Old Swan Minster Mill

There may not be a gym at Old Swan & Minster Mill, but don’t forget your Fitbit. There’s so many activities on offer that you’ll have no trouble burning off the calories from your delicious lunch at the Old Swan!

With 65 acres of wildflower meadows, woodland and its own riverside walk, this place is a rambler’s dream. The hotel provides walking maps so you can head straight out from the grounds and explore the prettiest corners of the Windrush Valley at your own pace. You can also make the most of the hotel’s own outdoor activities, including fishing, boules, croquet, tennis, cycling and yoga.

If you fancy stretching your legs a little further afield, the Cotswolds is packed with scenic trails. Nearby Burford, Witney and the Windrush Valley offer even more opportunities to get your steps up – perfect for anyone who prefers fresh air to the gym!

Cosy Cotswolds escapes should always include bountiful breakfasts, lingering lunches and decadent dining. And at Old Swan & Minster Mill, the food is every bit as fine as all the pampering you’ll be doing in The Garden Spa.

Spa days here often include lunch in The Old Swan, the hotel’s very own 15th‑century inn. With low beams, roaring fires and creaky floorboards aplenty, it makes an atmospheric spot for hearty comfort food after all that unwinding. Don’t miss your chance to play some traditionally English pub games, from shuffleboard to Aunt Sally.

In the mood for a little more decadence? Head to Wildling, the elegant restaurant at Minster Mill for bold flavours and culinary excellence. Created by a talented head chef, you can expect beautifully presented plates, local produce and a relaxed, contemporary feel.

Life’s better by the pool, whether you’re getting in or just lying alongside it! And luckily, there is an 8m plunge pool complete with hydro massage jets, along with a fabulous thermal suite that includes a rock sauna, aroma steam room, ice fountain and tropical rainforest showers. And the even better news? All of our spa packages to Old Swan & Minster Mill include 90 minutes to make the most of all these fabulous facilities, cocooned in the comfort of your complimentary robe.

Tempted to turn your pampering spa day at The Garden Spa into an overnight stay at the Old Swan & Minster Mill? You have plenty of options of where to rest your head – and they’re so quirky and characterful, that no two rooms are alike!

You can stay in the Old Swan, the charming 15th‑century inn with cosy rooms full of character. Or, if you prefer something a bit more sleek and contemporary, the Minster Mill offers Scandi‑style bedrooms overlooking the River Windrush and peaceful gardens.

Whatever room you choose, all come with still and sparkling mineral water, L’Occitane skin care and bath lotions, and luxurious bathrobes and slippers. 

For overnight stays, check-in is at 3pm on your arrival day and you can check out at any time up to 11am on the day of your departure. For spa packages, arrival times vary so do check your booking confirmation.

At the heart of the Old Minster village and with a history going back almost 600 years, the Old Swan & Minster Mill couldn't be more quintessentially English. The Old Swan itself dates to the 15th century, originally serving as a traditional Cotswold inn, while Minster Mill began life as a working mill on the banks of the River Windrush. 

Over the centuries, both buildings have been lovingly restored, blending their original honey‑stone walls, low beams and roaring fires, with all the comforts of a modern country retreat.

Old Swan & Minster Mill is a cluster of honey-stone buildings in the pretty Cotswolds village of Minster Lovell, which is between Witney and Burford. On the banks of the River Windrush and surrounded by 65 acres of gardens, meadows and woodland, it’s like something out of a postcard!

The location is perfect if you love the great outdoors. You can wander straight from the hotel grounds along the River Windrush or explore Minster Lovell village itself. Don’t miss the free‑to‑enter 15th‑century Minster Lovell Hall, one of the most atmospheric ruins in the Cotswolds.

A little further afield, you’ll find Swinbrook, once home to the infamous Mitford sisters. If you’re in the mood for a day trip, Oxford is just 15 miles away for museums, punting and historic colleges, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace is only 11 miles from the hotel.

Old Swan & Minster Mill is owned by Andrew Brownsword Hotels, a privately owned collection of luxury properties across the UK. The group is known for its characterful, design‑led hotels in some of the UK’s most stunning locations, including Gidleigh Park, The Bath Priory, Amberley Castle and Buckland Manor.

While the pool and thermal facilities at The Garden Spa are only for those aged 16 or over, children are welcome in the hotel itself. Garden Rooms interconnect with each other, so two adults and up to three children can stay together. If you’re coming with smaller children, suites have sofabeds while Z beds can be put up in larger rooms.

There’s plenty to keep the youngest family members occupied, all year round! In spring and summer you’ll find nature-inspired games and story trails for amongst the 65 acres of gardens, wildflower meadows and peaceful woodland. This beautiful country retreat also offers picnic hampers to be enjoyed by the river (or in your room if the weather’s not playing ball), marshmallows to toast on the campfire and garden games.

Little ones can eat in Wildling restaurant until 8pm, with last orders being placed by 7pm. As well as the Garden Menu for VILP (very important little people), smaller portions can be enjoyed from any of the regular menus. 

The hotel offers a number of accessibility features, but because the property includes historic buildings, some areas are easier to access than others.

At Minster Mill, several bedrooms are located on the ground floor and have walk-in showers, but access to some of these rooms do include a small number of steps. The Old Swan is a 15th‑century inn, so some spaces have narrow corridors, uneven floors and steps due to the building’s age. 

The Garden Spa at Minster Mill is also accessible, with level access to the treatment rooms and changing facilities. Staff are on hand to assist where needed.

Looking for the paw-fect dog-friendly escape? Waggy tails are welcome at Old Swan & Minster Mill. And, with 65 acres of gardens to sniff around, plus the whole of the picturesque Windrush Valley to explore, they’ll have a great time while they’re here. 

Well-behaved boys and girls can check-in to one of the hotel’s 32 dog-friendly rooms, many of which offer easy access to the riverbank and picturesque garden walks. It costs £25 per dog, per night, and for that they’ll get their own dog bed, water bowl and treat.

Old Swan & Minster Mill doesn’t have its own golf course, but you won’t have to travel far to tee off. Burford Golf Club is just a short drive away and is one of the most welcoming clubs in the Cotswolds. Visitors are welcome on a pay‑and‑play basis, subject to availability.