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The Cotswolds Guide

In love with The Cotswolds. Sometimes you have these kind of places that you fall in love with. Well, we did with England and its countryside. More especially with The Cotswolds. If you have never been, its all you want it to be from the Bridget Jones and The Holiday movies. Explore sleepy little villages, with cobbled cottages and old fashioned tea rooms. Enjoy rolling hills for beautiful country walks. Visit pubs and restaurants packed with locals (and tourists). The Cotswolds is like that famous quote from poet William Blake "England’s green and pleasant land"


Longing for a romantic weekend away? Pack your wellies and barbour jacket for a classic British countryside adventure. And if you are up for it visit during horse racing season. When women go all out with colourful dresses and a fabulous hat. The season kicks off in March with the Cheltenham Festival.


Where are The Cotswolds?


The Cotswolds is a region in central-southwest England, covering a range of hills with an area approximately 25 miles (40 km) across and 90 miles (145 km) long. The Cotswolds area, which has been designated as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), lies mainly within the English counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but extends into parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. The main town is Cirencester, a lively market town, the largest in the Cotswolds district, often referred to as 'The Capital of the Cotswolds'.



The Best Cotswolds Hotels


The Rectory Hotel - A beautiful, contemporary country house hotel with romantic rooms. The bar and restaurant are excellent. They also have a pool. Exactly what you want a relaxing romantic weekend to be. Crudwell, Malmesbury SN16 9EP, United Kingdom


The Wheatsheaf Inn - A cute coaching inn in the heart of the Cotswolds. 14 beautiful designed rooms, a nice beer garden and a restaurant with delicious food. West Road, Cheltenham GL54 3EZ, United Kingdom


Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe - Camping or glamping more your thing? We also enjoyed a weekend away at this peaceful campsite of the Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe. Whichford, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, CV36 5PH, United Kingdom




The best restaurants in The Cotswolds


What are the best places to eat in the Cotswolds?


Daylesford Farm Restaurant - Hyped but good. Organic farm, lifestyle shop, restaurant and cafe, cottages with spa facilities and a cookery school all in one. A fancy lunch inside or some salad and other delicacies from the farm shop . There is something for everyone. Daylesford, Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0YG - daylesford.com


The Potting Shed Pub - Located opposite The Rectory Hotel in Crudwell. Cosy atmosphere and great pub food. If you are looking for the full Cotswolds experience you should go. As you get a mix of boutique hotel and snuggling up near the fireplace to meet the locals in the pub. The St, Crudwell, Malmesbury SN16 9EW - thepottingshedpub.com


The Wild Rabbit - Part of the Daylesford Farm Group. Go for a luxurious dining experience, for just a drink at the bar or book a night at this beautiful modern inn.


The Ebrington Arms - Cotwolds pub and Inn. I haven't been but very famous with the Instagram crowd. May Ln, Ebrington, Chipping Campden GL55 6NH - theebringtonarms.co.uk




What is the most famous street in The Cotswolds?


Arlington Row in Bibury is the most photographed street in England with its famous row of houses in the Cotswolds. It is a charming street of quaint cottages surrounded by some gorgeous scenery.


The Best Places to visits and stay in The Cotswolds

What are the Top 10 places to visit in the Cotswolds?


Bibury

You are wondering where everyone takes that famous photo of The Cotswolds in Bibury? That image you have seen over and over again? Its at Arlington Row, a pretty street of 14th-century weavers’ cottages.


Bradford- on-Avon

One of the last outpost of The Cotswolds and close to more wildly known Bath. Bradford-on-Avon is less touristy but just as beautiful. Don't forget to visit The Bridge Tea Rooms.



Broadway (Tower)

Climb to the top of Broadway Tower for amazing fairy-tale views across the Cotswolds.


Burford

Enjoy a stroll on Burford High Street with antique shops and tearooms and wonder up to Burford Hill.


Bourton on the Water

Bourton on the Water is also known as the "Venice of The Cotswolds”. I am not a particular fan but have to mention it for you if you want the complete overview of the Cotswolds.


Castle Combe

Castle Combe is probably most known for that other famous photo of some cute Cotswolds cottages and scenery. Follow the troops down to the river.

Chipping Camden

Chipping Camden is a small market town with an elegant terraced High Street.





Painswick

Three miles out of Painswick you have the Painswick Beacon. Climb Painswick Hill for sweeping views across Gloucester and the Welsh Black Mountains.


Snowshill

Visit Snowshill if you want to picture that famour Bridget Jones's Diary Scene. And with the Cotswolds hill rising around this cute village on three sides, Snowshill is known for its exceptional beautiful views over the Severn Vale to the west.


Stanton

Stanton is a quite cute little village that makes it worthwhile to drive through on your way to other villages.


Stow on the Wold

An idyllic town center with lots of boutiques, antique shops, and cafes. Have you found the famous door of the St Edwards Church?


Upper and Lower Slaughter

Two cute twin villages nicknamed "The Slaughters". Park your car at Upper Slaughter and walk your way up to Lower Slaughter. Highlights include the nineteenth century flour mill and the church of St Mary.



The Best Things To Do in The Cotswolds?


Blenheim Palace - The only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. Also birth place to Winston Churchil. Make sure you visit the impressive Blenheim Palace when you are planning a trip to the Cotwolds. This beautiful baroque country house is close to Oxford and is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and its family. You can easily spend a few hours on the grounds. Make sure you pre book. Woodstock OX20 1PP - blenheimpalace.com

Lacock Abbey - A beautiful abbey founded in the 13th century, in the village of Lacock. Looks familiar? The abbey was a backdrop in quite a few Harry Potter movies if you care. Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG - nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbey





Where to walk and hike in The Cotswolds?


What are the best places in the Cotswolds for walking?


Broadway and the Tower - A trail of about 4 miles. This enchanting walk leads you through the picturesque Cotswold high street of Broadway, along historic tracks and up to the intriguing Broadway Tower with its spectacular views across the Severn Vale into Wales.


Cleeve Hill Common Ring - This trail is about 6 miles. It is the highest point in the Cotswolds and offers stunning views over Cheltenham and the surrounding area. There are numerous trails and footpaths that crisscross this area, making it a great place for a walk.


Cotswold Way - This is perhaps the most famous walking trail in the Cotswolds. It stretches for about 102 miles (164km) from Chipping Campden, Gloucesterhire in the north to Bath, Somerset in the south, passing through some of the most scenic parts of the region.

Following the western edge of the Cotswold Hills, the route journeys through rolling pastures, beech woodland and honey-coloured villages built from Cotswold stone.


Woodchester Park - The park with five lakes, boat house and Woodchester Mansion. A great place for a woodland walk. nationaltrust.org.uk/woodchester-park


Good to know about The Cotswolds


Oh boy, The Cotswolds do get busy. Londoners are flocking to the cool countryside. Book your hotel in advance. I state, way in advance. To get the full experience you need to rent a car if you want to visit more than the hotel and its village surroundings. There is very limited public transport in The Cotswolds.


What was filmed in The Cotswolds?


Most famous film appearing in the Cotswolds are the Harry Potter series, Bridget Jones's Diary, Pride and Prejudice, Braveheart and Downton Abbey to name a few.


Reading books about The Cotswolds

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee


Want to know more about The Cotswolds?


Visit the website about the Cotswolds

Visit the website of the National Trust




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