As the spring and summer evenings get longer and warmer, gather everyone together for a visit to the Cotswolds and a magical night at Giffords Circus.
Bolthole Retreats is the largest independent agency for Cotswold holiday rental properties, with a portfolio of almost 200, and has several stunning houses and rural hideaways dotted along the Giffords Circus tour route, where you can relax in style after an exciting afternoon or evening at the show.
Rose Cottage in Rodborough is beautifully decorated and just a short drive from the circus’ home at Fennells Farm in Stroud. This delightful three-storey Cotswold stone cottage sleeps six and even has a Giffords Circus cookbook in the kitchen so you can whip up a feast inspired by the circus restaurant.
As the wagons head towards Daylesford Organic Farm, pack your bags for Monument Cottage in the nearby village of Churchill. This charming Edwardian holiday cottage sleeps four and has a pretty lavender-lined front garden where you can sit and admire the view with your morning coffee. It is also only a minute’s walk to The Chequers gastropub.
When the circus pitches up at Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, there are 17 delightful holiday properties on the Sudeley Castle Estate where you can spend the night, all just a few minutes’ walk from the big top. They range from beautifully renovated ancient buildings to new cottages crafted from Cotswold stone, including a farmhouse sleeping up to 14 guests – perfect for large family get-togethers. Bolthole Retreats has a further seven holiday properties in the heart of Winchcombe itself.
Next stopover is the romantic park at Blenheim Palace, less than eight miles from Charlbury where you’ll find the exquisite Grade II-listed Merchant House. This spacious six-bedroom holiday home has been refurbished to an exceptionally high standard and has a gorgeous garden where you can dine alfresco and soak up the sunshine.
When the circus opens in Barrington, Hawthorn Cottage in the nearby historic market town of Northleach is an ideal retreat. This modern holiday property sleeps eight and has been showered with top-end finishes and features making it a luxurious home-from-home. There are also several other holiday properties to choose from in the surrounding towns and villages, including Burford.
As the tour continues to Minchinhampton Common, check in to Lake Cottage, a delightful, 19th-century, Grade II listed country holiday home in a beautiful location overlooking a lake, but only a short drive to Nailsworth. This elegant cottage sleeps six in three bedrooms and has many original features, as well as two enchanting outside areas to enjoy a summer barbecue.
With the arrival of September and show dates at Stratton Meadows in Cirencester, settle in at Mayfly Lodge, an immaculately presented New England-style holiday home at Cotswold Water Park, just six miles away. Enjoy an action-packed few days, with circus acrobatics followed by a choice of wonderful activities on site including kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming.
For more inspiring places to stay, please visit www.boltholeretreats.co.uk, call 01242 851208 or email enquiries@boltholeretreats.co.uk
