5 reasons to visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most picturesque places in the UK, and is a popular spot for solo, family or romantic holidays in the countryside.
Known for its chocolate-box villages, with buildings made from famous honey-hued Cotswold stone, acres of undulating hills, and cosy country pubs, there's so much to explore. There are around 800 square miles of unspoilt countryside to explore in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It's not just the villages with fascinating histories waiting to be discovered, there are charming towns like Roman Cirencester or Regency spa town, Cheltenham. The Cotswolds are home to several historic country homes with spectacular gardens too.
The Cotswolds are home to some of the prettiest villages in the UK, which you'll find dotted between the miles of rolling green meadows. These are quintessential English villages, with honey-hued cottages lining cobbled streets and stone bridges over trickling streams. There's Broadway, known as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds' for its grand horse chestnut trees and the lovely market town of Chipping Campden, with its old inns, shops and independent restaurants.
As well as its tiny, sleepy villages, the Cotswolds is also home to larger towns. Cheltenham, a beautiful Regency spa town famous for horse racing, is one of them. You'll find plenty to do here - it's dubbed the cultural capital of The Cotswolds for a reason. Its convenient location - with direct rail connections from many major cities - makes it a great base for exploring the wider area.
The Cotswolds are dotted with a whole host of delightful gardens - some found tucked away behind honey-hued cottages and some spanning acres of manicured land in the grounds of grand stately homes. We offer several garden trips throughout the year - not just in the Cotswolds, but further afield. Some of our favourite quintessential English country gardens in the Cotswolds include Sezincote House, Batsford Arboretum and Painswick Rococo Gardens. Keep an eye out for future tours that introduce you to some of the region's finest spots.
It's no surprise that the many royals and aristocrats have chosen to call the Cotswolds home throughout history. King Charles chose Highgrove in Gloucestershire as his private country residence and has now passed it on to Prince William after ascending to the throne. You can visit Highgrove House, where you'll get a tour of the magnificent gardens cultivated by the King.
There are also trips to several other stately homes and castles, including Cerne House, Rodmarton Manor, Kiftsgate Court, and Sezincote House. Or visit Eastleach House, a spectacular Grade II listed country house with magnificent manicured gardens, along with other beauty spots.
Farming has always been a crucial part of Cotswolds life, with approximately 86% of all land within the region dedicated to agriculture. Farms in the Cotswolds come in all shapes and sizes, from dairy farms to specialist cattle and sheep farms. Many invite visitors to explore, like the wonderful Cotswolds Farm Park. Managed by owner and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, this lovely farm was founded in 1971 by Adam's father to help protect rare breeds of farm animals.
The Cotswolds cover five counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Wiltshire, so you can imagine how many places there are to discover, things to do and see.
Some of the more popular villages include Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters (Upper and Lower, linked by a riverside path) and Castle Combe - often referred to as the prettiest village in England.
Then there are market towns, such as Broadway (known as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds'), Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold. All of which have high streets bursting with antique stores and tea rooms.
There is no best time to visit the Cotswolds, as throughout the seasons, there's always something new discover and it completely depends what you look for in a trip.
The spring months are perfect for seeing baby lambs in the fields and appreciating the wildflowers in bloom, or visiting gardens. Summertime brings crowds, but time to slow down and relax with lunch in a pub garden or walk in the lush countryside.
By autumn, the crowds disappear and it's the perfect opportunity to see the Cotswolds in a new light - draped in golden hues and red/copper foliage. While winter is quietest time. Cosy up in front of a log fire.
