Image taken on 2008-07-07 11:34:58 by UGArdener.

Technorati Tags: Afternoon, Between, Cotswolds, Showers

We are looking for R&R, adventure and to get the best feel for England. We have 2 days on the end of our trip for "whatever" and have a car to drive around. Would like to take a really beautiful road trip at the end. Any advice?

There’s a London Events website that lists all events happening in London – and they’ve put together a best of July list if you want to take a look – it might help you find something on the day you’ll be traveling and it includes beautiful exhibitions, crazy club nights, live music, dance classes and more. Something for everyone! The link to the list is here:

http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/articles/Spoonfed/317

I’d also recommend heading to Wales for the beautiful drive, it’s absolutely gorgeous. You could also take some time to find a pony trekking class – you can find treks that only last a few hours and take you to places in the Wales countryside that are not accessible by car. Very pretty!

Spring in The Cotswolds, UK.

Duration : 0:3:30

Read the rest of this entry

Technorati Tags: Cotswolds, spring, Travel, uk

http://blog.holidayparkhols.co.uk – Holiday Lodges in the Cotswolds are the perfect retreat, the stylish and contemporary log cabins at Lake Pochard are perfectly placed for peace and quiet. This video review gives you details of the park and much more.

Duration : 0:1:18

Read the rest of this entry

Technorati Tags: blog, co, Cotswolds, Holiday, holidayparkhols, in, lodges, the, uk

Some of us may be so frustrated with our footwear that we feel that a perfect pair of shoes is only something you dream about. However, don’t knock this till you try this – Cotswold shoes are something that many golfers use for years. Having a great history, Cotswold shoes promise to keep you in comfort as you walk through the eighteenth hole. Everybody knows that you can play the best shots when your feet are planted firmly on the ground with a good pair of shoes. Cotswold makes shoes in all sizes and shapes, regardless of the arch of your feet – there is something for every foot type at Cotswold.

Cotswold golfing shoes have truly stood the test of time

One player’s game of golf can be totally different when compared to another’s, and with this diversity comes the diverse tastes in their footwear as well. Cotswold has something to offer the fussiest of players, as do they offer something for the weekend players who do not have too much in terms of what they require from their shoes. These shoes are manufactured with the finest leather on the markets, and they promise to keep your feet bone dry on the wet courses that can so often ruin your shots. Do not worry about the perfect fit for your feet – that is what these people set out to achieve in the first place.

Cotswold golf shoes have been around for a long time. They’ve been amongst the top providers of golf footwear, be it twenty years ago or be it a week ago. Many golfers are proud of their Cotswold shoes, and it is something of a status to be wearing them on the field. The company boasts of taking a lot of pride into producing these shoes, and that reflects on the players’ attitude when they wear them on the course as well. Although this is a UK company, Cotswold shoes are ever so popular in the States and other countries as well. This does happen with any company that has been around for as long as they have, and is a true sigh of the quality that the company sticks to.

Something for every body with Cotswold plans

We sometimes come across companies that have pre determined target audiences, in terms of a particular age group or maybe on gender basis. However, at Cotswold you will find something for everyone’s tastes, be it a male a female or a child even. Professionals and beginners can both find something to suit their needs here, and that is why this company holds so many faithful buyers who return time and again. Why not check out the range available, right on the internet? You could be a beginner wanting a pair of shoes to start you off, and you may later want something more suited to your conditions. Whatever the reason, you will find that Cotswold has exactly what you need, so don’t be surprised if you become a repeat customer there.

Technorati Tags: Cotswold, Ensure, Footwear, Game, Golf, Great, They

Image taken on 2007-05-22 05:52:39 by UGArdener.

Technorati Tags: Blockley, Cotswolds, Dene, Garden, Mill

We have narrowed our holiday down to the Cotswolds. Now I am asking if anyone can recommend a really pretty village/town to stay in that is central to all the best areas of the Cotswolds (we will have a car to drive around). We are not really looking to stay in a big place more just a really beautiful place with pretty gardens etc. We are interested in doing some short walks and that sort of thing.

It is almost impossible to choose from the many lovely towns and villages in the Cotswolds one particularly beautiful place. But you have chosen well in picking the area for a holiday. What will be the type of accommodation you are looking for? My wife and I regularly visit the area and we either use our touring caravan or we stay at bed and breakfast pubs. We have stayed at "The Village Pub" in Barnsley (the one near Cirencester) which is close to the gardens of Gertrude Jekyll.We have also used "The Kings Head" at Bledington, a lovely pub doing great food and super breakfasts. There are many others that you can find in The Good Pub Guide. There are plenty of walks in the area and, to be honest, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy a break in the Cotswolds.

The Cotswold’s is located in Gloucestershire and includes Cirencester, South Cerney, Stroud, Cheltenham and other rural locations in-between. Groups looking to tour the Cotswold’s in the UK can choose from a wide range of activities. The Cotswold’s encompass many pretty villages with a typical English feel and landscape. Walk though fields, narrow lanes, and ancient forests, while admiring beautiful streams, stone cottages, churches, old barns, and manor homes.

Groups can enjoy any of the following Cotswold tours:

Coach Tours: If you want it all done for you shoes a pr-organized tour. They can bring your group around the Cotswold’s to explore lanes and villages in a comfortable mini-bus that is more suitable for accessing narrow lanes.

Walking tours: Groups can take long leisurely walks through the countryside and villages. There is a large verity of walks in the Cotswold’s. The Gloucestershire way offers 100miles of footpaths and bridle ways. This trail starts at Chepstow and goes through the Forrest of Dean and Tewksbury. Shorter walks that can be done I a full or half day include

* Painswick to Uley (17 miles).

* Chipping Campden to Broadway (6 miles) or to Winchcombe (18 miles).

* Cheltenham to Painswick (17 miles).

* Winchcombe to Dowdswell Reservoir, Cheltenham (12 miles).

The Cotswold’s Village Trail explores 27 towns, villages and hamlets. They also include shops, inns, churches, workhouses, medieval cottages and more. In addition, historical sites such as, the Iron Age Hills forts, a Gothic folly, a ruined Medieval Abby, a Sezincote Hours and the Sudeley Castle are also viewed.

Talk, Lectures & Slide shows: Interested guests can take advantage of many discussions and exhibits that cover a vast range of interesting topics related to the Cotswolds and earlier eras.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway:  Toddington; Return to the past on a 20 mile round trip steamer. This steamer will transport visitors through the Cotswolds. Special group rates for parties of 10 or more apply.

Sudeley Castle tour: Set against the beautiful Cotswolds, this royal castle is over 1000 years old and comes with spectacular gardens. Group tours must be booked in advance. Group rates require at least 6 persons.

Cotswold Farm Park: Visit this amazing conservation of rare breeds. The tour of the farm includes nature trails, walks through the woodlands and much more. Group rates require a minimum of 5 persons with a maximum of 100 persons.

While visiting the Cotswolds, visitors may be interested in renting one of the Gagingwell Cottages. These cottages were once used by monks as retreats as far back as 1549 and are spread over 3 acres of land. The hamlet of Gagingwell consists of 10 buildings and is only 6 miles from the market town of Chipping Norton and only 7 miles from where Winston Churchill was born in Blenhein Palace, Woodstock.  Guests should enjoy these private and comfortable accommodations where they can walk, site-see, ride horses and even golf. They can also enjoy shopping, restaurants and pub at any one of the nearby villages.

There are plenty of B&Bs and small hotels dotted around the Cotswold’s but most of these would not be suited towards groups with most of the B&Bs having no more than 4 rooms. If you are visiting with a medium to large group you may need to consider staying in one of the larger towns such as Cheltenham of Gloucester as your base to explore the Cotswold’s from. If you look harder there are a number of hotels with 20 – 30 rooms located in the more rural locations. Some of them are in some truly beautiful locations although they can be very remote to access and you will need car or coach transport to and from these locations.

You can find group hotels and transport in the Cotswolds by visiting www.mygrouptour.com or www.in-holidays-europe.co.uk

Technorati Tags: Cotswolds, Exploring, Group

There is something about farm shops that many people find very attractive. For starters no two are the same. Most rural areas have plenty of them for you to explore, but you’ll find countless different delights in each and every one.

If you are visiting the Cotswolds on a weekend break or a UK holiday, you should definitely take the time to visit one or two farm shops while you are here. As well as being a good way to sample produce that has been created locally, it is also a wonderful way to plan for self catered meals during your stay. What better meal could there be than one that is served with locally reared meat, freshly grown vegetables and locally dug potatoes?

Here are some treats you might want to look in on while you are here.

1. The Cockleford Trout Farm. Not all farm produce is grown in a field! And if you fancy smoked trout for dinner one night, you won’t be disappointed at what you can buy at this trout farm. The shop has plenty to keep you happy, and you’ll find it in Cowley, near Cheltenham.

2. The Cotswold Farm Fayre. This is really a lot more than just a farm shop. There is a coffee shop and a butcher’s here as well, so you’ll be able to stock up your holiday cottage for the whole time you are away. They make some of the cheeses themselves, and the others are locally made as well.

3. The Simple Suppers Farm Shop. You’ll find this one in Moreton in Marsh, and it specialises in freshly made sausages, pies and much more besides. You can buy all your meat here and then visit another farm shop for the vegetables!

4. The Organic Farm Shop. If organic produce is important to you, you’ll be pleased to know this shop has it all. You’ll find it located in Burford Road, Cirencester. And it has a lot more than simply organic farm produce on offer as well. You will also find a wide range of gift items, so if you need some items to take back home with you it might be worth a look.

This is just a sample of the many farm shops that are available in the Cotswolds. Wherever you happen to be staying when you visit for your short break UK holiday, make sure you ask locally where the nearest – and best – farm shop happens to be. You can then pay a visit early on in your holiday and buy whatever supplies you need from local producers.

Being able to make the most of local produce and dishes while you are here is one of the most delightful ways to enjoy any Cotswolds based holiday. Why bring food with you or go straight to the nearest supermarket when you can taste homemade flavours and dishes every day of the week? It certainly makes for a more exciting dinner – and one that everyone will love.

Technorati Tags: Cotswolds, Farm, Great, Shops, visit

Would like to know good picturesque route, on our way to Dorset, will be camping (tent), or is better to go down to New Forest and camp there. Thank You.

The Cotswolds is a range of hills in west-central England, sometimes called the "Heart of England", an area 25 miles (40 km) across and 90 miles (145 km) long. The area has been designated as the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The highest point in the Cotswolds range is Cleeve Hill at 1,083 ft (330 m), 2.5 miles (4 km) to the north of Cheltenham. The name Cotswold means either "sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides"[1] or it comes from the term "wold" meaning hills.
Contents [hide]
1 Location
2 Description
3 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
4 Principal settlements
5 Noteworthy historical structures
6 Transport
7 The Cotswolds in cultural life
8 See also
9 References
10 External links
[edit]Location

The Cotswolds lie mainly within the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but extend into parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
[edit]Description

The spine of the Cotswolds runs south west to north east through six counties, particularly Gloucestershire, west Oxfordshire, and south western Warwickshire. The northern and western edges of the Cotswolds are marked by steep escarpments down to the Severn valley and the Warwickshire Avon. This escarpment or scarp feature, sometimes called the Cotswold Edge, is a result of the uplifting (tilting) of the limestone layer, exposing its broken edge. This is a cuesta, in geological terms. The dip slope is to the south east. On the eastern boundary lies the city of Oxford and on the west is Stroud. To the south-east the upper reaches of the Thames Valley and towns such as Lechlade, Tetbury and Fairford are often considered to mark the limit of this region. To the south the Cotswolds, with the characteristic uplift of the Cotswold Edge, reach as far south as Bath and towns such as Chipping Sodbury and Marshfield share elements of Cotswold character.

Corsham in the south western Cotswolds
The area is characterised by attractive small towns and villages built of the underlying Cotswold stone (a yellow oolitic limestone). This limestone is rich in fossils, in particular fossilised sea urchins. In the Middle Ages, the wool trade made the Cotswolds prosperous; hence the Speaker of the British House of Lords sits on the Woolsack showing where the Medieval wealth of the country came from. Some of this money was put into the building of churches so the area has a number of large, handsome Cotswold stone "wool churches". The area remains affluent and has attracted wealthy people who own second homes in the area or have chosen to retire to the Cotswolds.
Cotswold towns include Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Norton, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold and Winchcombe. The town of Chipping Campden is notable for being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, founded by William Morris at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. William Morris lived occasionally in Broadway Tower a folly now part of a country park. Chipping Campden is also known for the annual Cotswold Games, a celebration of sports and games dating back to the early 17th century.
[edit]Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Late summer scene in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, with an expansion on 21 December 1990 to 1,990 square kilometres (768 sq mi). In 1991, all AONBs were measured again using modern methods. The official area of the Cotswolds AONB increased to 2,038 square kilometres (787 sq mi). In 2000, the government confirmed that AONBs had the same landscape quality and status as National Parks.
The Cotswolds AONB, which is the largest in England and Wales, stretches from the border regions of South Warwickshire and Worcestershire, through West Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire and takes in parts of West Wiltshire, and Bath and North East Somerset in the South. Gloucestershire County Council is responsible for 63 per cent of the AONB. 
[2]
The Cotswolds Conservation Board is the organisation that exists to conserve and enhance the AONB. Established in 2004 the board carries out a range of work from securing funding for ‘on the ground’ conservation projects to providing a strategic overview of the area for key decision makers, such as planning officials. The board is an independent organisation funded by Natural England and the 17 local authorities that sit within the AONB.
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Service, now part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, was established in 1968 to help conserve and enhance the area and now has over 300 Wardens. In 2007 they gave over 41,000 hours of their time.[citation needed]
The Cotswold Way is a long-distance footpath, approximately 103 miles (166 km) long, running the length of the AONB, mainly on the edge of the Cotswold escarpment with views over the Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham.

A horse in a field of buttercups in the Cotswolds
[edit]Principal settlement