Words Helen Baron & Jessica Shaltout

The Cottage

Yarrow Cottage is everything you would expect from a cottage in the Cotswolds: thatched roof, a cosy living room with a fire, low ceilings and a beautiful garden. The bathroom in particular really sets this cottage apart, with its heated floor, walk-in shower and copper roll-top bath (which we made full use of during our stay). The kitchen is well-equipped and well-stocked on arrival – you’ll find organic eggs, bread and jam as well as the icing on an already-appealing cake: Alice in Wonderland-style mini bottles of gin, vodka and whisky, complete with tonic. The grown-ups heartily enjoyed a refreshing G&T after our long drive. Another plus: a cot and highchair are available upon request.

The Village

The cottage sits in the village of Churchill, which encapsulates perfectly the beauty of the Cotswolds with its venerable stone houses, luscious green and historic church. After a gentle walk around the village we found a lovely pub, The Chequers, which served delicious food. All you need is the soft thud of leather on willow and a drop of English sunlight and you have the ingredients of a veritable idyll.

The Wider Area

There’s plenty to do in Churchill and the surrounding areas. The nearest town is the impossibly genteel Chipping Norton and further afield are beautiful villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Burton-on-Water (the model village is worth a visit for some fun pics). Make sure you give Daylesford Organic Farm a visit; it’s just a short drive away, a working farm with a glossy Soho Farmhouse feel, offering tasty brunches and lunches made with local produce, as well as a spa and wondrous shop. We also visited Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, where Giffords Circus was in attendance. It’s well worth checking when they’re next there, as their performances make a great centrepiece to a family day out.

One night at Yarrow Cottage from £200 per night;

Beachspoke