Tucked away in the Cotswold village of Southrop, Thyme is a 150‑acre estate that began life as a cookery school before evolving into a luxury hotel, restaurant and spa. This review covers Thyme’s rooms, dining at the Ox Barn, the Meadow Spa, and practical details such as how to get there — drawing on verified facts from multiple independent sources (Country Life).

Last checked: 2026-06-22

Location: Southrop, Cotswolds, England · Rooms & Suites: 12 · Owner: Caryn Hibbert · Estate: 150-acre historic estate · Dining: Ox Barn restaurant, head chef Charlie Hibbert · Spa: On-site spa and cookery school

Snapshot: Thyme Hotel at a glance

1 Bedrooms

• 31 bedrooms and suites across restored cottages and houses (What Kirsty Did Next)

2 Estate size

• 150 acres of gardens, walking paths and farmland (Country Life)

3 Starting price

• Approx. £400 per night including breakfast (Country Life)

4 Origins

• Cookery school founded in 2007; hotel expanded over the following decade (What Kirsty Did Next)

Feature	Detail
Location	Southrop, Cotswolds, England
Rooms & Suites	31
Owner	Caryn Hibbert
Estate	150‑acre historic estate
Dining	Ox Barn restaurant, head chef Charlie Hibbert
Spa	On‑site Meadow Spa and cookery school
Children policy	No overnight guests under 12
Pool	Spring‑water outdoor pool (closed Oct–Apr)

Where is Thyme Hotel located in the Cotswolds?

Thyme occupies 150 acres in the tiny village of Southrop, Gloucestershire, a scatter of honey‑coloured stone houses that sits near the River Leach (Country Life). It is roughly 10 miles from both Lechlade and Burford, placing it in the eastern Cotswolds. The setting is deliberately secluded: reviewers describe it as “bucolic” and “picture‑postcard” (From the Poolside).

The village of Southrop

Southrop itself has a population of a few hundred and a traditional pub, The Swan, which Thyme also operates. The estate’s entrance is on the village’s main lane, and most rooms are in cottages around a central courtyard rather than in a single block (Pink Peppermint Design).

Proximity to Lechlade and Burford

Lechlade‑on‑Thames, about 5 miles away, offers river walks and a few shops; Burford, 7 miles north, is a popular Cotswold market town with antique dealers and the famous Burford High Street. Guests without a car will find access limited, as public transport is sparse (Pink Peppermint Design).

Who is the owner of Thyme Hotel?

The estate is owned and run by Caryn Hibbert, who started the cookery school in 2007 and gradually transformed the family farm into a hotel, restaurant, spa and cookery school. What Kirsty Did Next explains that the property “describes itself as a ‘village within a village’” — a label born of Hibbert’s personal vision. The hotel remains family‑operated, with Caryn’s son, Charlie Hibbert, serving as head chef.

“Thyme is a luxury Cotswolds hotel that describes itself as a ‘village within a village’.” — What Kirsty Did Next

Caryn Hibbert’s vision

Rather than buying a ready‑made hotel, Hibbert hand‑restored buildings across the acreage, adding a spa and the Ox Barn dining room. The result is a “nature‑led enterprise” (Country Life) where the founder’s taste appears in every fabric, planting scheme and menu.

Family‑run estate

The family involvement extends to the kitchen and the gardens. Charlie Hibbert, the owner’s son, heads the kitchen at Ox Barn, while the estate grows much of its own produce. This family continuity is a hallmark of Thyme’s identity and contributes to the property’s consistent design language.

How many rooms does Thyme Hotel have?

Thyme has 31 bedrooms, though a few older sources mention 30, probably due to room configuration changes. The rooms are spread across several cottages and houses around the main courtyard, giving each its own character (What Kirsty Did Next).

Room types

Accommodation includes classic rooms, suites and cottage suites. Many feature roll‑top baths, stone walls, wooden beams and garden views. Pink Peppermint Design notes that the décor is “nature‑inspired and rustic” — a deliberate contrast to the more formal décor of some Cotswold manor‑house hotels.

Cottage suites

The most spacious options are the cottage suites, which can sleep up to four and include a living area and private garden access. Because the rooms are in separate cottages, guests experience a village‑like privacy that single‑building hotels cannot replicate.

What is the closest train station to Thyme Hotel?

According to travel information, Kemble station, about 10 miles away, is the nearest rail link. The journey from London Paddington to Kemble takes roughly 1 hour 15 minutes. From the station, a taxi ride to Southrop costs around £20–£25. Alternative stations include Swindon (15 miles) and Oxford (30 miles), both offering more frequent services but longer transfer times.

Kemble station

Kemble is a small station on the Swindon–Gloucester line. A pre‑booked taxi is advisable, as the village has no regular bus service to Thyme. Some guests combine a rental car pickup at Swindon or Oxford with their train journey.

Taxi and driving options

Driving is the most straightforward option. The estate is a 90‑minute drive from central London via the M4 and A417. Parking is free on site. Pink Peppermint Design advises that “a car is effectively necessary” for getting around the area.

Thyme Hotel — full specifications

Aspect	Specification
Full name	Thyme
Location	Southrop, Gloucestershire, Cotswolds, England
Estate size	150 acres
Rooms	31 (including suites and cottage suites)
Owner	Caryn Hibbert
Head chef	Charlie Hibbert
Restaurant	Ox Barn (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Other dining	The Swan at Southrop (pub)
Spa	Meadow Spa (open to non‑guests by appointment)
Pool	Spring‑water outdoor pool (Oct–Apr closed)
Children policy	No overnight guests under 12
Nearest station	Kemble (10 mi)
Price range	£400+ per night, including breakfast

Pros and cons of staying at Thyme

Pricing at Thyme

Thyme sits firmly in the luxury band. Standard rooms start at around £400 per night including breakfast, according to Country Life. Cottage suites and the most desirable room types can exceed £600, especially on weekends and during the spring/summer season. The Meadow Spa charges separately; a 60‑minute treatment typically ranges from £80 to £130. Dinner at the Ox Barn is à la carte, with mains around £25–£35. While not the cheapest Cotswolds option, the estate’s all‑in‑one nature (room, garden, spa, cookery school) justifies the premium for those who will use it.

Alternatives to Thyme in the Cotswolds

Hotel	Location	Room count	Price range	Unique feature
Thyme	Southrop	31	£400+	Village‑within‑a‑village layout, cookery school
The Fish Hotel	Farncombe Estate, Broadway	40	£250–£500	Poppy fields, treehouses, family‑friendly
Barnsley House	Barnsley, near Cirencester	18	£300–£600	Famous garden, spa partnership with Bamford
Whatley Manor	Easton Grey, near Malmesbury	23	£500+	Two AA‑Rosette restaurant, larger spa

The Fish Hotel offers more activities for families, while Barnsley House’s garden is a draw for horticulture enthusiasts. Whatley Manor competes on the spa and gourmet dining front but at a higher price point. Thyme’s advantage is its integrated estate‑style experience with a cookery school and a food‑focused pub just across the lane.

For a similar countryside experience, the Wild Thyme and Honey hotel offers a pastoral stay with dog-friendly policies and family rooms.

Frequently asked questions about Thyme

What village is Thyme Hotel located in?

Thyme is located in the village of Southrop, Gloucestershire, in the eastern Cotswolds.

Who is Charlie Hibbert?

Charlie Hibbert is the head chef at Thyme’s Ox Barn restaurant and the son of owner Caryn Hibbert.

What dining options are available at Thyme?

Thyme has two dining venues: the Ox Barn (a converted barn serving breakfast, lunch and dinner) and The Swan at Southrop, a traditional village pub opposite the estate.

Does Thyme Hotel have a spa?

Yes, the Meadow Spa offers treatments and is open to hotel guests and non‑residents by appointment.

Is there a cookery school on site?

Yes, the cookery school that originally started the estate in 2007 still operates, offering classes for guests and day visitors.

What is the check‑in and check‑out time?

Standard check‑in is from 3pm and check‑out by 11am, though early arrivals can use the spa and grounds (subject to availability).

The bottom line: Standard check‑in is from 3pm and check‑out by 11am, though early arrivals can use the spa and grounds (subject to availability).