By Susan | SG Luxury Adventures | Westlake Village, California
An Afternoon in Bibury
The Cotswolds had been on my list for years. So when a work trip took me to London, I knew I had to find a way to fit it in, even if it was just for one night.
I landed from Los Angeles that morning, and by evening I was sitting in a private park in Bibury with a glass of champagne, watching the sun go down.
I picked Bibury because I wanted small and quaint. A lovely hotel, a village to explore on foot, and an evening with no agenda at all.It did not disappoint. Honey-colored stone cottages, little gardens, and the River Coln running right through the middle of it all. I couldn’t walk more than a few steps without stopping for another photo.
Then there’s Arlington Row, the historic weavers’ cottages you’ve probably seen in pictures of the Cotswolds. I’d been looking at those photos for years. Seeing it in person was a moment.
We arrived around 3:30, and the village was still busy with visitors. But as the afternoon went on, the crowds slowly drifted away, and suddenly we had Bibury almost to ourselves. That’s the magic of staying the night. If you’re planning a Cotswolds trip, it’s the first thing I’ll tell you.
Bibury is tiny, but there’s more to it than Arlington Row. There’s a trout farm where you can catch your own trout and even barbecue it on the spot, the Catherine Wheel for a pint, and The Swan for a meal or afternoon tea. Right across from Arlington Row, Eleven serves a seasonal lunch and a nice glass of wine in its terraced garden, with a little shop inside featuring local makers.
Could you see Bibury as part of a day trip? Sure. But I’m so glad we didn’t rush it.
Our Night at The Swan Hotel
The Swan sits right on the River Coln and has been welcoming travelers since at least 1672. It started as a coaching inn, which means more than 350 years of hospitality. I love staying somewhere with that kind of history.
My favorite discovery was the hotel’s private park, tucked behind a gate that only opens with a code from the hotel. We grabbed champagne from the bar and watched the sun set. After a long day of travel, it was exactly what I needed. Nowhere to be, nothing to do, just take it all in.
We also stopped at the Catherine Wheel for a pint, and it turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. The locals were so welcoming, and before long we were chatting like old friends. One of them even invited us to go wine tasting the next day at Poulton Hill Estate. Who knew there were wineries in the Cotswolds? My next visit to the Cotswolds, I plan on visiting.
Those are the moments I love most when I travel. It’s exactly why I always leave a little breathing room in the trips I plan.
The Evening I Keep Coming Back To
The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast at The Swan Hotel, our private guide picked us up for a day exploring the Cotswolds. Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Little stone bridges, a country manor I’m already dreaming about, and a sweet surprise at a church doorway I won’t forget.
I’ll take you along for that day in my next post, along with how I’d plan the perfect Cotswolds stay for you. Stay tuned!
Up Next: A Day in the Villages
And if the Cotswolds are on your list too, I’d love to help you get there. As your luxury travel advisor, I’ll find the village and hotel that fit you best and leave room for those unplanned moments that end up being the best part of the trip. Let’s start planning your England escape.
Let’s Plan Your Cotswolds Escape
From a charming stay in Bibury to private guides and transfers from London, I’ll bring the details together.
Visit www.sgluxuryadventures.com to start planning. Or reach out to us at (310) 698-9384.
