Lily Allen, Liz Hurley, Kate Winslet and Kate Moss all love the Cotswolds, a stretch of countryside that runs from Oxford to Bath, and Gloucester to Stratford. And can you blame them? The verdant rolling hills, the quaint thatched cottage-filled villages and the rickety charms of the traditional country pubs combine to make it a place that perfectly captures that quintessential English charm. And there's no more picture-perfect time to visit than in the spring when the hills explode with flowers, the weather warms up nicely, the birds and celebs come out to play, but the throngs of tourists are still at bay.
Village people
While the country walks and outdoor activities are well worth your time, the many villages and towns are also worthy of some lazy investigation. Probably our favourite larger town is Cheltenham, thanks in part to the gorgeous Montpellier district. Built as a spa town (its namesake was the French spa town of the same name) in 1809, the once-luxury relaxation spot for the rich is now a bohemian, pedestrian-friendly suburb that is full of one-off wine bars, shops, restaurants and more - all housed in gorgeous early 1800s buildings. We'd recommend stopping off here for at least one night on your holiday and drinking in the café culture (literally). Book a room at The Montpellier Chapter, which is appealing thanks to its old-world façade but very of-the-minute interiors; and unbeatable thanks to its complimentary mini bar, which even boasts a chocolate fix - treat yourself, you're on holiday, right? (www.themontpellierchapterhotel.com).
Slightly further north, and on a smaller scale, is the village of Moreton-in-Marsh, which is considered to be the less-touristy equivalent of popular villages like Chipping Campden. Here you'll find quaint streets lined, not with touristy shops and big brand names, but with actual craftsmen and mongers plying their trade. Try to visit on a Tuesday, because this is when you'll find a traditional market of more than 200 stalls lining the streets. Then bunker down for the night in one of the many traditional 18th century inns. We love The White Hart Royal for its unique, boutique vibe and its eatery that, complete with a stone floor and roaring fireplace, serves inventive cuisine using fresh, local produce (www.whitehartroyal.co.uk).
Country walks
Taking a turn around the countryside is a major Cotswolds pastime. And there's everything from short hour-long walks to major commitment trails that go on for hundreds of kilometres (you don't have to traverse the whole thing, though) - and for details on everything from the 160km, scenery-packed Cotswolds Way that runs from Bath to Chipping Camden, to the 60km Cotswolds Canals trail, visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk. But, if it's a walk that you can fit in between long, languid meals that you're after, then try The Great Cotswold Ramble, which meanders between the two idyllic villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, and along the 1.6km trail you'll pass a rushing river, quaint cottages, gorgeous trees and even the odd stone, moss-encrusted footbridge.
Make like Jane Eyre
Most major period dramas, including Pride & Prejudice and TV smash hit, Downton Abbey, are filmed in the Cotswolds, and it's not just the rolling hills that appeal, the area is full of grand and majestic manors that are still in great condition. In fact, you can visit the beautiful estate where Vanity Fair starring Reese Witherspoon and Johnny Depp's The Libertine were filmed, Stanway House. The building was constructed around 1580 - however the grounds have been inhabited since 715AD - and a stroll through the landscaped, baroque gardens will leave you feeling like the heroine in a Jane Austen novel, thanks to its 300ft high fountain and strange pyramid structure in the middle of the grounds, as well as a house stuffed with gorgeous original furniture, much of which has been there from the 1500s. And although it is one, the place doesn't feel like a museum and you'll feel transported back in time. (Full passes cost from Dh50, www.stanwayfountain.co.uk.) In fact, you'll get that feeling during your entire stay in the Cotswolds. Say ‘hi' to Kate for us...
Star favourite
“At weekends we go off to my place in Gloucestershire,” says supermodel Kate Moss. “When we’re there, we take a neighbour’s pony and trap to the pub. I must say, I’ve been thinking of moving to the countryside full-time so Lila can have a rural childhood.”
Trip notes
Berkeley Castle
A visit to this 12th century castle is both fascinating and a little bit grim - why? Well it was the last residence of King Edward II - and he was imprisoned and murdered there. On your visit you'll see his dungeon and hear the many theories on what happened to him. Entry to castle, gardens and butterfly house from Dh50.
berkeley-castle.com
Cotswold Perfumery
Visit and learn how perfume is made, and you'll be introduced to the history of the smelly stuff, be taken out for lunch and then given the chance to create your own signature scent. Tours from Dh25.
cotswold-perfumery.co.uk
The Wild Duck
While good pubs are not hard to find in the Cotswolds, this great one is. On the edge of the tiny village of Ewen, this 1563 building is worth seeking out thanks to its warm ambience, luxury rooms (should you choose to stay the night) and unbeatable food. The sound of their dish, Goats cheese fondue with dipping bread, chilli and cranberry jam, left us salivating.
thewildduckinn.co.uk
Stay here
BUDGET: The Battledown, Cheltenham
This chic B&B has everything a girl needs - gorgeous, comfy beds with luxury linen, powerful hot showers, free WiFi, warm hosts - oh, and full English breakfasts with locally sourced sausages. Yum. Rooms from Dh316.
thebattledown.co.uk
MID-RANGE: The Swan Hotel, Bibury
This 17th century former coach inn sits on the banks of the River Coln and yet is still in the heart of the charming village of Bibury. Its pub also happens to be Kate Moss's local. Oh, and the fresh trout they serve up in the restaurant is said to be out of this world. Rooms from Dh600-a-night at weekends.
cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk
LUXURY: Lords Of The Manor Hotel, Upper Slaughter
This regal 17th century honey-coloured property sits on eight acres of pristine green land and boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant - and when we go we'll be ordering the Cornish crab, pink grapefruit, mango and crab bavarois. Yes, folks, this is the Cotswolds VIP-style. Rooms start from Dh1,144.
lordsofthemanor.com
Filmed there
Bourne Ultimatum, Bridget Jones's Diary, Die Another Day, Downton Abbey, Lark Rise To Candleford, Harry Potter (Hogwarts scenes), Pride & Prejudice, Remains Of The Day, The Other Boleyn Girl, Vanity Fair, War Horse.
Fly there
Etihad flies from Abu Dhabi to London from Dh2,300 return. You can then catch a train to the region from London's Paddington Station, which will takes around 90 minutes, www.etihadairways.com
