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January 19, 2024 3 min read

The Weekender

MEET HANNAH HODGES, PR DIRECTOR, CREATOR & MOTHER BASED IN LONDON

The Cotswolds has been a regular destination for Hannah and her family due to its dreamy, ‘chocolate box’ setting, endless country pubs and exclusive retreats. Come with us as Hannah shares her recent winter break to discover her favourite places to visit and top recommendations on where to eat, stay, shop and more.

What do you love most about the Cotswolds?

I have always loved the honey-toned limestone cottages and charming thatched roofs. The villages are picture perfect and full of rustic countryside charm, but there is service and sophistication to rival being in the city.

Where is your top recommendation to stay & what makes it so special?

Book in at new Cotswolds hotspot The Bull at Charlbury. Contemporary and minimal, yet rustic and cozy all at once, and with delicious ingredients sourced locally it's a food lovers destination. Think, stylish, grown-up mini break!

Do you have a favourite place to eat in the Cotswolds?

The Double Red Duke at Bampton. I love the bold interior touches and signature red and white ricking stripe, plus if you're a big group you can pre-order the suckling pig for a show-stopper feast.

When is your favourite time of year to visit?

We have been as a wider family at New Year and love the cozy, fireside vibes and indulgent feel to dining out on roasts. Also during the high summer as an escape from the city for fresh air and chic pub gardens.

YOUR COTSWOLDS ESSENTIALS:

Hotels and Airbnb's:

Estelle Manor is the new must-try hotel destination. Their end of season parties are also becoming epic dates.

Bibury Farm Barns for cottage chic with hotel level trimmings.

Estelle Manor Bibury Farm Barns

For coffee:

In Bibury head to the cute Cotswolds Cafe where the children can roast marshmallows over their fire pit!

A quick bite:

Head up the hill in Bibury to the Twig for a design style cafe vibe and sourdough toast with truffle mushrooms.

Dinner with friends:

You are spoilt for choice with chic country pubs or the Cotswolds go-to Soho Farmhouse for upscale Japanese Pen Yen.

Favourite shops?

The RH Gallery at Banbury is the uber chic, minimal design concept I've been obsessed with since visiting the NY showroom...cue redesign of living room!

Favourite place to visit when in The Cotswolds:

Daylesford for everything quintessential Cotswold chic and now for the Bamford spa experience too.

What is your go-to uniform for a weekend in The Cotswolds?

Soft, easy-to-wear yet put together two-pieces in neutral colours. Chic cozy knits like the Varley Kent Trouser and Cavendish Sweater set I'm wearing from Tyde London. Add a warm gilet for layering up for winter walks. Great wrap coats and my trusty Hunters in croc, a Harrods exclusive from my days of working there.