Imagine the epitome of a cosy winters evening in England… what image does it conjure? For me, I’m sat by a log fire with my favourite tipple in hand, eating delicious hearty food, all encapsulated within the beautiful British (and very fresh) countryside. Despite being a summer lover, there’s something so special about these moments of feeling snug whilst Jack Frost is busy working outside.
So what better place to enjoy this dreamy scene than in the Cotswolds? My favourite area of countryside in the UK; quaint houses made of the famous Cotswolds stone, rolling hills and tranquility.
So we headed to Lords of the Manor for the weekend; a beautiful quintessential Cotswolds Manor House set in 8 acres of beautifully maintained gardens in the Cotswold village of Upper Slaughter.
With a grand entrance, a turning circle and a valet parking option on arrival, the welcome to Lords of the Manor offers a real touch of luxury. Inside is a beautiful blend between traditional features and luxury design – the furniture is grand, there’s an array of panelling and cool wall paper, some lovely artwork, parquet flooring and gorgeous fireplaces.
Our room was so spacious! We stayed in a Cotswolds Junior Suite which boasts traditional features such as the beams (which I LOVE), a lounge area and a comfortable bed furnished with classic pieces. Charming, cosy with ample space. (Our room was one of those that hadn’t yet been newly renovated; it was still so beautifully presented so I can only imagine the superbness after renovation!).
We enjoyed a very silent and peaceful sleep with just the inviting sound of a local clock chiming whilst we awoke to the sounds of singing birds.
The food at Lords of the Manor was another level of culinary excellence.
Breakfast was served in the restaurant by a charming and attentive restaurant manager overlooking the walled garden. There was a buffet available with croissants, cereals, juices etc on offer and a menu for specific dishes. I enjoyed the Eggs Benedict whilst Will went for an English breakfast; there was no better way to start the day!
Our dinner experience was wonderful; we enjoyed a 3 course meal off the à la carte menu and the food was impeccable. I’m struggling to find the words to do it justice (you will have to try it for yourself to understand)! I enjoyed the chicken and Will chose the feathered beef. The food was perfectly presented and melted in our mouths- it was incredible and a sure 5*s from me!
The service was also amazing with an elegant and relaxing ambiance and after dinner, we resided to the bar and I lived my dreamy scene of a gin by the crackling fire, contently full after a delightful dinner.
There are so many places to explore in the Cotswolds, so it doesn’t stop there! We were informed that the walk from Upper to Lower Slaughter and back was one of the top shorter walks in the Cotswolds, although due to the weather being typical for January, we have put it on our list to do in the future.
Broadway is another favourite walk of ours; as a family we often enjoy walking up to Broadway Tower (at the top you can see a vast amount of counties) and is just a 25 minute drive from The Lords of the Manor. Not forgetting Bourton on the Water and Stow in the Wold; with a plethora of surrounding picturesque villages to explore, Lords of the Manor presents the perfect place for a weekend in the great British countryside.
Thank you for having us Lords of the Manor Hotel. Check them out here.
*Press trip but all opinions are my own.
Cheltenham is not too far away, it offers a completely different style of the Cotswolds – click here to see what I loved about our trip there.
