The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are centred on the gentle slopes of the Cotswolds Hills and are officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the largest in England and Wales, and made up from parts of the English Counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Somerset. We also include the county of Herefordshire. The region is popular with both the English and visitors from all over the world and considered by most to be quintessentially English.
The landscape is famous for its gentle hillsides (‘wolds’) and the drystone walls which wander between the fields, constructed with considerable skill and forming a architectural feature into which considerable conservation effort is expended. Within this countryside sit the famous cities such as Bath, the well-known towns such as Burford and Castle Combe and the hidden villages off the beaten track such as Painswick, WinchCombe, Biddestone or Woodstock which still hold secrets for the visitor to discover.
The buildings of the Cotswolds are a distinctive feature of the region. The honey-coloured limestone, sourced from the local hills is used for everything from the stone floors in the houses to the tiles on the roof, giving the village streets a unique, “English” appearance and ambiance.
What to See and Do
Visit the unspoilt historic church at Northleach which is often called the “Cathedral of the Cotswolds”.
Shop in the market towns and villages such as Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Norton and Tetbury.
Discover the manor house gardens and Hidcote Manor, near Chipping Campden, or Snowshill Manor, Near Broadway or the cottage gardens thoughout the villages of the Cotswolds.
Enjoy the stunning countryside on a walk through the villages and Wolds. One of the best ways to walk with confidence in the countryside is to use a Circular Walk, following a leaflet describing the route. This will provide a map with clear instructions and usually notes places of interest to look out for on your way. To explore some of the historic towns in the Cotswolds, why not spend an hour following a Town Trail taking in the architectural heritage and history written in stone, before stopping for a drink at a traditional pub or afternoon tea at a tea-room?
Depending on the time of year, there are numerous festivals and events ranging from Shakespeare festivals to Cheese Rolling!