What to Wear in the Cotswolds in January

Victoria, owner of Cotswold Teacup Tours
Jan 20
3 min read

Knowing what to wear in the Cotswolds in January can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help you with your packing.

January is one of my favourite times of year. It’s quiet and calm with no crowds, no fuss, just villages, countryside and winter light.

If you’re visiting or joining one of my tours in January, what you wear really does affect how much you enjoy the day. We’re outdoors for much of it, walking village streets and country paths, with warming stops along the way.

Here’s how I dress for it — and what I always suggest to guests.

Layers That Actually Work

January days often move between walking outdoors and sitting indoors — tearooms, pubs, historic buildings — so layers really matter.

I usually go with:

A warm base layer, such as a long-sleeved T-shirt or sleeveless vest
A roll-neck knit or jumper (“sweater” to my US friends!) that I can walk in comfortably. A neutral shade is very a Cotswoldy look and will go with all your other clothes.

Woman in white sweater with english afternoon tea

A Proper Coat

If the temperature is above freezing, I’ll then add either my warm red cashmere coat, or — if we’re spending more time in the countryside — a more practical padded jacket.

If the temperature is going to drop below freezing, I take my Holland Cooper Folgate coat along as an extra layer to add on top. If you already have a cosy padded jacket with good layers underneath, you probably won’t need anything additional.

And if you’re on tour with me, I’ll always be checking in to see whether anyone needs a cosy stop — a tearoom, pub, or somewhere warm and dry.

Victoria from Cotswold Teacup Tours wearing her Holland Cooper Folgate Coat

January isn’t extreme, but it is persistent — cold air, damp ground, and the occasional frost.

I always wear a warm, structured coat — something that keeps the chill out when you’re standing still as well as when you’re walking. Country coats, tailored wool styles, or insulated waxed jackets all work well.

Woman in red cashmere coat and holding umbrella

I tend to switch between my cashmere red long coat when I want to feel smart, and my Holland Cooper Folgate coat for rainy or windy days, usually layered over a tweedy blazer.

If you’re familiar with brands like Holland Cooper, you’ll recognise the balance I mean — warm, practical, feminine and nicely cut.

Trousers, Skirts & Everyday Comfort

Most people choose trousers or warm jeans in January. Skirts and dresses (with tights) work beautifully too — as long as you’re warm enough to enjoy the walking.

four people standing beside stream at Upper Slaughter village on a Cotswold Teacup Tour

Footwear I Trust

Footpaths in January can be muddy or slippery, so footwear is the most important decision.

Most of my guests wear trainers (“sneakers” for US readers). That’s absolutely fine — but in January it may mean I avoid taking you off clean, tarmacked footpaths.

Many guests arrive with lovely white trainers, which work well in cities where pavements are clean. In the Cotswolds, though, it’s far more fulfilling to enjoy a proper countryside walk. So I always suggest leaving pristine white trainers back in the city and bringing lightweight walking shoes (“trail shoes” in the US) or waterproof hiking boots instead.

We’re not going anywhere extreme — but I’d hate to see your nicest shoes covered in mud.

If you’re on tour with me, you’re very welcome to bring a spare, clean pair of shoes to change into for lunch if you like to feel a little smarter. We have plenty of space in my van, and I often bring two pairs myself:

One lightweight, smarter pair of low-heeled boots for grip and a touch of elegance
And another pair purely for walking

I wear boots I know well — warm, weather-appropriate, and with good grip. Low heels are fine if they’re stable, but January isn’t the month for anything delicate.