Well Intentioned: A Winter Wellness Guide To The Cotswolds

Batteries running low? Take time out to recharge with a restorative spa break, surrounded by some of England’s most superlative countryside.

Welcome to one of England’s most pristine corners – a patchwork of rolling green hills studded with yellow-stone villages and grand country manors. Popular with romantic couples and frazzled urbanites, the Cotswolds is a soothing remedy for the stresses of modern life. From high-end spas and luxury boutiques to woodland walks and wholesome country pubs, here are ways to find comfort and joy in the Cotswolds.

1. Barnsley House

Spa Hotel, Luxury

The exterior of Barnsley House, near Cirencester, with a view of its formal gardens

Fresh air, fine food, plush digs – this is rural living at its finest. This Grade II-listed country manor was once the home of revered garden designer Rosemary Verey, and its formal gardens are her lasting legacy. The spa, mini-cinema and rooms with roll top baths are each an invitation to unwind. Feeling active? Wrap up warm to explore the local area on foot or two wheels – guests can borrow e-bikes from the hotel. The chocolate-box village of Bibury is just 3mi (4.8km) away.

2. Bamford Wellness Spa

Spa

For yoga mats in a bright, white studio at Bamford Wellness Spa in the Cotswolds

Gwyneth Paltrow would fit right in at this chic spa, owned by organic farmer Carole Bamford. Sound healing and gong meditations are among a relaxation-ready roster of classic yoga and pilates classes; reiki rituals and jade stone massages are designed to rebalance tired souls and aching bones; and the spa cafe serves up apple cider vinegar shots and superfood smoothies. Save time to browse the zero-waste pantry and organic shop at Daylesford Farm next door.

4. Westonbirt Arboretum

Botanical Garden, Forest

Very tall trees surround a pathway being walked by two people at Westonbirt Arboretum in the Cotswolds

Winter may not showcase Westonbirt Arboretum in all its blossoming glory, but even frosty forest bathing has its benefits. Wander some of the 17mi (27km) of walking trails to discover 2,500 different tree species, keeping an eye out for ecofriendly sculptures hidden between the boughs. The whole place comes alive around Christmas, with illuminated displays and kid-friendly events running through November and December. Need to warm up? A hot chocolate from the cafe should do the trick.

5. Cowley Manor

Spa Hotel, Luxury

The exterior of Cowley Manor near Cheltenham, as viewed from an adjoining lake.

Rooms at this Italianate manor near Cheltenham are a masterclass in colour therapy, each featuring bright, mood-boosting jewel tones – and nearly all have baths and walk-in showers. Outside, the sprawling grounds are dotted with modern sculptures, walking trails and lakes. If ambling leaves you chilly, the hillside spa’s heated indoor and outdoor pools, steam room and sauna will soon warm you up.

6. Well Bath

Spa

A close-up image of a man having a hot stone massage (potentially not in the Cotswolds)

Ready to feel rested and restored? It’s no five-star spa, but this wellness centre in Charlcombe, with wraparound views of green fields, is a warm, informal spot for some me-time. Holistic therapies on offer include acupuncture, cupping and deep-tissue acupressure. There’s also a regular schedule of yoga and pilates classes, held in a calming, plant-filled studio.

7. Tisanes Tearooms

Tea Room, Tea

Floral hanging baskets adorn the exterior of Tisanes Tea Rooms in Broadway, the Cotswolds

In a place as quaint as the Cotswolds, there’s one simple British tradition that feels extra special: drinking tea. Tisanes sits within a 17th-century building made from the region’s classic honey-coloured stone, overlooking Broadway’s charming high street. After a spot of retail therapy, settle down here for a pot of earl grey or a soothing lemon and ginger blend – plus an indulgent slice of cake.

8. Painswick Rococo Garden

Botanical Garden, Park

The red-painted exterior of the Red House at Painswick Rococo Garden

Time spent in nature helps beat the winter blues – and this playful rococo garden is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The grounds are lavished with colourful follies, providing respite from rain showers and striking views of the Cotswolds countryside. Come January and February the grounds are draped in a carpet of snowdrops – a sure sign that spring is around the corner.

9. The Wheatsheaf Inn

Pub, Pub Grub

The interior of the Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach, with many wooden tables set for dining, including some near a fireplace

After a brisk country walk, there’s nothing better than heading indoors for a hearty meal by a roaring open fire – and there are plenty of excellent pubs to choose from in the Cotswolds. The ivy-cloaked Wheatsheaf in Northleach takes pub grub to a new level: think venison carpaccio with girolles and truffle mayonnaise, harissa-spiced lamb and sumptuous choccy puds.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.