Take a trip through the English countryside to one of the largest green belts the UK has to offer. You don’t get more traditional than in Cotswold.
The delightful country houses, afternoon tea with a view and hilly green pastures that go on and on make up the 5 counties begging to be explored.
Spend your days or weeks doing everything English, from fruit picking to living it up like the royals.
Here are our 17 most charming things to fill your time in the Cotswolds:
Bourton-On-The-Water
Bourton-On-The-Water is the Venice of the Cotswolds, featuring everything from classic low bridges, to traditional houses and even a miniature version of the entire village.
Wind through the quintessential stone houses to reach the Model Village to see Bourton-On-The-Water in one go. Quite literally step into 1930 as you navigate through the fun-sized lanes and gawk at the sheer detail of the structures.
At the Cotswold Motoring Museum, you can learn about an expansive collection of vehicles dating back to the early 1900s. Motorheads will adore this gallery, which is possibly the highlight of the entire village!
Learn all things bird from prehistoric times to modern-day at Birdland. Fun for the kids and the parents, you can even feed the penguins if you plan your visit at the right time.
Stonehenge
The next site to visit requires no introduction.
Extraordinarily, the quaint city of Salisbury is the home of one of the most recognised and visited attractions on Earth. Close to a million people flock to see Stonehenge every year.
It is possible to get close enough to the stones free of charge while hiking; though paying a fee will actually get you inside the mysterious stone circle. We totally recommend that you do this, as the tremendous experience is one for the books.
Everyone has a theory about the purpose of the eminent stone structure. Many believe it is a solar calendar linked to Ancient Egypt, while some say the stones are the remains of a Roman temple.
The truth is that no one knows the real reason they were put there; we will leave you to make your own judgment.
Visit in the morning or evening to witness the spectacularly iconic shadows.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the only building declared a palace in England that isn’t royal. Curious? It is also the birthplace of pivotal English war leader, Sir Winston Churchill.
Though it remains inhabited by the Churchill family today, the 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you into its grounds. For an extra fee, you can explore the gilded palace rooms and learn about Churchill through the interior and memorabilia.
Outside the country home, there is still plenty to grasp your attention.
Notice the Baroque building’s face that has been featured in blockbusters such as Spectre and Mission Impossible. Explore the gardens that contain the tree from Harry Potter and take on one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
Cotswold Way
You can walk the entire length of the Cotswolds. Cotswold Way shows off the vast green space this region is famous for. Follow the National Trail along the western edge, from the museums of Bath to the cottages of Chipping Campden.
The notorious 102-mile path supplies all the panoramic viewpoints you could wish for. Cast your view over miles and miles of English villages, woodlands and fields. You can guarantee you will see hundreds, if not thousands of sheep.
Take your pick of the selection of trails that make up the route. Cycling paths are an option for comfortably gliding the canal sides. Trails are signposted frequently and you will not be short of eateries and things to do along your way.
For a spiffing break from your stroll, Broadway Deli lets you personalise your sandwich and take with you an oozing choice of homemade jam and beer.
Bath
Want to see the only whole UK city on the UNESCO list?
Whether you save it for the start or end of your journey along the Cotswold Way, you will be greeted by a host of restaurants to warm you up in Bath.
Scour the series of art galleries and museums for a sophisticated insight into England. No.1 Royal Crescent is worth a look, even just for the cherished Georgian building itself. Bookworms would go far wrong to miss the world-renowned Jane Austin Centre.
Don’t let your bags run on empty – there are plenty of shops to tickle your fancy.
Though over everything, do not miss the Roman baths that bless the city with their title. We do not doubt you will desire a soak after seeing them. Fortunately, the renowned hot water rooftop spa will provide you will your fill of panoramic cityscapes and natural wonder.
Cirencester
The self-titled capital of the Cotswolds is worth a gander. Full to the brim with tradition, you should allow plenty of time to examine the merry lanes of Cirencester.
The first stop is the Roman Amphitheatre. Being the second-largest Roman settlement after London, it helps to have a grounding of the influence while discovering the rest of the town.
The Corinium Museum will fill in any blanks with one of the largest collections in the UK. Here you will discover the evolution of the Cotswolds since prehistoric times.
Keep an eye out for collectables at the antique shops, in particular, the Corn Hall’s Friday events.
This graceful community is a top-notch spot for spectating traditional sports. Put on your smartest outfit and head to the polo at the UK’s oldest club, Cirencester Park.
Britain’s Oldest Pub, Stow-On-The-Wold
Climb up to the highest town in the district for an extra attractive view of the English countryside.
Find tea rooms, antique treasures and 18th-century market streets in the historic town of Stow-On-The-Wold. Notice how the houses are adjoined to expertly herd sheep during the olden days.
History spills over in the form of The Porch House. Not just another claim to fame, this inn is the oldest pub in Britain. Parts of the building are leftover from 947AD, including the fireplace that will keep you protected against witches! England and the pub are two things you cannot separate, so this is a must.
We strongly suggest you plan your stay as you will find one of the 13 in-demand rooms to lodge in. Classic English meals are served to steam the day. Don’t miss the famous Cotswold lamb rump.
And for fans of Tolkein, see the doors of St Edward’s Church that inspired the Doors of Durin; no riddles are needed here.
Gloucester Cathedral
One of the best things to do in Gloucester is to drop in its famous cathedral.
Take shelter on a breezy afternoon inside Hogwarts. Be enchanted by the rooms that make up the set of Harry Potter. Or simply appreciate the enchanting architecture of this magnificent 7th-century building, exquisite day and night.
Upstairs in the gallery, you will find the Gloucester Cathedral exhibition where you can take part in numerous interactive learning experiences. You even get the chance to build your own gargoyle!
Highgrove Gardens
You cannot visit England without doing something related to the world’s most famous royal family. Highgrove Gardens in Tetbury is the private residence of Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.
From April to October, you can visit their expansive grounds and spend a day exploring the royal country’s treasures. Admire the topiaries and the way the influential couple have embraced and enhanced nature’s beauty in their garden.
Look out for Prince George’s lavish treetop play area that cost the family an eyewatering £30,000.
On-site, you will be met with an artisan shop selling organic products inspired by the royals’ homes. Grab a table in the tea room to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.
Westonbirt Arboretum
If that wasn’t enough, backing onto Prince Charles’ estate is another huge name in the gardening world. Westonbirt Arboretum is possibly the best park you will ever visit.
Breathe in the fresh O₂ as you explore the national arboretum’s glory, particularly spectacular through autumn. The area is home to thousands of eye-opening species of tree, including hundreds of endangered and rare finds from all over the globe.
Not only does it have a tree-top walkway to get a birdseye view of the park, but also Westonbirt hosts an entire collection of activities fun for everyone.
Can the little ones find the Gruffalo? Fancy trying some forest yoga? Or maybe just take time to access your other senses on the well-being beanbags.
They also offer guided and self-guided sensory tours for the visually impaired, so no one has to miss out.
Antiques
With Cotswolds brimming with market towns and history, you will not be stuck for places to go antique hunting. We hope you brought an extra bag because you won’t be going home empty-handed.
As mentioned, Cirencester is a nifty place to go rummaging. But wherever you end up, chances are you won’t be able to resist peeping in the stimulating shop windows and being swept up in a world of history.
Whilst in Tetbury, you should swing into the fashionable Lordfords antique showroom to be met with everything from 19th-century ottomans to skeletons of wild beasts. Meanwhile, Amy Perry struts an affordable, rebellious style. You will be bound to find something to add to your home.
Meanwhile in Gloucestershire, don’t miss the eccentric pieces of Blighty Antiques. You will get the impression of being inside an alternative country house.
Lacock Abbey
The medieval monastery of Lacock Abbey is the definition of an English setting. It is no wonder it is another place featured on the big screen.
Wind the clocks back as you tread the corridors of Hogwarts. Look out for the alterations added to the movie, such as sneaky cover-ups of electrics.
Because of the sensational interior, it is unsurprising that the former owner of the property helped invent photography. Fox Talbot also (unintentionally) encouraged the countless future selfies taken in his home. Find the museum on his contribution inside Lacock, as well as a fantastic second-hand bookshop.
The grounds are a picnicker’s heaven, though the National-Trust village of Lacock offers plenty of cafe spots.
Britain’s Most Romantic Street
You might be shocked to learn Britain’s rated most romantic street is in the village of Lower Slaughter. But don’t be put off, Slaughter is far from grim. Must-see chocolate-box homes surround the pristine River Eye in traditional Cotswold honey.
Copse Hill Road is the epitome of English romance. It runs alongside a gently flowing stream, with low bridges, greenery and trees.
There are several delicious-smelling bakeries and tea rooms to poke your nose in. And intimate B&Bs throw their doors open wide for lovers wishing to make the most of their walk.
Dangle your feet over the river with your love as you share the unmatched ambience. We hope you are lucky enough to hear the church bells ringing, putting the cherry on the sweetest cake.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Round off your HP nostalgia with a train ride through the countryside! Board the steam and diesel trains at one of the heritage railway stations for a 28-mile round scenic journey between Birmingham and Cheltenham.
While you won’t want to take your eyes off the windows, each of the stations provides something different. Hop off at Toddington to watch the locomotives from the viewing room and have your turn at controlling the train signals.
Jump back on until Winchcombe where you can delight in a cupper at the 1950s-themed Coffee Pot Cafe. Follow that up with a go in the driver’s seat on the Discovery Coach.
If you miss this stop because you were too absorbed in the view, there are food carts onboard most trains; unfortunately, no chocolate frogs will be served.
We strongly recommend purchasing the All-Day-Rover pass for unlimited travel day-long. Sit back and admire the view!
Bibury
It has been said by many, including the poet William Morris himself, that Bibury is “the most beautiful village in England”. See what you think during your visit to Gloucestershire village.
After a tranquil stroll through the stone cottages with their iconic pointed roofs, make your way to the main attraction – Bibury Trout Farm. Here you can catch and cook your lunch and complete the meal with goodies from the farm shop.
If your fishing luck is thin, there’s a restaurant and a pub dishing up meals that change with the season, always with a side of that great English charm.
Since you’re already here, pop to Arlington Row to see one of the most recognisable rows of houses ever. The iconic lane rests up against the River Coln and even if it doesn’t ring a bell, the walk is still intoxicating and sums up the English countryside within a few paces.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Next up is an experience you will not be able to forget. We bet you have never seen a rhino in front of an English manor. At Burford’s Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, that is just a sliver of what is in store…
See lions, giraffes and African elephants closer than ever before. Get up close and personal with the lemurs; get brave in the bat house and stand in awe of the largest collection of reptilia in the UK.
Complete with a petting zoo, this safari is a shock for all ages.
With grounds this large, it is important to plan your trip if hoping to see all your favourites. Use the online map to track them down, or allow your curiosity to lead you.
Daylesford Organic Farm
There’s nothing like a freshly sourced, 100% organic, guaranteed sustainable feast. Daylesford Organic Farm in Gloucestershire gives all that and more!
It isn’t just a farm shop, selling award-winning luxury products of the highest quality. Though it is more than possible to spend an hour or so scouring every shelf for the perfect potted plant and block of cheese, do not forget there is a whole farm out there to be adored!
2350 acres of farmland, to be exact, of rolling Cotswold hills, cheerful animals and sprouting fruits and veggies. Why not take part in a cooking course to learn a whole new way around the kitchen? Available for all levels of experience, learn the craft of foraging, butchery and baking taught by the experts behind Daylesford food.
After all that, you have earned yourself an extravagant trip to the Bamford Haybarn Spa, where you can indulge in one of their organic treatments. Treat your body from the inside out with their mind, body and spirit focus classes and therapies.
