The Best Luxury Hotels in the Cotswolds

If anywhere symbolises the old-world splendour of the Cotswolds, it’s Lords of the Manor Hotel – a Jacobean manor house dating back to 1649, originally purchased from King Henry VIII and later transformed into a luxury hotel by the Slaughter family. Honey-coloured stone borders 8 acres (3ha) of grandiose gardens, where giant fleece flowers stand bright against the green and blooms buzz with insect life. Among its major draws is its on-site restaurant, the Atrium, which has been awarded several AA Rosettes for its seasonal and innovative tasting menu.

With a motto of “whatever you fancy, whenever you fancy it”, five-star boutique hotel Foxhill Manor pulls out all the stops to spoil its guests. In addition to your personal host who will make sure you have everything you need 24/7, you’ll also have your pick of five rooms and three suites – each individually designed with four-poster beds and clawfoot tubs by the window. Extensive facilities include a 52ft infinity pool, outdoor hot tub and the use of the House Spa at the Dormy House, complete with a Scandi-style thermal suite.

Crowned by 4 acres (2ha) of formal gardens is Barnsley House, a 17th-century country house hotel. The colourful vision of its former owner and landscaper, Rosemary Verey, backs on to a vegetable garden and dairy farm – its produce is used extensively in the hotel restaurant. In the evening, you can wind down with a selection of movies in the comfort of bubblegum-coloured plush sofas at the property’s private cinema. You’ll also have the option to include a tasty supper or delicious afternoon tea beforehand.

Saunter through the doors of this 1860s Italianate stone house to discover lounges, snugs and cosy corners brimming with curios; cowhide window seats and comical papier-mâché “hunting trophies” stand in stark contrast to the likes of its world-class C-Side Spa. Bright and modern, the space houses two heated pools, a bar and rows of sleek sunloungers to better take in views of the property’s 55 acres (22ha) of lakes and parkland.

Get back to nature among 220 acres (89ha) of Cotswold meadowland. The Calcot and Spa is a former farmhouse with converted outbuildings – now home to ample stylish rooms, a spa and its renowned restaurant, the Conservatory, which celebrates local produce. Place an order for a picnic hamper and head out to discover nearby nature trails, or take advantage of outdoor facilities, including disc golf, croquet and tennis. Bike hire is also available for when you want to tackle the property’s 2mi (3km) country track.

Gloucestershire’s only AA five-star-rated property invites you to discover 90 acres (36ha) of the beautiful Cotswold countryside, which can be admired from its grand bedrooms and private patios. This 15th-century building still retains many of its period features, including original fireplaces and stained-glass windows, while all bedrooms have large bathrooms with roll-top baths and heated marble floors. As an archetypal English country estate, royal activities such as polo and archery also take place on the grounds; you’re welcome to participate.

This old stone manor house is one of the Cotswolds’ long-standing luxury choices, established back in the 17th century. Rooms are a blend of contemporary interiors with country charm, with some featuring original stucco ceilings, four-poster beds, crackling fireplaces and his-and-hers slipper baths. Outside, 5 acres (2ha) of landscaped gardens look onto the pretty village of Lower Slaughter – ideal for summer afternoon tea – and the restaurant, one of the region’s most acclaimed, serves a seasonal menu.

Lucknam Park is set within extensive private parkland, approached by a magnificent avenue of lime and beech trees planted in 1827. Lining the graciously restored Palladian mansion, you’ll find an award-winning spa and wellness centre, Michelin-star restaurant with a tasting menu, and stables, home to glossy-flanked horses. Ample bedrooms ooze luxury, with bathrooms adorned with silver fittings and white marble, freestanding baths and traditional-style deluge walk-in showers.