At Antler, we don’t just talk about travel – we live it. Through our stories and guides, we celebrate the places that shape our legacy and inspire our journeys. Our Antler Travels series takes you deeper into the destinations that move us, guided by the experiences and recommendations of our team – travellers who’ve ventured far and wide.
Lying just a few hours northwest of London, the Cotswolds is the picture of rural English charm. A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this nearly 800-square-mile stretch of rolling hills and winding lanes is dotted with postcard-perfect villages, honey-hued stone cottages, and lush green pastures. As the British Travel Brand, it’s a place close to our hearts – one we return to time and again for its timeless appeal, unhurried pace, and quiet sense of escape.
We asked Antler’s PR Manager to share their Cotswolds story. Daisy most recently travelled to the Cotswolds in March 2025.
Antler: What was the first thing you noticed?
Daisy: The sky was bluer than I expected for an early spring day, and the air was so crisp and clean! It’s only a short trip from London, but the moment you step off the train, there’s a stillness and calm that tells you you’ve arrived somewhere entirely different.
What is your lasting memory of the place?
The peace. There’s something about the Cotswolds that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply – a contrast to the inner London life I’m used to living! I instantly felt more relaxed being out of the city. The open landscapes, the winding country roads, it feels like an exhale.
Do you have a fun fact you learned while you were there?
I didn’t realise that the Cotswolds is the largest Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK.
There's something about the Cotswolds that invites you to slow down and breathe deeply.
Daisy Webb
What did you take with you?
It was only a short stay, so I didn’t need a lot of luggage (even though I am an overpacker). I packed my Icon Stripe Cabin in Taupe and topped it with the Essential Tote bag, which has quickly become my go-to travel stack. The Tote was perfect for easy access to my laptop and essentials on the train, and the cabin was just the right size for a few nights away – especially since I always pack more than I need.
If you were to go back, who would you bring with you?
My mum and my dog! The Cotswolds is made for long walks, slow mornings, and cosy pub lunches with a glass of wine – the perfect combination for a mother-daughter weekend. It’s the kind of place where you can switch off completely, which I know they’d love as much as I do.
Cotswolds recommendations
| Stay |
Farncombe Estate - The Fish, Foxhill Manor, Dormy House Three stays, three different moods. Dormy House is perfect for a cosy countryside retreat, Foxhill Manor offers something more indulgent for special occasions, and The Fish is an eclectic mix of rustic and refined. |
| Explore |
Straight out of a period drama, this is the ideal day trip for history buffs – but there’s something for everyone with the 150 acres of breathtaking gardens. |
| Browse |
Straight out of a period drama, this is the ideal day trip for history buffs – but there’s something for everyone with the 150 acres of breathtaking gardens. |
| Hidden gem |
History, design, food, and wine – what’s not to love? The 400 year old estate and 60-room stately property is open to the public, offering stunning interiors, rare art, antiques and artifacts from across the globe. |
