The UK escape series: The Cotswolds

The Artist Residence Hotel, Oxford is a special little place in the countryside. I literally think "escape to the country" after spending the most amazing, relaxing weekend there. I was very lucky to be invited along to stay over James' birthday weekend. You know when you just NEED to rest yourself, take some time away from electronic things and get stuck in a good book? Yes, that. From the moment we arrived (and I threw my scotch egg on the floor, by accident, it had been a long day) to leaving two days later, everything was wonderful. The staff are so warm, welcoming and can't do enough for you. We even had a power cut on the last day, so to apologise they sent us off with a bottle of wine and some chocolate- they didn't have to do that, we were more than happy.

The design at the Artist Residence is something to write home about, and here I am, to write to you about it. Originally it was a 16th century farmhouse, then a pub, and now an amazing gem of a hotel tucked away in the most beautiful countryside setting. With cool neon signs, reclaimed wood, open fires and eclectic interiors, it really is such a wonderful place to be.

The food for breakfast is absolutely wonderful, a perfect sized menu with healthy Vs not so healthy options and the coffee is VERY good.

I would say, take a car. It's not difficult to find but it helps so much if you'd like to explore Oxford too.

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham.

We ate here on Saturday night. It was, absolutely beautiful. James and I were shooting glances at each other in disbelief of just how fantastic is was because we couldn't talk for shovelling the food into our mouths. That's a graphic image for you, hey.

I mean, I don't know how to describe how good it was. The interior is very beautiful, and holds a strong alliance to Daylesford, which isn't too far away. The wine, was a wine we had never tried before, and we quickly jotted the name down- it was beautiful, too. We loved this whole experience so much, that we're going back to this exact restaurant in two weeks time….must book!

Gee's, Oxford

A gorgeous greenhouse nook in Oxford centre. It is beautifully designed and the perfect spot for lunch. A little on the pricier side, but still worth it for the experience. Have the baked aubergine!

The other place that I absolutely loved staying at in the Cotswolds was Stable Cottage by Beachspoke. The countryside dream! It's got everything you might need for an escape. Log burner, comfy sofa's, and a gorgeous kitchen to cook something special on a Saturday night. The bedroom ad bathroom were my favourite rooms; done in a cosy but minimal way, boasting original wooden beams throughout.