There are very good reasons why so many of the rich and famous have homes in this place. The Cotswolds are at the very heart of England and offer a quintessential idyll of all that’s comfortably easy in a countryside lifestyle.
Caravanning in the Cotswolds
But you don’t have to live there to enjoy these many and varied delights – it is a haven for caravanners. So, where can you find the Cotswolds and what can you do once you get there?
The Cotswolds cover a surprisingly large area – a total of 790 square miles (2,038 square kilometres) with land in no less than six counties (Bath and NE Somerset, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire). This makes it the biggest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the third-largest protected terrain in England.
Things to do
Towns and villages
Thanks to the large tracts of land included within the Cotswolds, there are a host of attractive and historic English towns to visit. Among them, you will find tourist hotspots such as Bath, Cirencester, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bristol, Oxford, and Swindon.
The real treasures, however, are probably away from the major settlements and are instead found in the smaller, picture-postcard villages of honey-stoned cottages such as Bilbury, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and many, many others.
History
Given its place at the very heart of England, it is hardly surprising that the Cotswolds also include its share of historic estates, castles, and monuments.
While history buffs will be swotting up on all the important dates and events, other visitors to places such as Berkeley Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Sudeley Castle can engage in the gentler pursuit of simply admiring the timeless architecture and marvelling at the beautiful gardens.
Activity
But your visit needn’t be all stately and sedate – the Cotswolds offer a glorious stage for all manner of activities, adventures, and exercise.
You might want to try exploring the quiet country lanes on a bicycle or even walk the length of the Cotswold Way – the full trail winds an impressive 102 miles (164km) between Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to the Roman city of Bath in Somerset. The route is not only scenic but will give you a real sense of stepping back in time as you pass through its historic villages, ancient woodlands, and rolling hills.
Whether you’re a beginner or well-acquainted with equestrian sports, horse riding is another way of enjoying this gem of rural England.
Festivals and events …
As you arrange your itinerary of visits to the wealth of market towns throughout the Cotswolds, remember that a host of events and festivals are held throughout the year at many of these places.
One of the best-known is the Cheltenham Literature Festival but there are other, quirkier events such as the Tetbury Woolsack Races, the Moreton Show for a traditional agricultural and horse show proudly hosted by the town of Moreton-in-the-Marsh. Or even the – positively hair-raising and neck-breaking Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling competition down the 200 yard (180m) drop of Coopers Hill.
… and relax!
Remind yourself that you’re at home with the rich and famous when you visit the Cotswolds. So, that means a spot of pampering will not go amiss.
As befits those who will have plenty of leisure time on their hands, spas and wellness centres are dotted throughout the Cotswolds and offer the opportunity to unwind in tranquil surroundings and luxuriate in indulgences ranging from full body treatments, to massages, and facials.