Bryan and I went with his family on a trip to the Costwolds and London. Bryan and I had been before, here is the link to our previous blog about London, but this was our first time to the Costwolds!!
My sister-in-law, Helen, planned the whole trip! She is incredible & needs to double as a travel planner. She used @cotswoldtoursandtravel to pick us up from Heathrow in London and drive us to the Cotswolds. They were awesome! All 7 is us (and lots of luggage) fit in the van and the tour guides were so kind and knowledgeable! The drive took a little over 2 hours.
The Cotswolds are full of the cutest villages and each one has its own personality. Our hotel was in a village called Broadway (right in the heart of Cotswolds). By the time we arrived to Broadway we were hungry and stopped at the yummiest lunch spot right across the street from our hotel! It's called Broadway Deli. Upstairs was the cutest sit down cafe and downstairs had an awesome grocery and bakery full of the freshest produce, incredible croissants, wrapping paper, olive oil... you name it!
After lunch we walked around the town, there are so many sweet toy stores, stationery stores, book stores, and of course views!
My mother-in-law and I found the coolest home store called Oka. And of course had to stop for a little treat and an afternoon coffee at Otis and Belle.
We tried not to sleep in the afternoon because we knew we wouldn't fall asleep at night so we kept going...half the group went on a hike in the countryside... The Costwolds are known for their scenic walks and hikes! Bryan and I took a ride around to a few more villages and explored... We all met up again a few hours later and had drinks at a local pub called Crown and Trumpet. Then we walked to dinner at The Swan. The best part was that all of these spots were within a 5 min walk to our hotel, The Lygon Arms. If you are a history buff, it's a must stay! It has been around since the 14th century and was absolutely stunning!
Day Two:
Full tour of the Cotswolds! Our tour guides picked us up from the hotel, they were awesome!! We used the same company that picked us up from the airport, @cotswoldtoursandtravel - definitely ask for Robin, Robert, or Colin... they are so personable and fun!
The Cotswolds comes from Old English Words "Cots" and "wold" - together they mean "sheep enclosure in rolling hills" - it truly is so picturesque and the gardens are gorgeous! And if you love history there is so much to learn!
Naturally, I was on the lookout for the Beckhams the whole time - I brought jewelry to give to Victoria, just in case :) - we drove right past their home!
I loved all the thatch roofs on the homes... made from straw and reeds and covered with chicken wire. Throughout the day we popped in and out of the cutest towns and shops. One of my favorites: a silversmith & jewelry shop - @julianhartsilvergofh - it has been around since 1888 and very little has changed. I loved talking with all the artists! Found the cutest shop @penelopechilvers & she carried an artist that reworked vintage Levi's and made them into the coolest pieces of clothing! @mahneetitus
Then we had lunch at @daylesfordfarm Loved this place so much! Imagine an Anthropologie that had a restaurant, spa, home store, garden, juice bar, bakery and cooking school mixed with the Magnolia Silos with Chip and Joanna Gaines.
You can also stay at Daylesford Farm, plus they offer cooking classes and private tours!
We spent the rest of the afternoon going driving more through the Cotswolds and visiting the sweetest towns including all of the incredible churches. Of course we had to stop at the Tolkien Door at St. Edward's Church!
Other places to stay:
You can also pay for friends & family access to the Soho Farmhouse.
The Bull Burford - a super cool refurbished 16th century boutiwue hotel!
The Pig Hotel - it is a UK based chain of hotels. The Cotswolds hotel is in the town of Barnsley with the most stunning gardens and farm to table food.
Bourton on the Water, Chipping Campden and Stow on the Wold were all villages to visit recommended by a dear friend!
Other places to eat:
The Cotswolds in most well known for its English pubs. Basically every pub is a restaurant!
Thyme: It is a historic country estate but supposed to have the best restaurant too!
Wild Rabbit: Several of my friends had recommended this!
The Fox at Oddington: a 17th century pub... you can't get more UK than that!
The Double Red Duke (if weather is good).
The Next Day we headed to London!
We took train from village to London and hopped on the tube straight to our hotel the Franklin. Helen found a great restaurant, it was called Al Hamra - it was the best Lebanese food I've ever had! I love London because it is such a melting pot of cultures and so fun to try everything! That night we went to Dishoom - incredible Indian food!!
We spent the day exploring the city! If you want to see my favorite recommendations in London, click here!
The next day we rented bikes in Hyde park and rode to Notting Hill! We had a really great lunch at Granger & Co. It was started by and Australian chef!
The final day we did some more exploring and shopping (no trip to London is complete without a trip to Selfridges!) and then I headed to the Corinthia for a massage. I would say any of the nice hotels are the best places for massage if you're looking!
Our last night we went for a world famous martini at Duke's Bar and then headed to Belvedere's for dinner!
What I packed...
You know I always love to bring a good luck charm, so I wore my Inner Glow Charm Necklace with the Lucky Elephant!
The Central Park Bundle was a fun pop of color with my neutral &other stories coat that I wore almost the entire time!
I also loved layering the White Sands, Ocean Love, Raspberry Gelato and Amalfi Turquoise Necklaces!
Our Chai Stone Necklace is back and came right in time for our trip!! It is the best neutral and goes with anything!! I love it layered with the Heart Toggle.
You know I love to travel with a clutch and this time I brought the Northern Lights! The clutches are so great for travel because they carry so much!! I also brought the Depths of Love, it is SUCH a fun statement piece!!
Hope you loved the round up!! Adventure awaits!!!
xoxoxo, Erin
