Have you ever been to the Cotswolds? The Cotswolds are a region in central to southwest London comprising more than 800 sq miles of lush rolling green hills, ancient moss covered stone walls, roaming sheep, wandering rivers, and quintessential English villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs dotting the landscape. In other words, it is oozing English charm and beauty.
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I’ve been enamored with this region of the UK since the first time I laid eyes on it. On a recent trip I had the pleasure of staying at Thyme Hotel in Southrop. It had been on my list for some time. Reading about this lovingly restored “village within a village” I was very curious to check it out.
Here’s what it’s like to stay at Thyme Hotel, England.
Getting To Thyme Hotel in Southrop
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, the easiest way to get to Thyme is by car. When you’re in this region of the country, you definitely want a car to be able to get out and explore. Travel time is about 2 hours give or take depending on traffic into and out of the city.
There are trains to the Cotswolds, but due to the very rural location of Thyme Hotel, taxis are hard to come by to get you there from the train station. The closest train stations are Kemble to the west and Charlbury to the north, both about a 30-minute taxi ride away. If you choose to travel this way, booking a driver in advance is highly recommended. The hotel can assist with arranging transportation if needed.
About the Property at Thyme Hotel
Dreamy, other-worldy, a haven from the hustle and bustle of central London…however you want to describe it, you will be describing a perfect English country destination. One hundred and fifty acres of beautiful gardens, walking paths, a serene spa, a delicious and stunning restaurant housed in a lovingly restored, centuries old barn with seasonally changing menus, and 17th century stone cottages covered with ivy.
We were there in December, so the grounds and gardens were not as lush and green as they are in the spring and summer, but the winter is a unique and beautiful time to visit too.
Especially at Christmas when everything is decorated with twinkling lights, wreaths and fresh pine trees.
Thoughtful and unique spaces like an art gallery that doubles as an event space featuring local artwork is a wonderful place to walk around. The Baa Bar with games and books is a cozy spot to curl up the evening.
Everything is sophisticated and relaxing, elegant but inviting.
The Rooms at Thyme Hotel Southrop England
Thyme Hotel is comprised of 31 bedrooms sprinkled throughout a mix of cottages and houses with winding pathways and lovingly cared for gardens. Each room is a design-lovers paradise. Uniquely appointed with different fabrics, colors and furnishings – no two rooms are alike.
These guest spaces, as with everything else on the property, are put together with painstaking detail. A true feast for the eyes. Incredible bath amenities, hand drawn maps, custom fabrics, vintage pieces, the list goes on. Needless to say, I was in heaven.
Something that may come as a bit of surprise when you first check into your room are the bathrooms – showers that are largely open to the rest of the bedroom and stand alone tubs are situated in the main part of the bedroom. So, if you’re traveling with a friend, just something to keep in mind.
Also, their shampoo is divine, but it is a bar…like a bar of soap. And serves as both shampoo and conditioner. I was skeptical at first, but ended up loving it and bringing the rest of the bar home with me. If that’s not your jam though, bring your own shampoo and conditioner.
Our room had a beautiful and private patio for relaxing, a sitting area, large comfortable bed, and bathroom. Other buildings on the property offer full kitchens and entire homes with several beds and baths.
Dining at Thyme Hotel
The Ox Barn – A beautifully restored 19th century Ox Barn on the property at Thyme is home to this breathtakingly gorgeous restaurant. Exposed beams, stone walls, concrete floors, and an open kitchen…so many pretty elements before you even get to the sumptuous plates of food.
The head chef is the son of the woman behind Thyme and true to the mission of the property as a whole, menus are crafted using the produce that comes from the site’s kitchen garden. Elevated farm to table cooking.
We enjoyed an elegant dinner at The Ox Barn on our first night and breakfast was included in our stay, which was really nice considering how removed you are from other things.
Waking each morning and having a delicious cooked to order breakfast in the Ox Barn is a wonderful way to start your day!
Things to do in the Neighborhood surrounding Thyme Hotel
While Thyme may feel like you are tucked away from the rest of the world, you are surprisingly close to LOTS of things to see and do. The Cotswolds offer a plethora of shopping, dining and sites to see.
- Wander around Cotswolds historic houses and gardens like Blenheim Castle
- Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
- Stop by the Cotswold’s Lavender Fields and Gardens. Fields are at their best in July.
- Cozy up at local pub like Bell’s Inn
- Go on a Walkabout – The hotel provides wellies and splendid hand drawn maps of the surrounding area and it is yours to explore. This was one of our favorite activities while we were at the hotel.
Aren’t those maps dreamy? Such a fun souvenir too!
The moss covered stone walls and rooftops transport you back in time.
It was chilly and muddy, but with our walking sticks and wellies we had the best time and saw the most beautiful scenery.
- See the Broadway Tower – Built in 1798 The tower is a tourist attraction and the center of a country park with various exhibitions open to the public for a fee, it has a gift shop and restaurant as well.
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the countryside
- Rent a Classic Car to tour the villages and be transported back in time
- Attend Spring and Summer Music Festivals
- Visit Seasonal Markets
Good Things to Know about Thyme Hotel
Thyme is not kid-friendly. Children under 12 are not allowed. With the exception of in the Ox Barn if you want to visit for lunch. It is, however, dog friendly. Dogs are welcome in some of the rooms and places like the Baa Bar. Check with the hotel when booking about bringing your four legged friend.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Cotswolds is like getting to step into a fairytale. No matter what time of year you choose to visit there is something going on and things to see and do. When we think of England, I think most of us tend to think of London, but I love that the Cotswolds shows us a different side of this beautiful country.
Thyme is the ultimate experience in this part of the country. No detail is forgotten.
Be sure to stop by the shop on the grounds to take home a little piece of Thyme. Their handcrafted pottery is my favorite!
Thyme Hotel Information
Hotel Name: Thyme
Location: Southrop, Gloucestershire
Accommodation: Luxury
Price Range: $$$$$
CHECK RATES AND BOOK YOUR TRIP TO THYME HERE
Want to learn more about exploring the Cotswolds? Check out this article.
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If you stay or have stayed at Thyme, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Happy Travels!
Tammy
xoxo