What are the best places to visit in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is a beautiful rural area in England known for its awesomely picturesque natural beauty.

It was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty in 1966 which makes it one of the best places to visit in England if you are a lover of nature and breath-taking scenery.

The Cotswolds, with its series of picture-perfect villages, traditional stone cottages and beautiful rolling hills is something straight out of a fairy tale, one could call it the Narnia of England. A visit to the place is nothing short of magical.

One of the many notable things about this place is that it can be visited at any time of the year which makes it an ideal exquisite destination for one to soak up the healing magic of nature as well as enjoy the British countryside culture.

Cirencester is the main town in the Cotswolds and you should not miss seeing it when you visit.

The town which is often referred to as the capital of the Cotswolds has a lot of peculiar places you must visit like the Church of St. John the Baptist, renowned for its perpendicular Gothic porch and merchant tombs.

You may also visit the Corinium Museum of the Roman past, to get a taste of the rich history of the place during Roman times.

 

Cotswolds, with its old-world charm, has a lot of postcard-perfect villages you should visit. The area has the most beautiful villages in Britain.

Narrow streets, lush walking paths, quaint honey cottages and cosy pubs sound like a sight for sore eyes, right? Well, these and many more characterise most of the villages in the Cotswolds.

Situated in an area of outstanding scenery which makes one’s soul sing with the alluring nature is the best village in the Cotswolds, Broadway.

The ancient village, lovingly referred to as “the jewel of the Cotswolds” is known for its characteristically wide grass fringed the main street, lined with red chestnut trees and honey-coloured cottages.

It is also close to the ultimate highlight of Cotswolds sightseeing, the Broadway Tower.

The Broadway Tower is a 20m high tower built in the 18th century.

It is a fun place as it allows visitors to experience the great English heritage in its Tower museum and fun-filled pack which will definitely bring your inner child back to life.

Things to do in the Cotswold

The Cotswolds is an enchanting place sure to make you have an activity-filled visit but these are some things to do when you visit:

Walk the most romantic street in Britain

Yes, you predicted right. It is located in the Cotswolds who has lived up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful places in England.

The street is located in Lower Slaughter one of Cotswolds’ prettiest village.

Its alluring natural beauty seen in the quaint honey-coloured stone architecture and lush green trees is every minimalist’s dream.

The street runs adjacent to a pretty stream from River Eye and is lined with leafy green trees and the characteristic stone cottages.

Lower Slaughter is about 17 miles away from Cheltenham.

Address: Copse Hill Road, Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham, GL54 2HY

 

Go fishing at Bibury Trout Farm

Bibury Trout Farm was founded in 1902 and it’s one of the oldest working trout farms in Britain.

Its located in the quintessential Bibury village which was once described by William Morris (1834-96) as “the most beautiful village in England”.

You will love the trout farm because of its uniqueness. You can catch fish from one of the ponds and you will be allowed to pay for the fish and take it home.

This trout farm is one of the reasons why Bibury is famous.

Bibury Trout Farm address is Bibury, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 5NL, UK

 

Picnic in the beautiful fields of Blockley

This village is a charming little village that is a hotspot for visitors.

Blessed with beautiful scenery and a lot of greens, a day out in the open village snacking on some good old English snack while taking in the scenery should be on your top list.

Brockley village green is very attractive, it overlooks the popular Bowling Green and beautiful Norman Church.

You will surely enjoy sitting enjoying your picnic on sunny days.

Blockley was regularly featured in a television series of Father Brown.

Address: Blockley, Gloucestershire, GL56 9EX

 

Learn a little bit of the English history while taking in the magnificent structure of the Sudeley Castle

The Sudeley is one of the grandest pieces of architecture in the region.

It is a historic gem as you get to explore the castle, taking in its grandeur while learning about its history.

Sudeley Castle has 1000 years of history.

The castle offers a spectacular day out opportunity in the heart of the magnificent Cotswolds countryside.

Address: Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire GL54 5JD

For Satnavs, please use GL54 5LP.

 

Bird watching at Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Whether you are a bird watcher or just a family group, you will love this place.

The Slimbridge Wetland Centre is an amazing place to experience natures wildlife in their glorious habitat.

The sound of the birds will give you joy and the amazing feeling of gratitude of been alive.

Address: Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Bowditch, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT

 

Treasure Hunting at the Snowshill Manor

The manor is packed with extraordinary treasures collected over a lifetime by Charles Wade, so get ready to have your mind blown.

Need I tell you that a beautiful scenery comes with the package as you can explore the gardens in this stunning manor.

Snowshill Manor is one of the UK National Trust sites.

Address: Snowshill, near Broadway, Gloucestershire, WR12 7JU

Moreton-in-Marsh

Do some shopping at the Cotswold Grey

Very sure people back at home would love something from your travels.

You would also like to have some things to remind you of your best days at the Cotswolds, head to Cotswold Grey to shop your heart out.

Situated in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswold Grey is a furniture boutique shop that boasts of the world’s finest collection of glassware, furniture, candles and home décor.

Address of Cotswold Grey is High St, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AE

 

Sneak a view of the town from the highest town in the Cotswold

Stow-on-the-Wold is located at nearly 800ft and Stow is the highest town in Cotswolds.

You could see the beautiful town sprawled out below you while enjoying a cup of the tea in the abundant cafes in the market square.

Address of the village centre is Stow On The Wold, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AG

 

Enjoy the great outdoor

Be one with nature at the annual wilderness festival hosted in Oxfordshire that takes place every summer.

Enjoy the food, drink, plays and music to your heart content at the English festival.

Postcode Address: OX7 3DG

Have a magical day at the Giffords Circus

It is something straight out of The Greatest Showman and even better, it is the best circus ever!

You get to enjoy exciting performances by acrobats, magician, animals and so much more.

Address: Giffords Circus, Fennells Farm, Lypiatt, Stroud, GL6 7NE

Best places to visit in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is renowned for its picturesque old-world charm and its enchanting scenery.

While you are in the Cotswolds, these are the best places to visit.

The Roman Baths

This is the place to have an amazing Roman-themed experience that takes one down a trip to the time of the Roman empire, 2000 years ago.

It is quite interesting to see how advanced they were at that time.

The bath is located around Britain’s only hot springs that flow with natural hot water and you get to take a dip in this magical place, taking in the serene atmosphere.

You also get to visit the Roman museum which provides an educating insight into Roman life.

Magical nature and educative museum sound like killing two birds with one stone.

Address: The Roman Baths, Stall Street, Bath, Avon, BA1 1LZ

Pittville Park

This is a must-visit place if you are looking to enjoy a picnic with nature all around you, take a stroll, fish and enjoy some outdoor games.

This is also an ideal place to go if you are on a family vacation and you want to get away from the kids to enjoy some alone time with your partner.

The east side of the park has a large graceful pump room with an equally large children’s play area. For animal lovers, you should definitely visit the aviaries where will see popular birds and rabbits.

Dragonfly Maze

This is the place for you if you are puzzle lover or a big fan of the maze runner and ever wondered how Harry Potter felt like in that maze in the final part of the series.

It promises an exhilarating adventure for you and your friends.

The maze consists of 14 clues to reveal the hidden Golden Dragon Fly.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it is to find answers to the clues to make it to the centre of the maze.

Address: Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BN

Woodchester Valley

Go on a wine tasting adventure here as you open your palate to a new world of delicious flavours.

You can also take a tour of the winery and watch how they make the wine.

Address: Inchbrook Trading Estate, Bath Road, Woodchester, Stroud GL5 5EY

Alfresco Cinema

live out your Hollywood fantasy of watching a film under the stars. Enjoy a magical night of pure ecstasy watching classic films in gorgeous handpicked venues across the Cotswolds.

Address: 10 Needham Ave, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2SF

Crocodiles of the World

Crocodiles do not come to mind when you think of this peaceful picturesque town, right?

Well, right in the pretty Oxfordshire in the Cotswolds is a zoo with one of the largest collections of reptiles such as caimans, alligators and crocodiles.

Here, you get the chance to pet a baby alligator as well as watch the reptiles in their natural habitat from an underwater viewing spot.

Address: Burford Rd, Brize Norton, Carterton OX18 3NX

Arctic Quest

This is a place to visit if you are feeling adventurous. Situated in Tewkesbury, the place houses ride that takes you through the beautiful countryside. You can camp overnight outdoors, and enjoy the campfire.

Address: Arctic Quest, Croft Farm Water Park, Bredons Hardwick, Tewkesbury, Glos, GL20 7EF

Cotswolds Water Park

The Cotswold Water Park is an amazing place to visit if you are around the Cotswold.

This water park set across three counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire.

The Cotswold Water Park is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Cotswold area.

An area of 40 square miles, with more than 170 lakes will not disappoint you if you love biodiversity, conservation and wildlife.

And, there are a lot of activities ranging from swimming, archery, horse riding, and watersports.

Cotswolds Distillery

this one is for alcohol lovers. Based in Shipston-on-Stour, this distillery is one of the most picture-perfect distilleries in England.

They create their own gin and whisky and you can sample them while on tour.

Visitors are also allowed into the inner sanctum by showing them how to make the spirits.

Cotswold perfumery

get the once in a lifetime chance to design your own scent at this perfumery. The perfumery teaches perfume production.

You should take the chance to make your own signature scent or take that course in perfumery if you have a dream of having your own perfume line.

Address: Victoria St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BU

Cotswold Falconry Centre

Spend the evening making an owl friend and live out your Harry Potter fantasies.

The falconry gives visitors a chance to hold and pet different types of owls during their Owl Evening which runs from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

You can also check out the forest, where you will find their breeding owls in their natural habitat.

How to get there. See the address here Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB.

The Royal Oak

This place is a hotspot for the fit-fams as it boasts of fresh and organic food as well as an award-winning pub.

It is a great place to interact with the locals as they are known to be warm and friendly.

It is also a great place to hang out with friends after a long day while dining on the healthy, nutritious and delicious cuisine.

Their address is here 1 Cirencester Road, Tetbury, GL8 8EY

The Arden

The hotel, situated in Stratford-upon-Avon is an award-winning hotel with a beautiful terrace with the view of the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre and the peaceful River Avon.

You can enjoy their delicious cuisine with a glass of wine while enjoying the view from the impressive terrace.

The Model Village

While visiting the beautiful village of Bourton-on-the-water, make sure to take a detour to the Model village where you can see the whole village in one-ninth of its actual size.

The model comprises little houses, trees, a little version of the River Windrush and gardens.

The experience is sure to leave you feeling like a giant in a dwarf world.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Take a scenic railway ride through the peaceful scenery of the Cotswolds.

The train ride starts at Laverton through Toddington, Gotherington and some other villages.

There is so many notables place to see along the way like the Vale of Evesham.

Cotswold Lavender

This place is sure to tickle your sense of smell, pleasuring them into receiving some good memories to ponder on when the visit is over.

Home to the England finest lavender, you can walk around to take in the scenery of rows of beautiful lavender and take in the smell that permeates the air.

You can also purchase an array of lavender products including oils, skincare items, soap and so on.

Address: Hill Barn Farm Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7JY

The King’s

Make sure to take a detour into the village of the Chipping Campden to dine at the cosiest restaurant in the Cotswolds.

With the elegance of its architecture and interior to its mind-blowing cuisines that explodes in a burst of flavour in one’s tongue, one could say it is indeed like dining with the king.

Address: The Kings, The Square, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6AW

Cotswold Balloon Safari

Take in the beautiful scenery of the Cotswolds while you are up high, close to the angels.

The ride in the hot air balloon is sure to leave you awestruck.

Address: Whychurch Farm, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9JL

Burford Garden Company

It is lovingly called the mother of all garden centres. It is an exceptional shop where you can get a beautiful home decors, amazing arts, classy furniture, clothes and so on.

This is the perfect place to get thoughtful gifts for people back home.

 

The Jockey Club

Spend your day watching majestic horse race in the beautiful town of Cheltenham during The Festival, hosted by the club.

Exercise your heart with giddy excitement as you watch the horse race while enjoying the delicious food and fine drink.

Cheltenham is an affluent town. You might be interested in the article about why is Cheltenham so expensive.

The Great Escape

Feel the wind in your hair and let all your worries fly away with it while you drive your fantasy car at the Great Escape Cars.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cruise along the beautiful streets of the Cotswold.

This is indeed a great escape to a happy place, but make sure not to escape with the car.

Gordon Russell Museum

Of the places you should visit while in the Cotswolds is this museum dedicated to the artistic Gordon Russell who worked in calligraphy architecture and furniture design.

The museum is home to his original workshop and toolbox. You also get to learn about this artistic genius.

The Horse and Groom

It is well known for its warm hospitality and fabulous service.

It is one of the best dining pubs in Cotswold that keeps one coming back for more. It is located in Bourton-on-the-Hill.

The Fish

Located on the Fish Hill in Broadway serves some of the best surf ‘n’ turf in the Cotswolds.

If you are a lover of seared scallops and juicy pork belly, you should definitely put The Fish on your list of places to visit while in Cotswolds.

Cirencester Amphitheatre

Located in the main town and the largest town in the Cotswolds, the amphitheatre is the largest natural Roman amphitheatre in Britain.

It is an impressively large space built in the 2nd century and could hold up to 8000 spectators.

Stanway Fountain and Gardens

It is well known for being the tallest gravity fountain in the world.

Some of its notable delights are the 18th-century water garden, a 14th-century Tithe barn and so on.

It showcases an interwoven of rich cultural history, beautiful scenery and stunning architecture.

The magnificent sight is sure to be an indelible memory in one’s mind.

Address: Stanway House, Stanway, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5PQ

Cotswold Motoring Museum

If you are a lover of old cars and ever wondered how they got them moving during the 20th century, this place is perfect for you.

The museum showcases classic car collections, motorcycles and caravans, basically machinery used as transport during the old days.

If you want to take a trip down history lane as regards the mechanics of vehicles, this is the place for you.

Address: Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY

List of the must-see towns during your visit to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds boast of beautiful towns that are sure to take your breath away since you can not see them all, here is a list of the must-see towns during your visit to the Cotswolds.

 

Cirencester

The village is referred to as the “Capital of the Cotswolds” and is a place you should definitely visit.

It is the largest town as well as the business hub of the Cotswolds.

It is famous for its buzzing market, scenic Cirencester park, the biggest Roman amphitheatre and the majestic historic church of ST. John the Baptist.

Find Stow-on-the-Wold on Google Map

Stow-on-the-Wold

The beautiful village is set on a hill that makes seems as if it is in indeed “on the Wold”. The town has a lot of elegant cafes that allow you to enjoy delicious meals and drinks while looking down to the beautiful lush town of Cotswolds.

Find Stow-on-the-Wold on Google Map

Castle Combe

With its fairy tale scenery and lush atmosphere, the town is literally something out of a movie.

It has been used in films several times.

The village features the signature honey-coloured limestone cottages amid lush vegetations.

Find Castle Combe on Google Map

Stratford-upon-Avon

The town is home to the world-famous writer, William Shakespeare. He was born and buried there. It would be quite nice to see this beloved little town, wouldn’t it?

Find Stratford-upon-Avon on Google Map

Bibury

It is a beautiful town famous for its Arlington Row, which is a set of houses that dates back to the 1300s.

This set of houses is actually on the British passport but painted blue.

It will be fun to see it in person, right? A fun fact about the place is that Bridget Jones Diary was filmed there. Here is another town straight out of one of our favourite movies.

Find Bibury on Google Map

Moreton-in-Mash

It is the town to visit if you are looking to get away from the crowds and noise.

It is a small peaceful town that is not as crowded as the others. Ideal to get away all by yourself, enjoying the solitude while staying in touch with nature.

Find Moreton-in-Mash on Google Map

Burford

It is the direct contrast of Moreton-in-mash as a busy road runs through its main street. However, the beautiful buildings made with thatched roofs and timber frames, as well as the great scenery, make up for it.

Find Burford on Google Map

 

 

 

Chipping Campden

Situated here is one of the most beautiful streets in all of England.

Strolling along the street while taking in the exquisite architecture and beautiful nature is a perfect day out.

This village has a beautiful scenery and no wonder it is usually called Jewel of the Cotswolds.

Every season brings its uniqueness in Chipping Campden. In the winter you will love the snow scenes, with snowdrops pushing through. The Springtime blooms with bluebells in the Chipping Campden local woodland.

Poppies in late Spring and early Summer can help your mind stay calm and peaceful as you behold their beauty.

Take a walk around the hills of surrounding Campden and stay connected with mother nature.

 

 

Winchcombe

This place is a delight for foodies as there are a lot of quality English delicatessens and coffee shops guaranteed to give your taste bud an explosive orgasm.

You can also take a walk down the high street, also check out the museums while you are there.

Tewkesbury

Famous for its classic black and white Tudor houses lining the riverside, Tewkesbury is a medieval town with splendid architecture.

This is a hotspot not to be missed in all seasons, its nature reserve and museum are great places you should see while you are there.