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The Best Hotels in Bibury, the Cotswolds

Barnsley House, in a beautiful setting near Bibury, is ideal for a relaxing stay in the Cotswolds
Barnsley House, in a beautiful setting near Bibury, is ideal for a relaxing stay in the Cotswolds | © Elly Godfroy / Alamy Stock Photo

English artist William Morris called Bibury “the most beautiful village in England”. No visit to the Cotswolds would be complete without seeing one of its most photographed sites: Arlington Row – a line of 17th-century cottages owned by the National Trust. Here’s our pick of the best hotels to stay after a day of exploring.

The Swan Hotel

Hotel

Exterior view of The Swan Hotel – a rustic-looking building surrounded by well maintained gardens
Courtesy of The Swan Hotel / Expedia

Neighbouring the River Coln, where swans swim past and pretty little bridges cross intermittently, this ivy-covered coaching inn is the epitome of countryside luxury, with 18 bedrooms in the main house individually designed with antique furniture, opulent fabrics and Molton Brown bath products. In the courtyard, there are four garden cottage suites for larger parties – one even has a private hot tub. The downstairs bar features a cosy open fire, while its brasserie offers afternoon tea. With slick service and friendly staff, this hotel is one of the Cotswolds’ hidden gems.

The New Inn

Inn

The New Inn, Coln St Aldwyns. Image shot 03/2012. Exact date unknown.
© Nicholas Temple-Fry / Alamy Stock Photo

The New Inn at Bibury occupies a stunning 16th-century coaching inn with 14 bedrooms – all varying in size and all with unique decor. You’ll find some with modern, minimalist furniture and others with antique four-poster beds and more throw cushions than you could ever need. The dining room and bar are equally charming, with slouchy leather chairs next to a roaring fire. Gloriously cosy in winter and bright and airy in summer, this is the perfect little pub to visit at any time of year.

Barnsley House

Spa Hotel, Luxury

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Courtesy of Barnsley House Hotel / Expedia
Just a short drive from Bibury, Barnsley House has 18 luxury bedrooms, a spa and a private cinema – everything you might need to relax and unwind in the countryside. From the outdoor hydrotherapy pool to the extensive list of therapies and treatments, the on-site spa is one of the best in the Cotswolds. The feeling of serenity continues in the guest rooms, where the modern decor blends perfectly with the original features of the Grade II-listed manor. Couples on a romantic weekend away will love the Garden Rooms, which not only come with views of the surrounding landscape but also feature his-and-hers bathtubs. The in-house restaurant, the Potager, serves up rustic dishes in keeping with the hotel’s atmosphere and ethos, with much of the produce coming straight from the garden.

Cotteswold House

Bed and Breakfast

A long-standing Bibury institution, Cotteswold House is a bed and breakfast that also offers two self-catering cottages. Each accommodation option is decorated traditionally, with double or twin-size beds, as well as modern ensuite bathrooms. It’s situated on the main road running through the village, so ideal if you’re thinking of heading out on a long country walk before hitting one of Bibury’s great selection of pubs.

The Keepers Arms

Inn

A couple of miles up the road from Bibury, you’ll find the Keepers Arms – an upmarket pub with rooms nestled in the tiny village of Quenington. Each of the four bedrooms is decorated tastefully with a king-size or double bed, draping curtains and soft blankets, creating a peaceful home from home to return to after a day out. From the low ceiling beams to the crooked staircase, it’s full of charm and character, and the buzzing atmosphere of the pub downstairs makes it a popular watering hole among local residents. Make sure you book a spot for dinner – the kitchen serves locally sourced produce in a range of unpretentious yet tempting dishes.

About the author

Bianca Barratt is a UK-based freelance journalist, content and copywriter specialising in culture, lifestyle, travel and hotels.

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