Helen’s guidebook - Wining, dining & places to visit
Village Gastropubs
A few of our favourite places. Booking usually necessary.
10-15 minutes by car. Quintessential Cotswold country pub serving delicious fresh local produce. Highly rated, booking essential.
67 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Bell at Sapperton
10-15 minutes by car. Quintessential Cotswold country pub serving delicious fresh local produce. Highly rated, booking essential.
about 10 minutes by car. Busy modern country dining with cask ales and good wine list.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Falcon Inn
London Roadabout 10 minutes by car. Busy modern country dining with cask ales and good wine list.
20 minutes by car. Seasonal British cooking in this stylish 17th Century coaching inn.
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Wheatsheaf Inn
West End20 minutes by car. Seasonal British cooking in this stylish 17th Century coaching inn.
25 minutes away by car. Perfect for a special occasion. Modern British cooking and excellent Sunday lunch.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Swan At Southrop
25 minutes away by car. Perfect for a special occasion. Modern British cooking and excellent Sunday lunch.
40 minute drive. ‘Britain’s Poshest Pub’, and close to its sister operation, the famous Daylesford Organic Farm Shop.
127 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Wild Rabbit
40 minute drive. ‘Britain’s Poshest Pub’, and close to its sister operation, the famous Daylesford Organic Farm Shop.
One of the closest on our list, at South Cerney, 5 minutes drive. Delicious freshly prepared local produce in a relaxed atmosphere.
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Royal Oak
High StreetOne of the closest on our list, at South Cerney, 5 minutes drive. Delicious freshly prepared local produce in a relaxed atmosphere.
7 mins by car. Recently refurbished, this 16thc inn has been transformed into a boutique hotel with fine modern dining.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Crown Of Crucis
7 mins by car. Recently refurbished, this 16thc inn has been transformed into a boutique hotel with fine modern dining.
Four mins by car, the closest on our list. Recently refurbished pub in the heart of neighbouring South Cerney. Good food and ales.
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eliot Arms
Four mins by car, the closest on our list. Recently refurbished pub in the heart of neighbouring South Cerney. Good food and ales.
Restaurants
A few favourites. Booking usually necessary.
Tierra and Mar
29 Sheep StModern Spanish/European tapas.
The best Indian restaurant in town in our view. Ignore the unprepossessing entrance and enjoy. Take-away available.
Sultan
23 Dyer StThe best Indian restaurant in town in our view. Ignore the unprepossessing entrance and enjoy. Take-away available.
Indian Rasoi
14 Dollar StGood food, smart decor.
Good authentic food and splendid decor. Take away available.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Thai Emerald
36 Castle StGood authentic food and splendid decor. Take away available.
Traditional French from this reliable chain.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Côte Brasserie - Cirencester
4 Black Jack StTraditional French from this reliable chain.
South Cerney Fish and Chips
Take away only.
Very good classic food with a modern twist. Relaxed and sophisticated dining with lovely enclosed garden in Tetbury.
The Close Restaurant
Long StreetVery good classic food with a modern twist. Relaxed and sophisticated dining with lovely enclosed garden in Tetbury.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, try the dishes cooked in the wood-fired oven at this well-rated Cirencester wine-bar/restaurant.
Sam & Jak
2 Cricklade StreetOpen for breakfast, lunch and dinner, try the dishes cooked in the wood-fired oven at this well-rated Cirencester wine-bar/restaurant.
Also named MBB. Chic seasonal, local and fresh dishes in this buzzy restaurant inside the Corn Exchange in the centre of Cirencester.
53 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
MADE BY BOB
Also named MBB. Chic seasonal, local and fresh dishes in this buzzy restaurant inside the Corn Exchange in the centre of Cirencester.
Lola & Co Tapas
20A Long StreetTasty tapas and a great selection of wines in this atmospheric Tetbury bar.
Breakfast & lunch
Modern dishes for snacks or something more substantial. Fabulous cakes.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Jacks
44 Black Jack StModern dishes for snacks or something more substantial. Fabulous cakes.
Cafe Mosaic
Dyer StreetGreat homemade soups and salads
Heather's
12 Black Jack StCosy little Cirencester pit-stop with a pretty courtyard.
Tucked away in the heart of the countryside near Poulton, popular with walkers and cyclists enjoying superb homemade treats.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Gilbertine Kitchen
Unit 15 Priory CourtTucked away in the heart of the countryside near Poulton, popular with walkers and cyclists enjoying superb homemade treats.
Places to visit... in no particular order.
Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a bustling market town with a myriad of independent shops and boutiques and plenty of places to eat, drink and relax.
Explore the lanes and yards off Black Jack Street and the Corn Hall.
There are Farmers’ Markets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday morning of each month. Cirencester’s Monday and Friday Charter Market is one of the oldest in Britain - it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086!
The Corn Hall has an Antiques or Craft Market most Fridays and Saturdays.
The honey-coloured Church of St John the Baptist in the centre of town is the largest parish church in the country and one of the finest ‘wool’ churches, dating from the 12th century. Renowned for its perpendicular porch, fan vaults and tombs of some of the wool merchants who funded it.
In Roman times Cirencester, then called Corinium Dobunnorum, was a major settlement second only to London. Relics from that time are still dug up on a regular basis - check out the beautiful mosaics displayed at the town’s Corinium Museum on Park Street.
373 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cirencester
Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester is a bustling market town with a myriad of independent shops and boutiques and plenty of places to eat, drink and relax.
Explore the lanes and yards off Black Jack Street and the Corn Hall.
There are Farmers’ Markets on the 2nd and 4th Saturday morning of each month. Cirencester’s Monday and Friday Charter Market is one of the oldest in Britain - it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086!
The Corn Hall has an Antiques or Craft Market most Fridays and Saturdays.
The honey-coloured Church of St John the Baptist in the centre of town is the largest parish church in the country and one of the finest ‘wool’ churches, dating from the 12th century. Renowned for its perpendicular porch, fan vaults and tombs of some of the wool merchants who funded it.
In Roman times Cirencester, then called Corinium Dobunnorum, was a major settlement second only to London. Relics from that time are still dug up on a regular basis - check out the beautiful mosaics displayed at the town’s Corinium Museum on Park Street.
HM King Charles’ organic garden. Booking essential, guided tours only. Excellent tea room & lunches.
55 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Highgrove Gardens
HM King Charles’ organic garden. Booking essential, guided tours only. Excellent tea room & lunches.
Beautiful mosaics and other artefacts in the remains of an impressive Roman villa, nestled in tranquil countryside.
105 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chedworth Roman Villa
Beautiful mosaics and other artefacts in the remains of an impressive Roman villa, nestled in tranquil countryside.
Independent historic family brewery, open for tours and still making and delivering ales in the traditional way.
51 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hook Norton Brewery
Brewery LaneIndependent historic family brewery, open for tours and still making and delivering ales in the traditional way.
A gorgeous sight and scent in the height of summer, with a tearoom and shop selling all things lavender.
82 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cotswold Lavender
A gorgeous sight and scent in the height of summer, with a tearoom and shop selling all things lavender.
Watch a few chukkas, sip some Pimms, lounge on a picnic rug. What finer way to spend a sunny Sunday? You might even spot one or two royals!
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cirencester Park Polo Club
Watch a few chukkas, sip some Pimms, lounge on a picnic rug. What finer way to spend a sunny Sunday? You might even spot one or two royals!
Over 40 square miles, with more than 150 lakes. Great outdoor activities, hiking and cycling tracks, nature reserve, picnic sites and restaurants.
88 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Spratsgate LaneOver 40 square miles, with more than 150 lakes. Great outdoor activities, hiking and cycling tracks, nature reserve, picnic sites and restaurants.
Browse over 160 fashion and luxury brands at bargain prices at this famous outlet shopping destination
413 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bicester Village
Browse over 160 fashion and luxury brands at bargain prices at this famous outlet shopping destination
Cotswold manor house packed with extraordinary treasures gathered over a life time by inveterate collector Charles Wade.
119 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
National Trust Snowshill Manor neGardens
Cotswold manor house packed with extraordinary treasures gathered over a life time by inveterate collector Charles Wade.
Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens in this beautiful castle. It has played an important role in England's history over the last 1,000 years, yet is still a family home, with romantic ruins and award-winning gardens.
248 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sudeley Castle
Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens in this beautiful castle. It has played an important role in England's history over the last 1,000 years, yet is still a family home, with romantic ruins and award-winning gardens.
Sitting above the picturesque village of Broadway, the tower offers breathtaking views across up to 16 counties (on a fine day!). There's also a tea-room for a well-deserved reward if you walk up from the village.
220 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hamba uye ku-Broadway Tower
Middle HillSitting above the picturesque village of Broadway, the tower offers breathtaking views across up to 16 counties (on a fine day!). There's also a tea-room for a well-deserved reward if you walk up from the village.
To William Morris, father of the Arts and Crafts movement, Kelmscott was "heaven on earth." He lived here with his wife and family, and his friend, artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The home is furnished with items made by them and other luminaries of the Arts and Crafts movement.
45 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kelmscott Manor
To William Morris, father of the Arts and Crafts movement, Kelmscott was "heaven on earth." He lived here with his wife and family, and his friend, artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The home is furnished with items made by them and other luminaries of the Arts and Crafts movement.
One of the best known and most influential Arts and Crafts gardens in the UK, famed for its outstanding herbaceous borders and its series of 'garden rooms', each with its own character.
159 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
National Trust - Hidcote
One of the best known and most influential Arts and Crafts gardens in the UK, famed for its outstanding herbaceous borders and its series of 'garden rooms', each with its own character.
A must for Downton Abbey fans, the real-life stately home where it all happened. Around a 45-minute drive from Mill Loft, in the lovely North Wessex Downs.
156 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Highclere Castle
A must for Downton Abbey fans, the real-life stately home where it all happened. Around a 45-minute drive from Mill Loft, in the lovely North Wessex Downs.
Tours and tastings by appointment at this award winning vineyard 10 minutes away.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Poulton Hill Vineyard
Tours and tastings by appointment at this award winning vineyard 10 minutes away.
The national arboretum of the Forestry Commission with walks through 15,000 specimens from all over the world. Awesome treetop walkway, activities and restaurant.
340 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Westonbirt, I-Arboretum Yezwe
The national arboretum of the Forestry Commission with walks through 15,000 specimens from all over the world. Awesome treetop walkway, activities and restaurant.
Extravagant architecture and extensive parkland, steeped in history. It is one of England's largest houses and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
657 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blenheim Palace
Extravagant architecture and extensive parkland, steeped in history. It is one of England's largest houses and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Superb Arts and Crafts house and garden designed by one of the leading lights of the movement in the Cotswolds.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rodmarton Manor
Oathill LaneSuperb Arts and Crafts house and garden designed by one of the leading lights of the movement in the Cotswolds.
Bibury - One of the most popular stops on the Cotswold tour and home to the much photographed former weavers' cottages.
Arlington Row
Awkward HillBibury - One of the most popular stops on the Cotswold tour and home to the much photographed former weavers' cottages.
Here you will find Stroud's multi-award winning Farmers Market with celebrity spotting thrown in. Every Saturday morning at Cornhill Market Place and surrounding streets.
Cornhill, Stroud GL5, UK
Here you will find Stroud's multi-award winning Farmers Market with celebrity spotting thrown in. Every Saturday morning at Cornhill Market Place and surrounding streets.
City/town information
The Roman city of Bath - Famed for its beautiful Regency terraces and thermal baths, a magnet for tourists, plus scores of good restaurants, bars and shops, especially in the upper end of the city.
544 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Roman Baths
Abbey ChurchyardThe Roman city of Bath - Famed for its beautiful Regency terraces and thermal baths, a magnet for tourists, plus scores of good restaurants, bars and shops, especially in the upper end of the city.
Picture perfect Cotswold Village, used as a location in many films, most recently Warhorse. Well worth a detour on the way to Bath. Parking is at the top of the hill.
Castle Combe
Picture perfect Cotswold Village, used as a location in many films, most recently Warhorse. Well worth a detour on the way to Bath. Parking is at the top of the hill.
Neighbourhoods
Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and the Slaughters - chocolate box Cotswold villages and tourist hotspots.
181 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cotswolds
Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and the Slaughters - chocolate box Cotswold villages and tourist hotspots.