As the nights grow longer and the temperatures drop, the UK finds itself in the depths of autumn, with wintertime fast approaching. A warming beacon in this season of harsh elements is Christmas and its festive build-up, and where better to celebrate this enchanting time than in the Cotswolds?
At Christmas, the Cotswolds’ verdant landscape is replaced with frost-kissed hills peppered with glowing towns and villages of narrow streets and golden-hue stone cottages. Hidden in this winter wonderland is our very own Laundry Cottage, which nestles in the village of Combe Hay and emerges like a scene from the festive film, The Holiday.
To give you an insight into Christmas in the Cotswolds and a peek through the windows of the cottage, we sent Kate, a property owner on our books, to the cottage and asked her to share the adventure. From roaring wood burners to frosty winter walks and local attractions; this is a festive escape to Laundry Cottage.
Cottages for Christmas
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Cotswolds Christmas FAQs
All Cotswold villages charm at Christmastime with their warm glows and rural appeal – one of the best examples is the village of Bibury. With its famous Arlington Row of golden cottages, narrow streets and gorgeous surrounding countryside, this historic destination is like a scene from a Christmas classic. Other delightful Cotswold villages at Christmas include:
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Broadway
- Burford
- Chipping Campden
- Stow-on-the-Wold
Yes, there are plenty of Christmas markets across the Cotswolds that celebrate age-old festive traditions and inspire thoughtful gift buying. Some of our favourite Cotswold Christmas markets include:
- Bath Christmas Market
- Cirencester Christmas Market
- Cheltenham Christmas Market
- Gloucester Quays Victorian Christmas Market
- Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market
Yes, it can snow in the Cotswolds in December. While snow can never be guaranteed year-on-year, the Cotswolds’ rolling hills and summits, such as Broadway Tower and Cleeve Hill, are likely to see snow. During cold spells, snow is rare but does fall, although it's usually light and may not settle for long.
Absolutely, the Cotswolds are delightful come Christmas! The region’s undulating countryside, glowing towns and villages, and remote walking trails combine into a scene fit for a festive novel.
Beyond the region’s natural beauty, communities from across the national landscape come together to celebrate the season with vibrant Christmas markets, local events and historic traditions.
Christmas at Laundry Cottage
Laundry Cottage’s stone façade is adorned with trailing plants and surrounded by a charming garden and peaceful woodland. As you amble up the path and towards the front door, you uncover a haven for a winter getaway.
“We arrived just as the last rays of daylight were fading, and what a stunning house we found! We were welcomed into a warm and inviting cottage filled with soft lighting and gentle music that instantly made us feel at home.”
“On the dining table was a welcome hamper, complete with a bottle of prosecco, homemade bread, marmalade, and a gorgeous lemon cake. As we ventured further into the home, we discovered freshly made scones just waiting for clotted cream” – Kate and her family are from Cornwall, so the jam was spread on first, of course!
If it’s a traditional cottage you’re seeking, then Laundry Cottage offers rural charm in abundance. Featuring a crackling wood burner and exposed wooden beams, the property is the perfect, cosy base to escape the cold and create unforgettable winter memories.
“The photos don’t do this cottage justice. The interior is elegantly furnished and decorated, equipped with everything we could possibly need for our stay.”
“We decided to start the holiday with a cosy evening by the wood burner. We prepared a grazing board for dinner, popped open the prosecco and settled in for the night. When it was time for bed, we found the bedrooms to be clean and quiet, with comfortable beds that were perfect for a restful night’s sleep.”
With two super-king-size bedrooms and a cosy twin room, all with sumptuous beds and peaceful countryside views, the sleeping arrangements at Laundry Cottage make it easy to rest and recharge ahead of the next day of festive adventures.
“On night one, the cottage and local village had already captured our hearts, and we couldn’t wait to see what the rest of our stay had in store …”
Mornings at Laundry Cottage offer all you’d expect from a winter getaway to the Cotswolds – beyond the windows lays tranquil countryside, only interrupted by sounds of nature and smoking chimney pots. And if you don’t fancy heading out to face the cold, there are plenty of homely comforts to make use of throughout the cottage.
“What a relaxing, slow start to our day. We lit the wood burner again and snuggled in its warmth with books and fresh coffee. There’s something magical about the property’s living room without a TV, it creates a lovely, calming space that encourages relaxation – the perfect antidote to our busy lives.”
Click the button below to learn more about Laundry Cottage and perhaps book your own getaway to Combe Hay, or scroll on to learn more about the Christmas events and attractions nearby.
Discover Laundry Cottage
The Cotswolds at Christmas
Perched on the fringes of the national landscape and set within just 8 miles of the Roman city of Bath and the ancient town of Bradford-on-Avon, Laundry Cottage is perfectly placed for festive adventures across the region.
The Festival of Light at Longleat
Kate chose to kick off the Christmas celebrations with a visit to the annual Festival of Light at Longleat – a famous display of illuminated lanterns and Christmas lights that transform Longleat’s grounds into a winter wonderland.
“As the clock struck 4pm, the lights came to life and we began our tour. We marvelled at the dazzling displays – from dodos and dinosaurs to Greek mythology lanterns, knights in shining armour and even Egyptian scenes. Each installation was more enchanting than the last, and it felt like we were walking through a magical storybook.”
“If you’re visiting Laundry Cottage in November or December, the Festival of Light at Longleat is an absolute must-see – it was a beautiful way to kickstart our trip.”
Good to know
- Location: Longleat House, Warminster BA12 7NW
- Opening times: 9 November 2024 to 5 January 2025
- Entry fee: Adult £32.95, child £24.70 (peak); adult £27.95, child £20.95 (off-peak)
Christmas shopping in Bradford-on-Avon
Only 8 miles away, the winding streets and medieval buildings of Bradford-on-Avon combine to offer a paradise for winter walks and Christmas shopping. The town’s riverside cobbles are lined with independent shops and Christmas markets, while a busy calendar of craft fairs and community celebrations adds to the festivities.
“We parked just outside of town and strolled in, following the River Avon and entering the stunning Tithe Barn. It was a lovely surprise to find the famous Christmas shop open here, and we couldn’t resist picking up a couple of Christmas tree decorations, tickling our festive spirit.”
Beyond the town’s wealth of pop-up markets and independent boutiques, Bradford-on-Avon offers a wide range of places to eat. From traditional tea rooms and riverside cafes to dog-friendly restaurants and cosy pubs, the choice is seemingly endless.
“After our Christmas shopping spree, we made our way to Timbrell’s Yard for lunch. The festive atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly helpful. The food was amazing, making Timbrell’s the perfect spot to refuel before our afternoon of activities.”
Good to know
- Location: Pound Lane BA15 1LF (Tithe Barn) | 49 St Margaret's Street BA15 1DE (Timbrell’s Yard)
- Opening times: 10.30am–4pm daily (Tithe Barn) | 7.30am–12.30pm and 12pm–9pm Monday to Sunday (Timbrell’s Yard)
- Entry fee: Free entry (Tithe Barn) | View the Trimbell's Yard menu
Rainbow Wood and the River Avon Trail
What better way to embrace winter than striding out along frosty trails and scenic woodland footpaths together? If this sounds like your cup of tea, then Laundry Cottage is surrounded by delightful walking trails that celebrate the local landscape.
“We headed to nearby Bath for the afternoon and first ventured into the magical Rainbow Wood. Here, the trees were ablaze with wintry colours, providing the most picturesque backdrop for a festive ramble. This section of the walk was dotted with 15 fairy doors to find – a short and enchanting route that our young daughter loved; she was darting from tree to tree in search of them.
“Beyond the woodland, we emerged onto the River Avon Trail which followed historic canals and led to charming locks. Our daughter was again thrilled – having grown up in Cornwall, she had never seen a barge before and was equally fascinated by the train passing alongside us.”
Follow the water’s edge and you’ll eventually reach the picture-perfect city of Bath, where historic charm and an affluent atmosphere take centre stage.
Good to know
- Starting point: Rainbow Wood BA2 7BR (Fairy Trail) | Spring Gardens Road BA2 6PW (River Avon Trail)
- Walk length: 500 metres (Fairy Trail) | Up to 23 miles (River Avon Trail)
- Walk difficulty: Easy (Fairy Trail) | Moderate (River Avon Trail)
Bath Skyline walk
If you reach the edge of Bath and feel the urge to discover the city without heading into its centre, then the dreamy Bath Skyline walk is your perfect option.
The city is known for its bowl-like location, set deep into the land and surrounded by tree-lined hills that look down on the city – this 6-mile circular trail covers its circumference, with unforgettable vistas.
“We set off to tackle the Skyline Walk. Being winter, the weather was gloomy and we were a tad apprehensive that we’d miss out on the views – but we were pleasantly surprised!"
"Along the walk, the muted layers of the landscape combined with the cloudy backdrop to create a scene fit for a canvas. You really could see the whole city.”
Good to know
- Starting point: Bathwick Hill at Cleveland Walk, Bath BA2 6JP
- Walk length: 6 miles
- Walk difficulty: Moderate (some steep steps and gentle inclines)
Map of festivities near Laundry Cottage
Explore the map below to uncover all the festive locations, attractions and walking trails featured in this blog. Where will you visit first?
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Book a cottage for Christmas
As our peek through the windows of Laundry Cottage concludes, and so does our tour of the local area’s festive attractions, we thank Kate for taking the time to describe her wintertime adventures around the Cotswolds in such detail.
“As we headed home, back to Cornwall, I couldn’t help but reflect on the lovely few days we had spent together in this charming cottage. It was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration and family time.”
If you feel inspired and want to recreate your very own wintertime adventure from a cosy cottage base, click the link below and explore our range of properties for Christmas. Find warming country cottages, remote coastal escapes, bustling townhouses and plenty more in our collection.
Cottages for Christmas