The Cotswolds is a beautiful area of England that reaches over 3 counties and is full of quaint thatched roof buildings. It’s a very boujie place now, that really focusses of the luxury market and couples who want a romantic escape. There are some exceptional dining, shopping and hotel options in the Cotswolds. Here are some of my best things to do in the Cotswolds for couples and luxury lovers alike.

Visit Thyme in the Cotswolds

This is one of the most beautiful and luxurious places in the Cotswolds. It’s hard to describe what it is as it’s so many things. Thyme is a hotel, spa, restaurant, boutique and gardens. It’s a romantic wellness retreat that makes you feel cut off from the world. It would be the perfect UK place to get engaged. They have their own aromatherapy skincare brand Bertoli, as well as creating beautiful clothes, accessories and homeware with their own plant and floral illustrations. Thyme is a dream to visit.

Visit Daylesford Farm in Cotswolds

The boujie-eat farm shop in the UK is Daylesford Farm. It has a food floor, a homeware and lifestyle floors, plus a florists and garden centre too. There are several restaurants and even a spa too. The spa is with Bamford – a delightful luxury skincare and aromatherapy brand. If that wasn’t enough, you can also stay at Daylesford Farm in their cottages. It’s heavenly and a couples massage here is one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds for couples.

Cotswolds shopping in Stow-on-the-Wold

I’ve made the mistake before of driving down the high street of Stow-in-the-Wold and thinking there’s not much there in terms of luxury shopping, but I was wrong. I’m so happy to have discovered some amazing hidden stores in back streets and arcades. My favourite is Pom-on-the-Wolf – a fashion and lifestyle boutique stocking colourful and luxurious independent brands. This whole store is made for me and I’d love it as my walk-in closet. If antiques is more your thing, there’s a great 3-floor centre in Stow-on-the-Wold full of treasures. You must visit the Tara Antiques Centre.

Make a trip to Blenheim Palace

The childhood home of Winston Churchill that was his retreat for his whole life is so beautiful and fascinating to visit. There’s an exhibition on him full of personal artifacts, but if history isn’t your bag, you can just do a walk-around of the palace itself and its stunning opulent interiors. There’s a lovely cafe at Blenheim Palace too and incredible gardens to walk around. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds.

Drive from the Cotswolds to Bicester Village

If you are into your luxury fashion and beauty, you can’t not visit this part of the country without heading to Bicester Village, which is around 1hr from the Cotswolds. It’s a huge outdoor shopping outlet with discount stores from the likes of Dior and Gucci to Holland Cooper and Barbour. Beauty addicts with love the beauty outlet with brands such as La Mer and Jo Malone. It’s easy to spend a whole day here as there are some amazing restaurants – including one from the Soho House team.

Best things to do in the Cotswolds for Couples – Eat at The Yurt at Nicholsons

I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place until my latest visit to the Cotswolds. It might be the best brunch I’ve ever had! The caramelised banana pancakes are unreal! Nicholsons is a luxury garden centre and they have eating spot The Yurt. It’s all focussed on local produce and serves breakfast/brunch or lunch. You must have these pancakes in your life! Definitely one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds for couples or friends.

Grab couple’s pastries at Otis & Belle or Quince & Clover

On the morning after the night before, head out together for breakfast and grab some of the amazing pastries from Otis & Belle in Moreton-on-Marsh or Stow-on-the-Wold. There are also some tasty options from Quince & Clover at Great Tew. I highly recommend the huge cinnamon buns from Otis & Belle.

Have a romantic Sunday lunch at the Kingham Plough

The best Sunday lunch in the Cotswolds is, in my opinion, at The Kingham Plough. It’s a homely country pub in the village closest to Daylesford Farm. The roasts are incredible and come with so many amazing sides. The food and menu is so high-quality that no matter what you choose, you’ll be blown away. It’s such a friendly place too.

Have a luxury dinner at The Old Butchers

The Old Butchers is more of a seafood restaurant than a meat one, but it’s amazing. It’s even in several Michelin guides as a top place to eat. It would be a crime to go here and not order seafood as it’s done so well and is so fresh. The menu changes constantly but there are some firm favourites that are always on there, such as Lobster Mac & Cheese and oysters. A reservation is a must at The Old Butchers as it’s very popular.

I hope you’ve found this guide to the best luxury things to do in the Cotswolds & the best things to do in the Cotswolds for couples has been helpful. I also have a Stories highlight on my Instagram below, which will give you more recommendations.

You can see more of what I’m doing, and what I’m loving, over on my Instagram.