City Trips

Forget London

It happens in Burford and in this hotel

By

We wanted something different for Christmas, but I don't need to lie under a palm tree on December 25th. I want trees, baubles, ribbons, tea, and crackling fires on street corners. And if I may fantasize a bit further: maybe also a children's choir in a square?

Because our daughters have never been to London and we have been completely and utterly Adelified since August 30th, we were drawn there. I am looking forward to it, but a week in London didn't seem good for the peace and the budget. So we looked further. Inspired by The Holiday, I had to, would, and wanted to go to The Cotswolds. Because even though the cottage of Kate Winslet in the film may not actually exist, it is filled with honey-colored houses that seem to be drawn.

If it's good enough for David and Victoria

I find the Beckhams a delightful taste barometer, so I'm perfectly fine following their path. And they have now traded California – also not exactly a bad place on earth – for The Cotswolds. Their neighbors include J.K. Rowling, Elizabeth Hurley, Kate Moss, Princess Anne, Damian Hirst, Kate Winslet (of course, if anyone belongs there), Stella McCartney, Sir James Dyson (Mr. Vacuum Cleaner and Hair Dryer Guru), and Jamie Dornan (Mr. Fifty Shades). Quite nice company, in short.

You sleep at The Bull

I was advised by my lovely friends from Van Gelder Jewellery, another taste advisor, about hotel The Bull. So I immediately dove onto Booking – I always find it the easiest because you can also cancel for free and they come with all sorts of fun attractions nearby, like a day trip to the University of Oxford – and within three minutes it was arranged. To be really sure, I surfed a bit to Bart’s Boekje, because I always want everything they have for the litmus test. And what did I read there? “Knife to the throat, then The Bull must be one of my top favorites. 1. Dogs welcome. 2. BEAUTIFUL wallpaper everywhere, lovely curtains, beautiful cushions, and mega nice people.”

I will tell you everything about my Cotswolds itinerary, but for now, I would say: skip Burford and book right away The Bull.