11 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit The Cotswolds
There are a lot of articles telling you to come to the Cotswolds on holiday. We bet you haven’t read many telling you why not to visit the Cotswolds. For the sake of balance, we thought we’d better warn you of some common Cotswold problems – too many pubs, all that tranquil countryside, a bewildering array of beautiful villages…
Before you plan your trip to the Cotswolds, here’s why you should never, ever come here.
There are too many beautiful villages to choose from
We understand this concern – where do you start? There’s lovely Chipping Campden, postcard-perfect Bourton-on-the-Water, and of course our own twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Finding the prettiest villages to visit can be tricky, especially if you’re just visiting for the weekend. We can help you choose the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds: just take a look at our blog.
There’s so much wildlife!
Wherever you look, there are creatures of some description! From the butterflies in Rodborough Common to the deer at Broadway Tower, you’ll see animals everywhere you go in the Cotswolds. Our local marches are home to all sorts of wading birds, and if you walk at dusk, you might encounter owls, bats and foxes. Not exotic enough? Head to Cotswold Wildlife Park for a family fun day out. To meet new feathered friends, visit Birdland at Bourton-on-the-Water.
I’ll probably eat too much
The food in the Cotswolds is spectacular. We grow, produce and sell some of Britain’s finest food and drink, so expect to eat heartily when you’re on holiday here. Try local cheeses, Cotswold-reared meat and freshly harvested veg, as well as a huge selection of ales and ciders. So yes, the chances are you’ll eat a lot during your Cotswold trip – but just tell yourself that you will also walk it off…
What if I wear out my walking boots?
Speaking of walking… The district is criss-crossed with walking routes such as the famous Cotswold Way, The Windrush Way and the Wychavon Way. These well-maintained and clearly signed paths make it easy to travel between villages on foot. Here’s a selection of our favourite walks in the Cotswolds, ranging from 4 to 14 miles in length. What you wear out in boot leather, you’ll save in petrol.
How will I cope with the chilled pace of life?
If you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a city, our relaxed pace of life can seem a little strange at first. But you’ll soon get used to the sound of birdsong and babbling water, the empty green spaces and the tree-lined little lanes. If the peace and tranquility of the countryside gets too much, you can always take a day trip to the shops, bars and attractions of Cheltenham, Gloucester or Cirencester.
How can I choose what Cotswolds attractions to visit?
This is a real problem: there are just too many fantastic things to do in the Cotswolds. Do you spend a day visiting the Roman Baths in Bath or exploring Sudeley Castle & Gardens? Do you walk up to Snowshill Manor or enjoy a stroll around Batsford Arboretum? Would the kids prefer Cotswold Farm Park or the Model Village in Bourton? Yes, if you don’t like making decisions, don’t come to the Cotswolds. (Or stay longer)
What clothes do I pack for a Cotswolds holiday?
In other words, the weather can change in the Cotswolds. We don’t mind a drop of rain in the west: it’s what creates that lovely, lush countryside, and helps our grass and crops to grow. When the sun comes out, the sheltered valleys and villages are lovely and warm. Pack shades, a sunhat, shorts, sunblock, sandals, stout boots and a waterproof, and you should be covered for everything. What is the best time of year to visit the Cotswolds? Anytime: it’s always beautiful here.
What if my dog doesn’t like the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds must be a nightmare for dogs. All those footpaths, wide open spaces, shallow rivers, village pubs… Nothing for dogs here at all. Unless of course your dog loves walkies in the fresh air with plenty of things to sniff at, followed by curling up in a friendly pub with fusses and treats. If that sounds like your pooch, you’ll find that the Cotswolds is super dog friendly.
There are too many pubs to choose from
Again, making decisions can be difficult around here. Which village pub do you fancy visiting today? There are old coaching inns, thatched inns, riverside inns, inns with gardens, inns with snugs, inns with fireplaces, inns with award-winning food, inns that serve the best local beer…With so many pubs in the Cotswolds, how on earth can anyone be expected to make a choice?
I’ll fill up my phone storage with too many photos…
The Cotswolds is just too photogenic, from the honey-coloured stone cottages to the sweeping vistas from its hills. Prepare to do some serious snapping while you’re on holiday here. Bibury, with its old weavers cottages, has been rated one of the most Insta-worthy villages in Britain. For more Instagrammable places in the Cotswolds, take a look at our list.
What if I want to stay here forever?
We’re sorry. We don’t really have a helpful answer for this question, which is actually a genuine problem. The Cotswolds is such a beautiful and welcoming part of the country that many of our visitors struggle to leave.
There is one solution (well, apart from selling your home, leaving your job and moving here), and that’s to book your next Cotswolds holiday as soon as your current one finishes. Take a look at the comfortable accommodation at Lords of The Manor, just in case you find you’re tempted to stay…