Sudeley Castle Cottages

Charles I cottage has plenty of character and a bright, spacious kitchen and living room. It’s also in a great spot near Winchcombe high street. Still, it’s a long way from luxurious for almost £200 a night. The walls and skirting boards were scuffed and stained, the window panes had cobwebs, and the furniture was basic. The two upstairs bedrooms are tiny, and the beds are short. At 6'3", I had to lie diagonally to fit, with my feet otherwise pressing against the wooden lip at the end. There wasn’t room for my wife beside me, so she had to sleep in the other room.

Staying in one of Sudeley Castle’s cottages feels like going back in time while still having modern comforts. Some of these charming homes have stood for centuries, yet offer cosy accommodation that keeps its historic character. They’re set around the picturesque grounds, so you can wake up in the peaceful Cotswolds countryside with the castle just a short distance away. It’s a special way to experience the atmosphere of Sudeley Castle up close.

We spent the Easter long weekend here, and it was exactly the kind of place we wanted. All four of us were very comfortable, and it was peaceful and quiet, with parking on site. The castle is just the right distance away, and dining and pubs are only two minutes away.

We stayed at St Kenelm in 2017 with our two children, and it was one of our favourite stops while touring the UK. The setting is beautiful, it was great value, and the village is an easy walk away. We went in the middle of winter, when the castle gardens were closed, but we still enjoyed the whole place.