img
Menu
img
Close

visit | thyme hotel, the cotswolds

18th May 2016
  The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England & Wales, and I had longed to visit for as far back as I could remember. Stone cottages, rolling fields and living off the land, it soundeds like something out of a Novel, but it exists and no where epitomises is more than Thyme. [lem_title]THYME[/lem_title] We arrived on a rather blustery Thursday afternoon to the hustle and bustle of the Thyme Gardeners preening and pruning the stunning flowers and bushes which line every walkway of the hotel. We made our way into the reception to check in, where we were met with a much needed glass of Prosecco and the warmest of greetings from the wonderful girls who look after the main desk at Thyme. We began chatting instantly and I could feel the sense of pride they possessed working for what we would go on to learn, is not only one of the most beautiful hotels in England, but also the most exceptionally well managed. There is the main entrance which houses the cleverly named The Baa where you can enjoy any beverage your heart desires, from a perfectly presented cappuccino to a delicious botanical cocktail, I highly recommend a pot of tea and a snooze on the comfy sofas though personally. Across the Hall you will find the breathtaking Tithe Barn where we enjoyed the most delicious breakfast spread every morning but is also, undoubtedly the most picture perfect Barn for any wedding. I had immediately fallen in love with Thyme. [lem_title]The House[/lem_title] Our room was situated within Thyme House which houses two handfuls of beautifully decorated rooms which can be booked individually or you can actually book the entire house itself, which would be great for family get togethers or if you are like us and planning […]

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA THYME2 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England & Wales, and I had longed to visit for as far back as I could remember. Stone cottages, rolling fields and living off the land, it soundeds like something out of a Novel, but it exists and no where epitomises is more than Thyme.

[lem_title]THYME[/lem_title]

We arrived on a rather blustery Thursday afternoon to the hustle and bustle of the Thyme Gardeners preening and pruning the stunning flowers and bushes which line every walkway of the hotel. We made our way into the reception to check in, where we were met with a much needed glass of Prosecco and the warmest of greetings from the wonderful girls who look after the main desk at Thyme. We began chatting instantly and I could feel the sense of pride they possessed working for what we would go on to learn, is not only one of the most beautiful hotels in England, but also the most exceptionally well managed.

There is the main entrance which houses the cleverly named The Baa where you can enjoy any beverage your heart desires, from a perfectly presented cappuccino to a delicious botanical cocktail, I highly recommend a pot of tea and a snooze on the comfy sofas though personally.

Across the Hall you will find the breathtaking Tithe Barn where we enjoyed the most delicious breakfast spread every morning but is also, undoubtedly the most picture perfect Barn for any wedding. I had immediately fallen in love with Thyme.


OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

THYME5 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[lem_title]The House[/lem_title]

Our room was situated within Thyme House which houses two handfuls of beautifully decorated rooms which can be booked individually or you can actually book the entire house itself, which would be great for family get togethers or if you are like us and planning a Christmas away with the family, this really could be the perfect option.

The moment I arrived in the room I felt at ease, I spent hours lounging and dosing in with window perched on the seat. Endless cups of Lemon balm and ginger tea were consumed and let’s not talk about the home made biscuits. I watched the sun dipping behind clouds and the trees rustling in the wind, it was so incredibly calming and I savoured every moment.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA THYME9[lem_title]The Food[/lem_title]

The food at Thyme has got to be one of its USP’s. Most, if not all of the ingredients used come from the vast kitchen gardens within the grounds or at the very least, are produced locally. We dined most evenings at The Swan next to a roaring fire, filling our bellies, that grumbled from all the exploring, with hearty scotch eggs, succulent burgers and rhubarb deserts, washed down with a glass of white or 5. The Swan truly epitomises that quintessential English coutryside pub but does so in the most incredibly classic and up market way and the food is so outstandingly delicious I often contemplate making the 60 mile trip from our home just for one more bite of that Scotch egg.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA THYME10 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[lem_title]The Grounds[/lem_title]

Personally, the grounds of Thyme were what drew me in, leaving me dreading our last moments there. Surrounded by rolling fields with rivers and Animals, vegetable gardens, stables, Olive gardens and little else it was picturesque to say the least. You felt alone but not in the lonely sense of the word, you are part of the family yet secluded from the stress of the outside world. As the sun beat down on my bare skin I began to truly understand what escape really is.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA THYME14 OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

[lem_title]BAKING AT Thyme[/lem_title]

We ended out visit with an afternoon of baking within the fully functioning kitchen and cookery school situated in Tithe Barn. I was apprehensive, naturally, I think you get like that when you are able to burn any dish you lay eyes on in your own kitchen at home. But the pace was slow and steady, the instructions were easy and yet not insulting. We rolled pastry, piped cream into puffed dough balls and made caramel from scratch which somehow ended up as a cake too beautiful to eat which  again was odd for someone like myself who usually avoid eating their own baking for fear of not making it out alive. But having tasted as I baked, I know it was good but instead we gifted it to family and friends as soon as we arrived home, leaving them with a little piece of our time adventure too.

 

I am itching to return to the peace and quiet of Thyme, looking back over these images makes me realise what a truly special destination that has been created, nurtured and opened up for us to experience and enjoy.

If you experience one place this year, make it Thyme.

 

Related posts

Leave comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Ad Embarking on a journey of timeless treasures, my passion for antiquing began in the warmth of late summer 2019. When I discovered my father’s old boarding school tuck trunk nestled in the attic of their home. Since then, my weekends have unfolded like chapters in a novel, meandering through antiques emporiums and brocantes across the country.

Each trip unveils a tapestry of tales from bygone eras - from weathered pickling jars and vases to opulent French chandeliers and steamer trunks, and with each trip, I was captivated by the hidden secrets and untold histories woven into each artefact.

Introducing ‘Scented Mementos’ - an enchanting limited edition collection by @jomalonelondon Each fragrance, a symphony of memories, encapsulates the essence of cherished moments. Immerse yourself in the zesty allure of Emerald Thyme, or indulge in the spicy nostalgia of Ginger Beer, where notes of ginger, roasted oak, and cinnamon intertwine to evoke memories of British antiques markets.
where every scent is a love letter to the past, a fragrant homage to the beauty of antiquity. #ScentsOfBritain #JoMaloneLondon Paid partnership
Is it chic, is it a wig, who knows.
Ad jeans @reiss 
Blouse @lilysilk 
Shoes @gianvitorossi 
Coat @tods 
Bag @launerlondonofficial 
Fragrance @chantecaille ‘Tiare’
Bobs your uncle.
Ad three piece suit @hollandcooperclothing 
Silk blouse @lilysilk 
Pocket chain @gingiberi.jewelry 
Bag @launerlondonofficial 
Hat custom @viviensheriff 
Fragrance ‘Lily’ @florislondon 
Boots @louboutinworld
Everything feels a little more optimistic as March begins don’t you think?
It’s the start of spring in my book Evergreen shortly followed by the spring equinox so there’s ample time to prepare, nest and refresh. 
The light returns, hello March 🌱
There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad weather attire 💧
A little indulgence from my comfort of my own home thanks to INCREDIBLE @kmp_skin and @freshbeauty Ad 
for the launch of the new Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing dream serum which is a gentle AHA serum with prickly pear flower extract said to boost radiance and it was so lovely to be treated to a first trial to get a very first impression of the serum thanks to KMP and her magic hands. I’ve literally never had a facial like it!
Powered by chloédigital