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Indulge in the Cotswolds: Farm Shops, Markets & Cream Teas
The Cotswolds isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s also a haven for those who appreciate good food, local produce, and the gentle pleasures of a cream tea in the afternoon sun. With a landscape shaped by farming traditions and a community proud of its culinary roots, the region serves up flavours as rich as its views. If you’re staying with The Cotswold Retreats, you’ll be perfectly placed to sample it all—from bustling market stalls to peaceful tearooms nestled in quiet villages.
There’s something special about browsing a farm shop where the food comes straight from the surrounding fields. Local eggs, just-baked bread, soft cheeses and garden-picked fruit fill the shelves, often with a story attached to every item. At shops like Jesse Smith or Upton Smokery, you can find everything you need for a home-cooked meal without ever stepping into a supermarket. And that’s the beauty of staying in a self-catering property from The Cotswold Retreats—you have the space, the kitchen, and the freedom to enjoy food your way.
For a taste of local life, plan a visit to one of the many markets held throughout the Cotswolds. In towns like Cirencester and Stroud, weekly markets bring together local growers, bakers, butchers, and artisans under open skies. There’s an unhurried feel to the experience—sample a chutney here, chat with a cheesemaker there, and perhaps leave with a basket of unexpected finds. Children can enjoy tasting fudge or watching street performers, while adults might discover a new favourite wine or craft gin.
When you’re ready to slow things down, nothing says Cotswolds quite like a proper cream tea. Freshly baked scones, local clotted cream, and strawberry jam served with a pot of tea are as much a ritual here as a refreshment. Many of the best spots are tucked away—small cafés in converted barns, garden terraces behind village shops, or grand hotel lounges open to visitors. Whether you're seated by a roaring fire or under a parasol in a courtyard, the experience is always one to savour. And with no pressure to rush back to a hotel restaurant, guests of The Cotswold Retreats can linger as long as they like.
Evenings are best spent sharing what you’ve gathered during the day. A bottle of locally pressed cider, some farmhouse cheeses, and a punnet of summer berries can turn into a memorable meal when enjoyed around your own table. The comfort and privacy of your retreat turns simple pleasures into something special—no dress code, no reservation, just good food and great company in a space that feels entirely yours.
The Cotswolds is not a place for fast food or hurried meals. It invites you to browse, to taste, and to enjoy the process of eating well. Whether you’re collecting ingredients from a roadside honesty box, trying your first gooseberry jam at a farm gate, or unwrapping a still-warm pie from a paper bag, there’s joy in every bite.
And when you stay with The Cotswold Retreats, that joy becomes part of your stay. With fully equipped kitchens, beautiful indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and peaceful surroundings, you’re free to indulge at your own pace. Eat in, eat out, or take your picnic lakeside. However you choose to dine, the flavours of the Cotswolds are all around you—fresh, honest, and deeply satisfying.