The Cotswolds is unique for many reasons. Whilst the landscape and architecture are the primary draw for most, there are many that flock to the Cotswolds to experience a wide array of Cotswold specialities, including fine produce and luxury products that can be found throughout this beautiful area. As if you didnt need another excuse to visit the Cotswolds, the unique products and produce youll find here make a trip to this part of Britain worthwhile. People travel from all over to experience and take home some delightful Cotswold specialities and treats, offering the perfect excuse to book a holiday and treat yourself to a Jigsaw stay.
Our Guide To Cotswold Specialities
Its no secret that a visit to the Cotswolds offers an experience like no other, but there are some wonderful Cotswolds specialities that arent to be missed. Some of our top picks include: Snuggle up in a Witney Blanket People all over the world are familiar with Witney Blankets, and with 300 years of history, a visit to Oxfordshire to pick up your own is a must. Whilst the factory isnt in operation anymore, you can still pick up beautifully woven Witney blankets from The Witney Blanket Hall Shop & Pie Shop, which is a great place to pick up lunch too. Investing in a Witney blanket is a wonderful way to commemorate your visit, whilst also making great gifts for friends and family too. Indulge in Hand-Crafted Cheese Normally its the French who are known for their cheese produce, but the Cotswolds is home to some truly outstanding cheeses which you must take back with you after your visit. There are a number of producers which means youre spoiled for choice, with goats cheese from Windrush Valley Dairy, a sumptuous single Gloucester from Godsells, a special Cotswolds brie from Simon Weaver as well as Gorsehill Abbey Cheese. The local dairy produce is outstanding, a must for cheese lovers from far and wide. Get Sozzled With Some Super Spirits For taste and quality, youll find no better than home-brewed spirits. The Cotswolds boasts a renowned distillery where you can pick up high quality gin, whiskey, sherry and more. Not only does The Cotswolds Distillery sell magnificent spirits, but it also opens its doors to visitors too. A tour around the distillery is hard to resist, and with various tasters available as part of your visit, youll be sure to want to take some back with you too. Sample The Classic Banbury Cake Those with a sweet tooth will love indulging in a Banbury cake, a sweet puff pastry which dates all the way back to the 13th century and is still made today in the Cotswolds village. Fruity and full of flavour, you can find Browns Original Banbury Cakes for sale in a number of local stores, including the Banbury Museum which is well worth a visit during your Cotswold stay. Pay A Visit To An Authentic Farmers Market Farmers markets can be a rarity in many cities and towns, and those wishing to experience a true farmers market will find what theyre looking for in the Cotswolds. The hustle and bustle of the farmers market is a great way to mingle with the locals and try some fantastic produce from some of the best farms in the country. Some of the best include the Stroud Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday between 9am and 2pm, whilst the Chipping Norton Market is every third Saturday of the month. Not only will you find some fabulous products to take home with you, but therell be tasters and food stalls offering tasty treats to sample as you walk round. For a unique Cotswolds country experience, this is something you have to see. Treat Yourself To Some Organic Beauty Products One of the things youll notice during your stay in the Cotswolds is how much Cotswold specialities feature as part of the local economy. Well supported by both residents and visitors alike, the focus on local producers is very important to businesses in the area, which is why you can find a number of organic, high-quality beauty products for sale made using only Cotswolds-sourced ingredients. 100 Acres is just one such example, which produces quality bath and body products reminiscent of the English countryside. You can buy them from Meggies in stylish Stow-on-the-Wold. Source Cotswold Stone One of the most distinctive things about buildings and homes in the Cotswolds is the wonderful honey-coloured stone that is used to give that beautiful character to Cotswold architecture. If youve always wanted to incorporate some Cotswolds style to your property then youll be pleased to know that you can acquire Cotswold stone for your own projects, joining the ranks of locations such as the Houses of Parliament, Alexandra Palace and Hampton Palace, which have all used Cotswold stone. The Cotswold Hill Stone and Masonry is open for visitors who want to come and see the stone for themselves first-hand, with buying options for those interested in sourcing some. Experience The True Taste Of Cotswold Ice Cream In the UK, ice cream is usually associated with the South West, but the Cotswolds is another fantastic location for sampling some of the finest dairy ice cream. Chedworth Ice Cream boasts fresh, homemade ice cream in a variety of flavours, as well as ice cream cakes, desserts and more. Winstones Ice Cream meanwhile holds the status of being one of the longest running ice cream producers in the country, selling stock to retailers all over the UK. Be sure to head to their store in Stroud to try it for yourself! Take In The Fragrance Of Cotswold Lavender Lavender offers the quintessential British scent, and is popular for many different uses throughout the home. Cotswold English Lavender is based in Broadway and sells a wide range of natural lavender products which are much-loved by both local and international customers. You can visit the farm and savour the sweet fragrance for yourself, find out all about the company, and of course, pick up a few scented treats to take home with you.
Book One Of Our Unique Jigsaw Holiday Properties
At Jigsaw, were big supporters of Cotswold specialities and our local suppliers dotted throughout the region. We welcome you to come and stay with us as part of your Cotswolds adventure to enjoy the self-catering cottages that we have on offer. All our cottages are completely unique and can be found in many different corners of the Cotswolds, providing a comfortable, cosy home from home to enjoy during your stay. Orchard House in Upper Slaughter is one of our newest properties offering accommodation for up to 10. Benefitting from beautiful surroundings, it's a great place for explorers. Whatever your tastes and preferences, youll find plenty of unique and exciting Cotswold specialities to sample during your visit, which we hope will tempt you back time and time again! You can find out more about our available self-catering Cotswolds cottage and book your visit with us here.