Top 10 things to do in the costwolds
The perfect venue for your Cotswold Hotel Break.
The Cotswold's is world famous for the beauty of its towns and villages. In scale this varies from modest cottages to imposing manor houses and impressive churches both large and small. It is the uniformity which so appeals - a mellow golden limestone, which as you get to know it you will see varies across the region from a creamy white through subtleties of grey to a golden hue, all within the space of a few miles!
Here in an area bounded by Bath, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon is a warm and appealing countryside, with some of the finest landscape in England. Gently undulating hills and tree-lined valleys rise gently from the green meadows of the upper reaches of the Thames to the dramatic limestone escarpment which is (quite literally) the high point of the Cotswolds. From here the hills slope down dramatically into Evesham Vale and the Vale of Severn.
Cotswold towns and villages such as Burford, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water are famous all over the world and epitomise the English rural scene. Each stands on a famous Cotswold river, the Windrush and the Coln, typical of so many Cotswold communities which have grown up over centuries in these attractive river valleys running down through the hills.
There is a wide range of attractions to suit all these tastes and more. Exploring the real Cotswolds at any time of year is a rewarding experience, each season throwing a different light on the ever-changing scene.
Top 10
- Westonbirt Arboretum
- Cotswold Wildlife Park (25 miles But takes dogs!!!) With over 260 different animal species the Wildlife Park is a must for any avid nature lovers. Set in 160 acres of beautiful parkland you will get to view all manner of animals including giraffes, rhinos, lions, monkeys as well as reptiles and birds.
- Bowood House , Gardens and Adventure play world
- Malmesbury Abbey Gardens
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Berkeley Castle (seasonal) (20 miles from hotel) A beautiful grade 1 castle from the 11th century, the castles ownership has remained largely with the Berkeley family. This impressive structure is rich with history, including allegedly being the site of King Edward II's Murder.
- Cotswold Water Park 128 Great Lakes, cindered path walks @ SSSI’s , River Thamesway & Canalpath and so much more – ask us for a map!
- Steam Railway, Nr Swindon (17 miles away from hotel) Take a trip on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (GWR) a fantastic steam railway. Operating from April - October (check site for dates).
- Birdland at Bourton
- Cirencester Great Park & Polo
