We are back in the English countryside today for a bit about another quaint stop. After visiting the charming ‘Harry Potter’ village- I mentioned that we stayed in a hotel that had one of the last available rooms on that busy bank holiday weekend. Sharing a bit about the hotel and our stop in Bradford on Avon today.
Hotel
Fun facts: Our cab driver was familiar with the hotel and gave us all the details and stories as we drove there. It is owned by a famous celebrity chef on t.v. It is decorated very interestingly , eccentrically and is a little creepy in some ways. It is supposedly haunted. Among many other things. But one thing for sure- it is absolutely beautiful as you pull up into the driveway. This is set on land that is dotted with beautiful fruit trees and pathways. There is a restaurant on site (celebrity chef) and dinner and breakfast are both included in the stay.
Rudloe Arms Hotel
We were not familiar with the celebrity chef Marco Pierre White when we checked into the hotel. When we were telling our oldest son about where we were staying that evening and he was familiar with him and sent us a bunch of info about him and the hotel. It is called Rudloe Arms -from the vine covered exterior to the gardens it is stunning. I think my favorite view is the one looking out over the orchard- we were told that is Bath in the distance.
Inside- as I mentioned, the decor is interesting and eccentric. There were a lot of collections of ‘dead’ things, heads, animals, insects, etc. and a lot of beautiful and interesting artwork in the main house. Design is so personal and subjective to your own style and taste-so though it didn’t speak to my style necessarily, I could appreciate some of it and the old historic backdrop was incredible of course.
I will say, the comfy English cottage furniture and chairs were incredible and totally my style. I fell in love with the chair that was in our room and it has me searching everywhere for one like it. I am obsessed. It reminded me of how much I love patterns like floral tickings and checks. I have kind of gone in the quieter direction pattern wise more recently- but that might have to change. We were there just a short time so can’t speak too much on longer stays- but the room was comfortable and had beautiful French doors which we enjoyed.
Our favorite thing? Wandering the incredible property and soaking up all the beauty. After dinner, we wandered out wine in hand to sit in the garden and enjoy the sunset. The burning question from instagram last night was- did we have any ghostly encounters at this supposedly haunted hotel?
Sorry to disappoint but not necessarily. Both my husband and I have had experiences while traveling before and even in our own home many times. But other than the overall energy the hotel had since it was full of history- we didn’t have any experiences with spirits in our room.
Wandering
In the morning, we went out for a walk before breakfast and explored the area locally a little bit.
Bradford On Avon
We called our favorite new taxi driver and he took us out to Bradford on Avon and gave us all the must sees while wandering before grabbing a train ticket to London.
It is quite a charming little town – and these stone buildings were my absolute favorite. I must have taken a dozen photos of them.
We didn’t have as long to explore this village as the others- and we were carting our luggage with us in anticipation of catching the train so it was a bit cumbersome to get around. I mostly took video of everything- which I will be sharing on instagram and TikTok soon.
It is definitely a must stop in my opinion. So much charm and so beautiful with houses nestled into the hillside along the water.
This is apparently an old ‘jail’ of sorts for the town trouble makers who would get tucked in there when they were in trouble.
Have you been to this area before? We definitely felt like we didn’t see as much as we would have liked to- and are planning another trip in the future so would love to know your must see’s.
Tricia says
The Cotswolds IS #1 trip on my bucket LIST! The pictures are always stunning, as is yours.
BTW, would LOVE to hear about your ghostly/spiritual encounters!!! Next month, haunting October, would be perfect to hear about them👻
Mary Ann says
Beautiful pictures. would love to see the chair you mentioned.
Kim Crosbie says
Thank you for sharing. Absolutely beautiful
viviana says
Hola, Gracias por compartir tan hermoso lugar!!
tienes una foto de la silla que te gustó? me encanta tu estilo!
Gracias!!
Karen B. says
I’ve been to London several times, but only once to the Cotswold. I absolutely loved it and would love to go back and spend more time. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your posts on your recent visit. Thank you.
Karen b.