Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
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Things to do in Cotswolds, England: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
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. Pick a Pot
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
A fun and low cost activity for all the family. Open Tuesday - Sunday. Also open on Monday's at peak times. Tel number 01285 650405. Find us in Blackjack St, Cirencester GL7 5UX, behind Jesse Smith the butcher's.
2. Hookshouse Pottery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Studio Pottery producing high fired stoneware domestic and garden pots, all hand thrown and mostly wood fired. There is a showroom at the pottery where the finished work can be seen and purchased. It is usually possible to view the workshop and see any work in progress, and visitors are welcome to ask about the production methods. There is a one and a half acre garden attached to the Pottery which is open to visitors from April to July. The garden offers a combination of open perspectives and intimate corners, and includes borders, shrubs, woodland glade, water garden with flowform cascades, kitchen garden and orchard. It is run on organic principles.
Reviewed By MandiLou62 - Sherston, United Kingdom
We visited Hookshouse Pottery for the first time, having seen some examples of the pottery at a local Art Exhibition. We were warmly greeted and shown to the Showroom by Christopher White, the potter, and left to look at his work, with a cowbell to ring if we had any questions! The pottery is hand crafted on site and is of a fantastic quality and originality. We bought a lovely planter for the garden and a smaller pot for the house. The pieces are well priced and there is a good range of designs. We would strongly recommend a visit.
3. Treasure Seekers Gift Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
We are a non-profit Gift Shop. We sell handmade fair trade and ethically sourced gifts, including Jewellery, hand carved animals, furniture and homeware. We are a part of the Kingfisher Treasure Seekers social enterprise, helping empower vulnerable and disadvantaged adults.
4. Alain Rouveure Galleries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By carollZ7703SV - London, United Kingdom
This is a hidden gem just off the Fosse Way. It’s a shop and gallery selling Nepalese art and jewellery with a lovely coffee shop and a fabulous garden. They help fund schooling for children in Nepal and build earthquake proof structures for the locals. They work really closely with Nepalese’s craftsmen,
5. Hart Gold and Silversmiths
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 712cliveb - Flintshire, United Kingdom
We were advised by the Tourist Information Centre to visit here. How right they were! What an amazing experience walking into a time warp. The Hart family have been working here since very early in the c.20th when they uprooted from London and came here with the Arts & Crafts movement. Talking with these amazing artisans whilst they beat and file the silver to shape using tools that are well over 100 years old is simply awe inspiring. They are so proud of their roots - rightly so! The finished products are beautiful works of art.
6. Jaffe & Neale Bookshop and Cafe Stow
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Sarahgid_
How lovely to see such a good independent bookshop. So many interesting titles. Bought a few books but could have staggered out with so many more. Very pleasant staff. And a coffee shop to boot! Wonderful children’s section. Shame mine are too old now to appreciate them.
7. Favourite Beers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Favourite Beers has an ever changing range of over 400 UK bottled ales (many bottle conditioned), over 120 Ciders and Perrys (now in draft as well as bottles), a large range of international beers featuring over 120 bottled beers from Belgium and an expanding range of excellent German and US beers. We also carry a range of English country and fruit wines and meads. The range of UK ales permanently features a growing number from breweries within our region and this is supplemented by an ever changing selection from around the country. Leigh tries to add beers from at least three new Breweries a month – often featuring a particular area of the country. Our beers are available to buy individually or in bulk (we offer generous discounts including discounts for card carrying CAMRA members) and we also have a number of gift package options (ideal for presents – as are our gift vouchers).
Reviewed By One_of_the_BOFs - Cheltenham, United Kingdom
This place remains by far the best place for craft beer in Cheltenham, whether that be from the ten taps or to purchase cans/bottles (which you can drink in for just a 50p ‘corkage’ fee. Friday nights with late closing remain my favourite, but they’re open until 7pm other days.
8. New Brewery Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
New Brewery Arts is the home of craft and making in the heart of the Cotswolds, Based in the only three remaining Cirencester Brewery Buildings, New Brewery Arts houses galleries, makers' studios, cafe and shop, and an extensive programme of courses and workshops (over 200 each year). It is a place to explore craft and creativity, and to see unique items created by extraordinary craftspeople.
9. Moreton in Marsh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
Reviewed By amell66 - Goole, United Kingdom
We stayed at Morton in Marsh in the caravan park last year and came a gain this year it is a lovely quaint Cotswolds place there are antique shops, country pubs with lovely food, ice cream parlours and lots of great cafes for afternoon tea.
10. Stroud Farmers' Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By Cornflower60 - Stroud, United Kingdom
A great Saturday morning market, taking place almost every Week in Stroud. With a bustling lively vibe there's lots of good quality local produce on offer, ranging from eggs, dairy & cheeses, fruit & veg, meat, cakes, craft beers etc. There are often stalls with work from local crafts people such as potters, jewelers, handmade soaps & toiletries etc. There are also a range of street food sellers too if you don't feel like one of the many local cafes.
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