12 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the United Kingdom’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Spread across 787 square miles of south-central and southwestern England, it has picturesque honey-hued villages nestled amid rolling hills and sprawling green meadows. When visitors to England envisage our idyllic countryside, it’s often the image of the Cotswolds that comes to mind. Its unprecedented scenic beauty is matched by the many fascinating things to see and do. From Roman relics and stately homes to eclectic festivals, renowned sporting events and wildlife parks, it really does have something for everyone. Read on to uncover 12 reasons why you should visit the Cotswolds.
Visit the Storybook Villages
Wandering nonchalantly through the streets of chocolate-box hamlets and villages is quintessential to life in the Cotswolds. Boutiques, galleries, cafés and pubs occupy impossibly photogenic cottages built from the honey-coloured Cotswold stone. Naturally, we are fans of our quiet village of Upper Slaughter, but there’s plenty more to choose from. Jump in the car and cruise along winding country roads to Bourton on the Water, Broadway and Chipping Camden. Did you know that Bibury features in the British passport?
Walk the Cotswold Way
Strap on a pair of comfortable shoes and head out on the Cotswold Way walking trail. This 100-mile-long National Trail weaves across breathtaking landscapes all the way from Chipping Campden to Bath. With dozens of interconnecting shorter trails, walking ranks alongside the best free things to in the Cotswolds for families and dog-owners. You’ll be in for a treat whatever the season. Delight in the spring and summer lavender bloom, the warm colours of autumn and the mystical frost-covered fields of winter.
Watch World-Famous Sporting Events
British quirkiness comes to life at historic summertime sporting events held throughout the Cotswolds. From chasing cheese down a hill to running up a hill carrying a bag of wool, there’s nothing quite like our sports. Spring Bank Holiday is a time to rejoice in the weird and the wonderful. Competitors vie to become victors at the Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling and Tetbury Woolsack Races. Meanwhile, a hill close to Chipping Campden hosts the Cotswold Olimpick Games. Some say this was an ancient precursor to the modern Olympics.
Spend a Day at Cheltenham Races
We can’t mention sports in the Cotswolds without talking about Cheltenham Racecourse. A carnival spirit descends upon Cheltenham and the surrounding villages when thousands of racegoers arrive for the Gold Cup. Want to experience jump racing without excessive crowds? Small meets take place throughout most of the year. Come on New Year’s Day for a flutter and to blow the cobwebs away.
Explore the Remains of Roman Villas
Evidence of life in the region can be traced back to Neolithic times. The Romans also made an indelible mark on the landscape. Check out the Chedworth Roman Villa for a slice of Roman lifestyle from the 4th century. Cirencester Amphitheater is one England’s largest known Roman amphitheatre. Not forgetting Bath, one of Britain’s most famous Roman sites.
Ride the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Relax as you trundle through green valleys and postcard-perfect villages onboard a heritage railway. The GWSR travels from Broadway to Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham Racecourse. Keep an eye out for special events such as the chance to ride a real-life Thomas the Tank Engine.
Hit the Water at Cotswold Water Park
If water-based entertainment sounds like fun then plan a day out at the Cotswold Water Park. There’s 170 lakes, lodgings, campsites and, of course, boundless sporting activities. Try your hand at canoeing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, windsurfing and more. You don’t have to get wet either because there’s golf, horse riding, rally driving and wildlife walks, too.
Spot Animals with the Family
One of the most popular things to do in the Cotswolds for families is visiting Birdland Park and Gardens, in Bourton on the Water. See penguins and pelicans, reptiles, amphibians and model dinosaurs. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is another superb attraction for wildlife encounters. There’re giraffes, lions, rhinos and wallabies all in one place.
Enjoy Magnificent Views from Above
Reaching a height of 1,083 feet, Cleeve Hill is the highest point of the Cotswolds. Views stretch towards the Malvern Hills and on clear days reach as far as Wales. While here, why not follow the Cleeve Hill Ring trail through woodlands and across limestone grasslands. Make your way up to Broadway Tower for more spectacular panoramas and photo opportunities.
Discover Resplendent Stately Homes
Were you aware that Sir Winston Churchill was born in the Cotswolds? Spend a day delving into the life of Churchill and the Dukes of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace. With history exhibitions, a hedge maze, toy train and walking trails, this 300-year-old baroque palace is packed with family activities. Snowshill Manor is a National Trust country house nestled within glorious gardens. Step inside to observe the eccentric life of artist and poet Charles Paget Wade.
Tour Breweries and Distilleries
Sightseeing can be thirsty work. Fortunately, the Cotswold has a long heritage of beer brewing. Sip on local brews on tours of the Hook Norton Brewery and Cotswold Brew Co. Those who prefer their drinks a little stronger can sample boutique gin and whisky at the Cotswolds Distillery. Budding mixologist can sign up for gin and whisky masterclass workshops.
Witness the Battle of Tewkesbury Re-enactment
Back in 1471, the Battle of Tewkesbury was a decisive battle in the War of the Roses. Every July the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival commemorates this significant event in English history. Watch on as costumed characters recreate the scenes that saw Edward IV’s House of York defeat the forces of the House of Lancaster. Tewkesbury itself is also unique in that it’s one of few Cotswold towns with half-timbered Tudor houses. Throughout the summer months, home and shop owners display the flags of those that fought at the battle.