A Girls’ Trip to Calcot & Spa: The Perfect November Getaway in the Cotswolds

*This article discusses a PR stay

There is something especially beautiful about the Cotswolds in November. The soft, misty mornings, the hedgerows brushed with copper, and the quiet stillness that settles over the fields. It’s a particular landscape that feels made for autumn and early winter. I’ve always found this part of England at its most compelling outside of summer, when the moodiness of the weather compliments the warmth of the indoors. And nowhere does that balance of drama and comfort quite like Calcot & Spa.

So, after months of saying we must go in the group chat, my friend Isobel and I finally made good on the promise. We packed our bags, left the city behind, and found ourselves arriving at one of Tetbury’s most inviting hotels for a few days of rest, indulgence, and slow-living. All thanks to Bloxham PR.

Tetbury in November: A Town Wrapped in Festive Charm

On our first morning, we wandered into Tetbury itself, a town where the golden stone buildings seem to glow against the grey sky. The shop windows were already dressed in festive finery, and there was a sense of anticipation in the air, as though the whole town was leaning gently into the season.

We browsed the beautifully curated pieces at French Grey, a treasure trove of homewares and gifts perfect for anyone who loves that soft, understated country style. Then came a visit to the Highgrove Shop, where we picked up a few thoughtful stocking fillers, small but meaningful pieces that support the Prince’s Foundation and celebrate British craftsmanship.

Tetbury’s antique shops, of course, are in a league of their own. You could easily lose an entire morning exploring their shelves of polished wood, gleaming silver, and the kind of curious old objects that carry stories with them.

And then, at 11am on the 11th of November, the entire town paused. A single gunshot rang out to mark the beginning of the minute’s silence for Remembrance Day. Everyone stopped - locals, visitors, shopkeepers, children walking to school. It was a powerful, sobering moment; a reminder of the countless heroes who never made it home. And when the final shot sounded to mark the end of the silence, the town seemed to exhale, gently and collectively.

A Farmshop Pause at Jolly Nice

After some light shopping in Tetbury, we made our way to Jolly Nice Farmshop, which is exactly as its name suggests: warm, welcoming, and full of character. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the scent of freshly baked bread and shelves lined with produce from local farms. Everything here feels so wholesome; vegetables picked at their peak, creamy cheeses, rustic sourdoughs, and pantry staples that make you want to cook a hearty supper the moment you get home.

We stopped for coffee and caught up properly on each other's lives. There’s something genuinely grounding about a place that champions British farmers and seasonal eating. You feel as though you’re supporting not just a shop, but a way of life rooted in the land and the rhythms of the countryside.

An Early Arrival and a Glimpse Inside Calcot’s Elegance

We arrived a little ahead of schedule, which turned out to be a small gift. While our bags were whisked away to our room, Isobel and I wandered through Calcot’s beautifully designed drawing rooms, spaces that looked as though they had been lifted straight from the pages of Town & Country.

Soft, dove-grey panelling, deep armchairs in textured fabrics, well-thumbed books arranged artfully on low tables…every detail felt thoughtfully arranged yet wonderfully lived-in. Framed countryside prints lined the walls, and the lamps cast a mellow, flattering glow. As the light dimmed outside, the fires were quietly coaxed to life, their amber warmth filling the room with that unmistakable autumnal comfort. It was the kind of setting that makes you exhale without realising you’ve been holding your breath.

Our Room: Cosy Luxury for a Girls’ Retreat

Soon enough, our room was ready, and we couldn’t wait to explore. The twin room was perfect for a girly slumber party; two plush beds dressed in crisp linens, soft throws, and an inviting sense of calm. But the real showstopper was the bathroom: spacious, serene, and home to a generous rolltop tub just begging for a long, indulgent soak. The shelves were stocked with 100 Acres body care products, their botanical scents adding a fresh, uplifting touch.

As tempting as it was to linger and unwind, the November air had done its work on us during the day. We were chilled through from the crisp wind and ready for the remedy only a spa can provide.

Sinking Into Warmth: The Spa at Calcot

Calcot’s spa is a quiet sanctuary, a place where time stretches and softens. There are treatment rooms offering everything from relaxing massages to rejuvenating facials, along with a sauna and steam room that melt away any trace of tension. But it was the outdoor hot tub that called our names.

We stepped into the steaming water, and, to our delight, found it entirely to ourselves. The rain had begun to fall lightly, its delicate patter on the surface of the tub creating an oddly soothing rhythm. But wrapped in the heat of the bubbling water, we didn’t care in the slightest. There is something undeniably magical about being cocooned in warmth while the weather turns wild and wintry around you.

When we emerged, cheeks flushed and spirits lifted, we settled by the open fire with drinks in hand. The flames crackled softly as we chatted about everything and nothing - how both of us had always dreamt, even as girls, of staying in beautiful hotels like this. It was one of those moments where you sit back, take it in, and think: This is exactly what I wished for.

Dinner at The Brasserie: Seasonal Comfort and Pure Indulgence

After an hour or so of fireside chatting, our stomachs began to grumble, and so we slipped back to our room to change. Dressed in our soft knits, we made our way down to The Brasserie.

The restaurant was softly lit and warmly bustling with other diners, as we sat down and treated ourselves to a three-course seasonal menu.  

I began with Orkney scallops, perfectly seared and delicately sweet, a beautiful prelude to the main event: venison. I always gravitate towards game meats, and this dish reaffirmed exactly why. The plate was a celebration of flavour, the loin and shoulder, cooked with deep, earthy richness; beef onion fat and a stilton pithivier, which was oh so buttery. The parsnip and pear, bringing sweetness and warmth. Every bite felt decadent and wholly satisfying.

But the true showstopper was the dessert.

The pecan & white chocolate choux bun with maple ice cream was a dream. Nutty, creamy, sweet, and perfectly balanced. Without hesitation, I can say it was the best dessert I’ve ever had in a restaurant. Isobel and I were still talking about it long after our plates had been cleared. We even found ourselves offering effusive compliments to the chef, it felt only right to honour such a masterpiece. If anyone reading this is planning a visit, consider this a heartfelt recommendation: order it.

We left The Brasserie wonderfully full and wholly content, but not quite  ready to drift up to our room.

A Screen-Free Evening by the Fire

Before we even thought about bed, we decided the night deserved a little more lingering. So we wandered back into the drawing room, now flickering with firelight. We ordered a pot of tea and a hot chocolate , and settled ourselves at a small table with a board of backgammon set between us.

There’s something wonderful about ending a day this way. No phones and no screens, just the soft crackle of the fire, the clink of teacups, and the occasional victorious tap of a checker on the board. Board games invites conversation just as much as competition, and we found ourselves laughing as Isobel recounted some of her best stories.

It was a simple and cosy evening spent in these wintery months.

A Slow Cotswolds Morning

The morning arrived softly, but we lingered beneath the covers, with that fabulous sense of not needing to be anywhere too soon. For a couple of hours we simply sat in bed, chatting, sipping tea, scrolling through nothing in particular, just enjoying the rare luxury of an unhurried start.

Eventually, we dressed for breakfast and wandered down to the dining room. A full English awaited us (with an excellent vegetarian option available too), hearty and warming and exactly what you crave on a cold morning. 

A Gentle Goodbye to Calcot

Checkout was at 11am, so we took our time. We packed up the car slowly, pausing to fold scarves and tuck away newly purchased gifts. Before leaving, there was time for one more coffee and one final wander around the grounds.

The lawns were still damp with morning dew, the trees shifting from russet to winter bare, the air crisp with the promise of colder days ahead. It was the perfect farewell: quiet, reflective, and deeply restorative.

As we drove away, both of us felt that familiar blend of contentment and reluctance; happy to have been there, sad to be leaving, and already saying, We have to come back.

Helpful Tips for Your Own Calcot Escape

Where We Stayed
We checked into Calcot & Spa in Tetbury, a countryside retreat that blends comfort, elegance, and that unmistakable Cotswolds charm. Our room, the Oxford Room, was beautifully appointed with twin beds and a generous rolltop tub - perfect for a girls’ weekend away.

Make Time for the Spa
The spa is a true highlight. Alongside treatment rooms, saunas, and steam rooms, don’t miss the outdoor hot tub. Even in the rain (perhaps especially in the rain) it’s enchanting.

Dine at The Brasserie
Book dinner at The Brasserie. The seasonal menu is thoughtful and delicious, and the Pecan & White Chocolate Choux Bun with Maple Ice Cream is not to be skipped. Truly unforgettable.

Explore the Grounds
Calcot’s grounds are as peaceful as they are beautiful. Wander the Rewilding Trail, explore the meadows, or simply stroll through the landscaped gardens with a morning coffee in hand.

Borrow a Bicycle
The estate offers complimentary bicycles, which are a lovely way to see more of the countryside at your own pace.

A stay at Calcot is the kind of weekend that stays with you, calm, cosy, restorative, and filled with the simple luxuries that feel especially precious as winter settles in.

A Restful Weekend at The Coniston Hotel, Yorkshire Dales

*this article discusses a PR stay

Tucked away in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa offers that perfect balance of countryside calm and modern comfort. I visited in late September, courtesy of Bloxham PR, and from the moment I arrived, it felt like stepping into a pocket of peace.

Exploring the Estate

The hotel sits within 1,400 acres of rolling hills and lakeside views, a landscape that instantly slows your pace. I spent my first afternoon wandering the estate, watching the light dance on the lakewater and breathing in that unmistakable Dales air. It’s the kind of place that makes you exhale all stresses and worries away.

The Nàdarra Spa Experience

Then it was spa time. At Nàdarra Spa, the staff couldn’t have been kinder, I was quickly wrapped in a robe and shown to my treatment room for a head, shoulder and back massage. Tension melted away, and afterwards I lingered in the relaxation room, a dark, cocoon-like space with soft music and mood lighting. It was perfect for a few minutes of stillness and cucumber water before re-joining the world.

Dinner at The View Restaurant

As the afternoon light faded and evening came, I headed to The View Restaurant, which lives up to its name with sweeping scenes of the lake and hills. With game season in full swing, I chose dishes celebrating the best of the estate, starting with, Cured Coniston Lake Trout, Estate Shoot Game Terrine and juniper chutney. The main was a standout Gamekeeper’s Venison Loin with beetroot, blackberry and woodland mushroom polenta. Each dish felt rooted in the land, beautifully presented and paired with a glass of house red.

By the end of the day, I craved total rest and loved that The Coniston offers restaurant service to your room. My Chocolate Tart with home-made malted ice cream arrived right at my door. I enjoyed it in bed with a cup of tea and my current Netflix binge, which felt like pure indulgence.

Early Morning Serenity

The next morning, I was up early to beat the spa rush and slipped into the outdoor heated pool at 7am. Steam rose off the water as the sun broke over the hills. Just me, my coffee, and complete silence. It was simple, beautiful, and exactly what you hope for on a countryside escape.

After a refreshing shower, I went for another stroll through the grounds, sharing the path with pheasants, geese, and the occasional horse. At first they darted away, but after a while, they relaxed and carried on as though I weren’t there.

Breakfast and Countryside Adventures

Breakfast back at The View was a vegetarian full English with a pot of tea, enjoyed while watching the mist lift from the lake. Reluctantly, I packed up and loaded the car, but my morning wasn’t over yet. Down on the estate, The Coniston offers a range of outdoor experiences, from the thrilling Land Rover adventure to the traditional clay shooting I’d booked that day.

Inside the Shooting Lodge, I sipped coffee by the fireplace beneath a proud stag’s head and it felt like a proper countryside hunting lodge. Soon I was fitted for a gun that suited my frame, and my instructor led me out for an hour of clays. The session was exhilarating; a perfect blend of focus, laughter and fresh air.

A Perfect Yorkshire Dales Escape

As I finally drove away, sunlight spilling over the hills, I realised how seamlessly The Coniston brings everything together: wellness, adventure, and the wild beauty of the Dales.

The Coniston Hotel captures the very essence of the Yorkshire Dales: restorative, breathtaking, and quietly unforgettable.

 Quick Travel Notes

• Location: Coniston Cold, Skipton, North Yorkshire

• Best for: Spa breaks, couples’ getaways, and countryside retreats

• Don’t miss: The View Restaurant’s seasonal game menu

• Spa tip: Take an early swim in the outdoor heated pool for the best sunrise views

A Night at The Bildeston Crown: From Brewery to Boutique Pub

*this article discussed a PR stay and experience. 

Let’s continue our Suffolk diaries, shall we? You joined me for a tour at Mauldon’s Brewery (read about it here) and it’s time to settle in for a weekend stay. This was a PR invite and stay - thank you to Bloxham PR and Mauldon’s.

Tucked away in the rolling Suffolk countryside, The Crown Bildeston is more than just a place to stay - it’s a story, a setting, and a deeply satisfying experience. Once a 15th-century coaching inn, this beautifully preserved building has found new life as a boutique pub and restaurant with rooms. And after an afternoon tasting my way through the best of Mauldon’s Brewery - just a few miles away - The Crown made for the perfect next chapter.

Owned by the same estate as the brewery, there’s a subtle continuity between the two. From hops to hospitality, there’s a thread of care, craft, and quiet pride that ties it all together. The moment I stepped inside, it felt as though the pace shifted. Timber beams, flickering hearths, and gentle touches of modern comfort greeted me like an old friend. This is a place that wears its history with elegance, not heaviness.

The village boasts so many adorable cottages.

The Boule-In

Before settling in for the evening, I took a short stroll around Bildeston and stumbled upon something completely unexpected: The Boule-In. Tucked just off the main square, this charming boutique is a treasure trove of French antiques and decorative collectibles, curated by husband-and-wife duo Cathy and Peter Bullen. The boutique is held in their garden -- and they open their doors to welcome in antique enthusiasts. Their shared passion for French design is evident in every carefully selected piece, sourced directly from the romantic landscapes of Provence. The Boule-In offers a unique blend of timeless French elegance and contemporary British interiors, enhancing modern living with heritage style.

I had arrived towards the end of their day, but not too late to enjoy a decaf coffee from their garden café. I strolled through the theatrically curated spaces filled with authentic antiques, mid-century decor, garden plants, and much more. It was a beautiful surprise to discover such a place. Although I had no idea about it, The Boule-In is a major event where hundreds of visitors from all over the UK visit this humble abode to seek treasures and inspiration. 

Sadly, after 13 years, The Boule-In has closed its doors as Cathy and Peter decided to sell their beautiful home and retire to the South of France. I felt privileged to have stumbled across their last event. Even in its final hours, I could sense how important this business had been to the area

Dinner at the Crown: Quiet Luxury on a Plate

Exhausted from the day’s excursions, I was ready to  settle in for the evening with a three-course dinner that was as thoughtful as it was delicious. The starter was a delicate, fresh trout salad and was beautifully balanced and in its simplicity. A perfectly cooked steak followed, paired with golden, crisp chips. It’s a classic dish, but done with real finesse, the sort of cooking that respects the ingredients. Dessert was a personal highlight: a burnt Basque cheesecake, all silky texture and caramelised depth. Rich, but not cloying. Decadent, but restrained.

What truly elevated the night, though, was the service. George, the general manager, struck that rare balance between professional and personal - warm, attentive, and quietly meticulous. It wasn’t just that I was looked after; it was that I felt genuinely welcomed. That ethos of care runs deep at the Crown, from the kitchen to the front of the house.

Later, I slipped upstairs to my room, where thoughtful details awaited: crisp white linens, a view that opened onto the quiet village square, and that rarest of travel sensations—feeling instantly at home. In the morning, I woke to the soft hush of rural life, with birdsong drifting in through the old leaded windows and the promise of a slow Suffolk breakfast downstairs.

The Crown Bildeston isn’t flashy or overdone. It’s something better—calm, confident, and completely itself. It’s the kind of place you want to return to before you’ve even left.

• Where to find the hotel:

The Crown, Bildeston is located at 104 High Street, Suffolk IP7 7EB - for bookings, please visit their website https://www.thebildestoncrown.com/

• The Brewery tour:

To visit Mauldon’s Brewery and book a tour, please visit their website https://mauldons.co.uk/

Thank you to Bloxham PR for the amazing opportunity once again.

Adventure Calls You to a Hidden 14th Century Castle Hotel

Come join me as I continue to share hidden secrets in the Northumberland county series. 

The car turned into the driveway and the trees cleared to reveal an impressive fortress. One of the best restored medieval castle tower houses left in England. Found in the village of Langley, in the valley of the River South Tyne. This Grade I listed building is Langley Castle Hotel, and the place that my family and I settled upon for New Years Eve. 

Our stay 

We arrived in the late afternoon and took tea in the drawing room. Paintings of monarchs like Edward III and Elizabeth I hung over us and the roaring fire kept us cosy. The grandfather clock struck upon the hour and we headed to our rooms to prepare ourselves for dinner. 

It is pretty typical for my family and I to dress up for New Years but it was the first time we were staying in a castle for it. We donned our black tie and returned to the grand drawing room for pre-dinner cocktails. I opted for an espresso martini and wandered around the room, inspecting every little detail. The stone walls are adorned with golden-framed paintings. Miniature silver knights are high up and watch over the room. I peered through stained-glass windows and found I could see nothing but the rain lashing and the wind whipping ferociously. 

We ordered our meal in the drawing room and were called down to our dining table 30 minutes later. I chose the scallops for starters, monkfish and seasonal veg for my main, and chocolate mousse with lemon sorbet as dessert. I wasn’t crazy about the dessert, I found the sorbet and orange curd to torte for a pairing with an equally rich chocolate, but the first two courses were exquisite. 

We dined and laughed and cheered for the forthcoming new year. Then, it was dart back to our rooms and we readied ourselves for the Allendale Tar Bar’l, which you can read about here. When we returned back to the hotel, a little after midnight, my brother had brought champagne for us to toast together in the warmth. The perfect way to round off the evening and retire to bed, ready to awaken to a new year. 

Our hotel stay package included breakfast so we came down for that the next day.  I enjoyed homemade granola with berry compote, fruit salad and yoghurt. The hotel offers continental and cooked breakfast (with veggie options available too). A delicious and hearty meal ahead of our short trip back home. 

Overall, it was such a wonderful stay. We had a fabulous time and a massive thanks must go to the helpful and kind staff at Langley Castle. A place that is brimming with history and legacy, with longstanding ties to royalty and has stood firmly during raging wars. It’s a beautiful place to stay and all the more magical during New Year's Eve. 

If you do opt to stay during NYE, then I would also suggest their dinner event. It is quite a ceremonious event, with bagpipes playing as you enter the hall and feast on an eight-course dinner. The evening concludes with live music and you can go to your room with ease, instead of the dreaded commute back home amongst the New Years Eve crowds. Had we not already organised the Allendale trip, we probably would have done this and been very happy. 

The History

The history of this place is incredible. In the 12th century, the first records of it were found 200 years before Langley Castle was even constructed. The property was first owned by the Tindal family in 1165, but the castle itself was built in 1350. 

Langley Castle has had many owners over its 674 years of existence. It has stood proudly against the turbulent history of England. It has survived fires, its stewards have been beheaded, it has belonged to relatives of royalty (Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots) and it has supported Jacobite risings and the exiled Bonnie King.

Northumberland is a wildland. Due to its close proximity to the Scottish Borders, it’s a county that has endured so many battles and territorial claims. The county has the most castles built than anywhere else in England. This is pretty incredible, considering that it is also one of the largest counties with the fewest inhabitants. It’s a strategic area to control, especially during the historic Scots and English battles. 

Langley Castle had strong ties in support of the Scottish Kings. In fact, a cross stands by the road from the Castle to Haydon Bridge, commemorating their loyalty to the King of Scotland. 

If you would like to learn more about the history, then the website offers a knowledgeable read here

Langley Castle History Tour

The hotel also offers free daily tours that expand on this and we were lucky enough to attend on New Year's Day, which was great! I loved that they still offered the tour on a bank holiday and lucky thing too, because it was a very big group of us who attended. 

The history walking tour takes through different rooms of the castle and you get to visit the roof and see wonderful panoramic views of the beautiful countryside and nearby villages. We even went inside one of the towers! Inside was a chapel built by Josephine d'Echarvine that was dedicated to her late husband and blessed by the Pope. The history here is rich and diverse. You would never believe that such a building could have so much legacy attached, considering how small and relatively unknown this area of England is.