Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Cotswolds That You Shouldn't Miss
The Cotswolds (/ˈkɒtswoʊldz/ KOTS-wohldz, /-wəldz/ -wəldz) is an area in south central England containing the Cotswold Hills, a range of rolling hills which rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden coloured Cotswold stone. It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens. The population of the District is about 84,000.
Restaurants in Cotswolds
1. Cotswold Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
This 104-mile hiking trail starts close to Shakespeare's Stratford and finishes in Bath, as it winds through pretty countryside and delightful villages steeped in history.
Reviewed By karencA6283NY - Peterborough, United Kingdom
My friend and I are planning on walking the national trail over a few weekends. So far we have walked from Chipping Campden to Seven springs and have really enjoyed the variety and stunning views. Highlights: Hailes Abbey, Broadway, views from Cleeve Hill, Stanton and Belas Knap plus too many other places to mention. Take a drink in Stanton as (walking south) we found no other options on the trail until Hailes fruit farm. A really beautiful trail.
2. Chavenage House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 453 reviews
CHAVENAGE HOUSE is a privately owned Elizabethan Manor House open to the public. It has been used as a TV location for many productions and is at present playing Trenwith in the popular Poldark. There is so much more to see and enjoy. Guided tours by members of the family.
Reviewed By PeterJ1952 - Calne, United Kingdom
We had a group visit from Bowood House, the only downside of that being that we had to do this in our closed season. And it was a cold day. Chavenage has very little heating so every room was perishing cold. Every time we moved to a different room it seemed even colder, probably because as human radiators we managed eventually to take the chill of each room. However...I’ll still give Chavenage top marks. It’s a beautiful house with a fascinating history, superbly accomplished and witty guides from the owning family, Caroline and Richard, and one of the best homemade lunches you can get. Next time though we’ll go in warmer weather!
3. Cotswold Falconry Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,030 reviews
We are open for 2021 from the 17th May until the 14th November. You'll get to see Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Falcons, Vultures, Kites, Caracaras and more. With 150 individual birds from over 60 different species either in their Breeding Aviaries or on the Flying Displays which are held daily at 11.30, 1.30 and 3.00 . You may wish to pre-book one of our popular experiences for that special day out. Cotswold Falconry Centre "More than a Flying Visit"
Reviewed By BourneJ - North Shields, United Kingdom
Who knew that we would spend a full afternoon in this bird sanctuary? Our expectations were to spend an hour viewing the exotic birds or prey and then spread out the picnic for a mid afternoon feast. In reality we watched the first display in the gusting wind and pouring rain, quickly ate lunch and went back for the next two displays. The bird handlers were a font of knowledge and so enthusiastic it was easy to see that they cared for the birds; most of which were endangered in the wild. From burrowing owls feeding from my gloved hand to African Vultures hoping around our feet and Peregrine Falcons dive bombing from far off woodland, this was a superb and informative way to spend £10; unbelievable value for money. We were in the Costwolds for one week, this was our first day, and it was hard to surpass. We even had wild Buzzards and Kites joining the displays. I well deserved excellent from me.
4. Jet Age Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 599 reviews
Dedicated to the preservation of Gloucestershire's rich aviation heritage, Jet Age Museum is an all-volunteer, registered charity. We tell the story of the Gloster Aircraft Company, focussing on the first Allied jet flight. Our mission is to preserve the past and inspire the future by telling the stories of the people and places that put the County at the forefront of the aerospace industry.
Reviewed By 124harryp
Came here with my three year old on a saturday. She loved looking at the planes and getting to play in the various different plane cockpits. The ticketed tours of the larger planes are well worth it as well, staff are friendly and informative and for free admission and parking it's well worth a visit.
5. The Cotswold Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
*Please check our website for available tour dates. All tours must be booked in advance.* The Cotswold Brewing Company is a specialist keg lager microbrewery nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds. We brew a range of lagers and IPA and cider, as well as gin and vodka. We are all about premium quality, community engagement and passion for life. Please note, all tours must be booked in advance as they do not run every day. Our Brewery Shop is open daily 10am until 2pm.
Reviewed By robbH3046MC
Our group of eight had a great afternoon on the brewery tour , Nigel our ‘tour guide’ was exceptionally knowledgeable on all aspects of the brewery and made the whole event great fun. We sampled ALL the beers on offer with generous sampling measures and a couple of surprise freebies !!! Thank you Nigel for ‘opening up’ over the Christmas holidays , much appreciated. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.
6. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,481 reviews
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a heritage railway over 14 miles (23km) long in the beautiful English Cotswolds. Visit the GWSR stations at Broadway (postcode WR12 7DF), Toddington (postcode GL54 5DT), Winchcombe (GL54 5LD), or Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH). Free parking, and there is so much to do in addition to riding on the heritage trains. There are authentic Great Western Railway stations and well-stocked shops. Catering options include on-train buffet cars, Broadway Station Refreshment Room, 1950s themed Coffee Pot Cafe at Winchcombe Station and the Flag & Whistle Restaurant at Toddington Station. There is a model railway coach and Discovery Coach at Winchcombe Station, whilst at Toddington there is a self-guided heritage trail, a children’s play area, a have-a-go signalbox and a locomotive yard viewing area. Check out our website to see the operating days, the train times and the range of this year's special events, both for enthusiasts and for children.
7. Hidcote Manor Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,008 reviews
Reviewed By GordonE880 - Redditch, United Kingdom
Enjoyed our booked visit to Hidcote Manor,greeted with a warm welcome from N-Trust member at car park entrance with guidance information to enable us to enjoy our visit. There was well marked single pathways around the stunning Arts and Craft garden with hidden gems around every corner, due to social distancing some of pathways closed off but N-T had cleverly formed viewing points to show hidden secrets. There are 2 narrow marked pathways you can take 1 of which includes steps. Due to the lockdown some of the areas of the garden are over grown but this adds to the enjoyment,there are some unusual plants full of colour which includes wild life meadow. The Barn Cafe is now serving take away food and the onsite shop is now open with garden plants for sale. Hidcote is well worth a visit just take your time with social distancing (you are allowed 2 hours) and enjoy the splendour of the garden and at the end of your visit enjoy a picnic in the lovely Cotswold countryside next to the car park.
8. Tewkesbury Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,843 reviews
Reviewed By 343janeq
We were truly impressed by our visit to Tewkesbury Abbey, amazing historic building and truly impressive craftsmanship.. well worth a visit..
9. Broadway Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,883 reviews
A unique Capability Brown Folly Tower open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location. Graphic displays on three floors, roof viewing platform and Tower Shop are a must for Cotswold visits. Broadway Tower is one of England's outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties. Conveniently located on the Cotswold Way, Broadway Tower is the perfect place to start your walk, be it a short circuit or hike. There is ample car parking for patrons of Broadway Tower and refreshments await to reward the completed walk.
Reviewed By TraceyH4167 - Halesowen, United Kingdom
What a beautiful place to visit on a lovely summer's day! We had to queue to get into the tower, but not for too long and visitor safety is obviously paramount at the moment which is reassuring. A flight of twisty stone steps takes you to three separate floors with displays and information about the history of the tower, the connection to William Morris and World War Two. And then you reach the top where the views over the surrounding countryside are spectacular! It's such a beautiful part of the world. Then we wound our down again and enjoyed our picnic, plenty of places to pitch your own chairs plus lots of picnic benches too. Then we enjoyed the circular walk from the car park back to the tower, very scenic. Had a cup of tea and a piece of lemon drizzle cake from the cafe in the sunshine. Just perfect! Bear in mind the toilets are closed so if you need to powder your nose you will have to grin and bear the portaloo! A thoroughly enjoyable day spent here.
10. Birdland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,994 reviews
Birdland is delighted to be able to welcome visitors back in line with government guidance. The health and safety of all our visitors and staff is of utmost importance to us and we have introduced some additional measures to ensure social distancing can be maintained including setting restrictions on daily admissions, pausing all keeper talks and feeding displays and closing indoor attractions. Two hour timed tickets will need to be pre-booked in advance on the website. For more information on all the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety of our visitors and to see what attractions will be open, please click here: https://www.birdland.co.uk/birdland-reveals-re-opening-plans/ Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy of the winding River Windrush.
Reviewed By doreent192 - Bristol, United Kingdom
What a great place to see so many species of birds. Set in lovely well cared for grounds, this is a must see if you are visiting this area. Ideal for adults and children alike, disabled friendly, there is so much to see. You can watch at designated feeding times, meet a keeper, and just stroll from area to area seeing these beautiful birds. Jurassic area that children just love, picnic tables set around, aheltered seating areas, and a lovely cafe for light snacks/meals and drinks. All set in the delightful Bourton on the water in the Cotswolds, at a very reasonable price. We shall be back
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