A travel guide for those interested in adventuring off the beaten path with us.
Daylesford Organic (Kingham): This farm is an absolute dream. The café’s veggie-forward menu changes with the seasons — think pea risotto, fresh trout, and dry rosé. After lunch, wander through the beautiful market and home store. We left with armfuls of honey, linen, wool slippers, and wildflowers.
The Kitchen Garden at The Pig (Barnsley): Set in a 17th-century honey-hued manor, this restaurant’s “25 mile menu” is garden-to-plate heaven. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll through the gardens designed by Rosemary Verey with a G&T in hand.
The Ox Barn at Thyme (Southrop): An old Cotswold barn, reborn with soaring ceilings and fresh flowers. The menu focuses on produce picked that day — food that’s all about the best ingredients, cooked simply. Ask for a map and do the Eastleach walk before or after your meal.
The Angel (Burford): A 16th-century coaching inn that is classic, warm, and welcoming. Enjoy seabass, shortcrust pie, handcut chips, seasonal greens, and local ales.
Queen’s Head (Stow): A no-fuss classic pub with friendly locals. Expect cask ales, steak-and-ale pies, and locals nursing pints by the fire. Follow the crowd to The Talbot for live music and dancing on Saturday nights.
The Victoria Inn (Eastleach) A charming stone beauty tucked into a postcard-perfect village. Low ceilings, candlelight, and proper pub fare. There were several sweet pups curled up by the fire last time we were there.
The Cellar (Stow): Small, elegant, and well-curated. Expect excellent natural wines and small plates. A nice little break from all the ale!
Public Footpaths: This is what you came for: rolling hills, kissing gates, and woolly onlookers. Try Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter, Eastleach to Southrop, or paths around Kingham (grab a map at Daylesford). Bring boots, a raincoat, and someone who doesn’t mind mud.
Tewkesbury Abbey: A masterpiece of Norman architecture, boasting the largest Romanesque crossing tower in England. Founded in 1087, its stained glass and medieval tombs whisper centuries of history.
Cowley Manor & Spa: A Grade II-listed Italianate manor reimagined with playful, modern interiors by Dorothée Meilichzon. The award-winning spa features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, indoor and outdoor pools, and holistic treatments. A haven for design lovers and wellness seekers alike.
Estates & Gardens: Explore Sudeley Castle, a 15th-century gem with romantic ruins and award-winning gardens. Check out Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Wander through Highgrove Gardens, King Charles III’s private sanctuary of organic beauty. Chastleton House is a stunner you won’t want to miss!
The Village Pub (Barnsley): Cozy rooms in the classic English inn of our dreams. Start your day with a full English breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs, and don't miss their standout Sunday roast. The staff is lovely.
The Fox (Oddington): Charming inside and out. Enjoy thoughtful rooms and farm-to-fork menus.
The Old Stocks Inn (Stow-on-the-Wold): Comfortable, no-fuss, and charming. Right on the town square.
Any Pig Hotel: Yes, really — any of them. These “restaurants with rooms” are warm and thoughtfully designed. The food is fantastic. We’ve stayed at three and loved each one. Pro tip: don’t miss the garden tour!
Rent a car – Trains only get you so far. The best spots are tucked down unsigned lanes. Stay left!
Pack for mud – Even if it’s sunny. Wellies > white sneakers. We had to say goodbye to our sneakers on day 1.
Don’t overplan – Anchor in one or two areas then wander around and let the locals be your guide.
Skip peak weekends – Spring and fall are golden. We came over Thanksgiving last year and it was delightfully uncrowded.
