Cotswolds getaways provide a plethora of options for holidaymakers – one is spoilt for choice when it comes to chocolate box-worthy towns and villages. Some hotspots are very well known indeed, say Chipping Campden or Stow-on-the-Wold, but on my recent countryside mini-break I decided to visit somewhere less often touted; I headed to the charming village of Blockley.
With hardly any sign of modernity in sight, it’s nothing but green fields trimmed with hedgerows interspersed with woodlands… and a flock of grazing sheep.
If this isn’t countryside idyll, I don’t know what is.
In the master bedroom you get this view from not only the (very comfortable) king size bed but also from the private terrace – ideal if you’re trying to get away from any hubbub.
The vista is perhaps at its best when sitting outside on the ground floor terrace which, during the warmer months of the year has a large table surrounded by a rattan sofa and stools, providing seating for 10 people.
DON’T MISS
A charcoal barbecue is also provided in the summer months plus a picnic bench for six.
From here you can look out over the vast expanse of lawn, bordered by mature trees and shrubs.
If you’re travelling with kids then the grounds practically call out for games.
We enjoyed two very pleasant mornings eating our breakfast on this terrace, inhaling the fresh air and luxuriating in the bucolic setting.
Striding out in the countryside is dead easy too, and we discover a marvellous circular walk practically on our doorstep thanks to the briefest of Googling.
Another advantage to the property is it proximity to the pub.
The Great Western Arms is in walking distance from the house.
Meanwhile, Landagte-owner Sandra strongly recommends Blockley Café.
The village eatery has a ‘Kembleford’ evening menu from 7pm in honour of the fictional village in the TV series Father Brown, much of which was filmed in and around Blockley.
Further afield, there are several pubs and restaurants in both Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold – both of which are just a short drive away from Blockley.
We enjoy a delightful roast at The Bell in Stow before a lovely walk around the picturesque village.
As for transport, the nearest station is Moreton-in-Marsh but a car is undoubtedly the best way to explore the Cotswolds.
Instead of using your typical rental car, I turn to Virtuo – a next-generation, sanitised, contactless car rental app that can deliver a brand new Mercedes A-Class GLA model to your home (if you live in London’s zones one to three) – which makes for a very seamless and luxurious road trip indeed.
After booking the vehicle via the app (users can rent from just £32 per day in a Mercedes A-Class) the car is delivered right to my London flat, easy as pie. It’s also very COVID-secure – the cars are thoroughly sanitised before each hire with gloved, masked and tested delivery drivers.
A word of warning, though, Virtuo is completely tech-based (which meant for a few phone-related teething issues) so it’s key to be savvy in this field, although customer service are always on hand and very helpful.
TRAVEL FACTS
Virtuo is an app-based car rental company designed for longer trips. Users can book and unlock a Mercedes A-Class or GLA from £32 per day.
Landgate House can be booked here.