Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
Countries
10 Scenic Walking Areas 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. Burford Methodist Church
2. St Andrews Church
3. Westonbirt House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Historic House, now a school. Grade II listed gardens and Grade I listed house. Gardens open to the public Tues, Weds Thurs 2-5pm. Entry £5 no booking required. House available to view on selected open days or by appointment. Please see our website.
Reviewed By lws2310 - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
We recently visited Westonbirt with our Son. I had been on a few occasions previously, including a visit to the Enchanted Christmas which I have to say was an amazing and atmospheric experience, which I would definitely recommend. I had only ever been able to attend Westonbirt on my own until the last visit and I was so excited to be able to take the rest of the family with me this time. The place itself is absolutely stunning, with views that you can only imagine. We deliberately chose this time of year to attend as we really wanted to see the place in full Autumn splendour and it certainly did not disappoint. The tree top walking was a little crowded as it seemed to be an exceptionally busy day but I suspect that this was due to it being half term and Autumn. However, it was still a pleasant experience. I particularly liked the spinning question maker at the end of it and found the answers very interesting (I spent quite a lot of time there). The facilities were all good and clean and the staff that we did come across were pleasant and helpful. My only negative regarding our visit was the problems that arose regarding dogs, and unfortunately this seemed to be consistent throughout the day and really has made a difference to our experience. The first incident was, after spending some time looking for a picturesque location to eat our picnic lunch, we got settled on a bench and unpacked all of our plates and food and poured our drinks, within seconds a massive grey dog to come bounding over to us and proceeded to put it's very slobbery nose inside our picnic bag and left two main lots of our food totally inedible. We all quickly packed everything up as there seemed to be nobody claiming ownership of the dog and it wasn't going to leave. We then found a second bench and no sooner as we had unpacked our food again, another dog was straight at it and trying to take food from our Sons plate. Eventually this time, owners did appear and apologise but by then, more food had been ruined. Our Son has learning difficulties and is already weary of dogs but I am afraid that since our visit to Westonbirt, he is even more unsure. During our day there, it was also consistent that many dogs were running up to us and jumping up and although the owners were often apologising and saying 'S/he will not hurt you', having a terrified 16 year old boy who had been so excited for weeks about our trip here, seemed to dampen all of our spirits. I totally understand why people love walking their dogs here, indeed I would too if we had one, but it does become a problem when they disrupt other visitors. I am aware that there is one of the walk routes that does not allow dogs, and we enjoyed this walk too, but didn't want to stick just to this area as wanted the full experience, including the tree top walk.
4. High Street Chipping Campden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By DavidW59 - Rye, United Kingdom
Our walk along the High Street was a real tonic, with it's wide roadway, fabulous architecture and a range of "real" shops. Parking was a nightmare but it was worth the experience.
5. Selsley Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Bunnylover2013 - Stroud, United Kingdom
Stand on the edge of Selsley Common and on a clear day you can see from Dunkerry Beacon in North Devon to the Malverns. See the river Severn shining in the sun at High tide and the expanse of the sand banks at low tide. Look down in the beautiful farmed landscape of the Severn Vale, and behind you the magnificence of Rodborough Common, over Stroud and across the Slad valley. Watch the skylarks as ending and in the early spring enjoy wild cowslips and tiny early purple Orchids. When the wind is in the right direction there may be people flying model aircraft and para Gliding. Grab an ice cream from Winstones ice cream van. Free parking on the edge of th B4066 road to Uley. No toilets, go to Sainsbury's ! Dogs allowed on and off lead. Be careful of grazing cattle during the summer months and don't get too close to them
6. Rodborough Common
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By VamosChicos - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
What a beautiful wild spot. We drove across the common a few months ago, as the sun was setting and it's one of the eeriest sensational sights I have ever seen! The free-racing cattle are a feature of the common, of all varieties, including the long-horns. It's a reminder of the raw beauty of the English countryside on our doorstep. This time we took the folding chairs (but no knotted handkerchiefs) and sat and admired it all. Wow!
7. Bourton on the Water Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By treveatamadden1959 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Had a lovely day out here,pretty little village, on a stream running through the middle,plenty of gifts shops ,craft shops,and places to eat,good quality food at reasonable prices. Have visited on numerous occasions, seasonal events,lovely atmosphere, would recommend a visit,gets really busy during the summer months
8. Lechlade Baptist Church
9. Blockley Gingerbread Trail
10. Becky Hill Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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