The Holidays Are Over? Never!

Well, Christmas and New Years have been and gone.   Nothing left to do now but box everything up, resolve to do commit to some terribly boring New Year's resolution, and head back to the old hum drum of work...

What utter tosh!  Anyone who's done a fair bit of travelling knows that January is the time to take those trips that are normally too expensive, or involve too many crowds.  The best hotels and restaurants all quiet down, and are ready to offer savvy travelers the very best deals to keep the cash flowing during the essential first quarter and without sacrificing a bit of quality.


I've had a good root 'round the winter offerings at our hotel booking partner, Late Rooms (specialists in last minute deals at unique UK hotels), and there are some rather tempting deals out there right now.  Of course, if you just want the absolute cheapest deal, there are some solid little B&B's out there that will put you in the Cotswolds for under 50 USD/28GBP a night.   But my pick has to be The Chure House in Stow-on-the-Wold as the perfect winter hideaway at a great price. I considered 4-star hotels with the best and most guest reviews, plus value for money.  

The Chure House has received only '5 star' reviews from it's 30 reviewers, and is right in the middle of beautiful Stow, surrounded by the best Cotswold countryside.  At the time of writing, they're offering 5 nights for two (checking in 16 Jan) at only 379 GBP, or just under $615.  That's a seriously good deal.  Check out the guest reviews right here: http://www.laterooms.com/en/p6883/hotel-reviews/154845_chure-house-stow-on-the-wold.aspx


Here's what they have to say about themselves:

"Chure House Luxury B & B in central Stow-on-the-Wold is within the town conservation area. It is a minute's walk to the Town Square yet is very quietly located. Chure House is a 4 star property graded by Visit Britain and has also been awarded a prestigious Silver Award for service, hospitality and cleanliness.The bedrooms are all furnished to a particularly high standard with new, quality furnishings including pocket-sprung mattresses and seating with chairs and table. All rooms have a hospitality tray including cafetiere coffees, a selection of teas, digital freeview television, central heating, hair dryer, clock/radio and fluffy towels. All bedrooms have new en-suites with luxurious shower baths and Mira showers.Our breakfast is extensive using the local butcher's old-styled cured bacon and home-made sausages. The produce we use is all fresh, free-range and locally-sourced whenever possible. Vegetarians are catered for and any other dietary requirements. A sunny, walled garden, opening with French doors from the dining room, has outdoor seating and umbrellas and is specially for guests' use where you can sit peacefully and enjoy a book or just soak up the sun. Chure House has only three bedrooms so you are assured personal service. The proprietor, Mrs Jill Barclay, has previously owned award-winning hotels in Cornwall and on the South Coast of England."


To make a booking at The Cure House, click here:  http://www.laterooms.com/en/p6883/hotel-reservations/154845_chure-house-stow-on-the-wold.aspx

Christmastime in The Cotswolds

Just thought I'd post some nice photos of The Cotswolds at Christmas- if you have some nice ones, please share on our Facebook page.

Christmas Cheer, Real Ale, and a Roaring Fire in Chipping Campden

Even though I'm not there at the moment, I can actually smell Christmas at The Ebrington Arms after having heard about it.

This outstanding village inn won North Cotswolds Pub of the Year this year from CAMRA and their chef is in this year's Good Food Guide.  It's a proper 17th century village pub just outside Chipping Campden, complete with open log fires, and even has three bedrooms in case you'd rather stay the night (and sample all their delicious local brews).  The inn also has beautiful views across the Cotswold hills.  My experience there has never been anything less than perfect and, maybe most important of all, the owners and staff are some of the nicest people around.

As for that Christmas smell... here's a little snippet, in their own words, about Christmas at their pub:

"The Cotswolds are stunning all year round but no time is quite as magical as Christmas and New Year...  With thatched cottages billowing smoke from their chimneys and the open countryside covered in a crystal-like frost, it is a beautiful time to explore the Cotswold villages. Even better when you return home to our welcoming pub to sample our delicious homecooking in front of our roaring log fires. Not to mention the odd pint of real ale (lovingly looked after by landlord Jim) or a homemade glass of spicy mulled wine...

The Ebrington Arms is the true hub of the village community at Christmas and New Year - with carol singing, impromptu live music and a fair bit of liquid celebration! It is indeed the most fun place to be during the festive season for miles and miles around – an you too could be part of it..."

I've already got my coat on...

Click here to find out more and experience The Ebrington Arms

Spring in The Cotwolds

A very nice video of Springtime in The Cotswolds

I just found this video online and had to share it. It really does a nice job of capturing the simple, quiet beauty of the area.



I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Win a night at the beautiful Dial House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water

If you fancy a quick weekend break in The Cotswolds and would rather not have to pay for the hotel, here's a great chance to win a night at one of the area's finest inns. And, if you can't wait for your name to come up in the monthly prize drawings, book through LateRooms.com, our partner, where they always offer the lowest prices online with no hidden fees.

About The Dial House Hotel
Privately owned and run by Elaine and Martyn, The Dial House Hotel demonstrates the best blend of old and modern to bring you the ultimate country hotel experience.

The Hotel is situated in idyllic surroundings and is built from the famous mellow Cotswold Stone. The Dial House dates back to 1698 and is the oldest building still standing in the village - it even pre-dates the bridges over the River Windrush.

Aside from the obvious beauty of the main building, the interior has been refurbished to a very high standard. The dining rooms are elegantly decorated providing the perfect backdrop for truly fabulous food which was recently awarded 2 rosettes.

In the sitting room guests love to relax by the fire in the chillier months but in the summer find themselves nodding off in the peaceful walled garden.

Whilst we welcome children for lunch and dinner by prior request, the hotel does not accept children under 12 as residents.

Win an overnight stay for 2

Just head to their newsletter sign up page, fill in the details and send it in - you may just win a free weekend for 2.

At the end of each month a name will be picked by random to receive a free night at the Dial House Hotel. So what are you waiting for?

To sign up for their Newsletter and be in with a chance, click here.





Rather just make a booking?

The the very best rates by booking through our partner, LateRooms.com. You can book The Dial House directly by clicking here.


Hope to see you there!