My Cotswolds Guide

I have been back from the Cotswolds for a few weeks now, but it is still one of those places that keeps coming back to me. You know how some destinations are beautiful, but others actually change your pace, your mood, your nervous system almost. This was very much the second. Everything felt softer there. Greener. Slower. As if the landscape itself gently asked you to breathe deeper and stop rushing.

One of the first places that really stayed with me was Bibury. Yes, it is photographed endlessly and yes, Arlington Row really is that pretty, but if you go at the right moment, early morning or towards evening, it suddenly feels intimate again. The stone cottages, the water, the quiet. It feels like stepping into a fairytale that somehow still feels real and lived in.

From there I wandered into Borzoi Bookshop, which instantly felt like my kind of place. Calm, beautifully curated, intelligent. Not touristy at all. The kind of bookshop where you end up leaving with something slightly spiritual or reflective, even if that was not the plan.

Food wise, there were a few lovely places, but one stood out so much more than the rest. The Bull Charlbury was honestly next level cozy. Truly so so so cosy. Crackling fires, warm lighting, people chatting softly, incredible food and that feeling of being wrapped in comfort the moment you walk in. This is the kind of place you want to settle into for hours, order another glass of wine and forget about time completely. I liked it even more than The Wild Rabbit, which is lovely, but The Bull just had that extra soul and warmth that stayed with me.

Then there is Daylesford, which honestly deserves its own little love letter. Daylesford Organic is not just a farm shop, it is a whole way of life. Organic food, beautiful interiors, flowers everywhere, and a wellness space that quietly inspires you to live more intentionally. It never feels forced, just very natural and considered.

Close by is the Bamford Spa, where I did a sound healing session. It was one of the most grounding moments of the entire trip. The stillness, the scents, the atmosphere. This is where I really felt how spiritual the Cotswolds actually is, without it being obvious or performative.

That same gentle energy came back again at the Bach Centre. Even if you are not deeply into flower remedies, the gardens and the calm presence of the place alone are worth the visit. It feels soft, reflective and deeply connected to emotional wellbeing.

Another place I loved far more than expected was Burford Garden Centre. This is not just a garden centre. It feels like a beautifully curated world where plants, interiors and good food come together. You go in casually and leave feeling nourished in a very quiet way.

I also visited Blenheim Palace. It is undeniably impressive, but unfortunately it was raining that day, so I could not really enjoy the gardens the way I would have liked to. Still, even under grey skies, you can feel how special the place is and I can imagine how magical it must be on a sunny day. Inside, though, the palace felt grand and cinematic. The library was stunning.

What surprised me most about the Cotswolds is how spiritual it feels without trying to be. You can be driving through rolling hills and suddenly pass a small crystal shop on the side of the road, as if that is the most normal thing in the world. Wellness, reflection and beauty are simply part of everyday life there.

The Cotswolds is not about ticking off sights. It is about how you feel while you are there. Even weeks later, I still feel softer, calmer and quietly inspired when I think back to it. Have you ever visited a place that stayed with you long after you came home, or is the Cotswolds still on your list? With love, Sofie