OUT AND ABOUT
WRITTEN FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB KALENDAR MAGAZINE
From Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south, the Cotswolds is a magical Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covering 800 miles of rolling landscape, dotted with charming honey-tinged villages and market towns across five counties, an abundance of rich history,more characterful country pubs that you can shake a stick at, endless family activities and attractions, and a wealth of fine hotels, restaurants and bars. There are literally acres of it to explore, so why not turn your day at the races into a weekend in Cotswolds?
WHERE TO STAY
For me, Broadway is one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds and a great base from where to explore. At the heart of its picturesque high street lies the magnificent Lygon Arms, boasting 86 stylish rooms, a pool with a retracting roof (in warmer months!) and a beautiful dining room. If being at one with nature is more your thing, then nestled into the hillside, overlooking Broadway, are the splendid Treehouses and Huts at The Fish Hotel. Complete with underfloor heating, heated outdoor baths and hot tubs, these are a spectacular way to spend a weekend in the countryside.
For those of you who want to stay close to the action, Ellenborough Park is perfectly situated between Cheltenham Racecourse and the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill, which forms a stunning natural amphitheatre around Prestbury Park. Slip on a pair of Dubarrys from their boot room and enjoy magnificent views of the racecourse and beyond. Equally as close is No.38 The Park, an elegant 13-bedroom Georgian townhouse which is home to Prithvi, one of Cheltenham’s favourite Indian restaurants. In the town centre, The House at No.131 is the latest addition to The Lucky Onion’s portfolio and the place to be over the races. With eight individually designed bedrooms, stunning interiors and plenty of space to relax, you can head downstairs to Gin & Juice and party into the early hours
For those of you who want to stay close to the action, Ellenborough Park is perfectly situated between Cheltenham Racecourse and the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill, which forms a stunning natural amphitheatre around Prestbury Park. Slip on a pair of Dubarrys from their boot room and enjoy magnificent views of the racecourse and beyond. Equally as close is No.38 The Park, an elegant 13-bedroom Georgian townhouse which is home to Prithvi, one of Cheltenham’s favourite Indian restaurants. In the town centre, The House at No.131 is the latest addition to The Lucky Onion’s portfolio and the place to be over the races. With eight individually designed bedrooms, stunning interiors and plenty of space to relax, you can head downstairs to Gin & Juice and party into the early hours
WHERE TO EAT
With numerous award-winning independent restaurants, it’s easy to see why Cheltenham is a hugely popular foodie destination.
A day at the races should always start with a good breakfast. The Ivy Brasserie offers a classic menu in stunning surroundings.
If you are looking for a truly memorable dining experience then look no further than the exquisite 3AA Rosette awarded Lumiere that continues to exceed people’s expectations with its wonderful menus and service. The charming Petit Coco is one of the town’s hidden gems bringing a little bit of Paris to a corner on Cambury Place. It’s intimate (you will need to book!) with a lovely atmosphere and outstanding food.
Cheltenham is also home to some of the finest unique Asian cuisine in the UK. As well as the aforementioned Prithvi, the East India Cafe offer delicious Anglo-Indian flavours on their A La Carte and tasting menu, The Coconut Tree brings awesome Sri Lankan street food, perfect for groups and parties, and Koj, launched by Masterchef finalist Andrew Kojima in 2017, creates superb authentic Japanese grazing plates in their restaurant on Regent Street.
Don’t be fooled in thinking that all the best restaurants are in Cheltenham, there are many other fine eateries dotted around the Cotswolds. Michael’s Mediterranean feels like a little corner Cyprus in the heart of Chipping Campden and is very much worth a visit, as is the stylish new Back Garden Restaurant at Dormy House Hotel and The Painswick where you can also stay.
With that said, some of the finest food and drink can be found in many of the excellent pubs that adorn the Cotswolds. The Hare at Milton, The Churchill Arms at Paxford, The Bell at Langford, The Potting Shed at Crudwell, The Village Pub in Barnsley near Cirencester The Ebrington Arms and The Wheatsheaf in Northleach are all worth scribbling down.
A day at the races should always start with a good breakfast. The Ivy Brasserie offers a classic menu in stunning surroundings.
If you are looking for a truly memorable dining experience then look no further than the exquisite 3AA Rosette awarded Lumiere that continues to exceed people’s expectations with its wonderful menus and service. The charming Petit Coco is one of the town’s hidden gems bringing a little bit of Paris to a corner on Cambury Place. It’s intimate (you will need to book!) with a lovely atmosphere and outstanding food.
Cheltenham is also home to some of the finest unique Asian cuisine in the UK. As well as the aforementioned Prithvi, the East India Cafe offer delicious Anglo-Indian flavours on their A La Carte and tasting menu, The Coconut Tree brings awesome Sri Lankan street food, perfect for groups and parties, and Koj, launched by Masterchef finalist Andrew Kojima in 2017, creates superb authentic Japanese grazing plates in their restaurant on Regent Street.
Don’t be fooled in thinking that all the best restaurants are in Cheltenham, there are many other fine eateries dotted around the Cotswolds. Michael’s Mediterranean feels like a little corner Cyprus in the heart of Chipping Campden and is very much worth a visit, as is the stylish new Back Garden Restaurant at Dormy House Hotel and The Painswick where you can also stay.
With that said, some of the finest food and drink can be found in many of the excellent pubs that adorn the Cotswolds. The Hare at Milton, The Churchill Arms at Paxford, The Bell at Langford, The Potting Shed at Crudwell, The Village Pub in Barnsley near Cirencester The Ebrington Arms and The Wheatsheaf in Northleach are all worth scribbling down.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
There’s lots to see and do in Cheltenham. The Wilson Gallery and Holst Museum celebrate two of the town’s most famous sons, Natural Historian and Explorer Edward Wilson who died on return from the South Pole and Composer of The Planets, Gustav Holst. A bronze statue of the latter can be found in the Imperial Gardens. Pittville Pump Room is the largest spa building and the jewel in Cheltenham’s Regency crown. Another architectural masterpiece is the magnificent Everyman Theatre which always impresses with a fantastic programme of shows.
If retail therapy is up your street, Cheltenham is recognised as a key shopping destination in the UK. The beautiful tree-lined Promenade was recently voted one of the top five shopping streets in the UK by Google. In October 2018, John Lewis & Partners opened a flagship store on the high street, complete with a Personal Shopping service, Beauty Blow Dry Bar and more than 1,000 brands over two floors.
If you want to travel further afield, a whole day could be spent exploring many of the villages, towns and notable landmarks. A visit to the breathtaking Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of the greatest Briton of them all, Winston Churchill, is an unforgettable experience for all ages, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and the Cotswold Wildlife Park are perfect for those of you with animal loving children in tow, and Daylesford, one the most iconic farm shops in the UK and a perfect haunt for a delicious organic breakfast or lunch. If that’s not enough then a tour of the splendid Cotswolds Distillery, and tasting their range of outstanding spirits, is a brilliant experience.
There is so much more to discover while the races are on. Now is the perfect time to start planning your weekend away in Cheltenham and The Cotswolds.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/about/kalendar-magazine
HEADER IMAGE: THE LYGON ARMS, BROADWAY
If retail therapy is up your street, Cheltenham is recognised as a key shopping destination in the UK. The beautiful tree-lined Promenade was recently voted one of the top five shopping streets in the UK by Google. In October 2018, John Lewis & Partners opened a flagship store on the high street, complete with a Personal Shopping service, Beauty Blow Dry Bar and more than 1,000 brands over two floors.
If you want to travel further afield, a whole day could be spent exploring many of the villages, towns and notable landmarks. A visit to the breathtaking Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of the greatest Briton of them all, Winston Churchill, is an unforgettable experience for all ages, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park and the Cotswold Wildlife Park are perfect for those of you with animal loving children in tow, and Daylesford, one the most iconic farm shops in the UK and a perfect haunt for a delicious organic breakfast or lunch. If that’s not enough then a tour of the splendid Cotswolds Distillery, and tasting their range of outstanding spirits, is a brilliant experience.
There is so much more to discover while the races are on. Now is the perfect time to start planning your weekend away in Cheltenham and The Cotswolds.
www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/about/kalendar-magazine
HEADER IMAGE: THE LYGON ARMS, BROADWAY
FOOD AT KOJ
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BEDROOM AT NO.131
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