When it comes to the perfect holiday, most of us want to do something which offers a break from everyday life. Whether its to escape for a relaxing weekend, an adventure holiday, to enjoy the scenery or explore local culture and history, youll find it all in the Cotswolds. Offering a unique holiday experience like no other in the UK, there is plenty to delight and entertain, and plenty of options for relaxation too. With something new to discover around every corner, there are hundreds of reasons to visit the Cotswolds, and weve picked out some of the best to help you plan your visit.
It offers some of the most incredible views
Theres no denying that one of the most popular reasons to visit the Cotswolds is the scenery, and the area was named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1966. From the picturesque villages to perfect landscapes, driving or walking around the Cotswolds will offer one spectacular view after another. One of the best is the view from Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, which looks down over Cheltenham and Gloucestershire. It even has its own pub, The Rising Sun, the perfect place to enjoy a pint and watch the sun go down. Where to stay: Explore Cleeve Hill and everything else Cheltenham has to offer with a stay at Elgin. Our beautiful barn conversion offers a blend of the modern and traditional for a memorable stay. Also see: Broadway Tower is the second highest point in the Cotswolds, and is a great place to see views of up to 16 counties on a clear day! The Cotswolds Way is also another great walk which takes you around some of the area's most striking sights.
It is rich in history
The Cotswolds has a wonderful, diverse past that will satisfy even the most ardent history buff. From castles and manor houses to Bronze Age ruins and royal connections, its all happened in the Cotswolds. Chastleton House is one of the Cotswolds many spectacular houses, dating back to the 17th century, including a gorgeous Jacobean garden. Its a National Trust property which has plenty for all of the family to enjoy as you discover its great history. Where to stay: Pear Tree Cottage is a spectacular property itself, sleeping up to 8. Perfect for exploring Daylseford, its a short drive to Chastleton to explore the house for the day. Also see: Wool is an important element of the Cotwsold's history and the best place to find out all about it is at the Cotswold Woollen Weavers in Filkin. You'll find a museum, information and even a shop to purchase plenty of woollen goods and furniture.
It is the spa capital of the UK
If youre looking for a relaxing break and to escape the stresses of the city, then youll find all the pampering you could wish for in the Cotswolds. From the classic spa locations of Bath to stunning country retreats, theres everything you could need to leave you feeling truly refreshed. If its a spa with a view youre looking for, the Spa 6 in Cotswold Water Park is perfect. With amazing scenery and plenty of luxurious facilities, youll never want to leave. Where to stay: Springfield Country House is located in Rendcomb, Cirencester, and offers luxurious accommodation to help complement your spa break. A short drive to the Cotswold Water Park, youll have a unique holiday home to head back to, with enough room for 10 making it perfect for a girly getaway. Also see: To the south of the Cotswolds is Bath, a great Roman city with many wonderful spas to visit. Try the Thermae Spa which boasts a rooftop pool and plenty of luxurious facilities.
It is THE place for outdoor adventures
Adults and children alike will find plenty to enjoy in the Cotswolds if they love experiencing some outdoor adventures. Whether you like to be on the water, trying a sport or even on the road, theres plenty going on in the Cotswolds. South Cerney Outdoor is one of the top locations to try a wide range of sports, so theres something there for everyone, with plenty of special events taking place throughout the year to make your visit even more special. Where to stay: Bibury is less than 20 minutes away from South Cerney Outdoor, so why not book a stay at Mill Bank House? Its one of our larger properties, sleeping 10 for a great group or family getaway. Theres plenty of garden space too to enjoy games and sports together.
It has plenty going on, all year round
The Cotswolds is always bustling with events, from music festivals to celebrations of literature and even traditional events like the annual Cheese Race at Coopers Hill. In winter, youll find plenty of festive fairs and Cotswolds Christmas traditions, making it the perfect time to plan a unique holiday winter getaway. Many of our Jigsaw properties feature warming fireplaces, whilst their gorgeous gardens make the perfect setting for al fresco dining during the summer months. If you want to experience unique Cotswolds culture, take a look at Frampton Country Fayre, which brings people from all over the Cotswold and the UK together to enjoy a classic British country show. Where to stay: A group or family of four can visit the fayre and retreat to New Church Cottage in Tetbury, around a half hour drive from Frampton Estate. It has a courtyard garden for warm autumn evenings, and a cosy fireplace for the chillier nights. Also see: The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is a fantastic country event and a Cotswolds tradition. It's a great day out for families and equestrian fans alike.
Its ideal for car lovers
For many city dwellers, owning a car is a bit of an alien concept, but that doesnt mean they arent loved. Car and motoring enthusiasts will find everything they could want in the Cotswolds. From vintage car experience days to sports car racing, its definitely the place for a unique holiday experience which celebrates the joys of motoring. There are also plenty of motoring museums and exhibitions to enjoy too, including the Cotswolds Motoring Museum and Toy Collection in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, with plenty to do for all the family. Where to stay: Enjoy the museum and the delights of Bourton-on-the-Water with a stay at Chapel Cottage. Its a 17th century cottage with plenty of welcoming features to make your stay a restful one. Also see: Hire a classic car and enjoy the Cotswolds in true classic country style. There are a few centres offering this service across the area and is a great way to take in views of the beautiful landscape.
Its heaven for foodies
Not many places offer spectacular pub lunches, cookery schools, chocolate crafters, fabulous afternoon tea spots, fine dining and classic British cuisine, but the Cotswolds does. Whatever your food preferences, theres plenty to satisfy your tastebuds in the Cotswolds. One of its biggest successes, and most well-known brands is of course Hobbs House Bakery, now known for the Fabulous Baker Brothers, which not only offers cooking courses, but there are shops in Tetbury, Nailsworth, Malmesbury and Chipping Sodbury selling all sorts of delicious goods their sourdough loaves are definitely worth a try! Where to stay: Enjoy a unique holiday experience and sample the delights of Hobbs House Bakery in Nailsworth with a stay at Park Cottage in Minchinhampton, situated near Nailsworth. It sleeps 4 and is part of an attractive terrace of houses offering a glimpse of Cotswolds living. Also see: The Big Feastival is the ideal festival for food lovers, a venture by Jamie Oliver and Alex James which brings together culinary delights from across the UK and the world for a weekend worth visiting. This year's event takes place on August Bank Holiday weekend.
It has enchanting forests and woods
Even city parks cant compare to the forestry and greenery of the British countryside, and the Cotswolds definitely has it in abundance. From exploring majestic woods to climbing to the top of hills to admire the countryside views, there are plenty of spots to offer awe and wonder. Better yet, the Cotswolds has two spectacular arboreta where you can truly walk amongst some wonderful sights. Westonbirt is located near Tetbury, and features over 2,500 different types of tree, whilst there are also many events taking place throughout the year to enjoy. Where to stay: The best thing about staying in the Cotswolds is the scenery you encounter whilst driving. Why not stay at Wolds End House in Chipping Campden and enjoy the glorious views on the way down to Westonbirt? Also See: The Wychwood Forest Fair dates back to the 1700s, providing a great celebration of the old royal hunting forest. It's another opportunity for a unique holiday experience, allowing you to support the conservation of the forest and local wildlife and has a lot of great events and stalls going on.
It has plenty of exciting wildlife
With plenty of nature parks, sanctuaries and other places to come across all creatures great and small, there is much to be said about wildlife in the Cotswolds. One place which is essential to visit is of course the Cotswold Wildlife Park which not only offers a wide variety of animals to see from all over the world, but it has beautiful gardens too, which all adds to a truly unique holiday experience. Where to stay: Being located so close to Burford, youre spoiled for choice with accommodation options. Families will love Cleeveley Cottage near Burford, which sleeps up to 6 for a perfect group getaway at any time of year. Also See: If you want get up close and personal to some of Britain's more native wildlife, the Barn Owl Centre in Hempsted is a great place to see owls, falcons and more, and supports the conservation work they do there.
Its Market Halls are a must-see
A staple of villages and small towns, Market Halls are a great reflection of country living, and youll find plenty of them in the Cotswolds. Chipping Campdens Market Hall dates back to 1627, and is another Cotswolds National Trust property. Its worth a visit for history lovers and a great focal point to base your visit around. Where to stay: The incredibly stylish Singer House is so beautiful, you may struggle to leave! Being situated in Chipping Campden, it is a great base for exploring the town and the Market Hall as well as many other Cotswolds locations. See Also: Enjoy a spot of shopping at one of the Cotswold's many antiques markets and centres, The Cotswolds Art & Antique Dealers' Association has details of over 50 approved dealers in the area, offering a unique holiday that bargain hunters and collectors will love. Meanwhile, the Gordon Russell Design Museum is another place to learn more about the British designer famous for his furniture with some excellent exhibitions and history to explore.
It offers unique holiday experiences unlike any other
Whatever you love to do on holiday, youll enjoy a unique holiday, offering the chance to make plenty of memories in the Cotswolds. Not only will you be able to explore glorious countryside, but youll be able to soak in the unique culture which makes the Cotswolds so great. The Cotswolds is a hotspot for culture, with Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, also providing many wonderful and unique things to see. A popular choice for many famous faces including Hugh Grant, Stella McCartney and Damien Hirst to call home, you can make it your own home from home by taking in the Cotswolds way of life. With your stay in the Cotswolds, no two visits will be the same take a look at our fantastic Jigsaw Holiday properties which all have their own unique features and views to make your visit truly special.