A love letter to The Cotswolds

Now, let’s start this off with something you need to know before we begin. I am low-key obsessed with farm animals. Mainly pigs, although I don’t like to have favourites, and sheep are a very close second. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent most of my life tucked away in city vibes, but every single time I see a field full of farm animals, a massive smile appears on my face.

Anyway, let’s get into it.

We were lucky enough to spend three nights in The Cotswolds, with our base in the hidden gem that is Lechlade. On our first morning, we ventured into town on foot, walking across beautiful fields, and stumbled across one of the best breakfast spots I’ve found in a long time: Lynwood & Co.

It’s always a good sign when you walk into somewhere and it’s full, with dogs everywhere you look. The coffee was on point and the breakfast was even better. Let’s just say they serve bread and butter pudding for breakfast, which really tells you everything you need to know.

After we were properly fuelled for the day ahead, we travelled by car to nearby Stow-on-the-Wold, which had been highly recommended for one of my favourite activities: shopping. And thankfully, it didn’t disappoint.

My personal favourites were Tara Antiques Centre, a three-storey treasure hunter’s dream, and The Curated Store, where I found some killer gold-plated jewellery and fabric wrapped LED candles. I’d really recommend spending a good few hours exploring Stow-on-the-Wold because it’s one of those places that rewards a slower wander. Don’t forget to look down the hidden corners too, especially Talbot Court, which is where we unexpectedly and delightfully found The Curated Store.

The next day was filled with more antiques hunting, travelling across The Cotswolds and stopping off in places including Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham. While all of them were lovely, they did feel a little more touristy. Which I know is a slightly ridiculous thing to say as a tourist myself, but still.

That said, the day of exploring by car was absolutely worth it because we stumbled across The Malthouse Collective in Stroud, which is the biggest antiques centre in the Cotswolds and full of treasures. It even has a little café if you get peckish, which obviously gives it extra brownie points in my book.

We finished our trip to The Cotswolds with a visit to the highly recommended Double Red Duke in Clanfield, although not before I insisted on stopping to admire a field full of sheep. Honestly, it felt on brand by that point. When we booked a table, having learnt our lesson from the first night, we were offered more than one dining location, but the Chef’s Counter really stood out so we went with that.

And it definitely didn’t disappoint.

We were the first people there, which meant we got to chat to the talented chefs about their work and get their menu recommendations, which made the whole experience feel even more special. I went for the Creedy Carver duck breast with beetroot and ginger, with a side of BBQ hispi cabbage and miso butter, and both absolutely blew my mind. Even better paired with one of their red wines from the extensive wine list. We finished things off with smoked fudge, which felt like the perfect final note to the meal.

So yes, The Cotswolds absolutely won me over: with the sheep, the shopping, the hidden gems, the dreamy food and, of course, the smoked fudge. Safe to say I’m already planning my return, ideally with an empty car boot, a bigger appetite and enough self-control not to buy homeware at every possible stop.

The Double Red Duke, Clanfield (Source: The Boutique Handbook)

The Curated Store, Stow-on-the-Wold (Source: Your AJency)

Before you go…

We were gutted to miss the New Wave Brasserie in Lechlade, a fish and seafood restaurant that looked so good. We’ll definitely be back, and next time I might even make a reservation with military precision just to make sure we actually get to try it. That seaweed caper butter is calling my name.

Also, an honourable mention to Two Farmers Crisps whose Woodland Mushroom & Wild Garlic crisps saved me from a hanger-induced mental breakdown. For that, I’ll be forever grateful.