Visiting the Cotswolds at Christmas is like stepping into a greetings card. Adorable stone cottages have a scattering of snow, twinkling fairy lights sparkle down historic village streets and markets pop up selling traditional Christmas gifts. It really is the most magical time of the year, and even though it’s only September, we secretly can’t […]
Tag Archives: Inspiration
A Food Lover’s Guide to Herefordshire
Ponte Vecchio, Hereford Ponte Vecchio invites you to dine at an Italian family table. It is like stepping foot onto Italian soil, warmly welcomed by the Ponte Vecchio team and Leo, who grew up just a mile from the famous bridge in Florence. Run by a husband and wife team who are passionate about Italian […]
Hampers of Scrumptious Delights for your Cotswold Picnic
Serene countryside views are accompanied by songbirds as a refreshing summers breeze brushes by your perfect picnic spot. Your blanket is spread and wicker basket thrown open to reveal the delights that you’re about to dine on. Whoever your picnic partners are, the Cotswolds cater to all with ready-made hampers, overflowing farm shops and independent […]
Wildlife Safari through the Forest of Dean
At the intersection of England and Wales, The Forest of Dean covers around 26,000 acres of land between the Rivers Severn and Wye. Known for its timeless beauty and untamed nature, the forest is home to a huge diversity of wildlife, with everything from free roaming sheep to wild boar inhabiting its weaving paths and […]
“The best pub in England” and places to stay nearby
It may have only been back open for a few weeks, but The Horse and Groom pub has garnered a glowing review by The Times’ resident food critic, Giles Coren. Situated in the quintessential village of Bourton-on-the-Hill, named by Savills as one of the UK’s “most desirable” villages to live in last year, this 18th […]
Historical Sites and Ruins in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley and Beyond
The Forest of Dean hides a gold mine of historic treasures amongst its unparalleled landscapes. With an active history and being home to more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the UK you are presented with a rich vein of heritage. Once a Royal Hunting Forest reserved for use by the Tudor kings […]
The Cotswolds of Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams
When your life is full of sequins, sparkle and glitterballs, performing to thousands of adoring fans on the tour of a lifetime, you can understand why Taylor Swift has chosen to retreat to the slower pace of the Cotswolds between her shows. With three Swifties in the Bolthole Retreats office, we’re very excited to have […]
Boogie on down at these Cotswold festivals
The sweet combination of live music, sun dappled fields and scrumptious food is a special one, and our line-up of Cotswold festivals pays homage to this in fine fashion. So wait not a moment longer because it’s time to pack up the car, pitch a tent and revel in the glittering magic of these epic […]
A cultural journey through the Cotswolds
For thousands of years, people have lived, worked and crafted in the Cotswolds, each leaving their unique mark on the area. This has left a rich well for modern artists, musicians and creatives to draw from – and our guide to Cotswold culture pays homage to this. From the melodies of Longborough Festival Opera to […]