The Cotswolds are one of England's most beautiful rural destinations. Famous for the rolling Cotswold hills, historic attractions, and quaint honey colour limestone villages.
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a 102 mile National Trail with short circular walks and the long route along the length of the Cotswolds. The walking trail begins at the market town of Chipping Campden in the Northern Cotswolds, and ends at Bath Abbey in the Historic city of Bath to the south. Walks pass through many of the picturesque villages the Cotswolds have to offer, and close to number of historic sites. Explore Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Hailes Abbey, the Neolithic burial chamber at Belas Knap, the Roman heritage and Abbey at Bath and many more beautiful churches and historic houses along your route through the Cotswold Hills.
The Cotswolds Romantic Road Routes
The Romantic Road offers 2 easy to follow routes from Cheltenham to tour the Cotswolds and trace the tales of the many artists, crafts people and writers and the heritage and beauty the Cotswolds have to offer. Discover the romance of The Cotswolds along country roads leading through tranquil river valleys, countryside towns and villages of honey coloured stone, complete with churches, manor houses and traditional country pubs.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are designated one of England's areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a picturesque landscape of rolling green hills and river valleys. Throughout the fields in this unspoilt countryside you will find the famous Cotswold dry stone walls. Traditional Cotswold honey coloured limestone villages are dotted throughout the hills, with rural English pubs for relaxing refreshment whilst you explore your way through The Cotswolds.
Things To Do In The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are a relaxing and restful part of the English countryside, with wonderful gardens, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, museums and historic sites to visit.
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge offer many activities for those of all ages. From family-friendly fun such as "Puddleduck Corner" and other wildlife attractions to feeding wild birds and a Canoe Safari.
The Cotswolds provide the perfect stage for country activities including walking and cycling through the open countryside and Cotswold Way National Trail (click here to read more about Cycling breaks). There are a wide range of sporting activities, such as cricket, rugby, horse racing, and golf, and horse riding on the miles of bridleways through The Cotswolds. To experience something truly different why not go on a guided Llama trek, view The Cotswolds from a hot air balloon, or attend the annual Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill.
The Cotswolds are home to many historic sites, gardens, manor houses and churches. The arboretums at Westonbirt and Batsford provide all year round attractions with many other gardens open to the public, and private gardens open for the day during local village fetes. Sites of historical interest can be seen throughout The Cotswolds, including roman villas at Chedworth & Great Witcombe, Broadway Tower, Neolithic monuments, and the Corinium Museum at Cirencester. Amongst the local manor houses a highlight surely has to be Blenheim Palace; one of the greatest houses in England, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. Bourton-on-the-Water is also certainly worth a visit during your stay in the Cotswolds. A wonderful Cotswold limestone village with small bridges over the river and home to the Birdland wildlife park, The Model Village, and many other local attractions.
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