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The Cotswolds is a completely beautiful space of England to go to! It’s an Space of Oustanding Pure Magnificence (AONB) that’s simply shy of the Roman metropolis of Bathtub and the likes of Cirencester and has that quintessential countryside British appeal that makes it so attractive to discover – particularly inside the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds which can be all around the area.
Now, any plan to go to the Cotswolds does include a little bit of well-needed planning. Not like the bigger related cities in England, the Cotswolds has extra restricted public transport. This implies it’s finest explored by automotive or a part of a tour; which suggests an itinerary of locations to see within the Cotswolds is crucial.
Through the years, we’ve visited the Cotswolds numerous instances… and cherished it! So, that can assist you plan your journey, I wished to share a few of our agency favourites and prime spots within the Cotswolds to go to.
Sure, a few of them won’t be technically cities of their conventional sense, however they’re all historic settlements, hamlets and dwellings you can’t miss.
Have an incredible time exploring. It truly is a stupendous space of England.
1.) Bibury
Arguably probably the most well-known place within the Cotswolds to go to, Bibury is a small village that’s dwelling to one of many Cotswolds’ most well-known streets; Arlington Row.
You may simply spend a day wandering round Bibury and it’s inside straightforward attain of the historic tpersonal of Cirencester which is simply on the border of the Cotswolds, too.
This makes it an ideal stopping level on a wider street journey while visiting all of the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds to discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to park up (there’s on-street parking on the primary street) and take a wander to Arlington Row. Sure, it could be a small place however it’s completely charming and attracts guests from all around the globe.
After strolling to Arlington Row, you’ll want to pop into the Swan Resort for a chew to eat (or guide a room to remain the evening). The factor we love most in regards to the Cotswolds is that it’s finest explored in your personal time – there’s no must rush.
That being stated, should you’re on the lookout for a historic manor home keep, verify into the close by Barnsley Home which was first constructed within the 1600s.
It’s such a stunning spot and perched proper between Bibury and Cirencester.
Now, one tip; you’ll want to plan your route effectively should you’re driving to all of the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds. It’s fairly straightforward to get a plan in place to see all these totally different cities after which realise you’ve been crisscrossing the Cotswolds and ended up losing your valuable time.
Have days centered on exploring the south of the Cotswolds, the place you’ll be able to embrace iconic cities like Bathtub, too. Then, produce other days that prioritise westerly cities, the place you can too embrace spots like Blenheim Palace into your plans.
This manner, you’ll be capable of see a lot extra of the Cotswolds.
Learn extra: Greatest locations within the Cotswolds
2.) Bourton-on-the-water
Bigger than Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water is definitely one of many prettiest cities within the Cotswolds that’s proper within the coronary heart of this particular area.
Typically nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is a spot that’s stuffed with shallow river beds and tiny bridges that make all of it so quaint to discover.
After you park up, head out on meals and alongside these little bridges that cross the River Windrush. It’s such a surprising a part of Bourton-on-the-Water and it flows immediately via the city.
After taking a stroll across the impartial retailers and little streets, be sure that to pop into one of many little tea rooms that line the road.
You’ll discover fairly just a few round city, so I received’t provide you with a suggestion – it’s extra about which one you see and just like the look of. Simply be sure that to go for his or her freshly-brewed tea with heat scones. Yum!
Oh, and don’t overlook in regards to the cute mannequin village that has earned a reputation for itself inside Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s completely kitsch.
3.) Burford
Generally known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is a medieval settlement that’s effectively price exploring should you’re venturing west in direction of Oxford (that isn’t too distant in any respect).
Nestled inside the streets of Burford are loads of little retailers, cafes and conventional English pubs. We cherished the Mermaid Inn for a correct pub lunch. Within the winter, they’ve their open fireplace roaring and it’s such a stupendous ambiance.
As you wander round, be sure that to identify a number of the iconic Cotswolds cottages that this space is understood for. Oh, and the 12th-century church (St. John the Baptist) which can also be a must-see in Burford.
Oh, and you’ll want to pop into Huffkins for considered one of their tasty baked treats or a day tea. Yum.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Oxford
4.) Fort Combe
Situated in Wiltshire’s idyllic countryside, Fort Combe is a chocolate field village that, in some ways, is my favorite in all the Cotswolds. Shhh, don’t inform the others!
Sure, it’s small (similar to most locations within the Cotswolds) however it’s simply so picture-perfect. We adore it.
It nearly feels as if it’s untouched by time. Belief me, it sort of feels such as you’ve gone again many centuries… minus the odd automotive or two!
When visiting Castlecombe, you’ll get to see the traditional honey stone cottages that are so well-preserved, standing out amongst all of the village’s attractive essential streets.
After strolling round Castlecombe, pop into the Fort Inn for a drink and verify into The Manor Home for a keep within the village itself. It’s a surprising manor home from the 1300s, that’s proper inside Castlecombe.
Lastly, don’t overlook to go over to go to the close by village of Lacock. Sure, I do know this isn’t within the Cotswolds however you’ll be able to’t miss it whenever you’re already within the space. It’s solely about 20 minutes within the automotive and effectively price taking a gander at this lovely city.
Learn extra: Greatest day journeys in England
5.) Stow-on-the-Wold
Steeped in historical past, Gradual-on-the-Wold is without doubt one of the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds to go to when driving between Burton-on-the-Water and Broadway. It’s proper on the primary street space and effectively price making a cease for just a few hours round lunch.
Truly, not only for lunch… for its historical past, too!
You see, the Saxon identify of Gradual-on-the-Wold means holy place on the hill and dates again a whole lot of years. As soon as a thriving little market city the place wool was traded, it’s now a picture-perfect village that’s beautiful to see.
Now, somebody as soon as instructed me that the rationale why Stow-on-the-Wold has slender alleys and thoroughfares was due to its wool heritage.
Apparently, these slender alleyways helped shepherds herd their sheep as they reached the market. Honestly, I all the time thought it was attributable to an absence of planning!
Watever the case, whenever you go to Gradual-on-the-Wold, you’ll get to discover and spot that iconic countryside structure that the Cotswolds is so well-known for.
In case you’d like to buy, there are additionally varied retailers within the space which you’ll be able to discover and benefit from the small artwork galleries, St Edward’s Church, Lucy’s Tearoom, and the Cotswold Candy Firm for some pure liquorice root to eat.
Oh, and Make certain to go to The Kings Arms for dinner… their do-it-yourself pies are yummy.
6.) Painswick
Set on prime of the rolling hills, Painswick is without doubt one of the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds to go to on the way in which south from Gloucester.
Now, similar to many of the cities within the Cotswolds, Painswick is fairly intimate and small. This implies an excellent few hours and also you’ve seen most spots. Which, for my part, is a part of the appeal of the Cotswolds, usually. You may hop across the space discovering all of the little gems you like most.
As soon as right here, be sure that to pop into the Painswick Rococo Backyard which dates all the way in which again to the 1700s. Additionally, you’ll want to seize dinner at The Painswick Restaurant which has an unbelievable tasting menu.
Not solely that, however a biennial arts pageant can also be held in Painswick to have fun native artists that are effectively price trying out should you’re round in June.
Learn extra: Greatest cities in England to go to
7.) Chipping Campden
While you see Chipping Campden, you’ll realise what all of the fuss is about, particularly should you love little villages and quaint Cotswold-stone cottages. They’re attractive!
That being stated, Chipping Campden can really feel a bit of quieter and smaller in comparison with a number of the different prettiest cities within the Cotswolds. Because of this I’d solely advocate popping over for an hour or two.
As soon as right here, try The Market Corridor, which is open-walled, and is steeped in historical past. Additionally, close by, you’ll discover just a few cosy galleries like Campden Gallery and Artwork Cotswold which can be effectively price taking a peek inside.
You should buy some beautiful native artwork.
Not your factor? Then head over to the Previous Silk Mill which at the moment serves as a cooperative and exhibition area for artists.
Oh, and seize a day tea at The Bantam Tea Rooms. It’s beautiful and their tea is so good.
Learn extra: Greatest locations within the South of England
8.) Broadway
Broadway is correct up there as considered one of my favorite and prettiest cities within the Cotswolds to see whenever you’re travelling across the space.
Means again, within the Center Ages, the wool commerce was a thriving a part of Broadway’s economic system. Like plenty of cities within the Cotswolds. Although, these days, you received’t discover any bleeding sheep wandering the roads right here.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to try the Broadway Museum & Artwork Gallery and pop contained in the Gordon Russell Design Museum.
In case you’re after some sometimes unfussy British fish and chips, head to Russell’s Fish and Chips. Their beer-battered cod and chips are among the best in all the Cotswolds.
All want lashings of vinegar, in fact!
To work off lunch, take a stroll across the folly that’s the Broadway Tower. It’s effectively price taking a stroll up the rolling hills to get there – particularly on a sunny day.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to simply drive over to the close by village of Bretforton. Though not inside the official boundaries of the Cotswolds, it’s not too removed from Broadway (round 10 minutes), so you’ll be able to go to each locations in case you have the time.
One spot you need to go to in Bretforton is The Fleece Inn. It’s a massively historic pub which is 15 centuries previous containing historic interiors and probably the most charming rooms. It’s now run by the Nationwide Belief takes care of the property and retains its appeal and heritage alive for us all to take pleasure in at this time.
Plus, they’ve an epic beer backyard, particularly as you’ll be able to sit within the cosy horseboxes within the apple orchard. It’s beautiful.
Learn extra: Greatest locations to go to within the West of England
9.) Winchcombe
Winchcombe is one other gem to go to within the Cotswolds that’s proper on the fringes of the northern border.
Right here, you’ll discover loads of vintage retailers and the Winchcombe Antiques Centre. There are a number of little rooms and a quaint tea room the place you’ll be able to simply spend a bit of time inside.
Afterwards, and on the outskirts of the market city are Belas Knapp, Hailes Abbey, and Sudeley Fort. The latter is a stately dwelling which you’ll be able to go to, courting again to the 1400s.
Learn extra: Greatest locations within the North of England
10.) Tetbury
Perched on an historic fort that when neglected this space, Tetbury is without doubt one of the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds that’s comparatively massive compared to another gems.
If it’s museums you like, try the intimate and small Tetbury Police Museum. Alternately, spot the Tetbury Market Home.
We stayed for just a few days in Tetbury and used it as our base to discover extra of this space of the Cotswolds. We booked The Royal Oak Tetbury which we completely cherished.
The rooms are cosy and the pub is so good.
Afterwards, you’ll want to try the Westonbirt, The Nationwide Arboretum. It’s a whopping tree backyard that dates again to Victorian instances.
We spent round 1 hour right here and cherished it.
Tetbury actually is a beautiful city within the Cotswolds.
Learn extra: What to see in Tetbury
11.) Higher and Decrease Slaughters (The Slaughters)
Now, I do know these two spots sound fairly ominous! Their names don’t precisely promote them as locations to go… however hear me out!
The Slaughters are two very small locations you can simply go to as they’re proper subsequent to Bourton-on-the-Water. Now, this will probably be like a 20-minute cease (until you go for an extended stroll), so there’s no must go planning your entire day round The Slaughters.
Don’t overlook to pop into The Previous Mill ice cream parlour for some creamy scoops and stroll over the lovable Ford Bridge that goes over the River Eye.
Lastly, if you wish to guide a keep, verify into The Slaughters Manor Home. Constructed again within the 1600s, it’s a complete gem and a surprising place to remain. Plus, their English Breakfast is top-notch!
Learn extra: Prettiest locations in England to go to
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