The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds at a Glance
The Cotswolds are world-renowned for some of the most beautiful villages. Boasting honey-stone villages, mansions, manicured gardens, country pubs, and green rolling hills, The Cotswolds' perfect postcard paradise make it the ideal English countryside destination. With 800 square miles you can easily spend weeks exploring so much.
If you're still undecided whether or not to visit the Cotswolds, I'll give you 11 best reasons why you should come.
11 Best Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds
#1: The Countryside Will Intoxicate You
Gentle meandering streams, wild meadows, ancient woodland, and rolling hills make The Cotswolds the perfect countryside dream. Everywhere you look you'll be astounded by the spectacular landscape that welcomes you. There's truly nothing that resembles it.
#2: Too much to see and do here
From gorgeous abbeys, medieval castles, to husky sledding and crocodile zoos there is too much to explore and do here. Whether you want something to occupy your children during spring break, or only yearn to see what The Cotswolds has in store for you, you certainly won't lack ideas.
#3: Looking for a new source of inspiration?
It's no wonder that the charm of The Cotswolds has worked its magic on several authors throughout the centuries. Writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, to J.M. Barrie and Beatrix Potter have been inspired from the villages, towns, and countryside that they all came across while staying in this special place.
#4: The food is to die for!
The Cotswolds has earned a high reputation for being a foodie heaven due to its amazing food. Local specialities such as Tewkesbury mustard, Bibury trout, Stinking Bishop cheese, and some of the best locally grown vegetables conceived, could be read on the menu in pubs and eateries across the area.
#5: It has the world's prettiest villages
With their one-of-a-kind honey-colored stone cottages, local pubs with a traditional look, attractive village greens and rustic background, the lovely villages peppered across The Cotswolds provide a piece of ideal rural life. Every one truly has its own unique character, from the peacefulness of The Slaughters to the gracefulness of Burton-on-the-water, but all share the same unmistakable Cotswold magic.
#6: It's the gateway to lovely towns & cities
Bear in mind that not everything here is small-scale, for The Cotswolds is home to some of England's most charming cities and towns.
Iconic cities like Oxford, Bath, and Bristol are packed with such amazing history, offering a ton to see and explore. Renowned for its magnificent Georgian architecture and natural hot springs, the incredible city of Bath is so stunningly beautiful it's been given a UNESCO World Heritage status. For a sample of culture, proceed to Cheltenham to enjoy the famous Literary festival, Jazz Festival, the fabulous Gold Cup horse racing event, and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
These cities are all very accessible via car or train from several rural Cotswold localities, offering you a superb excuse for a day trip during your Cotswold vacation.
#7: The pubs are perfect
You'll find many traditional pubs with a roaring fire, real ale at the center of the rural Cotswold. Drop by for a pint after enjoying a long stroll, or settle down towards the evening for a hearty meal and an overnight stay to have the full experience of a nice, old-fashioned English pub. They won't disappoint.
#8: There's a lot to raise your heartbeat
In the very beginning, you may not connect the calm beauty of The Cotswolds with high intensity adrenaline sports, however, you'd be wrong. The entire area is a mountain cycling hotspot, and hosts The 417 Project, which is the country's largest privately owned mountain bike facility, only outside of Cheltenham.
If two-wheels doesn't appeal to you, check out The Cotswold Water Park for water-skiing, wakeboarding, and wild swimming.
#9: It's a paradise for hikers and walkers
Cycling as a close second, there's no better avenue to explore The Cotswolds than by going on foot. The Cotswold Way National Trail continues for 102 miles through the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, encompassing a wide range of the famed landscapes. Beginning at Chipping Campden and leading the whole way to Bath, going by ancient meadows, charming villages, historic sites, and breathtaking woodland. Just choose where you want to begin and complete.
#10: The locals might seem familiar
If celebrity-spotting sounds exciting, you may just get very lucky here! The most famous residents in The Cotswolds are The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales, who reside at Highgrove, only outside of the pretty market town of Tetbury. The area is also home to other personalities such as Damien Hirst, Kate Winslet, Alex James, and Kate Moss.
#11: The gardens are stunning
Whether you're into the romantic beauty of a Victorian fenced garden, or prefer the stately order of a great country house garden, The Cotswolds contains a rich range of outdoor places to love. While Cerney House Gardens, near to Cirencester, feels like the pages of The Secret Garden have materialized, Hidcote Manor Garden is an Arts and Crafts treasure.
