Download What’s New in the Cotswolds 2025
The Pig & The Village Pub Barnsley near Cirencester
The Pig group acquired Barnsley House & The Village Pub in 2024 and after a refurbishment programme the reopened in September.
It will now be known as THE PIG-in the Cotswolds. The hotel is a genuinely unspoilt, elegant building filled with large bedrooms overlooking the original arts and crafts style gardens, created by renowned garden designer, Rosemary Verey. It has been sensitively restored to keep the character and original features, while still being classically PIG: rooms that feel lived-in with rich fabrics, reclaimed pieces and cosy corners you can really relax in. Plus, there are very large characterful bedrooms with spacious showers and big bathtubs, either in the room or in a separate, large bathroom. Each bedroom has all the comfy, familiar furnishings that are classically PIG, with many rooms overlooking the famous gardens.
www.thepighotel.com/in-the-cotswolds/
www.thevillagepub.co.uk/
Dumbleton Hall near Winchcombe
Tucked away in the verdant foothills of the Cotswolds, Dumbleton Hall presents a distinctive sanctuary for those in search of rejuvenation and inspiration. It pledges a reawakening of the senses and a splendid way of life. With great anticipation for its early 2025 debut, Dumbleton Hall is currently undergoing an extensive renovation of its 34 bedrooms and communal spaces, incorporating the landscaping of its grounds with the addition of treehouses and shepherd's huts.
House of George, Broadway
Local business icon George Davies has taken over the former doctor's surgery in Broadway, to create the house of George which will be a unique hotel and dining experience. Each of the ten luxurious bedrooms will have their own character that celebrates the rich heritage of the building which was built in 1657. There'll be two ground floor accessible rooms, private parking and private dining. Currently being renovated, we are expecting an opening date to be highlighted soon.
Westonbirt Arboretum, near Tetbury
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is currently working to enhance its play offer for children, as it looks to invest in its core family audience. Phase one plans include development of two of its distinctive play zones in the Old Arboretum has just opened in autumn 2024 followed by a further two new natural play areas will be installed, in two phases in 2025 & 2026 in the dog-friendly Silk Wood as well as redevelopment of Exploratree, its former play area aimed at the younger age group. The zones enable every child to engage in play that challenges, encourages, and stimulates them, with each part being curated to emulate nature, including an observation point onlooking the quiet play space; a crucial feature for those on the autism spectrum. This variety caters to different age ranges (including parents and carers), as well as different levels of support needs, assisting with the development of social skills and enhancing imaginative play. Supported with funding from The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum (The Friends) and Forestry England, The Friends has agreed to fundraise to deliver phases two and three, and is now seeking donations through grants and private donors.
www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum
www.fowa.org.uk/blog/play-at-westonbirt
270 Climbing, Bentham near Cheltenham
A world-class climbing park called 270 Climbing with sports and adventure activities opened in a phased approach from spring 2023 and development continues now into 2025. With a range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities, it’s set to become an exciting attraction for the local region and offer a vibrant facility for climbers as well as families, groups and clubs.
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Blenheim Palace has announced a series of once-in-a-lifetime views and visitor experiences which will only be available for a limited time due to the launch of its most ambitious restoration project to date. Designed to showcase the UNESCO World Heritage Site like never before, the historic roof project is a monumental restoration that aims to preserve the architecture and safeguard the heritage of Blenheim Palace for generations to come.
Alongside the revolutionary restoration work commencing next year, three exclusive new experiences at Blenheim Palace will be live at the landmark from Spring 2025. Roof Top View will enable visitors to access a viewing platform to see breathtaking views of the Estate. Life Below Stairs will see visitors go below the Palace and step back in history to explore the hidden world of Blenheim Palace’s servants. Family Treasures will unlock never before seen treasures of the private apartments and follow in the footsteps of dukes, duchesses and their illustrious guests. For a deeper insight into the history of Blenheim Palace, the extended State Room Tours will offer a journey through some of the grandest rooms.
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/new-for-2025
www.blenheimpalace.com/restoration
Daylesford new hotel, Kingham
Planning has just been granted for the Bamford group who own Daylesford Farm to refurbish and bring back to life a 38 bedroom hotel in the village of Kingham. The main hotel building has been designed around the historic mill building with ancillary uses surrounding the Mill in an informal courtyard. This courtyard building consists of the restaurant, alehouse, with outdoor seating and a two-bedroom holiday let.
www.boutiquehotelier.com/lord-bamford-new-cotswolds-hotel
Scenic Sauna, Northleach
Jamie and Olivia have recently opened the Scenic Sauna near the picturesque town of Northleach, set in woodlands the Scenic Sauna have an outdoor Finnish barrel sauna and a temperature-controlled ice bath, giving blissful relaxation, and workshop spaces within the grounds.
They run weekly breath-work, yoga and sauna classes as well as group or private Hot and cold therapy sessions.
Jeremy Clarkson’s new pub near Burford
Well-known celebrity and local farmer, Jeremy Clarkson has recently acquired The Windmill restaurant not far from the town of Burford and in easy reach of his Diddly Squat Farm at Chadlington. Refurbishment work happened quickly including outside dining so The Farmer's Dog was able to open at the end of August 2024.
Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum is expected to open early 2025.
The property will include a one-of-a-kind restaurant focused on celebrating the local neighbourhood, and an exquisite rooftop cocktail bar with views onto a bespoke private courtyard. Guests will also have access to a gym, conferencing facilities and The Forum’s state-of-the-art digital innovation hub.
The 131-room Hotel Indigo Gloucester – The Forum will be located in The Forum development in the heart of the city centre, and in partnership with Gloucester City Council and the Reef Group. The property will include a one-of-a-kind restaurant focused on celebrating the local neighbourhood, and an exquisite rooftop cocktail bar with views onto a bespoke private courtyard. Guests will also have access to a gym, conferencing facilities and The Forum’s state-of-the-art digital innovation hub.
See link to announcement of the new hotel in Gloucester
www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/gloucester-news/forum-project-hotel-gym-rooftop-9406995
Designer Outlet Cotswolds
A new designer outlet planned for near the M5 in Gloucestershire will bring thousands of shoppers to the area and transform the region.
The six acre new retail and leisure destination is being built just off the A46 near Ashchurch and the M5 Junction 9 for Tewkesbury. With the first retail element now on site the next phase is planned to open in Spring 2025.
https://cotswoldsdesigneroutlet.com/
Anniversaries in 2025
- VE Day 2025 – 8 May – There will be local events to highlight 80 years since VE day which marked the end of the war in Europe and WWII as a whole on 8 May 1945. Events will focus on this shared moment of celebration to include lighting of beacons, eating fish & chips – More details to come
- 275th anniversary of the birth of John Stafford Smith – links to Gloucester & USA
- To celebrate the 760th anniversary of the famous battle between Simon de Montfort and Prince Edward, organisers are turning the festival into a three-day event from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3. www.battleofevesham.co.uk/
New Events
A brand-new history festival is coming to Cirencester, Capital of The Cotswolds, this October half term, 26th October–3rd November 2024.
The inaugural Cirencester History Festival will include an exciting programme of local, national and global history for all ages. Events will reflect on the past, challenge the present and explore the future via topics ranging from the Romans to revolutions, the Anglo-Saxons to archaeology and from the Tudors to today’s global challenges. Organised in association with the established Gloucester History Festival and Corinium Museum, there will be flagship talks from some of the country’s top historians, authors, thinkers & broadcasters alongside family events, including trails, feasts, cookery classes, workshops & storytelling – all with a historical theme!
Instagram: @cirenhistoryfest
Giffords Circus will be celebrating its 25th year in 2025
2025 with be the 25th Anniversary of Giffords Circus, the creative vision of Nell Gifford. Giffords Circus has now flourished into a creation of beautiful magical mayhem, entertaining thousands each year. For 2025, back with a brand-new show we will bring you a magical celebration of all things Giffords, complete with exciting Artistes never previously seen in the UK and old favourites, including the return of our much-loved Tweedy. https://giffordscircus.com/
New Tours, Trails & Experiences
New Public Art Trail, https://www.visitcheltenham.com/things-to-do/tours-and-trails/art-trail
Cheltenham has a fantastic collection of public art. Much of this is in the town’s many parks, but other pieces are more tucked away. Visit statues of local heroes such as Gustav Holst, Brian Jones and Edward Wilson. Discover work by internationally acclaimed artists such as Barbara Hepworth, Sophie Ryder and Neville Gabie, as well as community led art projects. There are fountains, mosaics, lamps and clocks.
Explore new artworks and find out more about those you already know. You can also pick up a free illustrated map of public art in and around the town centre with suggested trails or download a copy here - www.visitcheltenham.com/dbimgs/Cheltenham%20Public%20Art%20Trail%20Map%2019_07.pdf
New Mountain bike cycle route in the Cotswolds – Cotswold Riders Way
There is now a brand-new c. 300km circular Cotswold Riders’ Way right around the Cotswolds, taking in top scenic landscapes, villages and towns. The new route has been developed by Tim Porter of Cotswold Mountain Bike alongside Simon Smith from Cotswolds National Landscape. You can download the route as a GPX file from https://www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/visiting-and-exploring/cycling-and-riding/off-road-cycling-routes/ .
Lions at Large
In the Summer of 2025, Lions at Large – The Pride of Gloucestershire Trail will be ‘roaring’ onto the streets of Cheltenham and Gloucester!
Over 30 large Lion sculptures will be designed and painted by local artists; celebrating Gloucestershire’s rich history, culture and diversity. They will be joined by our Cub Club – a pride of little Lions lovingly created by local schools and community groups.
Lions at Large | Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals Charity
Looking towards 2026 & beyond
2026:
250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in 2026 Gloucester has links (Button Gwinnet / John Stafford Smith)
Cotswolds Canal project
Work continues to bring the Cotswold Canals to life with the Cotswold Canals Connected, (Phase 1B of the Cotswold Canals restoration project), marking the next exciting phase of canal restoration for the Cotswolds. It will link the Stroudwater Navigation canal with the Gloucester and Sharpness canal at Saul Junction. It will join our communities, towns and villages with the rest of the UK’s canal network, present new business opportunities and create a vibrant tourist destination in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Luxury Holiday Park, Leafield Oxfordshire
A planning application has been submitted for development at Leafield Technical Centre, to comprise of 51 holiday cabins, eight barn-style cabins and two loft houses to be created out of an existing building by holiday accommodation developer Cabu. It hopes to offer first rate hideaway experiences and create a new indoor swimming pool, a spa, outdoor hot tubs, changing rooms, housekeeping rooms, staff rooms, a reception area, a shop, a new bar and restaurant, covered open socialising space, and studio space. If plans are given the go ahead it is hoped to be operational late 2025.
Great Wolf Lodge, Chesterton
This major £200 million investment is taking shape just outside of Bicester with this being the company’s first European resort. In keeping with the company ethos, Great Wolf Lodge will provide a one-of-a-kind family resort experience offering everything under one roof including entertainment, attractions and dining.
Recently opened accommodation in the Cotswolds
Highway, Burford
Highway in Burford High Street now has a new interior similar to Highway's sister pub Bull in the town. The existing 11 bedrooms have been completely refitted without any structural alterations and plastered with a Moroccan lime-based plaster called Tadelakt. There is a 30-seat tapas restaurant which is designed to be cosy and informal and a private dining room for up to 10 people.
www.cotswolds.com/oxfordshire/accommodation/the-highway-inn-p2877863
Manor House Hotel, Moreton in Marsh
Part of the Cotswolds Inns & Hotels family group, this flagship manor house went through a refurbishment programme in 2024 with 15 bedrooms being enhanced. https://www.cotswold-inns-hotels.co.uk/the-manor-house-hotel/
Treedwellers, Cornbury Park Estate near Chipping Norton
Set within the stunning Cornbury estate nestled in ancient woodland surrounded by nature, you will be able to escape the stress of day-to-day life in 7 unique individual tree houses. Recently opened late 2024, the treehouses are ecocentricly planned and organically designed so they respectfully blend into a spectacular living landscape.
Bull, Burford
In 2024 the Old Bull and neighboring property were redeveloped into a luxury boutique hotel with 18 bedrooms. It also has a ten-seat Omakase restaurant where our sushi masters, Nobuyo and Miya, serve an eclectic 14-course menu of the finest fish, meat and vegetables.
Imperial Hotel, Stroud
Refurbishment work started in Spring 23 on the old iconic Imperial Hotel located conveniently next to the railway station in the market town of Stroud & it opened in 2024. Now renamed The Stroud, the hotel has 25 bedrooms including 2 family suites and 4 luxury suites with a restaurant and the Bucknall bar for you to get cosy in.
For more information on what is new in the area, please email [email protected]