The Cotswolds is a region of South West England known for its outstanding beauty. It covers six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset) and offers plenty to see and do. It’s also easily accessible from London (in fact, it could be worth combining with a trip to the UK capital as an opportunity to see both the country’s urban and rural side). Below are just some of the great reasons to consider a trip to the Cotswolds.
Picturesque villages
Many of the prettiest villages in England can be found in the Cotswolds. Look into historic hotels near Chipping Campden and explore this village’s quaint terraced streets made up of stone buildings dating back to the 14th Century. Bourton-on-the-Water is meanwhile built around the river Winrush and is known for its low bridges and vintage car museum. Then there’s the charming sloping streets of Burford containing many Tudor properties. Consider hiring a car so that you can explore a range of these villages.
Stunning cities
On the edges of the Cotswolds, you’ll also find many fine cities. Oxford is known for its prestigious and historic university and is brimming with stunning buildings dating as far back back as the Anglo-Saxon period. Bath is meanwhile renowned for its distinctive Georgian architecture and preserved ancient Roman baths. Other cities worth visiting around the region include Gloucester, Cirincester and Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll find a range of accommodation options in these cities from short-stay cottage rentals to spa hotels.
Wonderful walks
One of the most popular attractions of the Cotswolds is its countryside walks. There are many scenic hiking trails that can take you through the various villages and rolling hills. Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll or a hiking adventure, there are plenty of picture postcard routes to choose from. This guide details some of the best walks in the Cotswolds to consider while you are there.
Pubs and tearooms
There is no shortage of pubs across the Cotswolds to stop at and enjoy a local pint. Some of these pubs are quite historic such as the Porch House inn (which dates back to 947 AD) and the Eight Bells (which was originally a stonemason’s house in the 14th century). A lot of them are also award-winning gastropubs and are an excellent place to go for lunch. Alternatively, you can visit one of the many tearooms across the Cotswolds for some tea and cakes instead. Popular Cotswolds tearooms include Rixy’s Cotswold Tearoom and the Old Bakery Tea Room.
Castles and cathedrals
The Cotswolds also sports some magnificent castles and cathedrals. There is Sudeley Castle, which dates back to Tudor times and has some beautiful and vast gardens. There is Blenheim Palace, which was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. And there is Gloucester Cathedral, which houses the tomb of Edward II and was used to film parts of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. Other famous historical attractions across the Cotswolds include Broadway Tower, Castle Combe and the Cirincester amphitheatre. Stonehenge is also a stone’s throw away.