Savour the romantic atmosphere brought by the stunning charm of the rural Cotswolds! This little corner of England is a magnificent parkland brimming with spectacular walks and scenery. So, when packing your bags for a Cotswolds holiday, never forget your handy-dandy camera and a full-on enthusiasm!
The Cotswolds area is one of England’s top tourist hotspots. Especially worth-noting is its hundreds of honey-coloured limestone villages – which would definitely strike anyone with awe.
Whatever you do, one thing’s for sure – visiting the Cotswolds can bring forth a breathtaking, relaxing, energetic – as well as cultural experience. Learn the fun and adventure-filled activities to look forward to in the Cotswolds. Also, know the choices to have a great stay.
Cotswolds Tourist Attractions
The Cotswolds has a wide range of tourist attractions under its sleeves. Whether it is a warm summer day out in the Cotswold Water Park, a family tour at the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, a stroll alongside the infant River Thames or an Autumn walk through the breathtaking Westonbirt Arboretum, the Cotswolds has a lot to offer you.
The Cotswolds Wildlife Park
Unleash your inner animal-lover and head out to the Cotswold Wildlife Park! It is situated near the Cotswold town of Burford in Oxfordshire, and is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House. Have a look at their Asiatic Lions, White Rhinoceros, Chapman’s Zebras, Emus and their recently introduced Wolves.
Also, don’t forget to visit their beautiful and relaxing gardens! The Cotswold Wildlife Park is popular for its exotic planting (particularly in the favourable micro climate of the Walled Garden where Cannas and Bananas thrive.)
From vibrant unusual plants to ancient oaks, from traditional borders to contemporary prairie-style schemes, the gardens are definitely a ‘must-see’!
Furthermore, the animal exhibits are even complemented by an artificial habitat. You can view the endangered Amur Leopards in a forest-setting, while the Meerkats in an arid environment.
Dovers Hill
Another great place to visit when in Cotswolds is the Dovers Hill. It is a natural amphitheatre on a spur of the Cotswoldscarp, and is situated approximately 1 mile northwest of Chipping Campden. It is popular to Cotswold visitors since it offers glorious views over the surrounding countryside.
Also, it is home to the Cotswold ‘Olympic Games’ which have begun somewhere between 1604 and 1612. The games still continue on and off to the present day.
Bleinheim Palace
Have a romantic afternoon with your loved one as you explore one of the stunning palaces in England. Bleinheim Palace stands majestically over 2000 acres of parkland and gardens. It was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor on November 30, 1874. The Bleinheim Palace is also the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Britain’s Worl War II leader.
Hidcote Manor Garden
Be enchanted by one of England’s greatest gardens! This English garden was designed and created in the Arts and Crafts style by the horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston. This garden is interestingly arranged as a series of outdoor rooms. Each of these rooms has a different character and is separated by walls and hedges of varying species.
Aside from the stunning flowers and plants in the area, the Hidcote Manor Garden also features stunning and panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham.
With all these great catchy things available in Hidcote Manor Garden, let your camera be your bestfriend!
Where To Stay in the Cotswolds
Make your great Cotswold escapade not only pleasantly busy but also extraordinarily comfy. The Cotswolds are scattered with small pretty villages and towns that provide pleasant places to stay. If you have fallen in love with the alluring Stow-On-The-Wold, then there are a number of Stow-On-The-Wold Hotels to choose from.
Relax in elegant surroundings while you plan for the next day’s activity at The Fosse Manor Hotel (starts from £54/night).
Why not have a wonderful stay at The Unicorn Hotel (starts from £54/night), which is a 17th century hotel structured with warm honey stone walls and window boxes bursting with colour!If you, on the other hand, prefer the peaceful atmosphere of Shipston-On-Stour, then choose one among the pleasant Shipston-on-Stour Hotels available.
The Falcon Hotel is the perfect base for touring the surrounding area of Cotswolds (including Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon). Rates start from £50/night. Or if you want to have your merry Cotswold holidays spent in a luxury boutique hotel, then head to The George Hotel (£70/night).