To ask where would you stay in Cotswolds with Americans?

[AKAanothername]

Friends visiting from the States in July, thinking about staying in Bourton-on-the-Water for one night, any hotel/better Cotswold recommendations?

Broadway is lovely too but there is a lot more to do in Bourton so I think that's a lovely choice.

If you'll look at self catering then look at www.bruern-holiday-cottages.co.uk/ - beautiful cottages in the cotswolds owned by one of the Astor family which have American links and a very interesting history

What sort of things are they into? Any sort of thing in particular they want to see, and where are you travelling to and from before and after?

Broadway is actually a nicer village in my opinion, similar pretty Cotswold stone but doesn’t feel as cramped as Bourton. Also has nicer shops/ cafes, Broadway Tower, and a station for the Gloucestershire Warwickshire steam railway. They would love getting the steam train to Winchcombe and Cheltenham.

Broadway is much better IMO - Bourton on the Water is vile in the summer. If you are the right weeks, you'd be a short drive from the confetti fields at Wick (only open 2 weeks and it depends on how the flowers develop) and the lavender fields at Snowshill

Broadway has the best kids play ground I've seen, if your visitors have kids.

They're ex-pats, very old friends that used to live near us in Hertfordshire, bringing now grown-up child and his girlfriend (proper Californian, never been to UK) will have already spent a week in London before coming to us for a few days. To be honest, we will only have time to go away for one night, we are torn between Cotswolds or Norfolk.

And the walk up to Broadway Tower from the village is fun (a little steep though), and your reward is the lovely cafe at the top.

Oh and yes the adventure playground is brilliant!

How about Bath?

Fosse Manor Hotel has fictional connections with Robert Hannah of 39 Steps fame. Nice location, not far from Stow, Bourton, Morton in Marsh. Sudeley Castle might be of interest, although gardens won’t be at their best.

I like the Lygon Arms Spa in Broadway.

Or Northleach - you could do the This Country tour.

Deffo Broadway rather than Bourton

Sorry just realised you said July. I would opt for Norfolk, Cotswolds are rammed in Summer with overseas tourists.

Nelson, gorgeous churches, stunning beaches, Holkham Hall, Sandringham.

Not the Cotswolds (but close!), but I second Bath. Good transport links both rail and road, especially from London, plenty to do- plenty of tourist stuff as well as typical British bits for a good mix. It does get busy in the summer, but most places do. Also the canal a few minutes walk from town, good mix of stuff if the weather is nice and if it's miserable.

How about Stratford upon Avon ? Could also then visit Warwick castle which is steeped in history m

Look at the Fish Hotel in Broadway. A lovely walk down into Broadway, lovely food, afternoon tea, dog friendly (if that helps) and plenty of nice wine :)

I agree Bath but want to throw Windsor in to the mix...

lots to do-obviously the Castle, Eton charming -you can do a river boat on the Thames, lots of great restaurants and pubs...

The Swan at Bibury? See the row of cottages that's on a British passport, visit the fish farm, the model village and walk around - stopping in Bourton on the way out, and at Broadway for tea (after climbing the tower) on the way home? (Add in visiting Snowshill/the Lavender Farm/Sezincote as interests dictate - I understand the mill in Bibury is now a private house, but that was a fun visit...)

Broadway is pretty and has the good playground and museum, but Bourton has the amazing maze, model Village and Birdland for a day out. If budget allows, I would stay at Dumbleton Hall which has wonderful grounds and very helpful.

I love Broadway, it’s just beautiful and I think USA visitors will enjoy it.

You need to decide on Oxfordshire (David Cameron/Jeremy Clarkson types) or Gloucestershire (a bit more authentic?).

This article might help:
www.cotswoldlife.co.uk/out-about/places/cotswold-villages-10-of-the-prettiest-places-to-visit-1-4307591

Depends what sort of thing they want to see. I’d prefer Stratford or Oxford as more to do there. If they wanted Cotswolds I’d go for one of those hotels near Cheltenham and then drive round the villages - somewhere with a spa like Greenway Cheltenham?

I'd stay at The Slaughters Country Inn!