It is difficult to picture winter in England without images of well-known movies coming to mind and a favourite of ours here at Sleigh’s is ‘Rosehill Cottage’ from The Holiday. A light dusting of snow on the ground, the smell roasting of chestnuts wafting through the villages, and fairy lights twinkling in the windows. The Cotswolds exude a charm that has become synonymous with the English Countryside, and, in winter, they become the perfect place to cosy up with a cup of hot chocolate. For everyone from a couple looking for a romantic weekend outside of London to a family looking to celebrate the holidays, there are top-notch hotels and activities to fit the bill.
The Icing on the Cake – Festive Frosting with Sprinkles of Cheer
Each fall, millions of viewers tune in around the world for ten weeks to see who will be crowned this years ‘Star Baker’ on the Great British Bake Off. Here at Sleigh’s, we offer you the chance to participate in your own Bake Off: Holiday Edition, with one of the previous contestants of the show putting you through your paces. Put on your apron and face the gingham alter as you make British holiday classics such as mulled wine, mince pies, and a celebratory yule log under the expert tutelage of television baking icons.
A Winter Wonderland at Blenheim Palace
For a day out that combines history, grand houses, and sparking holiday cheer, look no further than the celebrations at Blenheim Palace, family home of the late Sir Winston Churchill. This grand English-Baroque estate, is well worth a visit, and transforms in the winter with a holiday market set up in the Great Court, Christmas trees in the Great Hall, and a dazzling lights show throughout the palace and grounds. For the young ones, they can explore the adventure area, take the miniature train through the grounds, and make their way through the hedgerow maze.
A Holiday Feast
If there is one thing that brings people together, its celebrating good food served in a festive and homely environment. The culinary scene in the Cotswolds provides a wide range of restaurants where you will find everything from the Michelin-recommended traditional pub lunches to high end tasting menus made with daring flavours and techniques. For a more hands on approach, why not spend a day at one of the local cooking schools? After a full day of cooking and exploring the gardens, sit back and tuck in to the fruits of your labour!
