We are having three or four days in the Cotswolds and would love some suggestions as to what we can do that is interesting/worth seeing within a day or so drive away. We will have a hire car and have BandB passes so we can go whereever.

Well, Stratford-upon-Avon is definitely worth a trip, you can visit Shakespeare’s birth place, and other homes associated with him, a trip to the Globe theatre is a must, plus there is a great choice of restaurants. The scenery in the Costwolds is stunning, so I do recommend perhaps visiting the tourist information website (see below) for info on good walks, much of the character of the area is medieval, and arguably quaintly British! There are several national trust properties in the area too, (such as Baddesley Clinton manor house) which make a good day out for all ages.
And if you want some good shops the Birmingham Bull Ring shopping centre isn’t too far off!
Hope this helps, and that you have a great stay

http://cotswolds.com present a series of short films to show that the Cotswolds & Forest of Dean really is Britain’s Rural Capital of Culture. Visit the website for more information.

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Cotswold in one day.

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The Cotswolds is a beautiful region which falls into the counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire among others. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and contains idyllic honey-coloured towns and villages, rolling Cotswolds hills and true picturesque English countryside.

There are a range of things to explore in the region, from the bustling market towns to the endless walking routes across the Cotswolds countryside. There are also many historic houses and beautiful English gardens to visit.

Local Towns

The Cotswolds is the hub of rural England, where the small Cotswolds towns and villages have retained and preserved English character and charm. Cirencester is the largest of the towns and is known as the ‘capital’ town of the Cotswolds. A couple of other towns to visit include:

Malmesbury

Malmesbury is reputed to be the oldest borough in England and its hilltop presence means that it is described as the ‘Queen of the hilltop towns’. The town is surrounded by two forks of the River Avon and sweeping steep slopes which together act as a natural defence. The great stone walls which were once used to fortify for the town can still be seen to this day, along with the weavers’ cottages which are dotted along the High Street, as like most Cotswolds towns, Malmesbury was a wealthy wool town. Today the town is still bustling and vibrant presenting a good selection of small, independent shops where the major chain stores are very rare among the town.

Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton-in-Marsh is situated at the head of the Evenlode Valley on the Fosse Way which was a major Roman road which runs from the South coast to Lincoln. The town was granted market charter in 1227 and the weekly markets still takes place each Tuesday. Like Malmesbury, Moreton-in-Marsh was also heavily involved in wool and cloth making which was the source of income during the medieval years. At present, the town is lined with specialist stores, tea-rooms, galleries and the Wellington Aviation and Art Museum is a haven for World War II enthusiasts.

Attractions

The Cotswolds reflects history with its grand houses, abbeys and castles dotted throughout the region. Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It is set among 2100 acres of beautiful parkland, sweeping lawns and award-winning landscaped gardens.

The Cotswolds is also home to some of the finest gardens in England, from small cottage gardens to the more famous gardens such as Abbey House Gardens at Malmesbury which is filled with fabulous garden designs and powerful aromas.  Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury displays over 18,000 specimens and has one of the world’s finest collections of trees and shrubs.

Cotswolds Water Park is another place worth visiting and offers something for everyone. It is Britain’s largest water park and consists of 140 lakes covering 40 square miles. Activities range from sailing, fishing, swimming and cycling.

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Things to do in the Cotswolds
If you love to explore and venture outside, then the charm of the Cotswolds awaits you. Close by is Cirencester, a bustling market town that has an excellent range of shops, pubs and choice of great restaurants. The vibrant farmers market offers a wide selection of local produce and takes place every other Saturday.

Cotswold Wildlife and Water Park
For extra fun and excitement, families will love the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is home to amazing collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Alternatively visit the Cotswold Water Park, which boasts over 130 lakes and has many attractions for all the family, including a cable water ski and a lakeside beach at Keynes Country Park.

Cotswold Villages
Discover the honey coloured, pretty Cotswolds Cottages and villages like Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Bibury. Further north, you’ll find more delights in store such as elegant Broadway and Moreton-in-the-Marsh as well as what is considered by serious horticulturists to be one of the country’s most beautiful and influential gardens, the National Trust owned Hidcote Manor.

Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
The North Cotswolds is home to well-known villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden whilst to the south, the area has a slightly wilder nature, especially in the beautiful five valleys around Stroud. There are lots of towns or villages to visit whilst staying in the cotswolds, from hamlets with no shops to charming market towns with restaurants and pubs.

Luxury Cotswolds Holidays in Lower Mill Estate are easily accessed from the M4 and M5 and is just 11 miles from junction 15 of the M4. The nearest rail station is at Kemble, three miles away and from here there are frequent services to Swindon, Gloucester and Cheltenham as well as a regular service to London, Paddington.
Cirencester 5 miles – Swindon 15 miles – Cheltenham 23 miles – Gloucester 30 miles – Bath 33 miles – Longleat 46 miles – Bristol 60 miles – Cardiff 72 miles – Birmingham 79 miles – London 100 miles.

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For many the Cotswolds epitomise their vision of quintessential England. The glorious hotchpotch of honey coloured stone buildings, ancient rooftops and wonky gables all provide a wonderful backdrop for the many pretty cottages, charming pubs, traditional tearooms and unique art dealers that can be found in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Popular with both the English and foreign travellers alike the Cotswolds are famous for their gentle rolling hills and historic towns and delightful villages. Many come to the Cotswolds envisaging country walks, cycling along the highways and byways, exploring the wonderfully unique boutiques each charming town and village have to offer and relaxing with a fabulous cream tea or sitting in front of an open fire at the end of the day.

Although the pretty cottages, well kept gardens, charming pubs, local shops, quiet churches and village greens may give the impression of laid back England, do not underestimate what the Cotswolds has to offer. Visitors are pulled back to the Cotswolds time and time again because all interests, ages and abilities are catered for.

Families coming away together can enjoy time together exploring all the attractions on offer. Perhaps a play at the famous Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, a visit to the Cotswold Rare Breed Farm Park, or for the more energetic the Cotswold Water Park has everything from canoeing to windsurfing and wakeboarding all set in a wonderful nature reserve.

Whereas many a UK holiday can and do provide a wide range of activities, their main focus is on introducing people to different activities and as such their offerings are at a basic level. The Cotswolds on the other hand, is an ideal place for people of all differing ages, abilities and interests to get together and enjoy the activities on offer.

There are always people on hand to introduce you to a new hobby, as well as handing over the reigns to the more experienced. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely trot through the beautiful Cotswold villages on horseback, or looking to blow the cobwebs away during your own hack, you’ll never be too far away from someone who can assist.

The Cotswolds have a charm all year round. Spring brings bursts of colour when the plants begin to grow. The vast display of snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden and feeding the lambs at the Cotswold Farm Park are popular attractions. The many unique gardens and country houses are a great way to enjoy the lighter summer evenings, whereas Westonbirt Arboretum comes alive with its vast array of stunning leaf displays in autumn. The variety of Christmas markets gives a festive backdrop to indulge in the lovely heart warming food in front of an open fire without feeling too guilty on those crisp winter days!

Of course there are specific times of the year that the Cotswolds are more popular. Make sure you check out what seasonal events are on before you visit. The Cheltenham Gold Cup Racing Festival in March, The Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford in July and Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill on Spring Bank Holiday even attract celebrities such as Paddy McGuiness and Rory McGrath!

What is more, if you are looking for a place for a family get together or meeting up with old friends the Cotswolds is centrally located and can be reached in less than 2 hours from London. Often finding the time to meet up with old friends in today’s hectic world is trouble enough, without spending half of your holiday travelling.

With all the activities and events on offer, coupled with its central location, it is even more pleasing to hear that on top of all this, compared to other UK holidays it is price competitive. Particularly large groups coming together can find excellent value for money!

Covering over 790 square miles, you will never be short of anything to do in the Cotswolds. There is adventure for everyone, the trick is to fit it all in!

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We woud like to camp outside little villages etc, anyone know a good scenic route, and good camping sites.

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