Cotswolds named among Britain's best 'luxury' staycation spots

The Cotswolds has been named as one of the best upmarket staycation destinations in Great Britain by a new study.

The Defender Destinations Index, created by Land Rover, has ranked the Cotswolds third, below the Lake District and the New Forest National Parks.

The index evaluated the volume and quality of amenities against an area's population size to determine the best destinations to enjoy luxury across Great Britain.

The Cotswolds, with a population of 91,125, boasts 12 five-star hotels, 25 Michelin Guide restaurants, two five-star golf clubs, 38 luxury spa and wellness centres, six "excellent" hiking trails and three National Trust locations.

The Lake District in Cumbria, renowned for its mountains, lakes, and its more than 32 highly-rated walks and 23 National Trust locations, came out on top.

With a population of just over 40,000, the National Park offers National Trust locations including Grasmere, Fell Foot and Wray Castle.

The New Forest National Park in Hampshire, another destination offering an array of trails, bagged second spot.

Meanwhile, the Peak District National Park came fourth in the index, with Argyll and Bute in Scotland making up the top five.

Elsewhere on the list were Pembrokeshire, Bath, Cornwall and Aberdeenshire.

Pembrokeshire was the highest ranking Welsh area, with 14 luxury spa and wellness centres and seven five-star hotels.

The full details of the research can be accessed via the Land Rover website.