3 days ago
Cotswolds review: Little Tithe, Bourton-on-the-Hill
When you have young kids, holidaying with friends is the most reliable way to have an enjoyable time. The recipe for a good trip includes having other children around to entertain your own offspring, adults to share the parenting with and, crucially, interesting people to speak to as you supervise your millionth trip to the playground (because even when you're on holiday, you will somehow end up in a playground).
Finding the right place to stay with mates and their kids is key. You need to be together, but have enough space so that you're not on top of each other. You want a luxurious environment, but nothing so high-end you're panicking about the kids even breathing in case they break something. Ideally, there will be a big back garden for the little ones to roam in, plus lots of family-friendly activities nearby.
Well, I think I've found the ideal property, and it's Little Tithe in Bourton-on-the-Hill, available to book through Cotswolds Hideaways.
Rooms and facilities
Pulling up outside Little Tithe was like arriving at my fantasy second home in the country – a grand gravel driveway leading up to a heavenly-looking Cotswold stone house, all in immaculate condition. Inside there's a huge kitchen diner where our welcome hamper was waiting on the sizeable kitchen island – we were so grateful for the fresh bread, milk and groceries. The kitchen was better-equipped than my own kitchen at home. There is also a separate lounge with comfy sofas perfect for grown-up hangouts in the evening. Extra marks for a great coffee machine and stash of kids' toys to keep both adults and children happy.
Upstairs there are four bedrooms, three on the middle floor (including an adorable twin room which my daughter loved sharing her friend) and a spectacular high-ceilinged double on the top floor. There are also two bathrooms (one featuring a stunning oval bath) and an en-suite for one of the doubles. The house sleeps up to eight; we were a group of four adults and four kids and had more than enough space.
Highlights
Bi-folding doors open on to a neatly-kept, spacious garden – our kids had the most fantastic time running around spraying each other with the hosepipe; the kind of thing magical childhood memories are made of. There's also a barbecue and an outdoor table and chairs for al fresco dining. You can't beat burgers straight from the BBQ as the early summer sunshine beams down.
What to do nearby
Little Tithe has plenty of classic Cotswolds delights on its doorstep: great pubs (the award-winning The Horse and Groom is within walking distance), beautiful villages (Moreton-in-Marsh, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, to name but a few) and stunning scenery, such as the Batsford Arboretum. Of course, travelling with kids we couldn't miss the nearby Cotswolds Farm Park, which proved to be an excellent day out for our gaggle of under-sixes. They enjoyed stroking chicks, feeding lambs, clambering over the enormous playground and jumping on huge inflatable pillows, while the adults relished the contentment that comes with happy kids.
Best for
A luxurious setting for family gatherings at any time of the year.
Price per night around £333, short breaks from £1,518 and seven-night stays from £2,332. For more information, visit
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