Oxfordshire Mini Series: Old Swan

On a rainy Friday lunchtime last November, my boyfriend and I drove to the village of Old Minister, part of Minister Lovell, in Oxfordshire. Arriving via a discreet turnoff from the main road, we crossed a tiny bridge over the River Windrush and were greeted by the Old Swan hotel, standing proudly in front of us.

The traditional country inn is built of stunning Cotswold stone. Vines climb the exterior, painting the scene a vibrant green. The doors open into a quintessentially English reception room – complete with crackling fire, chilled music, the smell of incense, and great big armchairs, ready to relax into and soak in the country vibes. It’s inviting, welcoming.

Up a tiny staircase, through a wobbly corridor and into our bedroom – grandly named ‘Churchill’. It honestly amazes me how buildings like this stand the test of time. Despite being so crooked and slanted, they are structurally sound!

Our room: a huge bed with traditional checked pillows and throw, dark beams, a gothic light, statement lamps and classic art.

The bathroom is clean and white. The low ceiling means that if you are anything taller than average, you probably won’t be able to stand – but that adds to the character, right? Unfortunately, our toilet wasn’t working when we arrived, but the team resolved the situation in a quick and professional way.

We had dinner across the road in Minster Mill – part of the same hotel group, but more Scandi in style. Fine dining at it’s finest, the food was divine.

The next morning, we managed a walk through the village before breakfast (we honestly needed to walk off the food from the night before!).

It was a romantic getaway, perfect for those seeking a slower pace and little bit of tranquillity. We’ll certainly be back - trying out the more modern Minster Mill next!