Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
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Things to do in Cotswolds, England: The Best Ancient Ruins
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. Llanthony Secunda Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Llanthony Secunda Priory was a medieval priory; a few of the remaining buildings have recently been renovated and these rooms are now used to host events and private functions. Llanthony's grounds are open to the public and free to visit throughout the year, closing only for special events. We open the buildings on the first Sunday of each month for our Open Days, and host a number of public events throughout the year.
Reviewed By borderpath - Crickhowell, United Kingdom
Fascinating to be able to look behind the scenes of the Brick Range and Medieval Range as the large conservation project continues. It revealed "900 years of history" with high visibility jackets and hard hats (provided) being required. Sensible boots or shoes also necessary. Tour was guided by one of the leaders of the building team working on the Priory who was able to answer questions as well as providing a potted history. Great to be able to see the stripped back skeleton of the building as well as being able to imagine its future when being used by the adjacent college. Appears to be open at odd times in the year as well as when it is part of Heritage Open Days or History Festivals. The Llanthony Secunda Priory Trust can be contacted to ascertain future events which permit access to what is usually restricted by being a working building site.
2. Eastgate Viewing Chamber
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By 923Dan - Swindon, United Kingdom
The Eastgate Viewing Chamber located outside Boots on Eastgate (next to the shopping centre of the same name), contains Roman, Norman and Civil War ruins spanning nearly 2,000 years of history. Discovered during the construction of the boots shop in the 1970's, the viewing chamber was build so passers-by can view the ruins through glass from the streets above, or as we did, you can book onto a £5 tour given by a Roman Centurion of the underground chamber itself. Tours are only now given on Saturday afternoons in summer, bookable through the town museum. Excellent tour, packed with history and humour by knowledgeable local guide. The highlight of our weekend away in Gloucester.
3. Windmill Tump Long Barrow
4. Hailes Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 267 reviews
Grade 1 Scheduled National Monument. Site is owned by the National Trust but wholly financed, managed and maintained by English Heritage. Both Memberships gain you FREE entry. All visits must be booked in advance on the English Heritage website. Walk up visits are not permissible under Government Covid constraints, sorry.
Reviewed By F8453IAgaryc - Swindon, United Kingdom
Staff very friendly and helpful. On hand for any information or assistance . Recommend you scan the QR code for audio tour of the abbey . Really adds value to the history and sets the view as you walk around Benches around so you can picture how day to day life in the abbey would have been , supported by information boards on tour.
5. 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
6. Cirencester Amphitheatre
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By 752spikec - Stamford, United Kingdom
Ok so you need a little imagination to think what this was like centuries ago but it’s all there with a bit of vision. You can wander round it’s free and there are information boards A must if you’re in the area. One of the largest surviving amphitheater’s that held over 8000 people.
