Best places to stay in the Cotswolds for an exceptional countryside escape

If you want to make the most of a Cotswolds trip, the smartest choice is a place that brings together a country house, generous gardens, a serious spa and a restaurant worth staying in for. Set in 55 acres of parkland, Cowley Manor Experimental stands out as one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, whether you are travelling as a couple, with family, or for a wellness-focused escape.

The Cotswolds: the perfect backdrop for a countryside stay

The Cotswolds are all about rolling hills, honey-stone villages and winding country lanes. Places such as Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe capture the area’s charm, with stone bridges, rivers and postcard-worthy cottages.

Staying here means combining walks in nature, village-hopping and long, unhurried meals. A country manor hotel makes an ideal base: you can explore during the day, then retreat to somewhere quiet and comfortable rather than a simple town room.

Cowley Manor Experimental: a standout country house stay

Cowley Manor Experimental occupies a 17th-century manor house encircled by private gardens, woodland and lakes. The estate spreads over 55 acres, creating a rare sense of space and privacy in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Its 36 bedrooms and suites blend heritage architecture with bold contemporary design. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, interiors play with colour, graphic patterns and rattan details, keeping the mood both playful and refined. Some rooms overlook the gardens, others feature freestanding bathtubs perfect for unwinding after a day out in the countryside.

More than just a place to sleep, the house functions as a complete retreat: you rest, eat, wander and reconnect in one coherent, characterful setting.

Wellness breaks in the Cotswolds

For travellers searching the best places to stay in the Cotswolds with a spa, Cowley Manor’s C-Side Spa is a major draw. The wellness area includes indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms open to the gardens.

The treatment menu features leading skincare brands such as OSKIA and Biologique Recherche, offering facials and body rituals that focus on visible results and sensorial pleasure. Signature offers like the Rest & Restore package include a 60-minute treatment, time in the pools and thermal areas, plus a two-course meal with a non-alcoholic drink.

Choosing a wellness stay in the Cotswolds allows you to pair the restorative power of nature with serious spa time, without sacrificing style or comfort.

Romantic stays in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a classic choice for romantic getaways, and Cowley Manor ranks among the most sought-after addresses for couples.

Think spacious rooms with generous beds and garden views, quiet walks around the lakes and secluded corners in the grounds for lingering conversations. In the evening, the restaurant showcases seasonal cooking by Chef Consultant Jackson Boxer, who works closely with local producers and the hotel’s own kitchen garden.

The Experimental-curated bar adds to the mood with inventive cocktails that draw inspiration from the house and its surroundings, ideal for winding down after dinner.

Family escapes and school holidays

Families wondering where to stay in the Cotswolds with children often look for space, flexibility and things to do. During the autumn half-term, Cowley Manor leans into its family-friendly side with generous family rooms and two-bedroom suites, plus a programme of activities designed for all ages.

The grounds become a playground: children can explore the gardens, spot wildlife or simply run around by the lakes, while parents enjoy the scenery. When the weather turns, the indoor pool at C-Side Spa offers family swim times, and the lounges provide cosy spots for board games, books or movie nights.

Nearby, you’ll find a wealth of family-friendly options, from wildlife parks and gentle walking trails to storybook villages that are easy to explore together.

Seasonal experiences: Christmas, autumn and Halloween

The Cotswolds shift character with the seasons, and some of the best stays are built around key moments in the year. At Christmas, Cowley Manor offers a three-night festive stay with special dinners, a multi-course Christmas Day lunch with champagne and a relaxed evening buffet, all set against a backdrop of decorated trees and crackling fires.

In autumn, Halloween brings a different kind of magic: pumpkin picking, historic houses with ghost tours, atmospheric walks through woodland and family-friendly events across the region. Cowley Manor makes an ideal base, allowing you to dive into the seasonal fun before returning to a calm, comfortable house and its spa.

How to choose the best place to stay in the Cotswolds

When deciding where to stay in the Cotswolds, start by defining what matters most:

• if wellness is your focus, look for a country house with a serious spa, pools and a well-curated treatment menu;
  
  
• for a romantic stay, prioritise characterful rooms, strong dining and beautiful grounds made for slow walks;
  
  
• for family trips, choose somewhere with family suites, on-site activities and easy access to child-friendly attractions.
  
  

Cowley Manor Experimental brings these elements together in one place: historic manor, spa, restaurant, gardens and seasonal programming, which makes it one of the most compelling bases for discovering the Cotswolds in comfort and style.

Key Facts

• 17th-century country house set in 55 acres of private gardens, lakes and woodland
  
  
• 36 individually designed rooms and suites with playful, contemporary interiors
  
  
• C-Side Spa with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and treatments by OSKIA and Biologique Recherche
  
  
• Seasonal, produce-led restaurant by Chef Consultant Jackson Boxer
  
  
• Dedicated stays for wellness breaks, romantic escapes, school-holiday family trips, Christmas and Halloween
  
  
• Prime location for exploring signature Cotswolds villages and countryside walks
  
  

FAQ

What is the best place to stay in the Cotswolds for a first visit?
A well-located country house hotel with gardens, a spa and on-site restaurant lets you explore without packing and unpacking. Cowley Manor, with its estate setting and easy access to classic Cotswolds villages, is an excellent first-timer base.

Where can I stay in the Cotswolds with a good spa?
Look for a property with both indoor and outdoor pools plus a serious treatment menu. C-Side Spa at Cowley Manor offers this combination, along with signature packages like Rest & Restore for focused wellness time.

Is the Cotswolds a good destination for families?
Yes. The area is very family-friendly, with gentle walks, wildlife parks and villages that are easy to explore. A hotel such as Cowley Manor, with family suites, a heated indoor pool and plenty of space outside, simplifies school-holiday planning.

When is the best time of year to stay in the Cotswolds?
Spring and summer showcase green countryside and long days, while autumn and winter are ideal for cosy breaks, half-term stays and Christmas or Halloween escapes. Each season offers a different way to experience the landscape.

How many nights should I book to explore the Cotswolds from Cowley Manor?
Two nights work for a short taste of the region. For time to enjoy the spa, explore several villages and relax in the house and gardens, three to four nights is a comfortable rhythm.