Walnut cottage is quintessential British cosiness, personified. Situated right in the beating heart of Moreton-in-Marsh, the cobblestoned cottage is only a 2-hour drive from London, and perfect for a weekend escape from the big city. Filled with rustic charm, Walnut cottage has two spacious double bedrooms (the master bedroom has the most gorgeous exposed wooden beams you'll ever see), a gorgeous lounge equipped with a snug fireplace, and a fully furnished kitchen with dining area; the cottage is also capable of providing for a family, and is dog-friendly (if you can't organise a babysitter for v-day weekend!). There's also free high speed WiFi, a sonos home sound system, and 3 Smart TVs with Freesat & Netflix. In layman's terms, it truly is a home away from home. There's also an adorable courtyard, with a coal BBQ, if you'd rather visit in the summertime to soak up the British sun and dine al-fresco.
A Quintessentially English Romantic Escape…
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Speak to Our ConciergePart 2 of our Valentine's travel series is here & Walnut Cottage is the quintessential British staycation for you and your partner this V-day! Located in the picturesque market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, the Cotswolds is famed for its golden stone cottages and narrow, winding streets.
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, encompassing almost 800 square miles that run through five counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Famed for its honey-stoned bricks, Moreton-in-Marsh is a small market town within the Cotswolds district that we had the wonderful opportunity to stay in on a cold winter weekend this January.
As we drove down the country roads, I peered out amongst the centuries-old churches, smart country pubs and chocolate-box villages we passed - I felt almost like a character in a Jane Austen novel. It was an area frozen in time - a pre-industrial revolutionary England; and the bucolic rolling hills and charming antique stores only added to this feeling. So, you can imagine my glee when we finally pulled up outside our little cottage in Moreton-in-Marsh.
If you're seeking a more action-packed weekend (rather than choosing to curl up with a good book in front of the open fire), the location is truly a highlight. A 2 minute walk from the high-street, you can grab a delicious coffee and freshly-baked pastry from one of the multiple bakeries scattered along the main road, before setting off on your adventure. We spent all of Saturday exploring the magical Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds', this village offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms. Straddling the sparkling waters of the River Windrush, we enjoyed our leisurely winter walk over the low, arched bridges as we followed along the riverbank. We then drove to Daylesford Organic Farm for their famed deli-counter to enjoy a late lunch, and were not disappointed. Mounds of fresh and artisan produce were on offer for us to devour, as well as a fun little roam around the impressive farm shop, where we were able to pick up some goods to make dinner that evening. If you've got a few extra gallons of petrol in the tank, try and squeeze in a journey to Blenheim Palace. The only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace, Blenheim Palace is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a splendour of Baroque architecture.
A short but sweet visit to the Cotswolds would be incomplete without a traditional Sunday lunch, and where better to eat than at the The Kingham Plough, a beautiful countryside pub that's only a stone's throw from Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh. The restaurant and pub celebrates local, seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers, and their seasonal menu reflects this to the highest standard. The Plough has also been beautifully refurbished throughout, and is a wonderful combination of traditional British character mixed with contemporary comfort and style. The unique interiors include twentieth-century sketches and prints, as well as locally-sourced antiques and quirky vintage furniture. We enjoyed a delicious roast dinner here before we had to set off back to London, and join the inevitable real world again.
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