineapple notes.

red-double-duke-signature-cocktail
Signature taste and style
Get the look

RRP

£410

Village

£265

Theory

Cozy jumper

Levi's®

Women's 501 original cropped jeans

RRP

£350

Village

£235

The Kooples

Chelsea boots with chunky soles

Coach

Crossgrain leather Clara shoulder bag

See something you like?

Shop the Village from home and enjoy our brilliant brands direct to your door.

From the honey stone cottages of Arlington Row to scenic strolls along the Coln, some quintessential country pubs and cosy tea rooms; there’s plenty in Bibury that make it worth visiting!

Francesca & Tommaso

Content Creators

To do

Embrace the day in true Cotswolds’ style at Daylesford Farm. Set within the site’s working farm, you can shop fresh organic groceries; browse a selection of artisan homeware, gifts and antiques; or walk one of the farm’s beautiful outdoor trails.

If you can, we’d recommend booking ahead and onto one of the farm’s cookery masterclasses. From edible gifts to seasonal dishes, you’ll learn to master your culinary techniques with an expert.

christmas-at-daylesford-farm-cotswolds
A celebration of seasonality at Daylesford
Holland Cooper Albany knee boot from Bicester Village

RRP

£349

Holland Cooper

Albany knee boot
Insider secret

A wintry jaunt around Blenheim Palace should also be on your list. Demanding the warmest of layers; a padded coat like this from Holland Cooper, screams versatility and can be easily accessorised.

The Cotswolds are just an hour-and-a-half from London, but it’s like another world. The villages are picturesque and provide the perfect backdrop for long walks or a scenic drive.

FRANCESCA & TOMMASO

Content creators

1

7

RRP

£179

Village

£120

Sandro

Fluffy mocked scarf
Insider secret

With new pop-ups and boutiques from the likes of Astrid & Miyu, GANNI, Self-Portrait and more, there’s plenty of newness to discover during your next visit.

To shop

Browse the latest arrivals and must-have pieces from more than 150 of your favourite brands at Bicester Village, with exceptional year-round savings on the recommended retail price. That new designer piece you’ve had your eyes on? Time to treat yourself.

Plus, with delicious winter menus at your favourite restaurants – farmshop, La Tua Pasta and Cecconi’s, there’s something to satisfy every hungry shopper during a visit to the Village.

make-boutique-bicester-village
New year, new boutiques

Your packing list

Holland Cooper  Dowdeswell coat from Bicester Village

RRP

£799

Holland Cooper

Dowdeswell coat
Ted Baker  Check wool overshirt  from Bicester Village

RRP

£295

Village

£205

Sale

£118

Ted Baker

Check wool overshirt

RRP

£189

Village

£109

HUGO

Chunky leather Chelsea boots with logo-tape pull loops
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