Malmesbury’s vibrant history as England’s oldest borough gives this ancient hilltop town bags of character, including plenty of interesting relics, landmarks and buildings. Malmesbury Abbey is a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers; the town’s iconic 12th Century abbey sits at its heart, and is home to the tomb of Athelstan the Glorious, the […]
Category Archives: News
A positive message… and huge thank you from us!
Here at Bolthole Retreats we usually spend our days making people’s dreams come true… helping guests choose one of our beautiful, unique and delightful Cotswold properties to stay in during a visit to this fabulous part of the UK. Of course, Covid-19 has put a stop to that and we have spent the last few […]
Where (not) to eat in the Cotswolds!
The Cotswolds is blessed with fantastic places to eat—so much so that if you’re wondering where to eat in the Cotswolds, you’re truly spoilt for choice. In fact, we think it’s a foodie’s heaven. Our very un-official survey of Cotswold pubs and restaurants serving delicious food prepared with seasonal, locally grown ingredients shows more of […]
48 hours in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is the perfect place for a weekend break. Just 90 minutes from London by train, the Cotswolds offers charming villages, historic sites, and stunning scenery for a perfect weekend escape. In this guide, we share how to make the most of 48 hours here. From Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold to walks along the Cotswold […]
Here’s the perfect place for a Cotswolds staycation
The town of Winchcombe is a year-round destination for a Cotswolds staycation. Summertime is no exception, with lots of events, beautiful countryside and the lovely River Windrush to enjoy, all perfect ingredients for a memorable Cotswolds staycation… Read on to find out why a stay in a luxury holiday cottage in Winchcombe this summer could […]
The Fleece Inn is UK’s best pub and it’s across the road from one of our cottages!
The Fleece Inn – within a stone’s throw of Old Fox Cottage in Bretforton, near Evesham – a Bolthole Retreats cottage – has been voted one of the UK’s best pubs by two different publications! The AA Pub Guide is one of the go-to sources for the best pubs for food and drink in the […]
Top 20 summer festivals in the Cotswolds
It’s festival time – no matter what the weather is like! Here’s our pick of the best summer festivals in the Cotswolds, from free community events such as Riverside Festival at Chipping Norton to the massive WOMAD festival in Malmesbury. If you’d rather wander back to the comfort of a lovely Cotswold cottage instead of […]
Top tips and hints for cycling in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a fantastic area for cycling, offering a mix of quiet country lanes, rolling hills, and charming villages. Whether you’re after a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes or a challenging route that tests your legs, there are options for all abilities. Lucy, Bolthole Retreats’ resident road and off-road cycling enthusiast, has written this […]
Winchcombe walking festival
What is the Winchcombe Walking Festival? The perfect countryside walking weekend for keen ramblers, Winchcombe Walking Festival is an annual three-day event held in May each year, dedicated to exploring this beautiful corner of the Cotswolds on foot. A firm favourite amongst walkers of all shapes, sizes and abilities, every year the festival welcomes hundreds […]