B&B's and Hotels in Cotswolds

Cotswold 

Popular Destinations

All about the Cotswolds

Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire is where the main bulk of the Cotswolds region lies, however it also falls in to parts of Somerset, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.  The 'Cotswolds Area' officially spreads across 790 sq miles, settled within the northern part of the southwest region of England.  The Cotswolds has officially been named as the UK's largest “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” and has  become a favourite location for both the British and tourists from far and wide.
There are many reasons why this picturesque area has stood out to 'want to be visitors'.  With the hillsides (otherwise known as ‘wolds’) as a perfect backdrop for a relaxing holiday in the stunning countryside, with river valleys, water meadows and the heart warming villages all constructed with golden-coloured limestone.  Quite simply an outstanding destination to experience a bit more of what the UK has to offer,  it is so easy to imagine yourself back in the 1700's as many of the market towns have preserved the look and feel of a bygone era.

The area is made up of quaint towns like Cheltenham, larger cities including Bath and other delightful smaller villages such as Burford and Castle Combe. As mentioned earier, the golden-coloured local limestone is everywhere you look, from stone floors and house tiles to the dry stone walls that pleasantly divide the countryside. The architecture has a certain uniqueness about it that one would struggle to not fall in love with!
If you fancy delving a little deeper in to the countryside, you shall be rewarded with many villages that are hidden away from the main traffic routes and once there you shall soon realise why you came. A few of these secret hide aways include Wodstock, Painswick, Biddestone and Winchcombe. Heading to the more well know market towns?     Stow-on-the-Wold is famous for its many shops along with Tetbury, Cirencester and Chipping Norton.  Looking to stretch your wings?  Then the Cotswolds is a great base to visit places such as Oxford, Bath, Stratford Upon Avon and even London!  So take a look at our great range of hotels and typically british Bed&Breakfast's and then picture yourself at the Cotswolds most popular attractions by reading our guide below.

Cotswolds Attractions

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway

The Great Western Railway museum can be found within a lovingly restored Grade II building, right slap bang in the middle of Swindons former railway works. visting the museum will give you a real insight in to the lives and stories of the men and women who not only operated the Great Western Railway,  but who also helped build it! affectionately known by many as "God’s Wonderful Railway". This entire railway network was the brainchild of non other than Isambard Kingdom Brunel, his vision at the time was deemed to be the most advanced in the world.  You shall be able to imagine yourself there, back in the 'good old days' as hands-on exhibits, famous locomotives, interactive displays and rare archive film brings the past back to life.

Lydiard House

The ancestral home of the Viscounts Bollingbroke is somewhat of a hidden gem, set in a delightful 18th century park.  Lydiard House had to be saved by the Swindon Corporation back in 1943 and they have maintained the property to a very high standard ever since, opening it's doors to visitors year after year.

The Great Western Maze

Every summer The Great Western Maze is carved out of maize (an actual living crop of maize). Its size is vast and actually covers the best part of  6 acres of countryside throughout Wiltshire.  Why not get lost?  Don't worry though there are always plenty of clues to be found. If you are one of the few who naturally 'get lost' do not fear! a team of helpers will never be too far away!

Market Lavington Village Museum

The Lavington Village Museum can be found within the 'Old Schoolmaster’s House', it really is a great illustration of Victorian village life, having been built back in 1846. There is a typically splendid collection of photographs for you to peruse, dating as far back as the late 1800's. If needlework and clothes are your thing then make sure to look out for their beautiful, well loved collection. Volunteers currently run the museum, while the County Council Museum Service of Wiltshire manage the property and welcome visitors from far and wide.

Bourton House Garden

The well maintained garden wrapped around this splendid eighteenth century Manor house is reason alone to come visit. However coupled with the oppurtunity to see a sixteenth century Grade 1 listed Tithe Barn, this Manor really is a place to jot down on your itinerary. The gorgeous garden dates back to the mid 60's and was attended to by green fingered Lanning Roper. A somewhat formal garden, lined by banks, walls and hedges also features delightful borders with a stunning combo of colour and texture. With an opulence of plants, pots and water features, you have to see it with your own eyes!  A garden lovers paradise.

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Motor enthusiasts will enjoy this fascinating walk through the history of motoring, experience memories through the eyes of past F1 drivers and of course the world famous glamour models of the time. I am sure you will be suprised at what you'll find, from James Hunt's F1 Race Car to kids favourite Car 'Brum' who settles down for the night at the museum.  Yet another fantastic Cotswolds day out for all of the family, with games, quizzes and activities to keep those kids from causing mischief. 

Chipping Campden

This charming old wool merchant’s town has so much to offer, varied architecture and the enviable reputation as the most beautiful High Street in England. It has many buildings of interest, from St James Church right through to Dover's Hill, these buildings provide a plethora of architectural styles across the centuries. Nestling in tranquil and beautiful countryside Chipping Campden is both an area of outstanding natural beauty and a conservation area.

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