April 2026 ∙ After months of grey skies, drizzle, and seemingly endless winter, April’s Cotswolds Huddle arrived with something rather special… sunshine. Not just a fleeting moment of it either, but the first truly warm and bright day of the year, setting the perfect scene for a Huddle that felt like a real turning point. Could summer really be around the corner in the Cotswolds?
Hosted at the ever-stunning Cowley Manor Experimental, this month’s gathering made the very most of the weather. Conversations spilled out onto the terrace and onto the lawn, drinks were enjoyed in the open air, and many wandered through the beautiful grounds, taking in sweeping views that felt all the more uplifting after such a long stretch of muted days. It was one of those Huddles where everything just clicked, the setting, the people, and the atmosphere combining effortlessly.
∙ COWLEY MANOR EXPERIMENTAL ∙
Set within 55 acres of Grade II listed gardens, lakes, and woodland, Cowley Manor Experimental is a destination that always impresses, but on a day like this, it truly came into its own. The blend of historic architecture and bold, contemporary design gives the manor a distinctive personality, effortlessly stylish yet welcoming, refined yet relaxed.
A particular highlight is the spa, a calm and beautifully designed space that feels worlds away from the everyday. With its striking indoor pool, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens, and a thoughtful menu of treatments, it offers a restorative experience that aligns perfectly with the manor’s wider ethos of laidback luxury. There is a strong focus on wellbeing here, with spaces designed to help guests slow down, switch off, and reconnect.
Read all about our experience at the spa at Cowley Manor Experimental here: The ultimate day of relaxation at Cowley Manor’s C-Side Spa
∙ WELLNESS, BREATH & CONNECTION ∙
Among those attending this month’s Huddle were Phil and Kathy of Tribal Breath, whose work brings a different but deeply valuable dimension to the Cotswolds community. Specialising in breathwork, cold water immersion, and guided wellness experiences, they focus on helping individuals reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and build resilience in both mind and body.
Their approach is grounded yet powerful, creating experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and often transformative. Whether working with individuals, groups, or businesses, they bring a calm, considered energy that resonates strongly with those seeking a more balanced and mindful way of living and working. It was wonderful to have them as part of the Huddle, adding another layer of meaningful connection to the event.
Read all about our experience with Tribal Breath here: The power of breath and ice ∙ A transformative experience with Tribal Breath
∙ ENORMOUS THANK YOU TO RUPERT MARLOW ∙
A big thank you, as ever, to Rupert Marlow of Three Pin Media, who captured the event at Cowley Manor Experimental fabulously. With the sunshine, the terrace, and those relaxed moments, his ability to document the Huddle is one that perfectly reflects the atmosphere and energy.
∙ A HUDDLE TO REMEMBER ∙
This was, quite simply, a fantastic Cotswolds Huddle. Not just because of the beautiful setting or the brilliant turnout, but because of how it felt. After what has been a long stretch of rain and grey skies over the past seven to eight months, being able to gather outdoors, in the sunshine, surrounded by such natural beauty, brought a renewed sense of energy and optimism.
Moments like this are exactly what the Huddle is all about. Connection, community, and those simple, feel-good experiences that remind us why we do what we do. And if April is anything to go by, it is going to be a very good season ahead.
∙ WHAT IS THE COTSWOLDS HUDDLE? ∙
The Cotswolds Huddle has been bringing people and businesses of the Cotswolds together every month since June 2013, and over the years it has become something quite unique within the local business community. Held on the first Tuesday of each month, the Huddle is free to attend, with no booking required, and is built around a simple but powerful idea: genuine connection. There are no speakers, no pitches, and no formal structure. Instead, it is a relaxed, friendly space where conversations happen naturally, relationships are built over time, and people are welcomed exactly as they are. Often described as the friendliest networking event in the Cotswolds, it continues to grow because it prioritises people over process, and connection over convention.