You’ve seen the photos. Those honey-colored stone walls, the sweeping views of the Evenlode Valley, and that quintessential English pub vibe that seems almost too curated to be real. But honestly, the Cotswolds is full of "perfect" pubs that turn out to be overpriced tourist traps with soggy chips and cold radiators.
The Feathered Nest Inn Cotswolds is different. It’s located in Nether Westcote, a tiny village that most people blink and miss while they’re rushing toward the more famous (and crowded) spots like Bourton-on-the-Water. This place used to be a malt house. Now, it’s basically the gold standard for what a modern country inn should be. It’s expensive, yeah. It’s a bit out of the way. But if you're looking for that specific mix of fine dining and "I just went for a muddy walk" comfort, this is the spot.
What Most People Get Wrong About Nether Westcote
Most travelers think they need to stay in the "famous" villages to get the real experience. Big mistake. Places like Castle Combe are stunning, but you're sharing the sidewalk with five hundred other people holding selfie sticks. Nether Westcote is quiet. It’s elevated. Because of where the Feathered Nest sits, you get a panoramic view of the Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire border that most other inns just can’t match.
The inn isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a destination for people who actually care about what’s on their plate. We’re talking 3 AA Rosettes. This isn't your standard "bangers and mash" operation, though you can still get a pint of local ale at the bar. The kitchen, recently under the guidance of chefs like Matt Weedon (who has a serious Michelin-starred pedigree), focuses on "modern British" without being pretentious about it.
It’s easy to assume these places are stuffy. You walk in and expect a waiter to scoff at your hiking boots. Nope. The vibe is surprisingly chill. You’ll see locals sitting by the massive open fireplace with their dogs, right next to a couple who clearly drove up from London in a Porsche for a tasting menu. It works because it doesn’t try too hard.
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The Room Situation: Don't Just Pick the Cheapest One
The Feathered Nest Inn Cotswolds has a limited number of rooms, which is why it feels more like a private house than a hotel. They’ve got names like Cuckoo's Den and Pheasant. If you’re going to spend the money, try to snag the Cottage. It’s a separate little building that feels like you’ve actually moved into the Cotswolds for the weekend.
The interiors aren't that "shabby chic" look that’s been overdone for the last decade. It’s more masculine and grounded—think flagstone floors, heavy timber beams, and antique furniture mixed with high-end linens. They use local materials where they can.
- Check the amenities. Most rooms have Nespresso machines and high-end toiletries, but the real draw is the view from the window when you wake up.
- Book ahead. Because there are so few rooms (only four main suites plus the cottage), they sell out months in advance for weekends.
- The Bar. Even if you aren't staying there, the bar is worth a stop. They have a massive selection of gins and whiskeys.
The "Nest" as locals call it, has this way of making you feel like you’re part of a secret club. It’s not flashy from the outside. Just a sturdy stone building that looks like it's been there forever.
Why the Food Actually Matters Here
A lot of hotels claim to have "award-winning dining," but it’s often just marketing fluff. At the Feathered Nest, the food is the main event. They have a kitchen garden where they grow a decent chunk of their own produce. When they say the lamb is local, they usually mean it came from the field you can see from the terrace.
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You have choices. You can do the casual bar menu if you just want a burger or some sourdough. Or you can go all-in on the tasting menu in the dining room.
The wine cellar is another story entirely. It’s extensive. Like, "300+ bins" extensive. They’ve won awards from Wine Spectator for a reason. If you’re a wine person, don't just order the house red. Ask to see the full list. It’s one of the few places in the Cotswolds where you can find rare vintages that haven't been marked up to insane levels.
Practical Stuff You Need to Know
Getting there isn't exactly a straight shot. You’re going to want a car. If you try to rely on public transport, you’re going to spend your whole weekend waiting for infrequent buses or expensive taxis from Kingham station.
- Parking: They have a decent-sized lot, but it fills up fast during Sunday lunch.
- Dogs: They are very dog-friendly in the bar and certain rooms, which is a massive plus if you're traveling with a furry companion.
- Walking: There are several public footpaths that start right near the inn. Ask the staff for a map; they usually have printed routes that take you through the fields toward Church Westcote.
One thing people often overlook: the terrace. In the summer, it is arguably the best place in the entire Cotswolds to have a drink. It faces west, so you get the full sunset over the valley. It’s quiet. No traffic noise. Just the sound of wood pigeons and the occasional tractor.
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The Cost Reality Check
Let’s be real. This isn't a budget stay. You’re looking at a significant spend for a night's stay plus dinner. Is it twice as good as a standard B&B in Stow-on-the-Wold? Probably. The level of service and the quality of the food justify the price tag, but only if you actually value those things. If you just want a bed to crash in after a long day of driving, you might feel like you're overpaying.
The Feathered Nest Inn Cotswolds is for the "slow travel" crowd. It’s for people who want to park the car on Friday, eat incredible food, walk five miles on Saturday morning, and not see a single chain store for 48 hours.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
If you're planning a visit, don't just book a Saturday night. Try a Sunday stay. The Sunday roast is legendary, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed once the Saturday night rush heads back to the city. Plus, you can often find better rates for mid-week stays if your schedule is flexible.
Check the local event calendar before you go. The Cotswolds gets weirdly busy during things like the Cheltenham Festival or the Big Feastival (which is held at Alex James's farm nearby). If those are happening, the Feathered Nest will be packed, and the roads will be a nightmare.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Secure your table first: Even if you haven't booked a room yet, if you’re planning to eat there, book your table. The dining room fills up faster than the guest rooms, especially for dinner service.
- Map your walk: Download the AllTrails app or grab an OS map of the Evenlode Valley. The circular walk from Nether Westcote to Idbury and back is about 4 miles and gives you the best perspective of the landscape.
- Pack for the weather: The "Cotswold climb" is real—it gets windy on the ridges. Bring a genuine waterproof jacket and proper boots if you plan on leaving the terrace.
- Check the Kingham Train Schedule: If you are coming from London (Paddington), the train to Kingham takes about 90 minutes. Pre-book a taxi from the station to the Inn (it’s a 10-minute drive) because there are rarely cabs just waiting there.