Braden and I traded Texas for ten days in England during the holiday season, splitting our time between London and the Cotswolds. It was a trip we’d been looking forward to for quite some time, and we spent our days exploring London’s neighborhoods, visiting Christmas markets, and wandering through the picturesque villages of the English countryside.

From where we stayed to our favorite restaurants and villages, I’m sharing the highlights of our trip, along with a few recommendations for planning your own visit.

🇬🇧 LONDON

WHERE TO STAY

We kicked things off in London, spending three nights at The Lanesborough (dare I say, my favorite hotel we’ve ever stayed at!). Between the impeccable butler service, beautifully designed rooms, and attention to detail, the entire experience felt like stepping into Bridgerton, but with a modern twist. I already want to go back!

WHERE TO EAT

Circolo Popolare: We had dinner at this Italian restaurant, and while the food was great, the interior was the real star: dripping with twinkle lights and bottles lining the walls from floor to ceiling. Definitely worth a visit!

Afternoon Tea at Sketch: One of London’s most recognizable afternoon tea experiences, known for its aesthetic interiors and creative presentation. A fun alternative to a more traditional afternoon tea, with photo opportunities everywhere. Be sure to check out their iconic egg-shaped restrooms while you’re there.

Borough Market: One of our favorite stops in London! This bustling food market has everything from fresh pastries and artisan cheeses to street food from around the world. Come hungry and leave plenty of time to explore the stalls.

HIDE: We spent our last evening in London at HIDE, a modern European restaurant in Mayfair. The menu is elevated without feeling overly formal, and the atmosphere makes it a great choice for a date night or special occasion.

Gordon’s Wine Bar: One of London’s oldest wine bars, known for its candlelit, cave-like interior and historic atmosphere. A great spot to enjoy a glass of wine and a cheese board before dinner.

Dishoom: This popular Bombay-inspired Indian restaurant came highly recommended, but we didn’t make it there during our stay. It’s at the top of our list for our next visit!

MUST-SEE NEIGHBORHOODS

We did our fair share of wandering during our time in London, but a few neighborhoods stood out:

Notting Hill: The kind of neighborhood that makes you start Googling long-term rentals. Pastel houses, tucked-away shops, and streets that somehow feel cinematic and real all at once. Great vintage shopping and quaint cafes!

Marylebone: Easily one of our favorite areas to explore. Chiltern Street is a must for its independent boutiques, and we loved spending the afternoon popping into shops, grabbing coffee, and strolling through nearby Regent’s Park.

Soho, Covent Garden & Mayfair: Each has its own personality, but all three are perfect for shopping, people-watching, and soaking up London’s festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season.

Paddington & Fitzrovia: Two more laid-back areas worth exploring, particularly if you’re looking to escape some of the busier shopping districts. Paddington is also conveniently located near Hyde Park.

THINGS TO SEE & DO

+ Buckingham Palace
+ Big Ben
+ The London Eye
+ Tower Bridge
+ Christmas lights along Regent Street & Oxford Street
+ Christmas decorations and vendors at Apple Market at Covent Garden
+ Shopping at Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, and Liberty London
+ The Notting Hill Bookshop

🏡 THE COTSWOLDS

WHERE TO STAY

After three nights in London, we drove to the Cotswolds for a week in the English countryside. We stayed at Four Hundred Summers through Unique Homestays, a restored stone cottage in Bibury that I still dream about to this day. Between the fireplaces, countryside views, and space to unwind after exploring the villages, it was everything we wanted for a December stay. It was very much giving Cameron Diaz and Jude Law in The Holiday.

WHERE TO EAT

THE PIG in Barnsley: A cozy countryside setting with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Definitely worth making a dinner reservation if you’re in the area.

Daylesford Organic: A must-stop! Part café, part farm shop, part aesthetic heaven. We had lunch here, browsed the market, and left with armfuls of beautifully packaged pantry items we absolutely didn’t need but couldn’t resist.

The Bell: A traditional English pub in Stow-on-the-Wold. We popped in for a quick bite and tried our first ever Scotch egg, which was divine!

Fox in the Hole Pub: A casual, cozy spot to stop in for a drink. We managed to snag a table right beside the fireplace, which made for one of my favorite evenings of the trip.

The Bear Inn: A traditional English pub in Cirencester that was especially festive during the holidays. A great spot to stop in for a drink or casual bite between exploring the town and browsing the shops.

The Porch House: A historic inn and hotel in Stow-on-the-Wold that’s become a favorite on social media for its character-filled interiors. Even if you’re not hungry or thirsty, plan to take a peek inside!

Cozy Nights In: One of our favorite parts of staying in the Cotswolds was having a few evenings with absolutely no plans. We picked up homemade pot pies and everything we needed for charcuterie boards from local food markets, then spent a couple of nights cozied up by the fire at our cottage, watching movies or reading.

FAVORITE VILLAGES

Bibury: Our home base. Arlington Row is postcard-perfect and one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds for good reason.

Broadway: One of our favorite villages! Slightly larger than some of the others, with great antique shops, independent boutiques, and plenty of pubs to pop into.

Cirencester: A bit more lively, with lots of shops and cafés to explore. During our visit, a local band was playing Christmas carols beside the food market, which made it feel especially festive.

Stow-on-the-Wold: A quintessential Cotswolds village with a nice mix of independent shops, cafés, and traditional pubs.

Bourton-on-the-Water: Known for its picturesque bridges and the River Windrush running through the village. One of the more recognizable stops in the Cotswolds.

Barnsley: Small and scenic, with THE PIG making it a worthwhile stop for dinner.

NOTES FOR YOUR STAY

Rent a car: The villages are spread out, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Mentally prepare to drive on the opposite side of the road: Braden handled it like a champ, but it definitely takes a few deep breaths and some getting used to. Roundabouts are everywhere.

Give yourself plenty of time: We spent seven nights in the Cotswolds and still didn’t make it to all the villages on our list! They’re more spread out than you might expect, and it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring just one. I’d recommend staying at least four nights, if your schedule allows, so you can enjoy the area without feeling rushed.

Take a day trip to Oxford: We spent a day exploring this historic university city, known for its beautiful architecture, shops, and centuries-old colleges. It’s an easy drive from the Cotswolds and well worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time!

FINAL THOUGHTS

London and the Cotswolds were such a great combination for a December getaway! We loved spending a few days in the city before slowing things down in the countryside, and visiting during the holiday season made the experience even more memorable.

Looking back, it’s easily one of our favorite trips together. If you’re planning a winter visit to England, I couldn’t recommend this itinerary more!