How to Live Like a Local in the Cotswolds
Your Guide to Authentic Warwickshire & Cotswolds Living from Mount Pleasant Barns
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There’s something truly special about escaping to Mount Pleasant Barns, your boutique holiday accommodation near Stratford-upon-Avon, nestled between the rolling hills of Warwickshire and on the edge of The Cotswolds. Here, life slows down — the mornings are quieter, the air is fresher, and every day offers the chance to experience the region like a true local.
Whether you’re a foodie, explorer, or culture lover, here’s how to make the most of your stay and discover the hidden gems only the locals know about - just beyond your door.
Start the Day with a Local Favourite – Corner Cottage Bakery, Kineton
No local morning is complete without a visit to Corner Cottage Bakery in nearby Kineton. This charming artisan bakery is loved throughout the area for its sourdough loaves, croissants, and cakes — all made by hand in small batches. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and the warm smiles of locals picking up their weekend treats.
Grab a loaf (or two), maybe a slice of something sweet, and a takeaway coffee before wandering around Kineton’s historic streets.
Coffee & Conversation at Gilks Café
Just around the corner, Gilks Café is another local treasure — a stylish spot set in a converted garage that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or simply watching the world go by. If you love your cars and bikes, on a weekend you can be sure of seeing some classics getting a run out to Gilks. Their baristas know their coffee, and their homemade cakes pair beautifully with a leisurely morning.
Scenic Walks & a Pub with a View – Castle at Edgehill
For a taste of history and breathtaking views, take a short drive to Castle at Edgehill, a spectacular pub perched on the historic Battle of Edgehill escarpment. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch or a locally brewed ale while looking out over sweeping countryside that once witnessed one of England’s most famous civil war battles. After lunch, stretch your legs with a walk around the escarpment, where the views across Warwickshire are simply unforgettable.
Weekend Wanders & Hidden Treasures
If your visit falls on a weekend, make sure to explore Stratford-upon-Avon’s lively markets. From local produce to handcrafted gifts, it’s a fantastic way to connect with the local community.
Feeling thrifty? Why not spend an afternoon bargain hunting in the many antique and bric-a-brac shops dotted across nearby villages and market towns — you never know what treasures you’ll uncover.
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Get Active
For those who like to keep moving, Walton Hall offers a range of fitness and wellness classes in a stunning country estate setting. Or, if you prefer adventure outdoors, take to the local trails for mountain bike riding — the surrounding countryside offers miles of scenic routes that cater to every level.
Evenings of Culture and Cuisine
As the day winds down, head into Stratford-upon-Avon for an evening of world-class theatre at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). There’s nothing quite like watching a performance where Shakespeare himself once walked the streets.
After the show, enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many local eateries that make this area a haven for food lovers. Favourites include The Fuzzy Duck in Armscote for elegant dining in a beautifully restored inn, or for a delicious Sunday lunch try The Horseshoe in Shipston-on-Stour — a spot definitely best known to locals! (#IYKYK).
Live, Eat, Explore — The Local Way
Staying at Mount Pleasant Barns isn’t just about finding somewhere beautiful to rest your head — it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of local life. From artisan bakeries and countryside walks to fine dining and Shakespearean culture, there’s an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered right on your doorstep.
So, take your time. Breathe it in. Live like a local — and let Warwickshire work its quiet magic on you.
📍 Book your stay today and make Mount Pleasant Barns the heart of your next Cotswold adventure.