Romantic things to do in the Cotswolds
There are few places that provide a romantic atmosphere quite like that which you’ll find in the Cotswolds. Escape to the rolling country hills, walk hand in hand through picturesque villages and dine in style with candlelit feasts.
Spending time with your partner can be treasured when you book one of our holiday cottages for two. Wake up nestled in luxurious bedding with no rush for a set breakfast time, you may even be spoilt by your other half bringing you a meal in bed. There are so many options for how you could spend your day. Follow a morning walk with a pub lunch before relaxing in the hot tub at your cottage for the afternoon with a glass of bubbly. In the evening get dressed up for a night out enjoying dinner and a show, then retire to your beautiful cottage.
Things for couples to do during the day
Fill your days with delightful day trips and memorable activities to keep this holiday living long in the memory. Visit Sezincote with its unique gardens and architecture reminiscent of the Taj Mahal or meander the village streets of Bourton-on-the-Water known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ due to its many bridges crossing the central river.
For something a little different hire a tandem to explore Upper and Lower Slaughter and gently peddle alongside the stream before popping into the café. There is also a beautiful country drive, aptly named The Romantic Road, which takes you on a tour along single-track country lanes starting from Broadway. Take your time and stop off at viewpoints, explore the villages and marvel at manor houses.
On the lower edge of the Cotswolds is the regency city of Bath, famous for its Roman Baths. A special choice for the day is to spend a few hours of pure relaxation at the Thermae Spa. The open-air rooftop pool filled with naturally warm, mineral rich water will let you float away into a dreamworld. Book a treatment each and melt into the serenity.
The perfect evening
A meal for two, with your phones put to one side, can be the perfect way to catch up on life without any distractions. There are Michelin-starred restaurants dotted across the Cotswolds with Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham, Bybrook in Castle Combe, The Dining Room in Malmesbury and Restaurant Hywel Jones near Colerne.
If you’d prefer something a bit more laid back, a country pub with a log fire is an excellent choice. The Porch House in Stow-in-the-Wold has lunch and dinner options and is a beautiful pub full of character. Other options include The Bear Inn, Bisley, The Mount Inn near Broadway with spectacular views and the Ebrington Arms in Chipping Campden.
Add some culture to your evening and combine your dinner with a show. The Barn in Cirencester shows leading productions and the Teatro Bar & Restaurant is on site serving pre-theatre dinner. In Cheltenham the premium Tivoli Cinema is a unique experience and you can dine at the glamorous The Ivy in a listed rotunda building.
Romantic retreats with a hot tub
Make your stay in the Cotswolds a cut above the rest by choosing a beautiful cottage with a hot tub. This added bit of luxury in your own private garden lets you pamper yourself and makes your romantic retreat a truly special experience.
Where | Ragley Hall Estate
This is an utterly unique opportunity to stay in one of the original gatehouses for the magnificent Ragley Hall Estate. Standing guard at the main entrance to this estate, this bijou bolthole is a distinctive escape just for two. Behind is a private rear garden complete with a wood-fired hot tub, perfect for a little night-time stargazing with a glass of bubbles.
Where | Hailes, near Winchcombe
Set midway between the gorgeous village of Broadway, and the medieval charms of Winchcombe, Outbak Shepherds Hut is a cosy and exceptionally comfortable country retreat for two. The timber-clad exterior hides a beautifully appointed interior with a super comfy king-size bed and surprisingly spacious shower room, it’s also fully central heated so you’ll stay warm and toasty even in the chilliest of weather. On the private deck with a timeless view of rolling hills is a wood-fired hot tub where you can lie back and marvel at the brilliant night skies.
Swifts Retreat at Oosland Barns
Where | Near Bidford-on-Avon
This lovely barn conversion is just a short meander from the pretty riverside town of Bidford-on-Avon. Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare, whose sonnets are considered to be the most romantic ever written is just seven miles away. Follow in his footsteps and perhaps take in a performance at the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Theatre) before returning to Swifts Retreat for a soak in the relaxing bubbles of your private hot tub.
Where | Gotherington
Hillview Hideaway is a superbly designed, luxury, one-bedroom holiday home, with a fabulous hot tub set in its own private patio. This peaceful retreat has a bright and spacious open-plan kitchen-dining-living area, a spa-like shower room and a beautiful mezzanine bedroom. It has every comfort and amenity guests need for a pampered, self-catering stay from the air-conditioning to the cosy robes. It is an excellent base for visits to Cheltenham Racecourse, Prescott Hill Climb and Sudeley Castle, with fantastic walking from the doorstep and the village pub less than a mile away.
Read more: Romantic getaways in the Cotswolds
