At the heart of the Cotswolds idyllic village of Minster Lovell lies The Old Swan and Minster Mill.
The Hotel is divided into two properties: The Old Swan, dating back to the 15th Century and Minster Mill, a newer property that was built around the 70s. As with all new buildings in the Cotswolds, the Minster Mill is designed and built to fit in with the villages’ old-worldly charm. We were fortunate to be staying in the Old Swan (a regular of Churchill’s, we were informed). Complete with low beamed ceilings, log fires, and wonky floors, this is a charming and cosy retreat. The rooms sit above the bar / restaurant and lounge. Whilst they aren’t the most luxurious or spacious and the bathrooms could do with a touch of modernisation, they are undeniably charming and it was the warm and thoughtful touches that really made our stay so special – hot water bottles on the bed, sloe gin upon arrival, and the kind and welcoming staff.
Over in the Minster Mill, the rooms are far more modern and have a touch of a beach hut feel to them. Whilst they are lacking the history and atmosphere of the Old Swan rooms, they do have perks of their own, including terraces with fire pits overlooking the river – the perfect spot to bundle up with a warming glass of red. The restaurant is located in the Old Swan and whilst it has the atmosphere of a country pub the food is far from your average pub food. Locally sourced fresh ingredients give character to a traditionally British menu. But perhaps what makes The Old Swan and Minster Mill so special is the setting. Surrounded on one side by woods and the meadows of the weeping willow-lined River Windrush, and on the other by the lovely little Cotswolds village of Minster Lovell.
There is also no shortage of activities at the hotel including fishing, croquet, a games room, badminton, and tennis. They are also in the process of building a luxurious spa complete with sauna, hydrotherapy pool, and several treatment rooms; currently there is just one treatment room with an extensive range of Yon-ka facials and body treatments. Should you be able to tear yourself away from the hotel there are a multitude of attractions in the area, from the ruins of Old Minster Lovell Hall to Blenheim Palace. With many country retreat hotels one night can be sufficient – not here. You will need at least a whole weekend to explore the hotel, grounds village, and neighbour attractions.
Whilst it is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway it is hard to imagine a more child friendly spot. From the hotel’s extensive activities to its relaxed, homely atmosphere, children are most certainly catered for (little ones will also love the hotel’s geese and guinea pigs).
Need to know
Number of rooms: 60
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 12noon
Facilities: Spa (just a treatment room at the moment), Tennis Courts, Badminton, Fishing, Games Room. Restaurant & bar (Chef Darren Salmon fronts a really accomplished team in the kitchen);
How To Get There: A straightforward two-hour drive from London and a number of other major UK cities. The nearest train station is Charlbury which is 7 miles away or Oxford station is 15 miles from the Old Swan & Minster Mill. Taxis are available at the station.
Rates: £145-£195 (Minster Mill) and £165-£325 (Old Swan).