Bibury Court Hotel is one of my favourite places. With its sweeping driveway, acres of manicured lawn and sprawling swathes of red and green ivy, it’s the perfect encapsulation of all that the Cotswolds has to offer. If you are ever seeking that mélange of grandeur and cosiness; of tearooms interspersed with rambling stone buildings; of all that is picturesque and scenic, then this is the place for you.

The beautiful 17th century stone manor house is set against the famous backdrop of a village that was once described by William Morris as ‘the most beautiful in England’. With the babbling River Coln running through the grounds, it’s the type of place that makes you feel like some kind of Jacobean royalty, but also remains friendly and welcoming enough that you can simply drop in for one of their sublime meals or a drink. I imagine the hotel rooms drip with decadence; all divine drapes and four poster beds and sumptuous be-cushioned window seats, but sadly my budget has so far only allowed for the far more imaginary ‘let’s-have-an-afternoon-coffee-and-pretend-we-live-here’ experience.

I’ve visited with friends, family, partners, on special occasions and just on a whim; in winter in front of a roaring log fire; and in summer sipping Pimms next to the river. It never fails to impress.

Text by Clare Elsom
Photos courtesy of Wenfei Tong on Flickr