There is a small town nestled in the sunlit stretched out hills Cotswold hills in Gloucestershire County that has been deemed with the name of Chipping Campden. One of the towns most marked landmarks are the unusually attractive and elegant terraced, honey mustard colored, high street buildings that have a sort of classic grace about them. They are broad and long and surrounded on both sides by an almost unbroken terrace of many different styles.

The high street buildings are made from a locally quarried type of oolitic limestone that has been fittingly named Cotswold stone. Chipping Camden is also home to a church considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Cotswolds; it is the church of Saint James. The church houses many elaborate tombs and was featured in Simon Jenkins book Englands thousand best churches. Chipping Campden is also home to the ancient Market hall which was built in 1627 by Sir Baptist Hicks with the purpose of giving shelter to the local market.

It is thought that the word Campden is Saxon in origination and translates to valley with the fields. Some written records suggest that King Harold may have owned the manor campden prior to the Norman Conquest. Later during the civil war the royalist troops set the campden Manor on fire to keep it from falling into the ownership of the parliament.

This market area in the Cotswolds was beginning to merit itself a name in the early thirteenth century; it was earning the name Cepyne Caumpedene which translates to market campden. Chipping is a word that comes from the old English word ceping which means a market or a market place. The name picked up in popularity and the town continued to grow into its new title. People began raising sheep all around the cotswolds and then in Chipping campden the wool was sheered and sent to London, soon chipping campden was a town full of wealthy wool merchants in the middle ages.

There was a large migration of craftsmen in the early twentieth century, who decided to bring their crafts to the town. They were led by a man named C R Ashbee. The craftsmen moved into an old dilapidated silk mill and soon began the guild of Handicrafts.

Another thing taking place in the beginning of the twentieth century was the dream of a man named Lawrence Johnston. He moved into the Hidcote Manor and began creating a garden that people would adore for years to come. The self taught gardener began creating his garden in 1907 and spent forty years finishing it. It is now considered one of the great gardens of England.

This small market town till this day evokes old time emotions and appreciation. It is certain that Chipping Campden will continue to take its place among the most beautiful historical English towns and will always be popular amongst her citizens.

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If you love walking then you absolutely must seriously consider the Cotswold Way, only one of a small number of walks across the country which have assigned the tile of a national trail. Cotswold Way lasts for just over 100 miles and to say that the Cotswold Way runs through some of the most beautiful areas of the English country side would be something of an understatement.

If you are planning considering Cotswold holidays then the Cotswold way is something that you should take a look at, you don’t have to walk the whole 100 miles, many people choose to make a day visit and simply choose which part of the Cotswold Way that they would prefer to take a look at, there are many attractions along the way and the villages can often be described as the picture postcard variety.

If you are planning to take in the walk in one go you really will need to carry out a little planning. Don’t expect just to turn up at a hotel or guest house on spec as you may well be disappointed as any rooms are often booked in advance. One option would be to arrange your holiday on the Cotswold Way with a recognised specialist who will basically do all of the work for you so that you can concentrate on enjoying yourself.

One of the most reputable companies in this area is the Thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com and they really do have a wealth of experience in organising Cotswold holidays of this nature and if you take a look at what is involved you will see that there is quite a bit of planning that has to be carried out, not to mention that you really do have to have a good idea of how long it takes to get from one  section of the Cotswold Walk to another.

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If you are interested in exploring the delights of Cotswolds Holidays you have a few choices with regards to the arrangements of your holiday. You could book through a travel agent whose main interest is making as sale or booking through a local company who are absolutely passionate about the area and whose number one priority is that you have great time and go on to tell your friends about the top quality service that they have provided.

That company is thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com and they really do care passionately about Cotswold holidays and everything that this part of the world can offer. You will find that this is especially the case when it comes to the Cotswold Way, a trail of just over 100 miles which many people enthusiasticly claim is the best trail of its type in England.

The people at thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com have arrange organised holidays on the Cotswold Way many times and they are only to well aware of the best hotels and guest houses along the way. They will also arrange to have your luggage transported from one stop over to the next without any effort on your part. There are also various spots on the Cotswold way which are off the beaten track of which you will be shown, many of which are not even known about by the general public.

So, if you are arranging a Cotswold holiday, the choice is yours but for the many visitors to the area, a company like thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com has really made the difference between a great holiday and a truly memorable one.

It would be a good idea to carry out a little research on Cotswold holidays and in particular the Cotswold Way before you make any decisions and then you will be able to choose the type of Cotswold Way holiday that ideally suits your needs.

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People travel from all over the world to take advantage of Cotswold Holidays and it is not difficult to see why due to the stunning surroundings that this part of the country is blessed with. There are many different types of Cotswold Holidays to choose from, a quiet weekend relaxing amidst the beautiful scenery or a bracing weeks’ holiday exploring the Cotswold Way are amongst the favourites and it would be safe to say that once you have experienced any of these you will want to return at every opportunity.

If you are interested in Cotswold holidays and in particular the ever popular Cotswold Way, you should definitely take a look at a website that is an authority on the matter, thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com. The husband and wife team who run this website as well as the Cotswold holiday business that goes with it, really are as passionate about this part of the world as it is possible to be and that kind enthusiasm really rubs off on the Cotswold holidays that they are able to prepare for you.

When you look at the holidays on the Cotswold Way for example, there is more than likely far more to it, in terms of arrangements that have to be made, than you could ever have imagined. The thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com know exactly how far the average person is able to walk on the Cotswold Way and if you are not average they will also know how long it will take you. Details like this are needed with regard to hotel bookings and they also offer a service where they will transport your baggage between hotels so that all you will have to worry about is your backpack which will contain refreshments and other necessities that you will require along the way. You will probably not be surprised to learn that this is the option that most people will take so that they can concentrate on enjoying themselves.tra

www.cotswoldcountryhotel.co.uk the Crown of Crucis offers the ideal choice of luxury hotel for your stay in the Cotswolds. As well as bed and breakfast rates they also have dinner inclusive offers.
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If you are interested in Cotswold holidays and especially the Cotswold Way there is no getting away from the fact that will have to enjoy walking. That might sound obvious but you do get occasions when people start out on a 7 or 8 day holiday on the Cotswold Way and to say they weren’t quite expecting the amount of walking that they had to do would have to be something of an under statement.

If that scenario sounds like you, don’t worry because there are plenty of other alternatives for you in the wide range of Cotswold holidays but walking is definitely the name of the game if you are planning a go at the Cotswold Way.

To give you an idea of the amount of walking that is involved, if you are planning a 7 day Cotswold Way trek your shortest days walking will be 11 miles and the longest day will be 19 miles which may be ideal for the seasoned walker but not so good if walking is not your idea of pleasure.

There is a company called thecotswoldwalkingcompany.com and they will be able to help you with your Cotswold holiday requirements whatever your interests are. If you do want to try the Cotswold Way they have a brilliant service available where they will do more or less everything for you, from planning the trip, booking your hotel stops along the way and even transferring your luggage from one hotel to the next.

As well as being experts in all aspects of Cotswold holidays they really do seem to go out of their way to make your visit a very special one and it would be fair to say that even though you may not like walking there is a very good chance that you will be back to try your luck next year.

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Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a city famous for many things – its horseracing and award-winning gardens being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regency architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district, elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to this Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rolling hills and quaint, charming villages.

Places of interest

When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be one of Britain’s prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenham’s places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:

The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous composer Gustav Holst (of ‘The Planets’ fame), this Regency home shows life as it was in the Victorian period – and incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.
Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally made Cheltenham famous.
The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year – not least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive floral displays.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.

The Promenade. Cheltenham’s most famous street boasts pavement cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the most picturesque part of the city.

Things to do

During your stay in Cheltenham, you’ll discover a pleasing variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether you’re a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:

Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the contemporary.
The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and even West End productions on tour.

Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?

Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coach tour in which you’ll join a guide and take in some of the most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.

Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.

Food & Drink

Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the focus on quality. Of course, if you’re after something fast and easy, you’ll find plenty of different cafés and takeaways serving up what you’re looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you can sample:
The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming style.
Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenham’s fashionable Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
Monty’s Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.
Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenham’s top restaurants, featuring a bistro and wine bar.

Hotels Accommodations

There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to Cheltenham, whether you’re looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special offers and it’s always advisable to search around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district. Kings Arms Hotel Cheltenham Park Hotel George Cheltenham Ltd Beaumont House Macdonald Queen’s Hotel Cotswold Grange Hotel Hotel On The Park North Hall Hotel The Prestbury House Hotel Oaks Restaurant Clarence Court Hotel The Quality Hotel Cheltenham Cleeve Hill Hotel Thistle Cheltenham The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel Lords of the Manor Rising Sun Hotel White Hart Inn De La Bere Hotel Oaklands Bed and Breakfast Entertainment
The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. You’ll find Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where you’ll always feel safe. If you’re looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if you’re a fan of Hollywood then you’ll discover that the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular British films.

Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you visit, you’ll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of activities and places to see, and it’s hard to deny that Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.

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They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend; and should any knight in shining armour come galloping up to me with a great big dazzling rock, I can’t say I’d hesitate to accept the gorgeous gift. The likelihood of such a happening is pretty remote, so I guess I’d settle for a romantic gesture at a more moderate level. I would not consider myself spectacularly high maintenance, but I do like a man to make an effort; something a bit beyond a bunch of wilted carnations from a garage forecourt with an accompanying box of maltesers! Although a 24 carat dazzler may be out of the question, there is a comfortable compromise to suit everybody’s taste.

A stay away in a boutique hotel can spice up the love life of anyone with a heart. Just getting away from the daily routines of washing and cooking can re-ignite the passion that has fallen by the practicality wayside, to bring back the dreamy eyed lover within. Booking into a romantic room for two, where there are no domestic distractions is guaranteed to be a boost for any relationship, and there are plenty of little extras that can be arranged to make the stay a little bit more memorable.

When planning a week or weekend away with a loved one, choosing the right destination can make all the difference romantically. Ideally choose to use an agency that specialises in romantic breaks, the hotels will be located in areas notorious for amorous antics and will have the facilities that add that extra bit of romance to the stay. Popular European destinations are Paris and Milan for a chic treat, or for somewhere a little more cosy and secluded, a cottage in the Cotswolds is a great place to snuggle up.

Specialist romantic boutiques will have large double beds with luxurious bedding and an en suite Jacuzzi to fit two. Make the most of room service and have chilled bottles of champagne delivered to the suite and pop the cork to enjoy the bottle of bubbly in the bubbly tub for two. For the extra touch of romance, book a table for a candle lit dinner in the hotel restaurant. Once again, choosing to book a place to stay through a specialist agent will guarantee the right atmosphere to smooch and dine with wine, with a menu to match. To get in the mood for a night of passion, order foods that are said to tickle the love buds! Oysters are a well known aphrodisiac, and a great dish to share. If you’re not too fond of seafood, then a dish of asparagus is a great alternative. For desert, a simple dish of strawberries is said to have the desired effect.

If the choice of destination is in one of the many romantic cities or beaches in the world, make the most of getting outside to soak up a vibrant atmosphere or the heady haze of a setting sun. For some, the thrill of city night life will get the blood pumping, so a city break to Barcelona will be full of passion, injected with a taste of the exotic. If you like a little more privacy, then choosing a place that has long walks by waterfalls and mountains or wide open beaches can offer the romantic seclusion you are looking for.

Jetting off to sunny spots or secluded log cabins is a great way to show someone how you feel; but there are a couple of basic points that must not be overlooked, or your gesture may seem empty. It’s back to the simple stuff of a beautiful bunch of flowers, and a pretty box of chocolates; and remembering to say ‘I love you’.

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Romantic hotels are not just for Valentine’s Day, but are probably best enjoyed at a time that suits you best and away from the madding crowd. What about celebrating a special anniversary, as a big thank you, or simply to say how much you care. There are lots of different places to choose from and you should follow your instincts for the style of hotel to book: sea side? historic? contemporary? The choice is yours but here are a few to consider.

Holbeck Ghyll, Cumbria

Any romantic hotel needs an outstanding setting, and there is no where more outstanding the UK than the Lake District. Holbeck Ghyll in Cumbria was built in 1888 as a hunting lodge but has been much changed since with panelling and stained glass windows. The hotel has views over Lake Windermere and the peaks beyond and sits in its own woodland, yet is only a short drive from pretty lakeside villages. You could treat yourself to a stay in the Miss Potter Suite, with your own lounge, bedroom and bathroom as well as terrace and sunken hot tub. The hotel has a Michelin starred restaurant and is ideal for short or longer walks.

Drakes Hotel Brighton

This small Regency sea front hotel is exactly what you might think of when you imagine spending a weekend in Brighton. The modern and stylish bedrooms have floor to ceiling windows with extra large bath tubs sited right next to them for enjoying the view while you soak, You can even book attic rooms for outstanding views. Once bathed, you can enjoy the cocktail bar before visiting the Restaurant at Drakes that serves modern British food in modern, sleek surroundings.

Langtry Manor, Bournemouth

If you prefer something a little more traditional, why not try Langtry Manor, which was built by King Edward VII in 1877 as a place to visit his mistress Lillie Langtry. There is wood panelling, stained glass and carved oak everywhere, together with oil paintings and memorabilia of her theatrical career. The rooms are full of Edwardian style with four poster beds, velvet and silk furnishings, balconies and even a heart-shaped Jacuzzi. To match the décor, the food on Saturday evening includes an Edwardian banquet of six courses served by maids in period costume so you can enjoy your stay in right royal style.

Thornbury Castle, near Bristol

Maybe a Tudor castle is more your style? Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn stayed at Thornbury Castle in the heart of the Cotswolds and it still has the air of tudor style with turrets, courtyards and tudor gardens. The rooms have four poster beds, open fires and some have whirlpool baths while the helipad is a feature Henry would not have used. The dining rooms also would not have been familiar to him, serving modern English food, although one of their specialities is treacle tart and the vineyard would no doubt have appealed.

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Seeing as Birmingham holds the title of the second largest city in England, it may surprise you to find that only a few will allow you to bring your pet into your room, with the situation made even more difficult the further into the city centre you are.   Do not despair though, as there are some Birmingham hotel which are pet friendly (And very human friendly too) As ever though, book early to avoid a woof deal and you are sure to find somewhere that really is the cat’s miaow and a real tweet for you and your pets.

There are many bonuses to choosing a pet-friendly hotel Birmingham.  If you are on an extended trip to the city and you do not feel as  though you could leave your pet in the hands of a dog/cat/fish/other sitter, or if you would prefer not to leave your pet in the hands of a professional while you are away, they are well worth considering as not only will you get piece of mind, you will also be able to enjoy the comfort of having your pet around, particularly if you have children who will miss their pet and you are due to be away for a long period of time.

When finding a pet friendly hotel Birmingham, check to see whether the hotel’s policy specifically states pets are allowed on the premises, and if they are, make sure that your pooch, cat or iguana is on their best behaviour so that not only you will be welcomed back, so will everyone else.

Some pet-friendly Birmingham hotel are close to the city centre, while some are within just a mile of the city centre, so location shouldn’t necessarily be an issue, although sometimes it can be difficult to find a room, for instance during an important event taking place in the city such as a festival.

For pets who need lots of exercise and fresh air however, consider a country-based Birmingham hotel outside of the city centre.  Birmingham is close to some stunning countryside, including the Cotswolds, so consider staying somewhere a little more off the beaten track if you feel that Fido might need to stretch his legs and take those paws for a wander through some beautiful countryside.

Do not be discouraged if you don’t manage to find a pet friendly hotel Birmingham the first time.  Many websites will offer a list of which hotels are pet friendly and which are human friendly only. Check these websites and if in doubt, ring up the hotel well in advance to see whether they will allow your pet to stay with you.  There are plenty of places around the Birmingham area who will accept pets and will make sure you all have an enjoyable stay

www.lordsofthemanor.com – Situated in a timeless corner of the Cotswolds, in the village of Upper Slaughter, the Lords of the Manor Cotswolds Hotel is a former rectory of honey-coloured stone, set in eight acres of landscaped gardens and rolling parkland. This is a place to relax, do as much or as little as you like, we have a pair of wellies waiting for you at the door just in case you would like to explore the stunning Cotswold countryside.
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When looking for somewhere to stay in Birmingham, have a look at some of the various locations around the city.  There is a wide range of different things to experience around this bustling metropolis and regardless of budget or taste there is bound to be a hotel Birmingham has to offer you.

Why not venture into the city’s famous Jewellery Quarter?  Birmingham’s famous historic centre for jewellery making hosts over four-hundred jewellery businesses and over 100 jewellery specialists crafting almost every style of jewellery, from delicate classic pieces to handcrafted gems.  While you are there, you could also visit the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter?  When the Smith and Pepper jewellery manufacturing firm closed in 1981, few were aware that it would be transformed into one of the Quarter’s main attractions.  Guided tours around the factory allow visitors to experience the work that goes on behind the scenes, featuring live demonstrations from the jeweller’s bench, as well as a wide range of machinery, tools and stamps used in the jewellery making process.

If you decide to stay in a Birmingham hotel near Aston hall, then sampling some of the delights Aston Park has to offer is a must.  The park covers a huge area of green land with some stunning flower beds and sculptures, and is home to Aston Hall, a Jacobean building restored after having been damaged in the Civil War.

Towards the city centre lies the NIA, one of the largest entertainment and sporting venues in the UK, the Ikon gallery, the National Sea life Centre and the Birmingham Reparatory Theatre, among many other attractions.

If you find the city centre too busy, you can always find a hotel Birmingham in the peace and tranquillity of the country.  Close to the stunning Worcester countryside and the Cotswolds, Birmingham also offers a Birmingham hotel away from the city centre.

As well as locations, there is also an array of different places to stay on offer, too. A Birmingham hotel in the city centre can range from serviced apartments to plush hotels.  For those travelling on a shoestring, hostels are a great option.  Micro hotels are also a novel new way to stay in the city centre in a hotel Birmingham, with their compact, pod-like rooms offering the best in state of the art entertainment systems and hospitality.  Pub accommodation is a classic way to stay the night, and many places will offer you a warm welcome and traditional pub fare.

Birmingham is currently in line for the title of Capital of Culture 2013, but why not come and judge for your self?  The city is also home to a number of regular festivals around the city and there is many arts and theatre events to experience, and is fast gaining a reputation for being a busy city full of commerce, culture and fun.

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