Summer is a season of abundance: strawberry plants are laden with juicy offerings, heritage tomatoes are ripening in our market garden and the scent of English roses wafts over walled gardens. At Daylesford, this bounty is celebrated through the dishes coming from our kitchens. Our chefs are guided by what is ripening in the soil — from the first broad beans and sweet summer leaves to sun-warmed soft fruits, fragrant herbs and edible flowers.

Whether you’re joining us for a weekend or settling in for longer, summer in the Cotswolds offers the perfect opportunity to explore the countryside and its attractions, to eat well and to reconnect with nature. Here, we share our guide to the best of the season.

TASTE

Let your summer begin with flavour: this is a region where provenance matters and menus move with the seasons. Just a short drive away, The Pig at Barnsley brings its kitchen garden ethos to the area, combining local ingredients with rustic elegance. For something spirited and a little unexpected, The Farmer’s Dog – Jeremy Clarkson’s latest venture – offers a laid-back lunch full of character.

Closer to home, our own pubs are perfect stops for leisurely dining. Take a sun-drenched seat on the terrace at The Wild Rabbit, relax amid rambling borders in the sunny garden at The Bell or The Three Horseshoes, or find shade beneath the parasols to enjoy a seasonal cocktail at The Fox.

EXPERIENCE

There is no shortage of vibrant events to mark your Cotswold stay. Wilderness Festival unfolds within the natural beauty of Cornbury Park, blending live music, theatre, talks and wellbeing against a backdrop of lakes and ancient woodland. The Big Feastival offers a lively fusion of top chefs, live music from world-renowned artists and a vast programme of activities to keep younger festival-goers entertained.

SEE

Step back in time and take a guided tour of Sudeley Castle or walk in the footsteps of royalty with a garden tour of Highgrove, the private home of King Charles III. For something more hands-on, immerse yourself in nature and spend a morning picking your own flowers at Daylesford Farm.

Evenings can be just as memorable. Blenheim Palace, the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill, hosts evening concerts and open-air events that bring new life to its historic grounds, or for a retro twist, drive into Mollie’s for an open-air cinema experience under the stars.

DO

For those wanting to combine rest and relaxation with something a little more energetic, why not try padel at The Club by Bamford – a fast-paced game that’s easy to learn and is as sociable as it is fun. Alternatively, this area is a walker’s paradise. Lace up your hiking boots for some of the challenging trails, or for a more leisurely stroll head discover the area’s charming villages. Try a circular walk from Bourton-on-the-Water, where 18th-century bridges link the banks of the River Windrush, then refresh yourself at one of the plethora of charming tea rooms. Other favourites of ours include walks from Lower Slaughter or the tiny hamlet of Castle Combe. To find a deeper connection to nature, learn where your food comes from with a tour of Daylesford Farm, which offers insight into our sustainable growing practices.

DISCOVER

Interiors enthusiasts can find inspiration with a morning browsing the antique shops in the village of Tetbury, while Station Mill Antiques Centre in Chipping Norton is beloved for its eclectic finds. Garden lovers will find joy in the formal hedging and rare plants amid the Arts and Crafts splendour of Hidcote, or in the timeless elegance of Rousham.

Whichford Pottery is a working pottery and shop set in the hills, where traditional techniques are still used to craft flowerpots by hand, while Bicester Village offers a curated luxury shopping experience, with guest lounges and concierge services available for a more private visit.

Finally, to experience the true rhythm of rural life, visit Stroud Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, widely considered to be one of the best food markets in the country.