As you enter Preston on Stour it really is as though time has stood still. Lying in the heart of a conservation area, the village remains beautifully unspoilt, under the gaze of the ancient medieval church of St Mary's where sheep are still used to keep the grass in check and the yew trees date back more than 500 years. Locke's Cottage forms one-third of a pair of black and white timber-framed cottages on the green.
The character and original features of Locke's have been allowed to shine through with old timbers, polished flagstone floors and an open fireplace. However, the clever use of colour and textures ensures this is a beautifully contemporary place to stay. A sumptuous olive-green sofa is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring and there's a smart TV for cosy evenings in. The small but perfectly formed kitchen has everything practical needed for a self-catering stay. A stylish bathroom and a pretty bedroom with a four-poster bed are on the first floor.
The cottage garden overlooking the green is a peaceful spot to relax and watch village life pass you by, and there is parking for one car.
Ground Floor
Living/Dining Room: The focal point of this lovely room is the open fireplace. The contemporary, modern touch enhances the character features of polished stone floors, heritage art and original beams, and the ever-so-slightly wonky floors simply add to the charm. There is ample seating for two with a soft velvet sofa to cosy up on as well as an armchair, and the antique table and chairs are perfect for romantic meals. There is also a Smart TV.
Kitchen: The bespoke and bijou kitchen has been well-fitted to make the most of the space available. Features include an oven with an induction hob, a built-in fridge with a freezer box, a microwave and a boiling water tap for instant hot water.
First Floor
The original wooden staircase to the first floor has been given a new lease of life with a bright and bold makeover and is a vibrant shade of pink.
Romeo & Juliet: Taking centre stage is an indulgent four-poster bed for restful nights. The room is also furnished with a dressing table, walk-in wardrobe space, and an original feature fireplace. It's a romantic hideaway just for two.
Bathroom: The spacious spa-inspired bathroom is beautifully finished with a large walk-in shower, a feature mirror, a basin, and WC.
Outside
There is outside space in the form of a pretty garden which overlooks the green. Relax with your morning coffee at the cute bistro table and chairs. There is one allocated parking space by the garden gate.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is home to this cottage. Warwick Castle and Shakespeare Monument are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Stratford Butterfly Farm and Bancroft Gardens. Mary Arden's Farm and Avon Bank Gardens are also worth visiting.
Phocus on Stratford-Upon-Avon - 5 min drive - 2.7 km
Royal Shakespeare Theatre - 10 min drive - 9.3 km
Shakespeare's Birthplace - 11 min drive - 10.0 km
Warwick Castle - 25 min drive - 24.6 km
Silverstone Circuit - 59 min drive - 69.7 km
Getting around
Stratford-Upon-Avon Station - 12 min drive
Coventry (CVT) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
Dirty Duck - 9 min drive
Royal Shakespeare Company Cafe - 9 min drive
The Bell - 5 min drive
The Vintner - 9 min drive
The Bear Free House & Kitchen - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom?
As of 27 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom on 4 Nov 2026 start from AU$404, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Locke's Cottage - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom located?
Situated in Stratford-upon-Avon, this cottage is 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from The Greenway and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Clopton Bridge. Stratford Butterfly Farm and The Attic Theatre are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Charming Cottage, tranquil location, beautifully appointed and decorated, lovely linen, comfy bed.
We loved our stay at Lockes Cottage it was simply charming. The location was very tranquil and exactly what we were looking for. The furnishing and decor was lovely and super comfy. The linen and towels were gorgeous and bed and pillows super comfy. We slept so well and had a really relaxing time. The log fire was brilliant and we enjoy using the compact but very well equipped kitchen.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
rose w.
7 May 2026
A wonderful cottage
I have just returned from a wonderful stay in the beautiful village of Preston on Stour and couldn’t have asked for a better holiday cottage. The location was superb — peaceful, picturesque and perfectly placed for exploring both Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds.
What really made my stay special was the friendliness of the village community. I was even invited to join in the May Day celebrations, which made me feel incredibly welcome and added such a memorable touch to the holiday.
The local café, set in the old school building, served delicious coffee and excellent food — a real gem. The cottage was also very pet friendly, which made the stay even more relaxing and enjoyable. Another big bonus was the designated parking space, which made everything so easy and stress-free.
A truly relaxing and memorable stay in a stunning village setting. I would absolutely love to return.
rose w.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
22 Nov 2025
A great stay, and fantastic host!
Adele was really helpful sorting a Wi-Fi issue, helping provide extra logs to keep us warm!
Thank you!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Sarah A.
2 Sept 2025
Beautiful cottage in a stunning location
We had the most wonderful stay at Locke’s Cottage, which is bursting with character. Every comfort has been thought of and the setting is beautiful and tranquil.
We would love to return!
Sarah A.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
26 Oct 2025
Comfortable cosy cottage
Locke Cottage is in the perfect location for lovely walks across the Alscot Estate and for visiting Stratford upon Avon. The cottage accommodated 2 people very comfortably for the 5 days of our stay. We enjoyed the wood burner in the evenings which made the downstairs very cosy.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
3 Apr 2025
A historic gem!
We loved our stay in Locke's Cottage. The village was so peaceful but only a short drive from the centre of Stratford, so an ideal location for sightseeing.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Gina L.
18 Mar 2026
A week in Preston on Stour
We enjoyed our stay in this tastefully decorated cottage. The personalised note of welcome was much appreciated.
There were tea bags and coffee provided as well as sugar, also a little bottle milk in the fridge.
Upstairs, the bathroom was super. Plenty of towels and constant hot water..Super shampoo and shower gel.
A very comfortable bed too.
The Starlink Wifi was good..
The galley kitchen is small with not much work surface. Loads of cooking utensils etc but only 4 cups hanging up! Strange!
A few mugs and a tea cosy would be nice to have.
I hope we will visit again as Preston on Stour is such a lovely place.
Preston on Stour is a lovely place and
Gina L.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
7 Oct 2025
What a gem
A very cosy cottage in a pretty & friendly village. Spotlessly clean on our arrival, a beautifully renovated bathroom with luxurious fluffy towels, comfortable bed with crisp clean bedding. Definitely recommend the local cafe for breakfast, the Full English needs to be pre-ordered.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Shari L.
29 July 2025
A delightful cottage with all the modern home comforts
I had a wonderful stay in Locke's Cottage which was beautifully furnished, nestled in a pretty little village just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon and close to many attractions. It was very comfortable with lots of delightful features. Everything needed for a short stay was there. I would definitely stay here again!
Shari L.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Thomas W.
28 May 2025
Lovely cottage, great location
Lovely cottage, lots of character, high spec finish would very happily stay again. Preston on stour is a picturesque village on the edge of the Cotswolds, feels very rural but also only a couple of mins drive to good pub one direction and 5 mins to a big Waitrose and Stratford in the other.
Thomas W.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lisa W.
2 Aug 2025
Gorgeous retreat
Stayed for 4 days, gorgeous property in idyllic setting. Took our small dog who had a lovely time with all the walks in and around the village. Crisp white luxury bedding and fluffy white towels, gorgeous bath products. The property is unique with lots of history it has been refurbished in my opinion to 5 star comfort. Will take away very happy memories of our stay in this little hamlet.
Lisa W.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
20 May 2026
Came away disappointed earlier than expected
We chose this area for a weekend away where we could forget about driving to unwind and relax walking our dog. The cottage was lovely, the village was fantastic for walking. The down side to the cottage was , in the evening it was cold and the electrical heating took a long time to warm up. Could not use the log burner as it states only to be used between October and March. It would also be useful to have a DVD player with the TV
Unfortunately I do not believe the cottage was dog friendly. The Cottage grounds can be accessed by the adjoining cottages but there are no segregating gates to the other cottages and we had to keep my dog on a lead which is not what we wanted which meant we could not sit outside to relax.
We were also disappointed to find out that the local shop shut in the afternoon, they also shut Saturdays midday until Tuesday morning. There are pubs around the location but we would have to use the car to get there but we did not want to drive.
We decided to leave Saturday afternoon as we felt we were not going to be able to relax and unwind as we wanted to. This was a great pity as the Cottage, and village was lovely
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Andrew B.
13 June 2024
2nd visit - nice place and lovely area
Our 2nd visit didn’t disappoint . Lovely house in a gorgeous village and close to all the amenities . Will be back !
Andrew B.
From a partner site
8/10 Good
30 Dec 2025
A pleasant Christmas stay in a 16th century cottage.
A pleasant Christmas stay in a 16th century cottage. It was much appreciated that the cottage had been decorated with two Christmas trees, lights etc. A bottle of champagne in the fridge and a starter pack helped - thank you. Fully accepting the limitations of a listed building good efforts have been made to modernise and provide amenities, ie: Very good WiFi, TV reception, constant hot water - well done.
The kitchen is very small and the freezer compartment in the fridge needs to be defrosted.
Stratford Upon Avon is a very good visit with many varied aspects to it and the Saturday morning Parkrun was well organised and a pleasure to take part in.
This is our first experience of Bolthole Retreats and we will certainly be looking to make another booking.
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Dec 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Locke's Cottage. We’re very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay. With your comments regarding the size of the kitchen, we do have photos, a floorplan, and a 3D tour available on our website for guests to view. Your valuable feedback about the freezer compartment has been shared with the property manager, who will be addressing it as soon as possible. We hope to see you in the Cotswolds again soon.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
4 Sept 2024
Very relaxing
Cottage was lovely, very compact but comfortable and perfect for a couple. Nice walks nearby for our dog and the village was very peaceful. The village shop wasn't open during our visit, but it's a lovely amenity to have a few minutes walk away.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Andrew B.
19 Nov 2023
Lovely short stay
Had a lovely stay at lockes cottage. Everything was done to the best quality and the toiletries and reed dispensers smelt amazing - comfortable bed and great towels. Appreciated the early check in too. Communication was great and welcome gifts were appreciated. Would recommend.
Andrew B.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
juliette sladen
31 Oct 2023
Stunning cottage
Absolutely loved our stay in this beautiful cottage. There has been no expense spared in refurbing this home. The decor and furnishings are beautiful and it was spotlessly clean. Perfect location for visiting Stratford upon Avon and the Cotswolds with plenty of walks on your doorstep. Highly recommend a visit to the Bell Inn in Alderminster for food.
juliette sladen
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Julie T.
9 July 2024
Idyllic cottage
Loved Lockes Cottage! It’s a gorgeous cottage in an idyllic setting. The cottage is so well equipped and beautifully decorated, very comfortable bed & luxurious bedding, excellent shower room . The village is also perfect , lovely walks on doorstep & brilliant cafe. Preston-on-Stour is great base to visit all North Cotswolds has to offer. Highly recommend.
Julie T.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
4 Sept 2024
Very relaxing
Cottage was lovely, very compact but comfortable and perfect for a couple. Nice walks nearby for our dog and the village was very peaceful. The village shop wasn't open during our visit, but it's a lovely amenity to have a few minutes walk away.
Pretty little cottage in an timeless, beautiful location
Really enjoyed our stay - helped by the excellent sunny weather, possible. Preston on Stour is a delightful place, and amazingly less then 10 minutes from Stratford on Avon (where we went to the theatre). Wonderful walks in the Ascot Estate with our dog, amazing 18th century interior to the local church. In the cottage, bathroom and bedroom were spoilingly well appointed. Kitchen is tiny but effective - but you're best off eating at a wonderful Cotswolds pub anyway. We tried one or two excellent recommendations.
Andrew R.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
29 Mar 2024
Beautiful cottage
We had a wonderful stay at Locke Cottage. The village is lovely and the cottage is stunning inside and out, it had everything we could need for our stay. It is very well equipped and beautifully decorated and furnished to the highest standard. We loved the cosy feel and the fire. The garden was also lovely to sit out in and ideal for our pooch. Great communication and early check in was a bonus. The location is perfect near the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon. Would highly recommend!
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
3 Jan 2024
New years stay at Lockes cottage
We LOVED our stay in this beautiful cottage.
Customer service and communication was excellent from booking, and we were treated a bottle of champagne and some wonderful coffee from local roasters on arrival.
The cottage itself has everything you need, and was wonderfully cosy. The fire was perfect.
It’s just a 10 minute drive to Stratford upon Avon, and there are several lovely walks around Preston-on-stour itself.
Hopefully we’ll be back soon!
From a partner site
8/10 Good
alexander h.
2 Oct 2025
Main issue. Heating
With colder nights found heating antiquated and difficult to control.heating in living room inadequate for its size.Why not oil fired central heating. Small things but why no washing up bowl, no mugs .
Wouldn’t recommend in cold weather
alexander h.
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us on your recent stay at Locke's Cottage. We’re sorry to hear that you experienced difficulties with the heating and that you wouldn’t recommend the property. Your valuable feedback has been shared with the property owner and housekeeper. The housekeeper wishes that you had contacted them during your stay, as they would have been very happy to assist you. They have also confirmed that mugs are hanging on the wall in the kitchen and are looking into providing a washing-up bowl. Additionally, the following information is available in the property welcome guide, which you can access after booking and is also available in the property : "The heating is by thermostatic electric wall panel radiators. Switches are on the wall by each panel".
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Jean Luc B.
19 Apr 2024
Lovely cottage in a very quiet and pretty village
Pro’s
Very well furnished and decorated cottage
Welcome book very useful and full of great great information.
We like the location in the small and typical village
Con’s
European plug adaptor for UK would have been appreciated.
Mind your head when passing doors
Washing machine would be a plus
Jean Luc B.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Apr 2024
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your recent stay at Locke's Cottage. We are very glad to hear that you liked the cottage and the location. We have shared your feedback with the owner who has taken this onboard and will look into the points raised.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
3 Apr 2024
Relaxing stay at Locke's Cottage
Just returned from a lovely Easter break at Locke's cottage.
The cottage is absolutely gorgeous and has been upgraded and styled to be so lovely and comfortable. Great sleep in a comfy bed and lovely renovated bathroom with great water pressure considering the age of the cottage!
Also a very well equipped kitchen if you do want to stay in and cook.
The fireplace was lovely and generates an amazing heat so you felt warm and cozy.
It's a quick drive into Stratford-upon-Avon if you want to explore the history of the town and get your Shakespeare on. We actually walked it which took about 1.5 hours if you're keen. Also an easy bike ride. The nearby Bell pub (great food and service) and walks were also lovely.
About the host
Hosted by Bolthole Retreats
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests