The Double Red Duke: The charming Cotswold hotel that stole my heart
- Maiken Fortes
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
PLUS: You can WIN* my experience in partnership with The Double Red Duke - scroll down for further details.
For someone who has lived in the UK my entire life and flown abroad more times than I can count, I’ll shamelessly admit thatI haven’t explored my own backyard nearly enough. It’s something I keep telling myself I need to change. Growing up in Sussex, I was unknowingly spoilt with coastal walks, rolling countryside, and those dreamy, unobstructed views that people travel miles for. Weekends were spent wandering through woodlands, stumbling upon quaint villages, and browsing farmhouse shops. Life was slower, quieter, and, in hindsight, pretty idyllic.
Then I made the full move to London, swapping country lanes for city streets, where there’s always something happening and never enough time to do it all. As much as I love the energy of London, I do miss those countryside moments. So, after a few hectic weeks apart due to work, my partner and I decided it was time for a mini escape—somewhere without distractions, noise, or the temptation to scroll on our phones. To our luck, the forecast promised an early dose of spring sunshine, which felt like a rare blessing. Every other time we’ve planned a UK getaway, it’s rained. Obviously. So yes, we took this as our sign to go.
Location
The Double Red Duke sits on the edge of the Cotswolds, perfectly placed for exploring nearby gems like Oxford and Lechlade-on-Thames. It’s just under four miles from Kelmscott and a short drive from Bampton, the village best known for its Downton Abbey filming locations. Burford is a breezy 15-minute drive away, while Oxford station and Didcot Parkway are both around 35 minutes by taxi. First Impressions
From the moment you arrive, The Double Red Duke feels like a storybook version of a countryside inn, except with a serious dose of style. The 17th-century building has been beautifully restored, keeping its charmingly crooked exterior intact while adding a layer of contemporary polish. Inside, it’s a masterclass in cosy yet refined interiors, with rich fabrics, deep-hued walls, and antique furnishings that make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old-world retreat with a modern edge.
The communal spaces are a series of intimate, interconnecting rooms. one moment you’re in a snug with a roaring fireplace and bookshelves stacked with well-thumbed novels, the next you’re in the atmospheric tavern-style dining room, where exposed beams and flickering candlelight set the mood. The bar area, tucked under an atrium, seamlessly blends into the heart of the house, while the conservatory-like Garden Room offers a breezy, plant-fringed escape for long, lazy lunches. Splashes of deep reds and greens nod to the inn’s namesake, a local legend known as the Double Red Duke. Everywhere you turn, there’s a sense of history, layered with just the right amount of playful luxury.
Rooms
Stepping into our room, the first word that came to mind was homely. There was nothing over-the-top about the decor, it was just effortlessly stylish, thoughtfully put together, and inviting in a way that made us want to sink straight into bed with a cup of tea and the TV on. We resisted (for now), knowing we had a gloriously sunny day of exploring ahead.
The inn’s signature palette of earthy reds, deep sage greens, and warm brass accents carried through into the room, tying everything together with a rich, cosy feel. The bathroom was just as well considered, featuring a separate shower and a freestanding bathtub, all stocked with 100 Acres toiletries - because no countryside retreat is complete without a long, indulgent soak.
Food & Dining
Food at The Double Red Duke is the kind that makes you want to linger at the table long after you’ve finished eating. The menu leans heavily on open-fire cooking, with smoky, flame-kissed flavours running through everything from succulent cuts of meat to beautifully charred vegetables. Think perfectly seared steaks, wood-roasted seafood, and indulgent sharing plates that feel both hearty and refined.
The Sunday roast is a must, with crispy, golden potatoes, rich gravy, and Yorkshire puddings with just the right amount of puff. Drinks-wise, the cocktail list is playful yet well-crafted, and the wine selection is impressively curated, featuring everything from bold reds to crisp whites. Whether you’re tucked into a leather-clad booth in the dining room or sipping a negroni in the bar, every bite (and sip) feels like a treat.
Final thoughts
As we packed up and reluctantly said goodbye to The Double Red Duke, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t just a one-time visit. There’s something about this place, with the effortlessly warm hospitality, the ridiculously good food, the kind of cosy interiors that make you want to move in that lingers long after you’ve left. It’s the perfect mix of countryside charm and laid-back luxury, the kind of spot that feels like a proper escape without trying too hard. Safe to say, I’ll be back. And if you fancy experiencing it for yourself, keep reading— you might just win a stay.
⭐ Win a stay at the Double Red Duke ⭐
I had the most incredible stay at the Double Red Duke in the Cotswolds, and now you have the chance to experience it too. I’ve teamed up with @doubleredduke & @countrycreaturesuk to give one lucky winner a one-night stay for two, including a dreamy breakfast and a delicious dinner. Here’s how to enter: 1. Follow @doubleredduke, @countrycreaturesuk & @maikenf 2. On the corresponding Instagram post, tag a friend or partner you’d love to bring (each tag = extra entry!) 3. Share the post to your stories & tag us for an extra chance to win The competition runs from April 1st for one week* – good luck! Terms & Conditions apply *The stay at The Double Red Duke is for a maximum of two people. The stay is to be on a Sun - Thurs only excluding public holidays and Christmas, Easter, Valentine's, Mother’s/Father’s Day. The hotel reserves the right to choose the type and size of room, based on availability. Dinner at the hotel will have a spend cap, which will be made clear to the winner before their meal. Breakfast is complimentary. Competition ends 11:59PM GMT 08/042025.
Book your next stay at The Double Red Duke by visiting: countrycreatures.com/double-red-duke
This stay was gently offered by The Double Red Duke. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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