WorldofLauraJane

One of the most beautiful as well as famous areas of the UK is the Cotswolds located not far from the capital London. Its an area which is popular due to it’s pretty villages with rambling rivers as well as castles spanning at approximately 800 square miles there is lots to see and do in the area. Cotswolds runs through five different counties:

Gloucestershire

Oxfordshire

Warwickshire

Wiltshire

Worcestershire

If you are planning a trip to Cotswolds one of the hardest decisions is trying to decide how long to go for so that you are able to fit as much as possible in. I personally would recommend going for between 4-6 days depending on what type of accommodation you are going to stay in. There are plenty of different styles of accommodation to chose from including:

Country House Hotels

Boutique Hotels 

Spa Hotels

B&B’s 

Glamping

Manor Houses

Cottages

Lodges

One of the most popular villages to visit is Bourton-on-the-Water with it’s flowing river through the village and picturesque mini bridges. This is a village where it’s easy to spend a nearly full day due to the amount there is to see and do but make sure to plan well for visiting Bourton-on-the-water as it does get very busy especially in the summer months. Start the day off at Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection where you are able to take a walk around the museum looking at some vintage cars as well as toys from as early as the 1900’s but you will also find at the end of walking round the museum Brum which is the car from the children’s TV series. . Admission to the museum is £9.95 for adults. Once finished in the museum take a walk through the village where there are some shops some of them are local small business as well as some cafes to enjoy a drink along the riverbank. Take a trip to the model village which is a miniature replica of Bourton-on-the-Water located in the gardens of the Old New Inn, this is a small walk around which will take approx 30 mins and there is an admission free of £4.75. A short walk away from the model village is Birdland Park and Gardens where you are able to see some penguins, flamingoes, parrots as well as other birds. Afterwards make your way back to the village to the chip shed for some fish and chips.  

Broadway is a picturesque village with it’s high street being wide unlike some of the other villages. There are boutique shops and cafes that can be found along the high street. Broadway Tower isn’t located by foot within the village you will need a car to access the tower as it stands at the second highest point in the Cotswolds on Beacon Hill. Those who visit Broadway Tower are able to enjoy a walk as there are two different circular routes where you may come across red deers. 

If your visiting Cotswolds and wish to do something different to exploring the villages there is Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens which is dog friendly. We took my dog Barney and he loved it. Tickets are £19 per adult, within the park and gardens you are able to see animals such as:

Camels

Giraffes

Penguins

Camels

Zebras 

Wallaby

Red Panda

Often described as the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe where a castle once stood but was demolished centuries ago. Those visiting Castle Combe may recognise it as being featured in War Horse, Stardust and The Wolf Man. A village with a population of approximately 50 people where a visit to the village will be very short, don’t expect to see rows of gift and souvenir shops but you can expect to see the typical honey coloured Cotswold stone houses. As you stroll through the village you potentially will come across locals selling homemade cakes and sweets. 

Named by William Morris as the most beautiful village in England is Bibury which is well know for Arlington Row. Arlington Row is owned by the National Trust and is one Englands most photographed sites, those visiting from the UK may recognise it for being on the inside cover of the UK passport. It is a row of cottages that was originally built in the 14th century as a wool store and then converted in the 17th century to a row of weavers cottages,  but are now lived in by National Trust tenants. 

One of the most historic villages is Chipping Camden which is home to the court barn museum celebrating crafts and design in the Cotswolds. Visitors will also find independent stores, galleries, craft outlets as well as the 17th century market hall. 

One thing that I particularly love about visiting Cotswolds is that it’s dog friendly so it’s the perfect staycation for with my dog Barney. 

If you are travelling without a dog to Cotswolds one of the most popular places to visit is Blenheim Palace. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace is one of Englands largest houses. Whilst here take a walk around the walled gardens as well as the formal gardens as you see history which spans centuries. Within Blenheim Palace there is rooms as well as exhibitions to see. Tickets are required for admission.

Other villages to visit include Stow-on-the Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughter which can be enjoyed with a small walk from Bourton-on-the-Water. 

If your planning your trip to the Cotswolds the summer months are busy especially of a weekend.