Stylish Staycation

Insider Tips

What I love about the countryside is that you can enjoy it any time of the year, whether it’s staying outside during spring and summer and getting cosy by the fire in colder months.

There are two events I have my eyes on for this summer: the Charlbury Beer Festival in June (my husband and I are big beer fans) and the Wilderness Festival in August. Some friends went last year and loved it.

I either go by train, and Google local taxi companies numbers for when we're there, or rent a car in London and drive.

Bring your bike - just put it on the train, and you'll have it to cycle around, it's lovely!

The area is pretty big and there are loads of small villages to explore, but we normally go around Chipping Norton, where Soho Farmhouse and The Wild Rabbit pub are located. The Daylesford Farm is also nearby, all lovely places to visit.

Where to stay

I fell in love with The Wild Rabbit, a pub with rooms that has super cool decor, a great restaurant and outside terrace. It all feels very "secret" and cosy!

Where to eat

For lunch, the restaurant at the Daylesford Farm is not to be missed. It's always packed, so book ahead, and the food is, of course, delicious and fresh, made with all the ingredients they get from the farm.

Soho Farmhouse is my favourite to go for a fun dinner, plus you can have drinks at their own pub.

What to buy

I always come back full of food from Daylesford, and their selection of homeware, clothes and cosmetics is also hard to resist.

For amazing antique furniture and objects, Stow-on-the-Wold has many markets with several dealers, like Durham House and Bagott on Church Street.

What to pack

Hunter Wellies. It's such a countryside thing! A warm coat for the evening - don't be fooled, even on hot summer days it always gets chilly in the evening.

A bathing suit to go on the jacuzzi and spa either at Daylesford or Cowshed at Soho Farmhouse.