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.

The Painswick

As we sipped the last few drops of our tea, basking in the breathtaking views of the valley, and listening to the busy hum of bees, I turned to my mother and smiled. ‘This is all I want in the future.’ I said to her earnestly. ‘A garden, a great view and good company.’ 

Our taxi pulled up to the late 18th century Palladian building, known today as The Painswick hotel. The first thing I felt was how cosy and elegant the furnishings were. The second thing I felt was the warmth of The Painswick staff. Before we get going on this article, I want to offer the biggest thank you to The Painswick staff and of course, Bloxham PR, for a fantastic stay.

To those that have never been to the Cotswolds before, you can’t imagine a more idyllic and picturesque vision of England. It’s how most tourists believe England looks everywhere (lol)! The storybook villages, rising valleys, undisturbed landscapes - you can’t really go wrong with this particular region of the country. 

The town of Painswick perhaps isn’t as well known but in it, you will experience all the quintessential trimmings of countryside living. The hotel is in the heart of the town, and as we sat down to enjoy our afternoon tea, we gasped at the views. Large valleys sit in the background as Mum and I dug into our sandwiches, scotch eggs and desserts. The afternoon tea was exceptional! It doesn’t seem like a lot when you first gaze upon the board, but I can assure you, you will be stuffed to the brim. We sat upon the balcony that screamed Romeo & Juliet vibes. The last few remnants of wisteria hanging onto the edge and the gentle, warm breeze blowing through our hair. 

It had been a long time since my Mum and I had done something just the two of us. With all these incredible experiences I have had with brands and PR stays, I really wanted to take someone along this time. And who is a greater cheerleader of your accomplishments, than your Mum? Forever fueling my confidence, I wanted to thank her in a special way. A huge shout out to the fact that she travelled all the way from the north to join me on this trip.

Next, we wanted to explore the area. We left our bags comfortably and ventured into the village, which is also known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ and is one of England’s oldest ‘Wool Towns.’ The wealth generated from wool production and weaving gave the area many fine buildings, like the Painswick and St. Mary’s Church. One of our first stops was the church, which is less than 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The tall beautiful spire grabs your attention in any direction you walk.

Just like any church in England, this one is stunning to view from an architectural perspective. The churchyard is well-known for its 99 Yew Trees. Dating the planting back to the 18th century, the walkways of these trees are not one to miss and legend states that the 100th Yew will never grow! 

Bask in the Cotswold stone buildings and Georgian era windows. It’s Jane Austen and Bridgerton rolled into one. Every corner is scenic, you want to take photos constantly, and I was just obsessed. 

Ok, one of the highlights you’ll have during your stay at the Painswick hotel, are the meals. Mum and I opted for the lamb chops. We tend to always eat the local produce for the restaurant and places like these, the ingredients are always locally sourced. Oh my word, the lamb chops were the greatest I have ever eaten. Succulent, tender and we were served healthy portions! Lots of meat haha! Complemented by seasonal vegetables, Mum and I cleaned our plates. We paired it with a malbec and oh chef’s kiss, the meal went down beautifully. Sadly, we were just too full to try dessert, but next time!

The same goes for breakfast the next day. The restaurant itself is understated, with imposing archways that open up to wood panelled walls and herringbone flooring. It’s a contemporary setting with a country living twist, and I think that best describes the hotel overall. After we had eaten well (Mum had avocado on toast and I opted for granola), it was off to explore some hidden gems in the area.

First up was a visit to Stroud Farmers’ Market. The award-winning market is hailed as one of the biggest and most popular farmers’ markets in the country. The weekly market is exceptional, with hundreds of locals coming out every weekend to support local businesses. The market opens from 9am, we arrived at 9:30am and were shocked at how crowded it already was. 

Most things were nearly sold out already! I had never seen anything like it before, and what was available to purchase was some of the best produce I had seen at a market. No wonder it was crowned ‘Best Farmers’ Market’ in 2013 by FARMA. It was living up to its reputation and the quality of goods on sale, makes it understandable how Stroud Farmers’ Market is somewhat of an institution now.

My personal favourite purchase was the mushrooms from Slad Valley. Lions mane and speckled chestnut mushrooms were unfamiliar to me. They were wild and exotic looking and I had to get my hands on them! I ended up using them in pasta dishes and the flavour was spectacular. Lions mane has a bit of a meaty taste to it and the speckled mushrooms pair beautifully with scrambled eggs and avocado on sourdough toast. It’s true that finer ingredients elevate the simplest of dishes. I shall be ordering online or better yet, I will be able to grow my own with the Slad Valley Mushroom starter kit!

Our final day concluded with an afternoon at the Painswick Rococo Garden. As gardening enthusiasts, Mum and I adored this place! Rococo Garden is a 15 minute walk from The Painswick, so it's a great thing to visit locally during your stay. In 1748, Benjamin Hyett asked local artist Thomas Robins to paint Rococo. Little did either of them know that the painting would be used as inspiration for the restoration for the garden from the 1970s, right up to today!

Take in vista views from the magical follies and race each other in the maze to get to the centre. Take a seat and enjoy the beautiful Cotswold views, the garden is built within a valley so you can imagine the extravagant parties that were held here, centuries ago. Enjoy the sunlight streaming through the trees on your woodland walk and grab a bite to eat at the cafe before you depart. Oh did I mention that they are growing a vineyard there and a food kitchen? Soon, you’ll be able to purchase their wine in their gift shop. Mum and I love local businesses and support where we can. 

Overall, Mum and I had the most amazing time. It was Mum’s first visit to the Cotswolds and she couldn’t get over the natural beauty of the landscape. Although we did visit local places, we found ourselves really enjoying sitting in the hotel gardens and the balcony, just enjoying the views. This trip was equally significant for me, because I had some of the deepest conversations with Mum. The kind of talks you can only rarely have. Most likely because now you're an adult child rather than a child child, and you’re away from home with all the familial baggage. 

We can talk frankly, and one of my fondest memories will be sitting in the balcony until 1am, talking to my mother, as one woman to another. Seeing her not just in the roles of ‘Mum’ and ‘Wife’, but as a woman in her own right. A woman who had dreams and nightmares well before our family came into the picture. She’s human with flaws and she didn't always get everything right. She’s no superhero, but she’s pretty damn close to one. There’s so much wisdom, pain, love and determination beyond her beautiful, brown eyes. We argue as mothers and daughters tend to do, but there’s no person I have higher respect for than her. No woman I hold in higher regard. I strive to be as strong as she is and she has had to be. 

Hands down, this was one of my favourite trips. Sitting in the gardens, enjoying our afternoon tea and listening to the hum of bees in one of the most beautiful corners of England. I want to thank The Painswick hotel and their staff for the incredible hospitality and warmth. We were very well taken care of there and I couldn’t recommend this cosy spot more. As always, I am very grateful for the lovely Bloxham PR agency. They are incredible and their clientele speak volumes in elegance and countryside living. Another trip down to Painswick is due!