The Cotswolds Travel Guide outlines some of the many attractions in the region along with useful tourist information and tips. The Cotswolds are a region centred on the slopes of the Cotswolds Hills north of Oxford. The Cotswolds are officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it is the currently the largest region that has the designation. The Cotswolds consist of parts of seven English countries these are, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Wiltshire and Somerset.
Overview and Attractions
The Cotswolds area is steeped in history with some great unspoilt scenery, here visitors can see the picture postcard image of gentle rolling green hills and the beautiful English countryside. There are historic buildings, timber frame houses, and the honey-coloured local stone creates some of Britain's most picturesque villages and towns. There is also good choice of friendly pubs, offering food, accommodation and plenty of opportunities to go for a good walk in the countryside.
The region is famous for its honey coloured limestone villages that seem to blend into the countryside and its vibrant market towns. Many of these towns and villages have changed little in over 300 years. This historical significance makes the Cotswolds region one of the best loved and visited places in the UK. You are unlikely to see such well preserved timeless history elsewhere in the UK. The Cotswolds was at one time an area once given over entirely to sheep-farming.
Many of the fine churches and manor houses owe their existence to the generosity of the wealthy medieval yeoman farmers and wool merchants. The dignified villages and towns owe much of their charm from the use of the warm, honey-coloured limestone which was locally quarried by hand and used alike for humble weavers cottages, mansions, and churches. Never far from sight, numerous streams wind through the valleys and chatter alongside main streets.
One of the must see attractions in the Cotswolds is Blenheim Palace it is home to the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, it offers an interesting day out. It is set in over 2,000 acres of scenic landscaped parkland, Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, well kept gardens and the stunning Lake. Inside the Palace you will find both beautiful intricate detail and delicacy in the carvings, there are hand painted ceilings and great porcelain collections also there are paintings and tapestries displayed in each room.
For fans of history and culture there is Berkeley Castle to visit. The oldest part of the castle is The Keep, which was completed in 1153, with its trip steps and guard room. There is also a dungeon and holding cell that are part of the Keep. View the King's Gallery, with the cell and dungeon where King Edward II was imprisoned and then murdered.
There are portraits of England's monarchs, along with some of Francis Drake's furniture. The Picture Gallery, displays a collection of predominately Dutch paintings, along with Sporting and hunting subjects, with a painting by George Stubbs as the centrepiece. The Dining Room displays Georgian silverware and family portraits. The Grand Staircase features portraits and Tudor embroidery on woollen cloth covering the walls. The Long Drawing Room, contains a series of wall mirrors and a suite of 18th Century gilt furniture embroidered over ten years by the 4 the Earl's wife, Lady Elizabeth Drax. Outside the castle is has terraced gardens that overlook the fields of the Berkeley Vale.
The Avon Valley Railway offers the chance to experience a train journey with nostalgia, it is great for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can go on a journey where they will see River Avon valley with views that cannot be seen by car. Bitton Station located between Bristol and Bath has been restored to its former glory and offers visitors refreshments, outdoor seating and a railway shop.
The station at Avon Riverside in the heart of the Avon Valley allows visitors to experience the attractions in the area such as boat trips, picnic area, riverside pubs and walks in the surrounding countryside. There are plans to extend the line further in the future to include going through the Avon Valley that would further increase a great nostalgic experience that awaits visitors.
Cotswold Wildlife Park is set among 160 acres of parkland and gardens centred around a listed Victorian House in Oxfordshire. It has been open since 1970, the Park is home to an interesting and wide array of birds, reptiles, mammals and invertebrates, ranging from white rhinos to big cats to bats. Each year around 350,000 people visit the park to enjoy a fun filled family day out, they see the many exotic animals from all over the world and benefit from the lovely gardens in the tranquil and peaceful surroundings that are synonymous with the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park is a member of the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland they share and exchange animals with other collections to help further breeding programmes that has conservation importance.
For those that enjoy theatre and culture the Cotswolds has one of the best known theatre companies, the Royal Shakespeare Company that focuses on works by Shakespeare as well as other renaissance dramatists and also more contemporary writers. The company provides an expert training environment for its actors, directors and theatre artists. In Stratford-upon-Avon the town where William Shakespeare was born, visitors are attracted from around the world and the town is seen as the home of the RSC. The company has three theatres in Stratford-upon-Avon, the larger is the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the smaller ones are the Swan Theatre and The Courtyard Theatre.
Whilst the company is well known among the theatre aficionados around the world it is also trying to get more people interested in theatre and has done works aimed at families to increase their general appeal.
The Cotswolds is not only gentle English countryside where you can relax, there are plenty of opportunities for more energetic pursuits including adrenaline filled activities if so wish. The region offers many activities including walking, camping, cycling, horse riding, golf, hiking, motor sport, gliding, ballooning and fishing. Walking has long been a favourite for those visiting the Cotswolds, walkers can discover the beauty of the countryside first hand. There are organised walks with knowledgeable walker leaders to add to the experience. See Talking Walks for further details.
Cycling is also a firm favourite for visitors, it provides a great way to see the Cotswolds, soak in the atmosphere at your own pace and visit the charming towns and villages for which the region is famous for. There are cycling tours and routes that can be followed as well as those that take a good map and just set off to discover what hey find. Visitors can cycle, see and explore and then have a drink and enjoy some wonderful local food at the many charming restaurants and traditional pubs. See Cotswolds Country Cycles for information on hiring cycles and a range of cycling routes in the area.
For those that like to play golf, Cleeve Hill is a heath land course that falls within an area of outstanding natural beauty. You can see some stunning views that include the Malverns, the Forest of Dean, Severn Vale and beyond including the Black Mountains. The course is set in Cleeve Common, where it benefits from its stunning natural location. The aim is no frills access to help encourage people to take up golf and benefit from the exercise of playing the game.
The Cotswolds are famed for the English Tea Shop, these are known for the traditional style, delicious freshly made cream cakes and of course pots of tea. The great tradition of taking tea dates back 300 years. Visitors enjoy the gentle atmosphere of a tea shop and each tea shop has its own distinctive character and charm such as Tisanes Tea Rooms. Visitors can enjoy going to a variety of shops to sample this unique charm and try the delicious food.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.