A Season Made for Slowing Down
Winter in the Cotswolds has a quiet beauty that makes it one of the most rewarding times to visit. Fields sparkle with early frosts, the villages glow under soft light, and the pace of life naturally slows. It is the season for long countryside walks, time spent beside a crackling fire, and the pleasure of a comforting meal at the end of the day.
At Pettifers Hotel in Crudwell, we pride ourselves on creating a place where guests can pause and truly enjoy the season. Family-run and known for its relaxed, welcoming style, Pettifers offers the perfect base for winter escapes. Whether you are looking for a restful weekend before Christmas, a celebratory New Year stay, or a quiet break to start 2026, our doors are open with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel at home.
Winter at Pettifers Hotel
Every stay at Pettifers begins with the essentials of comfort. Our bedrooms are warm and inviting, designed as peaceful retreats after a day outdoors. The hotel’s outsources its restaurant to Sasa’s modern Indian kitchen offering a fabulous selection of Indian and European dishes with “edge” , and our bar is the sort of place where a glass of wine or a winter ale feels just right after exploring the local countryside. Guests travelling with dogs are particularly welcome throughout your stay — our pet-friendly ethos is something we are proud of, and many visitors bring their four-legged companions along to enjoy the same sense of freedom.
Location is another reason guests choose Pettifers. Crudwell sits at the southern edge of the Cotswolds, with Royal Tetbury and ancient Malmesbury just five minutes away and Cirencester fifteen minutes by car. The historic city of Bath, famous for its Christmas Market and Georgian architecture, is under forty minutes away. This makes Pettifers an ideal base for discovering the highlights of the region without the crowds that summer often brings.
Christmas Markets and Seasonal Days Out
For many of our winter guests, Christmas markets are a highlight of their stay. Cirencester’s historic market square fills with carols, craft stalls, and mulled wine from late November, while Malmesbury hosts its late-night shopping evenings, where independent traders line the streets with gifts, food, and festive decorations. A little further afield, Bath’s Christmas Market offers one of the most atmospheric festive experiences in the UK, with over a hundred chalets set against the backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.
After a day exploring, Pettifers is a welcome return. Guests often tell us that the best part of their visit is the feeling of coming “home” — stepping back into a warm and friendly hotel, ready to unwind.
Exploring the Cotswolds in Winter
Even outside of the festive season, the surrounding countryside holds plenty to discover. Westonbirt Arboretum, just fifteen minutes away, is particularly beautiful in winter, its avenues of trees often edged with frost. Cotswold Lakes (Water Park) offers peaceful walking routes around its 140+ great lakes, with the added reward of a host of great pub lunches nearby. History lovers are drawn to Malmesbury Abbey, which has stood since the 12th century and home of the Doomsday Book , and to Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of King Charles III, which hosts guided tours on select dates.
Food and drink also play their part. The village of Crudwell is home to The Potting Shed, an award-winning pub known for its seasonal menus and roaring fire, while the market towns of Tetbury and Cirencester offer everything from fine dining to traditional tea rooms. Add to this the plentiful farmers markets and elegant farm shops that abound locally – it’s a gastro delight.
Mayfield Cottage: Looking Ahead to 2026
Alongside our hotel, we are proud to offer Mayfield Cottage, a traditional Cotswold stone retreat tucked within our grounds. With two superking bedrooms, a feature fire display, and its own private parking & entrance, it is designed for those who prefer the independence of self-catering with the reassurance that the hotel is just next door.
Mayfield Cottage is already fully booked for most of this winter but some dates in December, and full availability opens again from January through May 2026. Many guests choose the cottage for family getaways or longer stays (Dogs welcome too!), enjoying the privacy of their own space while still dipping into the comforts of the hotel.
You can read more about Mayfield Cottage and check future availability on our website.
Plan Your Winter Break
Whether you are drawn by the Christmas markets, the frosty walks, or simply the chance to rest somewhere quiet and welcoming, Pettifers Hotel offers a winter stay that balances comfort with character. Book direct with us to access the best seasonal offers and to secure your preferred dates.
This winter, we invite you to discover a slower pace of life in the Cotswolds — and to let Pettifers be your home while you do it.
Check availability and book your stay here
