Christmas Breaks in the Cotswolds: Cosy Cottages

Christmas in the Cotswolds is pure magic. Think honey-coloured stone villages dusted with frost, crackling fires, countryside walks under misty skies, and the cheerful glow of fairy lights reflecting from thatched rooftops.

At Manor Cottages, we’re delighted to share a selection of beautiful cottages that still have availability, but likely not for long. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family yuletide reunion, or a peaceful country escape, there’s something here for you.

Below are some of our handpicked cottages currently showing availability for the Christmas period, each with its own special character and charm.

Featured Cottages with Christmas Availability

The Hayloft

The Hayloft is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage — ideal for couples or a quiet holiday for two. Features include a hot tub, electric car charging point, a cosy open fire, and a private garden / patio, perfect for winter evenings.

Guests love its mix of contemporary comfort and traditional charm: the spacious kitchen and lounge, soft bedding, and high quality finishes make it a very relaxing base.

Recently updated calendar shows roughly 24 nights in December still available although, it’s very popular, so booking soon makes sense.

Why it’s perfect for Christmas: Imagine returning from a misty winter walk in the nearby countryside, then slipping into the bubbling hot tub with a glass of something warm. Inside, the open fire crackles and the kitchen is ready for festive cooking.

The Cottage at Broadway

Located in the picturesque village of Broadway, often called “the Jewel of the Cotswolds” The Cottage at Broadway offers short-break and Christmas stays (though note: steep/narrow stairs, so check suitability if mobility is a concern).

Its historic charm, proximity to boutique shops, galleries and local pubs, and easy access to nearby towns like Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon and more make it a great base for a festive countryside escape.

Why it’s perfect for Christmas: Enjoy winter strolls through a storybook Cotswold village, cosy evenings beside a fire or nearby pub lunches, and magical walks under twinkling lights.

Kate’s Cottage

A stylish terraced cottage just outside the centre of the lovely village of Bourton-on-the-Water, Kate’s Cottage sleeps 3 (two bedrooms), offering a cosy yet flexible base, suitable for couples or a small family.

Great holiday home amenities: off-road parking, dishwasher, and washing machine, ideal for a comfortable stay during the festive season.

Why it’s perfect for Christmas: Bourton-on-the-Water is a quintessential Cotswold village, imagine frosty mornings along the River Windrush, cosy afternoons in local tearooms, and relaxing evenings by the fire after a day of exploring.

Hawthorn Barn

Hawthorn Barn is a three-bedroom barn conversion near Northleach — ideal for small groups or families seeking space and comfort.

Features include full-sized amenities (dishwasher, washing machine), off-road parking, and generous living space, allowing warm group gatherings after crisp winter walks.

With availability currently listed, it’s a great option for those looking to share a festive break with friends or extended family.

Why it’s perfect for Christmas: A spacious base from which to explore the Cotswold villages, wood-burning stoves, hearty festive meals, and winter countryside to enjoy.

Why Choose Manor Cottages for Your Christmas in the Cotswolds

Wide selection: Manor Cottages offers hundreds of properties across the Cotswolds. From romantic one-beds to large family homes, many of them available for Christmas breaks.

Flexible stays: Whether you want a short winter break, a full 7-night Christmas getaway, or something tailored, there are options to suit.

Varied types of cottages: Luxury homes, dog-friendly cottages, barn conversions, historic stone cottages, cottages with hot tubs, there’s something for every taste and occasion.

True Cotswolds character: All cottages help you immerse in that quintessential Cotswold experience, stone walls, cosy interiors, access to stunning countryside and charming villages.

What to Do During Your Cotswolds Christmas Break

Whether you want fresh air and woodland walks, historic houses and cosy pubs, or festive family-friendly days out, the Cotswolds has something for everyone. Here are some of our favourite activities and local attractions to enjoy during your stay.

Cotswold Way — Walking Through Classic Countryside

• The Cotswold Way is one of the region’s most famous footpaths, 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath, weaving through sweeping hills, ancient woodlands and stone-built villages.
• Even in winter, short sections make for superb walks: crisp air, frosty fields, misty valleys, perfect for a brisk countryside ramble before returning to your warm cottage.
• For a gentler stroll, try the stretch between Broadway and Winchcombe – manageable distance, lovely views, with cosy pubs along the way to reward your walk.

Historic Houses, Castles & Gardens — Explore Cotswold Heritage

• Visit Sudeley Castle – a magnificent historic castle with beautiful gardens and a long history. Great for a moody winter wander, historical immersion, or simply enjoying stately architecture and grounds.
• Discover the postcard-perfect charm of Arlington Row (in Bibury): the iconic 14th-century weavers’ cottages are among the most-photographed scenes in the Cotswolds. Lovely for a gentle walk or a festive photo-op.
• For families (or just animal lovers), the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is an excellent day out. It’s a manor-house park with animals, gardens and indoor exhibits, ideal even if the weather is chilly.
• For a touch of grandeur, historic elegance and a day immersed in heritage, you might consider visiting estates or stately homes in the region, a nice complement to a cosy cottage stay.

Quaint Villages, Market Towns & Local Life

• Wander through villages and towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to its lovely bridges over the River Windrush, idyllic for a stroll or winter walk.
• Discover Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town perched on a hill, with antique shops, traditional pubs, and a charming town-centre atmosphere. Excellent for a lazy afternoon walk or browsing local shops.
• If you enjoy arts, crafts and heritage, towns like Chipping Campden with roots in the Arts & Crafts movement, offers galleries, artisan shops and a quaint historic vibe.
• Mix easy sightseeing with relaxed exploration: browse local markets, enjoy a warming pub lunch or tea, and soak up the authentic Cotswold atmosphere, ideal for a festive, slow-paced holiday.

Something for All Seasons — Indoor Activities & Relaxed Options

• On chillier days, head for a cosy pub with a fireplace or a country-inn dinner. Local menus often feature seasonal produce from the surrounding area, perfect for a hearty Christmas meal.
• Some historic houses offer indoor exhibitions, manor-house tours or museum-style visits, great as a fallback when weather isn’t ideal for walking or outdoor exploring.
• For a mellow and relaxing stay, many cottages (like the ones featured earlier) offer a warm base, ideal for reading by the fire, cooking up a feast, or enjoying a peaceful winter’s evening after a day out.

Christmas Breaks in the Cotswolds Top Tips

• Winter weather can be unpredictable. Packing good boots and waterproofs will make countryside walks much more enjoyable.
• Some attractions or trails may have limited hours or closures in December, check in advance if you want to visit a castle, wildlife park or historic house.
• Use local pubs, tearooms and village shops: a festive roast, mulled drink or hot chocolate after a frosty walk makes the Cotswolds feel especially magical.
• Pre-book your Christmas food shopping slot or bring the essentials. Double check the opening times of local village shops and post offices around December.
• Combining countryside walks, village visits and a cosy cottage base gives you the best of both worlds: peaceful nature and charming local culture.

Make It a Christmas to Remember

If you’ve been dreaming of a snow-dusted Cotswolds Christmas with fireplaces glowing, winter walks through frosty fields, cosy pubs for Christmas dinner, and quaint villages lit up for the season – now’s the time to secure your stay.

• Head over to Manor Cottages and use the “Christmas Cottages” filter to see the latest availability.
• Book early – the best properties are going fast.
• If you need help choosing the right cottage (hot tub vs barn vs village centre), our friendly Manor Cottages team are always on hand to help.

From the team at Manor Cottages, we wish you a festive season filled with comfort, joy, and the timeless charm of the Cotswolds.