It's a surprisingly large area of 800 square miles and covers five counties. Defined by its golden building and rolling hills, otherwise known as the 'wolds', it's well worth visiting to experience a slice of idyllic middle England.
Let's look at 5 Cotswold towns and villages you must visit on a trip to the area.
1. Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the Venice of the Cotswolds, as the River Windrush flows through its main street. Although small, the town has various family-friendly attractions which are part of its appeal. You can visit Birdland, the Cotswold's Motor Museum, a maze and a model village.
During peak season it can get very busy with coach parties so be sure to visit mid-week if you don't want to be fighting to get a seat in a cafe.
2. Broadway
Broadway at the base of the Worcestershire hills is an affluent historic village. Ancient honey-coloured limestone period buildings with orderly horse chestnut trees line the grass-fringed verges of the historic 'broad way' High Street.
When I visited recently I enjoyed strolling down the high street, watching the people in the cafes and seeing the expensive cars parked outside. I spotted two Mclaren cars, a Lamborgini and a Ferrari! Broadway is much quieter than some of the other Cotswolds villages too such as Bourton-on-the-Water so it's a great place to visit even on the weekends.
3. Cirencester
Cirencester is a lovely market town, in East Gloucester, known as the Capital of the Cotswolds. In Roman times, it was the second largest town only to London.
There are lots of markets in the town and regular markets are held Monday and Fridays. There is the parish church of St John The Baptist to visit as well as the Corinium Museum of the Roman past. Cirencester Park, situated to the west of the town, this is a superb example of a forest style garden and is well worth a visit.
4. Bibury
Bibury is a little village, a short drive from Cirencester, with one of the most photographed streets in the UK called Arlington Row. If you love architecture the old Weaver's cottages are worth a journey here alone, built in the 1380's as a woollen store by monks.
Bibury also has a famous trout farm which you can visit, and if you want, they provide all the equipment to catch your own supper.
5. Woodstock
Woodstock is a little market town 8 miles away from Oxford. With antique shops, and art galleries, it's a wealthy little town and a lovely spot to stay when visiting Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace is the major tourist attraction in the area and this English Country House with gardens is the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. It's definitely worth the £24 admission price to experience the ostentatious interior and the beautiful gardens.
Pin for later
If you want to tour the Cotswolds in style it's worth considering a chauffeured tour for a little luxury. You will certainly be travelling in style in a Mercedes whilst being able to admire the scenery from the passenger seat.
Tell me, have you been to the Cotswolds? Are there any towns and villages in the Cotswolds you can recommend?
*AD
It looks so pretty there. It definitely is on my list of places in the UK to visit. I hope to try to go to as many as possible over the summer.
ReplyDeleteIt is really pretty in the Cotswolds, and lots of towns and villages to explore.
DeleteI adore Broadway and Bourton on the Water - I have holidayed there as a child many times. Kaz
ReplyDeleteI preferred Broadway I think, as it was much quieter.
DeleteThis is an area I've never really explored, I tend to go to West Wales and head for the coast but these all look very idyllic!
ReplyDeleteI haven't explored this area of England until recently, but it is worth it as it's very beautiful
DeleteWe’ve never visited but the area looks beautiful! We’d love to go to Bourton-on-the-Water!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful village, best to visit in the week though as it does get busy on the weekend.
DeleteThe Cotswolds has always been a place I’ve never really thought about visiting until now. The place you list sound so idyllic and more old English countryside which would be wonderful for a summer day out. I love the look of bilbury
ReplyDeleteIt’s always been on my bucket list of places to visit. A few friends rave about it so much :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Cotswolds as i live in the area and often visit the Woodstock
ReplyDeleteI use to live on the edge of the Cotswolds and Woodstock/Blenheim palace was so easy for a day out - they have some great events happening there too. I think Buford is my favourite town though - it has some great shops, is cute as a button and has great tea shops!
ReplyDeleteCx
Such a beautiful place; like something out of a fairy tale! I'd love to visit there one day.
ReplyDelete