The Cotswolds is beautiful at this time of year, with a variety of gorgeous landscapes to enjoy and charming towns and villages to explore. However, even the most adventurous amongst us can be reluctant to sightsee during the colder months. Fortunately the Cotswolds is home to some of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK, perfect for exploring during the more wintry days. Adding a visit to a Cotswold stately home to your to-do list is a sure-fire way to experience some of the grandest homes youll ever see.
Pay A Visit To A Cotswold Stately Home This Winter
Lydiard Park
Located just outside of the Cotswolds, Lydiard Park is a beautiful Cotswold stately home set on an estate spanning 260 acres. Whilst the gardens are a site to see, during the winter months you can enjoy whats on offer inside instead, with much to learn about this magnificent property. Those with an interest in history will find that Lydiard Park was at the heart of many great periods of British history, including being the home of Margaret Beauchamp, who was grandmother to Henry VII. Currently home to a wonderful exhibition of the propertys history during the First World War, as well as a caf, tea rooms and a childrens play area, you can make a full day of Lydiard Park. Where to stay: Tetbury is just a short drive from Lydiard Park, with plenty of treasures of its own to explore. The charming New Church Cottage has many stylish features and pretty dcor, making it the perfect place to enjoy a Cotswolds break.
Sezincote
Sezincote is a magnificent property, built in the Indian style in 1805. A unique Cotswold stately home, it is wonderfully romantic and features a lot of interesting architecture. Special tours are available for groups, making it an ideal destination for those looking to do something as a family or a large group. As one of the only Mughal style palaces in Northern Europe, a visit to Sezincote this winter is one you wont forget. Where to stay: Sezincote is just a short drive from Bourton-on-the-Hill, which is where youll find Slatters Cottage, our classic cottage hideaway for 3. Its a Grade II listed property with some wonderful views, fireplace and modern amenities a great setting for a romantic break or a weekend away with friends.
Snowshill Manor
Snowshill Manor and Garden is shut for most of the winter, but there is one special weekend in February when the gates are open again when the snowdrops come out (keep an eye on their Twitter feed for details). This exquisite Cotswold stately home features a mesmerising collection of artefacts curated by Charges Paget Wade, who owned the property before handing it over to the care of the National Trust in the 1950s. Amongst the items in the collection are some Japanese Samurai armour, toys, musical instruments and clocks. Its a beautiful property which is a must-see when visiting Snowshill and will be sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. Where to stay: Oat Hill Coach House in Snowshill is a property which also deserves to be admired. It sleeps 6 and has some wonderfully cosy spaces, a spacious dining area and some remarkable views as well which you can enjoy with your family or small group.
Corsham Court
Corsham Court is located just outside of the Cotswolds, offering the perfect excuse for a leisurely drive from one of our properties to explore this lovely historic Cotswold stately home. Open during weekends, it is a great place to see the state rooms, admire the many amazing works of art and to generally see the grandeur of this Wiltshire wonder. There are guided tours available to enable you to learn about the history of the property. Close to Bath, you can take in a visit to Corsham and then visit the picturesque city on your way back through the Cotswolds. Where to stay: Park Cottage in Minchinhampton is a centrally-located property allowing you to enjoy the best of the Cotswolds and nearby. Sleeping 4, it is nestled on a quiet terrace, allowing you to explore true Cotswolds life and enjoy a peaceful escape with excellent company.
Newark House
Park Cottage is also the ideal location to explore Newark House, which will open its doors once more in February. A Grade I listed property and set within Newark Park, it was originally a Tudor hunting lodge. It has had many purposes over the years, but is now managed by the National Trust and is home to several exhibitions each year. Whilst the gardens and grounds offer plenty to enjoy, during the winter months theres plenty to be found indoors as well in this amazing Cotswold stately home which is worth a visit for all ages. Newark House is also alleged to be haunted, making it a popular choice for ghosthunters! It is said that the spirits of the Kingswood Abbey monks was brought over to the house with the stone from the Abbey that was used to build the house. Whilst you may not see any ghosts during your visit, there is artwork, period furniture and some great artefacts gathered from around the world, making a visit to Newark House a must during your Cotswolds stay.
Charlecote Park
Charlecote Park is a truly glorious example of a Cotswold stately home, at its most impressive during the frosty winter months. With guided tours available of the house, you can see the working Victorian kitchen as well as the outbuildings which were once home to the servants who worked there. A Grade II listed building which is also owed by the National Trust, the property has a lot of history worth exploring. You will also find plenty of places to take some spectacular photographs. Where to stay: Charlecote Park can be found just north of the Cotswolds, and can be reached easily from the beautiful town of Chipping Campden. The Wool Barn is an excellent choice of accommodation for up to three to share, with a light, airy feel, a striking garden and plenty of charming features. A stay here will make a great base for exploring the rest of the Cotswolds as well as giving you the chance to relax away from the city. A visit to any one of these truly spectacular Cotswold stately homes is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon during your stay. After exploring majestic rooms and chambers, historical grounds and beautiful artworks, you can daydream about the riches and romance at your chosen Jigsaw property. Stay in the warm and relax by the fire for a refreshing holiday or mini-break in the Cotswolds this winter. See our full range of properties and plan your warming winter escape here.