House

Rosebank Cottage

Location

Ebrington Village and The Cotswolds

Ebrington Village

The village of Ebrington shines like a jewel in a golden crown, its narrow lanes and tiny streets are aglow with beautiful mellow Cotswold stone houses and cottages, as can be seen through the local pub window:

Some of the cottages are quite old and are topped with thick golden thatch, while others hide beneath steep tiles with slender tall chimney's. It is a harmonious picture that engages the eye and takes the mind back to the carefree days before the motor car and only a horse and carriage travelled the quiet lanes.

Just a short distance from Ebrington is the beautiful National Trust property of Hidcote Manor whose Cotswold gardens are said to be the most beautiful gardens of the 20th-century. In 1907, an American officer, Lawrence Johnson, began to transform what was just short of a wilderness into a series of superb gardens. The transformation took 40 years. These gardens are truly magnificent and a must for all garden lovers.

A manor has existed at Ebrington for several centuries, it was owned by the Fortescue family who also had estates in Exmoor. The ancient church of St.Eadburgha shows many monuments to the family including one to Sir John Fortescue in his robes as Lord Chief Justice. Sir John died in 1476. The church is mainly Perpendicular with some Norman work remaining in the north and south doorwars, of its other treasures the church shows a 17th-century canopied pulpit and medieval stained glass windows. It is a church that is worth seeing.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a range of hills in west-central England, sometimes called the "Heart of England". The name Cotswold means "sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides".

The Cotswolds are characterised by attractive small towns and villages, built of the underlying Cotswold stone (a yellow oolitic limestone). In the Middle Ages the wool trade made the Cotswolds prosperous and some of this money was put into the building of churches, leaving the area with a number of large handsome Cotswold stone "wool churches". The area remains affluent, which has encouraged the establishment of many high quality pubs, restaurants and antique shops.

Cotswold towns include Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Norton, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Northleach, Stow-on-the-Wold, Stroud and Winchcombe. The town of Chipping Campden is notable for being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, founded by William Morris at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. William Morris lived occasionally in Broadway Tower, a folly, now part of a country park. Chipping Campden is also known for the annual Cotswold Olimpick Games, a celebration of sports and games dating back to the early 17th century.

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. Whilst the beauty of the Cotswold AONB is intertwined with the villages that seem to almost grow out of the landscape, the Cotswolds were primarily designated as an AONB for the rare limestone grassland habitats as well as the old growth beech woodlands that typify the area. These habitat areas are also the last refuge for many other flora and fauna with some so endangered they are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The uniqueness and value of the Cotswolds is engendered in the fact that five European Special Areas of Conservation, three National Nature Reserves and over 80 Sites of Special Scientific Interest are contained within the Cotswold AONB.

Information on things to do in the Cotswolds is provided in the Activities tab and places to eat and drink are listed in the Food & drink tab.

Food & drink

Food & Drink

The village of Ebrington is ideally located with several excellent pubs and restaurants within close reach of the cottage.

The Ebrington Arms

The Ebrington Arms is an unspoilt 17th century inn that radiates charm and character from its quaint yet stylish decor, open log fires and Cotswold stone walls.

In 2009 the pub was named North Cotswold's 'Pub of the Year' by the Campaign for Real Ale, while its restaurant and AA rosette winning chef, appear in the 2010 Good Food Guide. An example menu is shown below:

The Churchill Arms

The Churchill Arms can be found in the nearby picturesque Cotswold Village of Paxford and offers good locally sourced food from our award winning Head Chef William Guthrie.

Open 7 days a week from 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. Reservations recommended to avoid disappointment!

Chipping Campden (5 mins drive)

Ebrington is only 2.5 miles from the town of Chipping Campden which is home to several excellent restaurants and pubs providing a wide selection of cuisines, international and local.

The Eight Bells

The Eight Bells, Church Street, Chipping Campden, 01386 840371. Recently refurbished 14th century traditional Cotswold Inn offering fully en-suite B&B. Exquisite dining, food available daily, midday and evening. Beautiful terraced garden. Colour TV, tea making in rooms. As recommended by the 2003 Good Pub Guide.

Kings Hotel

The Square, Chipping Campden. 01386 840256. Wine & dine in our relaxed restaurant which overlooks the Square. We have a formal Dining Room, Bar or Brasseries or, if you prefer eat alfresco in summer on the terrace and in gardens. Awarded AA rosette in 2005.

The Howard Arms

Lower Green, Ilmington, Warwickshire CV36 4LT, Tel.01608 682226. Menus are interesting, varied and are changed weekly. Dishes make full use of seasonal produce and are freshly prepared in the gleaming kitchen. An ever growing number of regular diners together with numerous guides are testament to the kitchen team's abilities. The Good Pub Guide have named The Howard Arms as UK Dining Pub of the Year 2005.

Wine lovers are well catered for too. A wide choice of wines are available by the glass as well as an interesting list of personally chosen bottles from around the world.

The Inn & Brasserie Childswickham

Broadway Road Childswickham Worcestershire WR12 7HP. Tel 01386 852461. Situated in the idyllic village of Childswickham near Broadway. Combining the contemporary with the classic, this is a totally unique dining experience. Recently refurbished to exceptional standards, we offer a relaxed bar & stylish Brasserie whilst retaining Traditional Country Elegance. Voted in the ' Top 50 Gastro Establishments' 2005 by The Independant Newspaper.

Hick's Brasserie

Hick's Brasserie, Cotswold House Hotel, The Square, Chipping Campden. Our new-look brasserie-bar, Hicks' has a fun, informal atmosphere where you can enjoy drinks and meals throughout the day.

The Red Lion Inn

The Red Lion Inn, Lower High Street, Chipping Campden. 01386 840760. Cosy overnight accommodation in a traditional 16th Century Cotswold Inn offering fully en-suite B&B. Excellent dining with food available daily, midday and evening, colour TV, tea making in Rooms. Courtyard Bar and ample car parking.

The Bell

The Bell, Willersey, Broadway. 01386 858405. Warren McDivitt 17th Century Inn overlooking the Village Greens and duck pond. Perfect location 1 mile from Broadway, 3 miles from Chipping Campden, an ideal base for touring the Cotswolds. Enjoys a high reputation for food, lunch and dinner. Relax in our brand new bedrooms, situated in our courtyard. All en-suite, colour TV, Hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities.

Activities

Activities

There are numerous tourist activities in and around the Cotswolds and the list below is a small sample to give you a flavour for the wide range of attractions and activities that are available. Further information is available from Tourist Information centres, which are located in the following North Cotswold towns:

• Stow-on-the-Wold
• Bourton-in-the-Water
• Moreton-in-Marsh
• Broadway
• Chipping Campden
• Burford
• Chipping Norton

Historical buildings, stately homes and gardens

• Batsford Arboretum & Wild Garden, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB (www.batsarb.co.uk): Set in 56 acres of natural beauty and once home to the famous Mitford family. Meandering paths wander through glades and alongside streams. A garden of peace and tranquillity for all seasons;
• Berkeley Castle, Berkeley GL13 9BQ (www.berkeley-castle.com): England’s oldest inhabited castle. Over 24 generations of Berkeleys have transformed a savage Norman fortress into a stately home full of treasures. Learn about murder, mystery and plotting, then enjoy the grounds, adjacent Butterfly Farm and church;
• Blenheim Palace, Woodstock OX20 1PX (www.blenheimpalace.com): A World Heritage site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is one of the finest private houses in England. It is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of spectacular Capability Brown parkland and award-winning formal gardens;
• Broadway Tower Country Park, Broadway WR12 7LB (www.broadwaytower.co.uk): A unique Capability Brown Folly Tower open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location. Displays, roof viewing platform, shop and Red Deer Park are a must for Cotswold visits. Broadway Tower is one of England’s outstanding viewpoints and offers unrivalled views over a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 counties;
• Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucester GL1 2LX (www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk): A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral – one of the finest medieval buildings in the country. Here you will discover magnificent stained glass, royal tombs, fan-vaulted medieval cloisters and a rich musical heritage. Admission free but £5 donation requested;
• Hailes Abbey, near Winchcombe GL54 5PB (www.english-heritage.org.uk/hailes): Set in the beautiful western fringe of the Cotswolds surrounded by wooded pasture, the Abbey was one of the main centres of pilgrimage due to a phial said to contain the blood of Christ. The museum displays fine examples of sculpture and decorated tiles;
• Hidcote, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote): Relax and unwind in one of the country's great gardens and experience for yourself the fulfilment of a quiet American's English fantasy. You'll never forget the exquisite garden rooms, each with its own unique character. Discover rare shrubs and trees, herbaceous borders and unusual plants from around the world. The garden changes in harmony with the seasons, from vibrant spring bulbs to autumn's spectacular Red Border. Nestled in the Cotswolds with sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham, a visit to Hidcote is inspirational at any time of year;
• Painswick Rococo Garden, Painswick GL6 6TH (www.rococogarden.org.uk): The garden is situated in a hidden Cotswold valley. Its flamboyant design combines formality and informality and is a magical experience at any time of the year. Charming garden structures nestle next to informal plantings, herbaceous borders and a striking kitchen garden;
• Rodmarton Manor, Cirencester GL7 6PF (www.rodmarton-manor.co.uk): Attractive Arts and Crafts House with original hand made furniture, painted pottery, wall hangings. A large garden of outdoor rooms with many parts including topiary, herbaceous borders and plenty of places to sit;
• Snowshill Manor & Garden, Snowshill WR12 7JU (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshillmanor): Explore the treasures collected by one man with an eye for the unusual. Be intrigued by the story of Charles Wade, be amazed by his huge and varied collection from around the world and relax in the peaceful hillside garden;
• Upton House & Gardens, Near Banbury OX15 6HT (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uptonhouse): Presented in its 1930s heyday, this handsome country mansion contains world-class art collections. Delve into the story of a millionaire’s life, hear stories, play games, relax and read magazines or journals. Wander through the beautiful gardens, with sweeping lawns, terraced borders and a kitchen garden which supplies the restaurant;
• Warwick Castle, Warwick CV34 4QU (www.warwick-castle.com): Britain's greatest mediaeval experience. From a mediaeval household in the Kingmaker exhibition to a Victorian 'Royal Weekend Party'. Kingmaker feasts and Highwayman Suppers most Fridays and Saturdays;
• Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury GL8 8QS (www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt): Spectacular all year round, the Forestry Commission’s National Arboretum contains one of Europe’s finest collections of trees and shrubs. 17 miles of paths to explore, it is a magical place to visit for the whole family. Famous for its beautiful displays of autumn colour, a popular place to visit in spring for the flowering rhododendrons and in the summer for the Festival of the Tree.

Wildlife

• Birdland – Park & Gardens, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN (www.birdland.co.uk): A natural setting of woodland, river and gardens inhabited by over 500 birds; flamingos, pelicans, penguins and cranes in various water habitats. Over 50 aviaries of parrots, hornbills, toucans and many more. Discovery Zone (indoor education area) and Marshmouth Reserve (2.5 acre nature reserve). Take time to wander and relax in this tranquil environment. Plus Penguin Café, picnic areas, play area and gift shop. The only group of King Penguins in England;
• Cotswold Falconry Centre, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB (www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk): Eagles, hawks, kites, owls, vultures and falcons are flown throughout the day giving you a chance to appreciate their speed, grace, agility and their close relationship with the falconer. You can enjoy these wonderful birds and think positively about their conservation;
• Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power GL54 5UG (www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk): As featured on BBC’s Countryfile, this is a rare farm treat for all the family, offering the chance to meet over 50 breeding flocks and herds of farm animals. Seasonal demonstrations, adventure playground, Touch Barn, Fun Barn, Maze Quest and Jumping Pillows. Gift shop and Cotswold Kitchen;
• Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford OX18 4JW (www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk): The Park is set in 160 acres of parkland and is an attraction for all members of the family. There are over 250 species of animals from Leaf-cutting ants to White rhinos; giraffes were a major addition in 2010. You can walk with lemurs in the Madagascar enclosure, ride on the train and be inspired by the beautiful landscaping and seasonal displays throughout the Park;
• Longleat Safari Park, Warminster BA12 7NW (www.longleat.co.uk): As featured on BBC’s Animal Park, Longleat is a “must do” for visitors of all ages! From Safari Park to Safari Boats, Hedge Maze to Adventure Castle and so much more.

Museums

• Corinium Museum, Cirencester GL7 2BX (www.cotswold.gov.uk/go/museum): Discover the ‘Treasures of the Cotswolds’ at the award-winning Corinium Museum. Trace the story of the Cotswolds from pre-history to the 19th century. See what life was like in Corinium, Roman Britain’s second largest town. Come face to face with Anglo-Saxons. Something for all the family. Also home to Cirencester Visitor Information Centre;
• Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BY (www.cotswold-motor-museum.co.uk): Multi award-winning museum for all ages and ideal for families. Home to Brum – star of the children’s TV series. Classic cars. Quizzes, old fashioned toys and hands-on activities;
• Roman Baths, Bath BA1 1LZ (www.romanbaths.co.uk): Around Britain’s only hot springs, the Romans built the finest religious spa in Northern Europe. This great temple and bathing complex still flows with natural hot water and its extensive remains lie beneath the centre of Bath. Brand new displays, costumed characters and free audioguides in 8 languages.

Other attractions

• Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham GL50 4SH (www.cheltenham.co.uk): One of Europe’s top racecourses, hosting the three day Open Meeting and the four day Festival in March. The Centaur is the region’s largest facility for exhibitions, conferences and concerts;
• Clearwell Caves, near Coleford GL16 8JR (www.clearwellcaves.com): An incredible natural cave system tunnelled into by miners for more than 4,000 years in their search for iron ore and ochre pigments. Nine impressive caverns with mining equipment and displays throughout. ‘A great underground experience’ for all the family;
• Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney GL7 5TL (www.waterpark.org): Explore this watery landscape, with loads of lakes, offering watersports, fishing, birdwatching and much, much more. Call in to the Gateway Information Centre to discover where to go and what to do;

• Daylesford Organic Farm, near Kingham GL56 0YG (www.daylesfordorganic.com): The Harrods of farm shops! One of the most sustainable farms in the UK, located in 2,000 acres of beautiful countryside of the English Cotswolds, owned by Sir Anthony and Lady Bamford. Award-winning food in the farm shop and café and a host of things to see and do: farm tours and farm walks, cookery school and organic farm school, and relaxing treatments at the Hay Barn Spa;

• Gloucester Antiques Centre, Gloucester GL1 5SF (www.gacl.co.uk): Gloucester Antiques Centre is one of the largest and longest established antiques centres in the UK. Over 100 specialist antiques dealers offering the widest range of antiques and collectables in the West of England. Enjoy light lunches, homemade cakes and refreshments in the café;
• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, Toddington GL54 5DT (www.gwsr.com): The ‘Friendly Line in the Cotswolds’ offers a scenic 20 mile round trip between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse, including the exciting Greet Tunnel, one of the longest on a preserved railway. Pop along and see the driver in his cab. Break your journey at picturesque Winchcombe station. Special events all year;
• The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AF (www.theoldnewinn.co.uk/village.htm): A model of the actual village built of Cotswold stone to 1/9 scale in 1937. The River Windrush flows under Bourton’s famous bridges. The beeches, cherries and chestnuts are all in miniature. Music in the churches and of course, the model of the model;
• Stratford-upon-Avon: The birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, Stratford is one of the most important tourist destinations in the UK.

Activities

• Walking: Most people who visit the Cotswolds do some walking, even if it is just a stroll to the village pub! The area contains some of England’s most beautiful countryside and there are over 3,000 miles of public footpaths, to enable visitors to fully discover this rich landscape. Long distance trails in, or passing through, the Cotswolds include:

• • The Cotswold Way;
  • The Heart of England Way;
  • The Oxfordshire Way;
  • The Gloucestershire Way;
  • The Wardens' Way and Windrush Way;
  • The Macmillan Way;
  • The Monarchs Way;
  • The Wysis Way.

Further information and maps can be obtained from the local tourist information centres.

• Cycling: The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with quiet country roads and lanes, as well as more challenging mountain biking terrain, making it perfect for all types of cycling. There are a number of places to hire bikes from, including:
  • Hartwell’s Cycle Hire, Bourton-on-the-Water (www.hartwells.supanet.com);
  • Bourton Cycles, Bourton-on-the-Water (www.bourtoncycles.co.uk);
• Golf: There are many golf clubs in and around the North Cotswolds, including:
  • Naunton Downs Golf Club, Naunton (www.nauntondowns.co.uk);
  • The Wychwood Golf Club, Lyneham (www.thewychwood.com);
  • Broadway Golf Club, Broadway (www.broadwaygolfclub.co.uk);
  • Chipping Norton Golf Club, Chipping Norton (www.chippingnortongolfclub.com);
  • Burford Golf Club, Burford (www.burfordgolfclub.co.uk).
• Swimming: Public swimming pools are available at the following leisure centres:
  • Cotswold Leisure – Bourton (www.cotswold.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=172);
  • Cotswold Leisure – Chipping Campden (www.cotswold.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=173);
  • Chipping Norton Leisure Centre (www.nexuscommunity.org/my-nearest-site/west-oxfordshire/chipping-norton-leisure-centre.html);
  • Shipston Leisure Centre (www.everyoneactive.com/Home/OurCentres/Shipston/tabid/630/Default.aspx).
• Horse riding: The Cotswolds has always been associated with horse riding and there are a number of equestrian centres, catering for all ages and levels of experience:
  • Overdale Equestrian Centre, Nether Westcote (www.overdale-equestrian.co.uk);
  • Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre, Bourton-on-the-Water (www.bourtonvaleequestrian.co.uk);
  • Mill Farm Stables, Winchcombe (www.millfarmstables.co.uk);
  • Hall Place Stables, Prestbury (www.passivehorsemanship.com) – specialising in the Western Riding style.
• Climbing: Wild Rock Climbing Centre (www.wildrockclimbing.co.uk).

Map

Map

Guestbook

Guest Feedback

Click logo for Rosebank's Tripadvisor Reviews

Other Guest Comments Prior to Tripadvisor (March 2010-July 2011)

- "Rosebank is a fabulous, cute cottage in a superb village. We stayed in their other property, Hainault House (www.hainault-house.co.uk) last year and I have to say that this place is an amazing addition! Well done - I recommend this to any families or groups of friends! - Barbara & Andrzej, Lodz Poland, Mar 2010

- "First! V glad it was cold enough to use the wonderful wood burner and snug lounge, but dry enough to walk. Enjoyed Dover's Hill for great views and - further afield - Wardens Way, north of the Slaughters. Food at The Ebrington Arms is Excellent - as is the beer!" - John & Sarah Sutcliffe, Essex, March 2010

- "Great spot for the weekend, boys loved the walks! Beautiful countryside and great loctaion." - Chris & Sam, April 2010

- "Had a great time in this picturesque little village of Ebrington. The weather was amazing and walks around the beautiful countryside were very relaxing and enjoyable. Added to a perfect evenings memories at The Ebrington Arms and we had a very fulfilling weekend indeed. See you soon!" - Tom, Peter & Anne Gunn of London, April 2010

- "Delightful stay - we had such a relaxing few days. The cottage had everything & was in the perfect location." - Sophie Phillips, London, May 2010

- "Really nice weekend - well equipped cottage, comfortable beds & sofa, fantastic food & atmospherein the local pub and great walking in the surrounding countryside! We will be back!" - Jules & Emma, East Dulwich, London, May 2010

- "I have nothing but praise, not only for Rosebank Cottage, its location and the professionalism and courtesy shown to me by its owners. I spent the most romantic weekend at Rosebank and it provided the perfect getaway for two people with busy jobs, to just unwind and enjoy the scenery, the cottage and each other." - Ross & Girlfriend, Northampton August 2010

Inventory

Inventory

Rosebank has been equipped to a high standard to ensure your stay is just right. The following facilities and items should be available in the house. Should anything be missing or not working properly, please contact us.