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There’s something quietly magical about the Cotswolds at Christmas. Villages glow softly in the early dusk, smoke curls from chimneys, and the countryside settles into a slower rhythm — the kind that draws you in and makes you want to linger.
It’s a landscape that feels almost familiar, as if you’ve stepped into a scene from The Holiday: calm, comforting and gently romantic.
This year, we’ve leaned into that feeling. From cosy fireside corners to winter markets and unhurried walks, we’re celebrating the season with thoughtful touches — including The Cottage Hamper, created in partnership with Five Valley Hampers and inspired by the warmth and simplicity of the film.
And for those dreaming of a last-minute escape, there’s one rare opening left: Summer Lake Lodge, available for a three-night stay from 23–26 December.
Designed for slow winter evenings, The Cottage Hamper blends local flavours, seasonal comforts and the kind of details that make a night in feel special.
Created with Five Valley Hampers, its inspiration came from the quieter, homelier moments of The Holiday — a warm kitchen, soft lighting, something delicious simmering on the hob.
Inside you’ll find:
– Woodchester Valley Pinot Précoce 2023
– Forthay Granola with pecan, pumpkin seed & spiced apple
– Harth cinnamon hot chocolate
– Honeymakers Cotswold honey with cinnamon & brandy
– Truffle Hunter truffle tagliatelle
– Godsells Single Gloucester
– Frank’s traditional chocolate chip biscuits
– Selsley mulling syrup
Perfect for welcoming guests or settling into an unhurried evening together.
There’s something lovely about letting someone else take the wheel in winter.
Our partners at Valkyrie Chauffeurs offer private journeys through the Cotswolds — warm interiors, quiet roads, twinkling villages and door-to-door ease for dinners, markets and light trails.
It’s travel that feels considered, calming and quietly indulgent..
Markets bring a sense of warmth to winter days — a mix of music, scents and slow browsing.
Gloucester Quays Christmas Market
Historic docks, artisan stalls and mulled wine by the water.
Cheltenham Christmas Market
Elegant and bright, ideal for gift shopping.
Broadway Late Night Christmas Shopping
Held on 28 November and 5 December — lanterns, independent shops and a truly charming atmosphere.
For thoughtful food and gifts, stop by Jolly Nice or Daylesford Organic on your way.
Winter belongs to the fireside. These spots offer quiet warmth and the kind of atmosphere that’s easy to sink into:
The Oak, Painswick
Soft light, beautiful food and relaxed elegance.
The Woolpack Inn, Slad
Characterful, welcoming and quietly romantic.
The Fox, Oddington
A classic Cotswolds escape with a crackling fire.
The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold
Historic, atmospheric and ideal for a late-afternoon glass of red.
A rare cancellation means Summer Lake Lodge is now available for a three-night Christmas stay from 23–26 December.
Set beside a peaceful private lake, the Lodge is a place designed for stillness — where mornings feel slower, views stretch across calm water, and time together seems to unfold more gently.
Inside you’ll find:
– open-plan living with serene lake views
– space for up to eight guests
– a well-equipped kitchen for Christmas cooking
– ground-floor bedrooms and optional lift access
– dog-friendly touches
– a balcony perfect for quiet mornings with a cup of something warm
It’s Christmas spent your way — not rushed, not busy, just together.
Our only remaining Christmas stay for 2025.
If you feel like heading outdoors between fireside moments:
– lakeside loops around Cotswold Water Park
– peaceful paths through Cerney Wick
– wide avenues of Cirencester Park
– riverside stretches of the Thames Path
– gentle routes through Ashton Keynes
Soft winter light, crisp air and space to reset.
Whether you imagine wandering through markets, sharing wine beside a fire or waking up to quiet water views on Christmas morning, the Cotswolds has a way of making the season feel calmer and more meaningful.
Explore Summer Lake Lodge and our collection of winter escapes at arlingtonandrow.co.uk.
Although Summer Lake Lodge is our only stay available over Christmas itself, we do have a handful of cottages with availability around the holiday period.
For those planning a festive weekend, Hillworth Coach House, Banksia Cottage, The White Hart, The Botanist’s Hideaway, Saint Mary’s Cottage and Loveview Cottage are all available from 18–21 December.
If you prefer to travel after Christmas, Mulberry Cottage and Saint Mary’s Cottage are open for 26–30 December, offering peaceful Twixmas escapes.
And for a quiet January reset, The White Hart, Charlotte’s Cottage and Loveview Cottage are available from 2–5 January.
Each cottage offers something a little different for various group sizes — fireside evenings, winter walks, calm interiors and space to begin or end the season gently.