You won’t find it hard to come across a wonderful list of ‘must-visit’ spots in the Cotswolds, but I’m here to share a little insider knowledge of the special places and things I’ve come to love since moving here in 2019. The Cotswolds as a whole has changed so much, even in the short time since we arrived, with wonderful places opening up all around us. I’ve tried and tested them all, so I’ve whittled it down to a few favourites for you to enjoy.

Where To Eat

One of my favourite places to go with friends for a delicious meal is The Straw Kitchen, part of Whichford Pottery. Only open from March through to October, it serves homegrown, local, handmade meals and the most delicious baked treats, all set within a charming garden. My personal favourite, after a bountiful brunch of runny eggs, crispy local bacon and fresh pea shoots, is to take home one of their giant jars of sugar-coated chocolate shortbreads for the children… though they rarely last long!

Do be sure leave time to browse the pottery itself for beautiful ceramics. I have a plate hanging on my kitchen wall made by Jim Keeling and decorated by his wife Dominique, the founders of the pottery in 1976, known for their unique sgraffito pieces.

Where To Shop

In Stow-on-the-Wold, our neighbours in Talbot Court have undergone a complete regeneration, filling the court with wonderful independent stores. The Curated Store is an evolving space showcasing a monthly rotation of design-led, small independent brands. It’s my go-to for thoughtful gifts. Plus, there’s always a resident art curator with inspiring pieces sourced from all over the world. My most recent find was a still life from The Linensmith, a vintage art curator based in Worcestershire. I also picked up a few So Souk trinket dishes as hostess gifts, which are the perfect balance of cool and kitsch.

Just next door is Domestic Science, a treasure trove of quality stationery (including my favourite, Cambridge Imprint) and all things home and lifestyle. I regularly stock up on their French soap bars for our bathrooms at home — charming, nostalgic and beautifully wrapped — as well as vintage linens, excellent tea towels and pretty napkins. Never underestimate the power of a stylish tea towel to elevate your kitchen. Oh, and they also stock what I consider to be the best hand sanitiser around, an American brand I was thrilled to find over here. These are the small things that bring me joy as a thirty-something.

One of the things I do miss about London life is easy access to a wide variety of food and ingredients. So when I found Broadway Deli, I was delighted. They stock foods from around the world, with a real focus on integrity and provenance. Before Christmas, I filled my basket with panettones, sugared mice, giant cans of Perelló olives (the absolute best, in my opinion) and splatterware jars of Danilo Manco extra virgin olive oil. They have a very interesting wine and spirit selection which is always good for a browse, and a sensational café, which is open year round. 

Now bear with me, as this one is a niche one, but I've found the most wonderful spot for gifts for friends who’ve just become new parents. If you can forgive the name and website… Sew U Knit Crafts. It’s a tiny wool and craft shop in Broadway that stocks not only a myriad of yarns and knitting supplies, but a huge rack of hand-knitted cardigans, booties and hats for little ones under five. Each piece is unique, made by local knitters testing out new patterns. I’ve kitted out my own three children in delightfully retro pieces and gifted matching sets of cardigans and tiny booties to friends’ babies — a thoughtful and special way to support small local makers.

Just down the road is Rikki Tikki, a wonderfully nostalgic toy shop filled with foam aeroplanes, bouncy balls and whoopee cushions — perfect for nieces and nephews.

Where To Meet

A newer opening in Stow is Foletta, a bar run by two sisters and their mother. It serves innovative, scrumptious small plates in a cosy setting with a cool, relaxed vibe. We recently spent a great evening there with friends, old-school vinyl playing in the background and a few excellent margaritas in hand, before heading across the road to The Old Butchers for an unbelievable seafood spread. It’s always packed and consistently delicious.

To round it all off, once you’ve eaten and shopped, visit Chloe’s Pilates new studio at The Old Coal Yard. After years at Bamford, she has opened her own space, teaching alongside a roster of instructors offering Pilates, sculpt, barre and yoga. My personal favourite is Alex’s barre class, a real booty burner!  

Where To Stay

Now that you’ve booked your long weekend, I’d love to invite you to stay at The Vaults — a collection of three apartments consciously curated by my husband, Rory, and me. Set within the walls of a former bank in the heart of town, they combine modern, considered luxury with the timeless character of the historic building. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed to ensure your stay feels both restorative and entirely effortless.