WindMill[1].wmv

0 WindMill[1].wmvThe Windmill at Weatheroak which appeared on Escape to the Country. An unusual dwelling and holiday cottage recently renovated from a disued grade 2 listed building to a 2 bedroom dwelling. Set in the stunning rolling countryside of Worcestershire this magnificant property is available for short breaks or short holidays.

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Taking a break from the daily grind is always something to look forward to. Most people set their sights on a sandy beach to soak up the Mediterranean sun and recharge the batteries; but ironically often say that they come back needing a holiday. All the hustle and bustle of airports and passports, travel insurance and immunisations can turn taking a break into a major mission. With the new credit crunch well under way, people are beginning to discover that there are places in England that are worthy of a weeklong break. The undulating countryside has become a welcome paradise and sought after space to get a real rest from routine, and many prefer a break in the British countryside to a stay on the Costa del Sol.


The epitome of Britishness is said to be in the Cotswolds. This tourist haven is still a delicately peaceful and quaint area of the country with its gently rolling hills and limestone villages. The idyllic vision of sheep on the hillside, dry stone walls and ambling ramblers is the actual vision that greets visitors to this area. As a native Britton, it can be difficult to imagine what is so good about the quintessentially English way of things. The best way to rectify this is by booking into a Boutique hotel in one of the beautiful Cotswold towns, allowing yourself to relax. Here are my top tips for relaxation the rural way.


The Cotswold town of Bath is famed for the traditional spas built during the Roman times. Bath was built around the famous hot water spring that provides a healing and relaxing mineral rich soak. The stone pillars and pathways built by the Romans are still there today and add to the authentic atmosphere of the area.


Nearby Cheltenham is also a spa town, but is generally better known for being the home of Cheltenham Races, one of the most famous horse racing days in the calendar. Be warned however, that taking a break at this time of year requires booking many months in advance and is not the right time to go to the area if you are after a bit of peace and quiet.


The Romantic Road is a little known way of getting to know the Cotswold area. It weaves through some of the most beautiful towns and villages, past churches to deliver a truly romantic experience that has inspired poets, musicians, writers and artists for centuries. This journey offers the opportunity to take a break in traditional English pubs along the way, where you can sample ales, enjoy the fresh air and warm yourself by the fire.


If you like a bit of horticulture, then it is worth knowing that the Cotswolds are just as famed for its manicured gardens and arboretums as it is for the wild countryside. Walking into cottage garden inspired public gardens is a truly romantic experience, and like walking into a novel by Virginia Wolfe. With a setting like this, it is the perfect place to make a proposal and then head back to a romantic hideaway in a Boutique hotel.


Nestled in the gently rolling hills, a romantic hideaway is the perfect place to end a busy day of sitting in a spa, drinking ale at a pub and taking a leisurely stroll through the countryside. With views so stunning, they attract visitors the world over, make the most of what is on your doorstep. Why fly to Benidorm to get burned when you can bathe in the baths of Bath and retreat to a Boutique bed for two right here in Britain?

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the tourist industry.
Find out more about booking Boutique Hotels in Cotswolds and and how to make the most of a traditional English getaway.


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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!

Anna Phillips represents Jigsaw Holidays, specialists in supplying Cotswold Cottages and character properties as part of your Cotswold Holiday.

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Taking a break from the daily grind is always something to look forward to. Most people set their sights on a sandy beach to soak up the Mediterranean sun and recharge the batteries; but ironically often say that they come back needing a holiday. All the hustle and bustle of airports and passports, travel insurance and immunisations can turn taking a break into a major mission. With the new credit crunch well under way, people are beginning to discover that there are places in England that are worthy of a weeklong break. The undulating countryside has become a welcome paradise and sought after space to get a real rest from routine, and many prefer a break in the British countryside to a stay on the Costa del Sol.


The epitome of Britishness is said to be in the Cotswolds. This tourist haven is still a delicately peaceful and quaint area of the country with its gently rolling hills and limestone villages. The idyllic vision of sheep on the hillside, dry stone walls and ambling ramblers is the actual vision that greets visitors to this area. As a native Britton, it can be difficult to imagine what is so good about the quintessentially English way of things. The best way to rectify this is by booking into a Boutique hotel in one of the beautiful Cotswold towns, allowing yourself to relax. Here are my top tips for relaxation the rural way.


The Cotswold town of Bath is famed for the traditional spas built during the Roman times. Bath was built around the famous hot water spring that provides a healing and relaxing mineral rich soak. The stone pillars and pathways built by the Romans are still there today and add to the authentic atmosphere of the area.


Nearby Cheltenham is also a spa town, but is generally better known for being the home of Cheltenham Races, one of the most famous horse racing days in the calendar. Be warned however, that taking a break at this time of year requires booking many months in advance and is not the right time to go to the area if you are after a bit of peace and quiet.


The Romantic Road is a little known way of getting to know the Cotswold area. It weaves through some of the most beautiful towns and villages, past churches to deliver a truly romantic experience that has inspired poets, musicians, writers and artists for centuries. This journey offers the opportunity to take a break in traditional English pubs along the way, where you can sample ales, enjoy the fresh air and warm yourself by the fire.


If you like a bit of horticulture, then it is worth knowing that the Cotswolds are just as famed for its manicured gardens and arboretums as it is for the wild countryside. Walking into cottage garden inspired public gardens is a truly romantic experience, and like walking into a novel by Virginia Wolfe. With a setting like this, it is the perfect place to make a proposal and then head back to a romantic hideaway in a Boutique hotel.


Nestled in the gently rolling hills, a romantic hideaway is the perfect place to end a busy day of sitting in a spa, drinking ale at a pub and taking a leisurely stroll through the countryside. With views so stunning, they attract visitors the world over, make the most of what is on your doorstep. Why fly to Benidorm to get burned when you can bathe in the baths of Bath and retreat to a Boutique bed for two right here in Britain?

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the tourist industry.
Find out more about booking Boutique Hotels in Cotswolds and and how to make the most of a traditional English getaway.

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