101 places to go – The Cotswolds
The name Cotswolds is often said to originate from ‘sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides’, which is a pretty accurate summation of the sleepy charms and gentle beauty of the region. Since that description is as applicable today as it was when the name was coined, you also get an idea of how little of the Cotswolds has changed over the years.
There’s more to the Cotswolds than just a pretty face and an amiable personality, however. There are so many attractions encompassing food and drink, history, heritage and popular culture that it could just have easily been called “Beautiful fun place with England and Wales’ largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and lots of things to do”. Admittedly, some of that might get lost in translation, so we’re going to present you with a few of our favourite things to see and do in the region!
If you’ve enjoyed a break there why not share your recommendations in the comments section below. Never been? Take a look at our featured holiday cottages in the Cotswolds today.
• The Cotswolds offers a new perspective on some of Britain’s most beloved historical figures. For example, you may know Shakespeare was a bit handy with a quill but did you ever hear about the time he allegedly attempted to poach deer? Visit the NT owned Charlecote Park estate to find out more.
• Likewise, we all know that Churchill’s war effort made him one of the history’s greatest leaders but visit Blenheim Palace and you can see where he was born. If that’s not enough then you can also explore 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, a great lake, gardens and more.
• If all that history sounds a bit stuffy then you could always visit Gloucester Cathedral. OK, so it may be yet another historic location but it also appeared as the corridors of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, which is bound to impress your muggles!
• Arlington Row is the perfect example of how it’s possible to develop a location whilst preserving the surrounding beauty. This lovely row of cottages in Bibury are possibly the most desirable homes in the UK have been featured in numerous films, including Bridget Jones and Stardust.
