January in the Cotswolds: Crisp Skies, Country Pursuits & Cozy Retreats

January in the Cotswolds has a quiet magic to it. The festive season may have passed, but the charm of winter lingers—frost clings to the hedgerows, smoke curls from chimney tops, and the golden stone villages seem even more enchanting under crisp blue skies. It’s a month of renewal, reflection, and embracing the beauty of the countryside in its most peaceful state. From time-honored traditions to invigorating winter walks and indulgent meals, January in the Cotswolds is a season to savor.

New Year’s Day Hunt: A Timeless Tradition

There’s no better way to welcome the new year than with the New Year’s Day Hunt. The sight of riders in their scarlet jackets, hounds gathered in anticipation, and a crowd of locals and visitors wrapped in wool coats and tweeds is a true spectacle. The air is filled with the sounds of hooves on the ground and the occasional horn call, a scene that feels like stepping into a bygone era. It’s not just about the tradition of the hunt itself, but the community spirit it brings—families gathering, old friends reconnecting, and a shared appreciation for the countryside.

Game Cooking & Dinner at Badminton Estate

One of the highlights of the month was an evening at Badminton Estate, where I attended a game cooking demonstration and dinner in the historic Old Kitchens. Stepping through the estate’s gatehouse, the grandeur of Badminton House was breathtaking, its stone façade bathed in golden light against the winter night sky.

The event, hosted by Badminton Estate Events, was led by the talented Chef Koj. Before dinner, he demonstrated how to prepare pheasant from field to fork, highlighting the respect and skill involved in game cooking.

The meal itself was a celebration of local, seasonal ingredients:

• Starter: Venison koftas (shot locally on the Bathurst Estate) with beetroot purée, mint yogurt, and pomegranate.

• Main: Pheasant (from Badminton Estate) with shiitake pithivier, braised red cabbage, and potato purée.

• Dessert: January rhubarb, blood orange, ginger custard, and cream.

It was an evening that perfectly captured the essence of the Cotswolds in winter—warmth, tradition, and an appreciation for fine food sourced from the land.

Winter Walks at Lydiard House

There’s something invigorating about a crisp January morning spent outdoors, and Lydiard House provides the perfect backdrop for a winter walk. The grand Palladian house, surrounded by frost-tipped parkland, is a beautiful place to wander. The air is sharp and fresh, the sky a brilliant blue, and the crunch of frozen leaves underfoot adds to the sensory experience.

The landscape here feels untouched by time—gnarled oak trees stand tall, their bare branches etched against the sky, while the lake reflects the soft winter light. It’s a place to breathe deeply, clear the mind, and appreciate the quiet beauty of January in the countryside.

An Afternoon of Browsing & Lunch at RH England

No trip through the Cotswolds in January is complete without an afternoon of slow browsing and good food. A visit to RH England, set within the grand Aynho Park estate, is always a treat. The space is a stunning blend of history and design, with beautifully curated interiors that make you want to take every piece home. The grandeur of the building itself, with its high ceilings and expansive rooms, is worth the visit alone.

After admiring the craftsmanship and interiors, I stopped at Quince & Clover for lunch—a charming café known for its freshly prepared seasonal food. Their salads are always exceptional, full of vibrant winter ingredients, and their selection of homemade cakes is impossible to resist. Sitting by the window, watching the soft January light cast long shadows over the village, there’s a certain tranquility in embracing the slower pace of the season.

The Cotswolds in January: A Time to Reflect & Recharge

While December is filled with festive hustle and bustle, January in the Cotswolds offers a different kind of magic. It’s a time for bracing countryside walks, cozy fireside evenings, and indulging in seasonal flavors. There’s a sense of renewal in the air—new beginnings, fresh frost underfoot, and the first hints of snowdrops pushing through the frozen earth.

Whether it’s watching the New Year’s Day Hunt, experiencing a game cooking masterclass at Badminton, taking a leisurely walk at Lydiard House, or savoring an afternoon of good food and design at RH England, January in the Cotswolds is a month to embrace the stillness, tradition, and beauty of rural England at its finest.