Apsley Villa

The owners run the place with genuine hospitality, and you'll start each morning with a proper breakfast before heading out to explore.

Stratton itself has that calm village feel, but you're brilliantly positioned for getting into Cirencester whenever you fancy it—just a short walk or drive takes you there. Cirencester has real substance to it and acts as a proper hub for the Cotswolds. The Corinium Museum is excellent if you want to understand the town's Roman past, and the Abbey Grounds make for a pleasant wander. You'll find good independent shops too, along with decent cafes and restaurants for lunch or dinner.

Beyond the town, you're surrounded by the wider Cotswolds landscape, which means proper walking country is on your doorstep. The rolling hills are genuinely rewarding for a day out, and nearby villages all have that characteristic honey-coloured stone that makes the region distinctive. Staying here gives you the best of both worlds—you've got the conveniences and cultural attractions of a real town, but you can easily slip out into the quieter countryside whenever you want that peaceful reset. It's a sensible base if you want to explore this part of the Cotswolds properly without feeling too remote.