Why visit the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds in southern England are famous for their lush rolling hills, chocolate box villages and honey coloured stone. However, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not just for nature lovers, as there are many other reasons to visit.

The pretty village of Broadway in the Cotswolds © VisitBritain / Adam Burton

At just over 75 miles from London, the Cotswolds are the ideal place for a short break or as a stopover on the way to Wales or the English Midlands and North West.

Perfect for romantic getaways and luxury stays, the Cotswolds boast dozens of wonderful historic house hotels, often set within delightful medieval buildings. And the 100 mile Cotswolds Way, which passes numerous places of interest and offers many spectacular views, ensures that the Cotswolds are just perfect for a walking tour.

The village of Painswick on a summer's day

The most popular towns and villages in the Cotswolds include Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the Wold and Broadway, all of which offer visitors a perfect taste of Cotswold life. Enjoy a stroll by a gentle stream, relax with a drink in a cosy pub, explore ancient churches or enjoy an al fresco lunch as you watch the world go by.

Splendid Sudeley Castle with its long history of royal connections and superb gardens is well worth a visit and fans of Roman history will enjoy Chedworth Villa, one of the largest Roman villas in Britain.

The delightful Cotswold village of Bibury

Chipping Camden is recognised as the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, whose founder William Morris lived near the town, and Tewkesbury Abbey, on the western edge of the Cotswolds, is one of Britain’s finest examples of Norman architecture.

With over 260 species of animals, Cotswold Wildlife Park is a great day out for all the family, and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a must for heritage train enthusiasts.

As many of the Cotswolds towns and villages date back to medieval times, access to the historic buildings isn’t always easy, but huge steps have been made in recent years to improve access for all.

Honey coloured Cotswold stone buildings  © VisitBritain / Adam Burton

As a popular tourist destination, there is no shortage of amenities, perfect for gift shopping, souvenir hunting, lazy lunches and afternoon tea but, above all, the Cotswolds present a snapshot of English rural life from centuries ago, which is not to be missed.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to the Cotswolds on a tailor-made tour of England or the UK, or perhaps as an add-on to your own itinerary, please do contact our friendly team today.