Cotswolds : A Destination Guide

The Cotswolds are a range of hills that span the five counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. The word ‘wold’ means ‘rolling hills’, which aptly describes the heartland of England.

Access to the Cotswolds is easy, and there are major links to Oxford, Birmingham, Bath, Cheltenham and Cirencester. The major motorways serving the Cotswolds are the M40, the M5 and the M4, but there are plenty of train routes from all parts of the country if you’d rather leave the car at home. Visitors travelling from abroad can fly into Birmingham or Heathrow airport.

Holidays throughout the year

Travelling to the Cotswolds does feel a little like travelling back in time to England’s more picturesque past. You’ll find honey-coloured, limestone villages that look as though they’ve wandered into the present day from another century. There’s also plenty of evidence of the region’s historical wool trade in the ‘wool churches’ and manor houses that were built by wealthy merchants.

The Cotswolds aren’t just for the summer holidays. Every season there’s something new and interesting to do. In the colder months, you might enjoy a hearty pub meal by a roaring fire or head out for a brisk walk. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and peak prices that come with the summer sun.

The warmer months bring spring lambs and the countryside flushes a vibrant shade of green, giving you plenty of opportunities to get out and about and explore what this area has to offer.

Getting out and about

The Cotswolds is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it’s particularly attractive for those who love the great outdoors. There are thousands of miles of footpaths, cycle trails and bridleways, making the region a paradise for walkers and cyclists. Riding schools give you a chance to get a new perspective on the Cotswolds from the back of a horse. The valleys created where the hills meet also provide excellent conditions for kite-flying and, if you fancy a shot of adrenaline, paragliding.

But you don’t need to go paragliding to appreciate the stunning views. Walking along Minchinhampton Common, Selsey Common or Rodborough Common will show you the wild and rugged beauty of the Cotswolds. Stinchcombe Hill is a prime example of what lies below the spectacular landscape. It has been designated as an area of Special Scientific Interest in recognition of the abundance of wildlife and plants that have made it their home. There are also a number of arboretums in the Cotswolds. The one at Batsford is the largest and most famous.

Taking the children

If you’ve got children with you, then take the time to visit some of the many attractions in the area. The Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens will let you get eye-to-eye with giraffe or watch rhinos grazing on the lawns in front of a spectacular Gothic manor house. There’s the Go Ape Centre in the Forest of Dean, where you can have your own treetop adventure. Take things easier and hire a Forest Segway to help you navigate the trails and paths in style.

Events and eating out

There are plenty of events happening throughout the year. If you want to soak up a bit of culture, then head to the Independent Bath Literature Festival, where you can listen to poets, political thinkers, authors and comedians. Cheltenham is synonymous with horses and equine enthusiasts should put the Gold Cup in their diaries, which usually takes place in March each year. Cheltenham also hosts an International Jazz Festival in May, perfect for when the weather’s getting a little bit warmer.

There’s plenty of accommodation in the Cotswolds. But with so much to see and do you might not want to be restricted by hotel timetables. Renting a luxury, self-catering cottage gives you much more flexibility. But it doesn’t mean that you have to cook every night! The Cotswolds has a huge range of restaurants, from family-friendly pubs to elegant restaurants. Many restaurants use home-grown ingredients to create delicious dishes. They also source much of their produce locally.

If you really want to treat yourself, then investigate Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham. Here you can sample dishes such as Cinderford Lamb with Pea Puree and Pistachio or Pigeon Rillettes with Fig Compote. If you’re after something more informal, then the Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach serves dishes such as Steak and Ale Pie and Old Spot Pork Chops.

The Cotswolds are a vast holiday destination, so it’s well worth checking out the attractions that you’re most interested in. You can then arrange your accommodation to be within easy reach. You might also want to research any festivals and events in the area so that you book your cottage at the right time.