Cotswolds guide and sightseeing         

Summary
If you’re after English quaintness personified then the celebrity-filled Cotswolds could be the perfect destination for you. Towns and villages with rustic names such as Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh simply ooze history and fairytale charm. They’re dotted among the rolling hills and meadows that stretch from Oxfordshire to Wiltshire and which are perfect for rambling, hiking or biking.

Accommodation-wise there’s a wide range of options from camping and caravanning to B&Bs and luxury hotels. The Cotswolds are perfect for any short break or holiday where rural tranquility is required.

Getting there/getting around the Cotswolds
If you’re travelling by car you can reach the Cotswolds via the M5 in the west and the M40 in the east. If you’d rather avoid the motorways, there’s the A46 between Bath and Gloucester and the A44 between Oxford and Evesham. You can also take the train to Bath, Gloucester, Oxford and even little Moreton-in-Marsh and coach services operate to most major towns from cities all over the country.

Sightseeing in the Cotswolds
The area’s littered with sights to keep you busy on your break. The main points of interest are the aforementioned towns and villages where you’ll find soft, cream-coloured limestone buildings, thatched cottages, tea shops, small bridges over shallow rivers and picturesque gardens. Many people like to hike or mountain bike in the area around Upper and Lower Slaughter, commonly known as The Slaughters. Both villages are incredibly picturesque with little shops, pubs and riverside walks.

Historic houses include Blenheim Palace, where Winston Churchill was born, Eastnor Castle, a richly decorated family home and Batsford Arboretum, home to one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. Museums include the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, home to an Arts & Crafts Movement collection, as well as lovely furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewellery and archaeology.

Cotswolds family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences         

Family attractions in the Cotswolds
The Bourton-on-the-Water model village is popular with families and bird-lovers can visit the Cotswold Falconry centre in Moreton-on-Marsh where eagles, hawks, owls & falcons are flown throughout the day.

At the Cotswold Farm Park near Cheltenham kids can enjoy a safari ride, tractor school, an adventure playground and lots of close encounters with the many rare breeds on show. Every year at the beginning of July, the whole family will enjoy the Cotswolds Show at Cirencester Park. There are performances from the Royal Corps of Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team and the Cheshire Dog Display Team and the children can try their hand at horse whispering or gun dog handling. There are also lots of craft stalls to browse.

Day trips from the Cotswolds
The Forest of Dean is often missed out by many visitors which is a real shame as the 28 square miles of ancient oak woodland is home to some breathtaking views. It’s also great for hiking and there are a number of trails to follow including a sculpture trail and the Kidnalls Forest trail which takes in several early industrial sites.

You could also explore Herefordshire or visit the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon.

Shopping in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds have a real Arts and Crafts heritage and you’ll discover many antique shops selling a wide variety of authentic furniture, ceramic ware and other very traditional items.

The region also used to be a massive producer of woollen clothing and the Cotswold Woollen Weavers at Filkins sell a range of products whether you’re after something tailored or a simple shawl or picnic blanket

Cotswolds nightlife, restaurants, bars and clubs         

Restaurants in the Cotswolds
Ramblers can enjoy scones, crumpets and cakes in tea rooms all over the Cotswolds and you’ll find high-quality gastro pubs, such as The Fox Inn in Lower Oddington, dotted all over the area.

The bigger cities cater for most tastes and you’ll find good Italian, Tex Mex, Chinese and Indian restaurants. Moreton-in-Marsh is home to an excellent Thai restaurant and during the summer, many fairs have medieval-style banquets.

Nightlife in the Cotswolds
A Cotswolds break is not normally associated with a night on the tiles, but there are lots of options in the bigger cities such as Oxford, Gloucester and Bath, where you’ll find plenty in the way of pubs, bars, clubs and cinemas.

The thriving student scene in Oxford means it’s also a good place to enjoy some live music and those who enjoy a more civilized evening out can take in a play at the Theatre Royal in Bath.