The Cotswolds Travel guide
The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, covering almost 800 square miles and boasting incredible countryside, chocolate-box villages and towns, and some of the country’s greatest palaces, castles and country houses.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, covering almost 800 square miles. It boasts incredible countryside, picturesque villages and towns, and some of the country’s most impressive palaces, castles, and country houses. If you’re wondering, “Is Cotswolds worth visiting?”, the answer is a resounding yes.
With over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways, the Cotswolds is the perfect place for walking, cycling, and exploring the historic landscapes. The region also provides a rich harvest of food and drink, with local cheeses, meats, and drinks featuring prominently on the menus of the many wonderful pubs, inns, and restaurants scattered across the region.
Villiages and Towns in the Cotswolds
Our cottages are perfectly situated in the heart of the North Cotswolds, surrounded by some of the region’s prettiest villages and towns. These include the wonderful Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold, Broadway, Lower Slaughter, Snowshill, Moreton in Marsh, and Winchcombe, all within a 20-minute drive from us. If you’re wondering which Cotswold village is best, each has its own unique charm and attractions.
Historical places of interest in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is steeped in history. A visit to Winston Churchill’s birthplace Blenheim Palace offers an unforgettable experience. Explore the wonderful landscapes crafted by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and the incredible Baroque architecture designed in the 1700s by Vanbrugh and Hawksmoor.
Located in Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle has played an important role in England’s history, boasting royal connections that stretch back over 1,000 years, including the last of Henry VIII’s six wives, Katherine Parr, who lived and died in the castle. She is now entombed in a beautiful 15th century church found within the stunning world-renowned gardens.
Broadway Tower is an iconic landmark, on top of the beautiful Cotswolds escarpment overlooking the Vale of Evesham. On a good day you can see 16 counties from the top. The tower has enjoyed a rich history and was once the home to the renowned printing press of Sir Thomas Phillips and country retreat for the Pre-Raphaelite artists William Morris, Burne-Jones and Rossetti. It also boasts a wonderful herd of red deer, two cafes and some great shopping.
The red deer in front of Broadway Tower
Family attractions in the Cotswolds
There’s an abundance of wonderful places to visit during your stay to entertain the whole family.
For animal lovers, a visit to Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park is great fun and just three miles from us here at Flagstone Farm. Enjoy hundreds of rare breeds and get hands on in the Discovery Barn. The fantastic playground is almost as popular as the animals. Finish your trip with lunch in the brand new cafe.
Bourton on the Water offers Birdland, The Model Village, and a Model Railway as well as the River Windrush that flows through the center of the village and becomes hugely popular in warmer months.
If you want to get eye-to-eye with Giraffe, watch Rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns and walk with Lemurs, then a trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford is a wonderful place to explore.
Piglets at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park