These are the best things to do in the Cotswolds

These are the best things to do in the Cotswolds | The Gentleman's Journal

The beginning of the year is always rough on the soul. The darkness seems permanent, the workload is unforgiving, the escape of summer feels like a lifetime away. That’s why, at Gentleman’s Journal, we decided to escape to the Cotswolds – perhaps the most bucolic representation of the glorious English countryside, with its string of medieval villages, beautiful expanses of meadows, and its lovely limestone architecture. Rather importantly, too, is that it’s perfect for long, peaceful drives that clear the cobwebs out of the head. Capturing this journey – the first instalment in our driving series in which we seek out the perfect escape from city life – was videographer and model Toby Watkins, who went for a spin through this rural region behind the wheel of a Polestar 4.

Slick and defined by clean lines so in keeping with Scandi design, the Swedish marque’s electric SUV coupé was an obvious choice for the ride, thanks to its 30-minute charging time; a range of up to 385 miles; and an electrochromic glass roof that allows a seamless blend between outside and in, allowing for a more immersive experience.

A departure on Saturday morning saw Watkins head to Daylesford Farm – a destination known for its organic produce and rustic setting – for a light lunch, before parking up at the nearby Quince Cottage, where the gothic Tudor exterior leads into a warm, down-home fit-out full of stone, wooden beams and cosy nooks. In the afternoon, Watkins explored the local areas in the Polestar 4, travelling through the secluded village of Kingham and the market town Chipping Norton. The Fox at Oddington, a modern British boozer, was the setting for the evening, where steak and confit duck were underpinned by perfect service.

On day two, a quick drive was made to The Club by Bamford, a wellness retreat that takes a holistic approach to health. An obligatory game of Padel Shift was played; a beeline to the 340sq m gym and premium spa was taken; there was a session of high-tech cryotherapy; and a bit of lunchtime refuelling took place while looking over the idyllic club grounds.

Then, following an afternoon putting the Polestar 4 through its paces once again, it was an evening by the fire. “It was very sleek,” says Watkins of the driving experience. “There weren’t any excess dials, keeping everything refined. Seemingly small details, like mirrors tilting as you reverse, made it all effortless. Though the car is relatively big, it has great handling and felt nimble going down narrow country roads. It was just a joy to ride.”

Suffice to say, it was a weekend well spent, with a few smooth miles under the belt courtesy of Polestar, some great food in the belly, a bit of recuperation – and, ultimately, a mind completely clear of the cobwebs.