January is a magical time to visit the Cotswolds; a totally underrated month for holiday makers, filled with incredible walks and romantic adventures. As the rush of Christmas tourists fades away into last year’s memories, the quiet and undisturbed countryside awaits those who have a penchant for peaceful lakeside views and serene landscapes. And if you’re lucky enough to encounter a snow day…..well, we can tell you now, you’re in for a treat. Never has our lake looked more beautiful than when it’s adorned with soft white snow. And if you’re in the mood to explore further, here are some of the best things to do in the Cotswold in January.
Cheltenham Racecourse
If you’re lucky enough to be spending New Year’s Eve in the Cotswolds with your friends and family, you’ll be pleased to know that the fun doesn’t stop there. It’s a local tradition to attend Cheltenham Races on New Year’s Day – so the celebrations can continue! Each year, this event brings together a great mix of local residents, families and visitors, and the atmosphere is simply electric. Plus there are events throughout the month, including various trials and races that are worth checking out too.
Visit the Oldest Pubs in England
A pub crawl in the Cotswolds is a pub crawl like no other. This is because our region is home to some of the oldest pubs in the world. So expect roaring fires, low hanging beams, medieval stone walls and an authentic old world feel. There’s definitely something very romantic about our favourite haunts and the food is always locally sourced and cooked with Cotswold love. Some of the best pubs to warm up in are The Swan at Southrop, Red Lion Inn at Chipping Campden, The Swan Hotel at Bibury, and The Castle Inn at Castle Combe. For somewhere just down the road, don’t miss The Wild Duck at Ewen or The Potting Shed at Crudwell. Check out our Ultimate Guide to the Cotswolds for our list of top 10 pubs.
Go For a Winter Ramble
Winter walks and exploring local pubs goes hand in hand when you live in this part of the world. So we definitely recommend combining the both. There’s nothing like a brisk walk to work off a big lunch; in the same way that there’s nothing like a refreshing pint to warm your cockles after a long walk. There’s a hiking holiday to suit every type of rambler here in the Cotswolds, so wrap up warm, bring the dog (pet friendly holidays at Log House Holidays!), and get ready to explore the enchanting Cotswold winter landscape. In your cabin you’ll find an OS map of the area which is great whilst exploring the surrounding walks.
Enjoy a Stargazing experience
The Cotswolds has been named one of the best places for stargazing in the UK. If you’re enjoying a romantic break at our beautiful nature reserve, you might be lucky enough to catch a few stars in the sky from the lodge. But the best dark sky sites for winter stargazing are Rollright Stones Ancient Monuments near Chipping Norton, Aunt Phoebe’s Recreation Ground in Long Norton, and South Park in Oxford. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and a flask of tea though – January can be pretty chilly!
Whilst at the Lake…
Of course, booking a stay on our private lake means that you don’t have to venture very far at all. With unspoilt lake views, undisturbed nature, your own secluded spot on our reserve and a wonderful outdoor decking area, there’s no better place to be than right here at Log House Holidays in the month of Jan. Stretch your legs on our 2.5 mile private trail, get cosy by the wood burner, or take a dip in the heated outdoor hot tub. There’s no better time to enjoy a hot tub session than in the cold spell of winter, if you ask us!