One of the best things about uncovering and sharing the finest hidden gems in the UK is getting on the road and visiting these places and the people behind them! Last Thursday, I did just that, traveling around the Cotswolds to seven of the Hidden UK Gems collection. Here is a little bit about each one, to inspire your next Cotswolds road trip. 

The Colesbourne Inn, Cheltenham

Located midway between Cheltenham and Cirencester, The Colesbourne Inn is perfectly on the doorstep of many of our favourite Cotswolds towns and villages. I arrived here first thing in the morning and was warmly greeted by the smell of breakfast and fresh coffee. This is a seriously impressive, historic building which dates back to 1827, and is the perfect place to either stay for the night or pop in for a drink if you are looking to immerse yourself in an authentic Cotswold gem.

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/drink-cotswolds-cheltenham-thecolesbourneinn/

Felt Cafe, Brimscombe, Stroud

As is the way with the very best gems, Felt Cafe is discreetly tucked away that you could drive past and not know it was there. However, once uncovered this is somewhere you will be hurrying back to time again. I arrived on this drizzly Thursday before 10am and was warmly welcomed by the fantastic team. As soon as you walk in you feel at home, and if you make it past the selection of cakes without wanting to sample a slice of each, you have more willpower than me! The coffee is delicious and they serve up food which would rival some of the best restaurants in the region. Dog friendly, indoor and heated outdoor seating, all in a Cotswold stone building located by the water, bliss. 

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/eat-cotswolds-stroud-feltcafe/

Woodruffs Cafe, Stroud High Street

As I arrived in Stroud around 10:45, the sun had come out and the blue sky backdrop made Woodruffs Cafe look even more inviting. Deceptive in size, you can choose to sit out the front, down the wonderful side street (where you can take in countryside views that have to be seen in person to be appreciated), downstairs by the window (perfect for people watching the high street), at a table upstairs or in the family room which is kitted out with toys and books aplenty. As the window in the image above says; Coffee, Homemade Cakes, Healthy Breakfast & Lunch, with a range of Vegan, Vegetarian and Organic options, this is the place to visit when you are exploring the charming town of Stroud.

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/eat-cotswolds-stroud-woodruffscafe/

Cotswold Manor & Spa House, Petty France, Badminton

I jumped back in the car and embarked on the 25 minute trip from Woodruff’s to Cotswold Manor & Spa House. Wow, if you are planning a hen do, stag do, multi generational family holiday or anything with a large group, you have to choose this place. Bookable separately or together, the list of amenities the two houses have are endless. The Manor House has a large kitchen and dining area which is perfect for entertaining, with cosy log fires, charming bedrooms and outdoor hot tub. The Spa House has the most amazing indoor swimming pool and hot tub space, as well as log fires, disco area and several spacious bedrooms. Sleeping 28 and 26 respectively, this is the place to go for the group getaway of your dreams, trust me, you’ve never seen anywhere quite like this!

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/stay-cotswolds-badminton-cotswoldmanorandspahouse/

The Boxing Hare, Chipping Norton

If you have ever asked me for a recommendation for a foodie pub in the Cotswolds to visit, there is a very high chance my answer has been ‘The Boxing Hare’. It is always a pleasure to visit the friendly team behind this pub which is the true definition of a gem. The only ‘Boxing Hare’ in the country, it is unique in both name and nature. With inventive, rotating seasonal menus that offer something for everyone, this is the perfect place for a midweek lunch, date night, celebration, Sunday roast and everything in between. The impressive garden with rolling countryside views make it the ideal spot for those summertime day drinks, and the inviting inside perfect for when the temperatures drop. Visit it for yourself and see what all the fuss is about…

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/eat-cotswolds-chippingnorton-theboxinghare/

Brown Cow Food Co., Chipping Norton

For a small place, the welcome is big at Brown Cow. Owner Sally and her team ensure that everyone who walks in feels right at home. It opened after lockdown (a sister company to Brown Cow Events outside caterers) in May 2021 and has been growing in popularity ever since. This is a charming little gem on Middle Row in Chipping Norton, serving up the best fresh food for you to enjoy in or on the go. Be sure to try the Infamous “ Holy Smoke” Sausage Rolls, as supplied to Diddly Squat Farm Shop since its inception, and the seriously good homemade cakes and brownies for afters! The passion put into Brown Cow is reflected in both the ambience and the food, making for the perfect experience. 

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/eat-cotswolds-chippingnorton-browncowfood/

Heath Farm Cottages, Chipping Norton

The last stop of the day, just a 10 minute drive from Brown Cow Food and a 2 minute drive from The Boxing Hare, was Heath Farm Cottages. This is an oasis of beauty, nestled in the Cotswolds countryside, with some of the finest views I have seen. The five cottages, set amongst 70 acres of North Oxfordshire Cotswold woodland and wild flower meadows have been converted from old stone farm buildings, to luxurious stays. At Hidden UK Gems we are all about places we feel are unique, and offer something different. Heath Farm Cottages epitomise this sentiment. You will be hard pressed to find a family who care as much about providing the very best experiences for their guests as the Barbour family, who have been at Heath Farm for over fifty years, perfecting what you now see today. Each of the five cottages have their own special charm, and all share the consistent high quality which has seen them awarded best Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year in the Tourism South East award scheme 2023-2024! They say to save the best till last, and this is one of the best stays you will find in the Cotswolds. Take a look at their listing for yourself below, and be sure to book your stay soon…

https://hiddenukgems.com/listings/stay-cotswolds-chippingnorton-heathfarmcottages/