With its bucolic countryside, idyllic villages, and unique attractions, the Cotswolds is one of England’s most beautiful regions. It’s a place where time stands still, and you can unwind and immerse yourself in undisturbed nature. Whether you’re after some downtime or active days out, it’s one of our favourite British breaks here at Plum Guide, and we’re here to show you why – take a look at our top reasons to visit the Cotswolds.
The scenic countryside
Rural view of gently rolling patchwork farmland and villages with pretty wooded boundaries, Cotswolds, England
The variety of rural landscapes is one of the best reasons to visit the Cotswolds. Made up of ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, babbling brooks and rolling green hills, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a painting. Criss-crossing the countryside are stone walls that create a unique patchwork pattern when viewed from afar. One of our favourite viewpoints is Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds at 330 metres. It’s a moderately challenging climb to the top, but you’ll be treated to mesmerising views of Cheltenham, west Gloucestershire and the River Severn. There’s also a pub at the top of the hill if you need an extra dose of motivation.
The Cotswold Water Park is another beautiful spot to soak up the views. Set over 108 square kilometres, it consists of over 180 lakes. There’s so much to do here, from relaxing strolls along the water to off-road cycling, birdwatching and watersports. Other family-friendly activities include visiting working farms, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and see what rural life is all about. We recommend Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, home to over fifty rare breeds of farm animals and outdoor activities for all ages.
Charming towns and villages
Picturesque old stone houses of Arlington Row in the village of Bibury, Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds are dotted with picturesque towns and villages that look like they belong in a storybook. They’re quintessentially English with thatched cottages and quaint churches, with many of the buildings built with the distinctive honey-hued Cotswold stone. One of the prettiest villages to visit is Bourton-on-the-Water. Nicknamed ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ for its bridges that span the River Windrush, the village is the best place to admire centuries-old buildings and browse its range of independent shops and eateries.
The Cotswolds’ towns and villages are a photographer’s paradise, and one of the most-snapped places is Arlington Row in Bibury. This row of ancient stone cottages dates back to 1380 and is a stunning example of Cotswold architecture – we recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid getting tourists in your shot.
The 99 Yew Trees, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
Another particularly photogenic spot is Castle Combe, which has been used as a filming location for various period dramas like War Horse and Stardust. Stroll through the village’s streets and don’t forget to check out the medieval Market Cross. Meanwhile, larger towns like Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham, and Cirencester (technically not in the Cotswolds but just on the edge of it) offer a wide range of activities and attractions.
Outdoor activities
With all that natural beauty on your doorstep, it only makes sense to get out and explore. There’s something for everyone here, whether you prefer to take it easy or enjoy a little adrenaline-fuelled adventure. Unsurprisingly, the Cotswolds are a paradise for walkers, with a whole network of trails to explore. The Cotswold Way National Trail is a long-distance route running for 165 kilometres through some of the area’s best scenery, with shorter sections to take if you’re looking for something a little easier. You’ll also find many cycling trails winding along quiet country lanes and through sleepy villages. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, cool off with water-based activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing and paddle boarding in the Cotswolds’ rivers and lakes.
The Amber Rose, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds also offer plenty of unique experiences if you’re looking for something a little different. Want a bird’s eye view of the countryside? Take to the skies with a hot air balloon ride. This is particularly magical at sunset when the rolling fields are bathed in a warm, golden glow. After dark, stay out for a spot of stargazing. Some of the best places to view the night sky include Cleeve Hill, Wotton-under-Edge and the Rollright Stones.
Its literary connections
North Door of St Edward’s Church with yew trees and lit lantern hanging above, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds, England
For literary enthusiasts, one of the best reasons to visit the Cotswolds is its literary connections. Its natural beauty has long attracted authors and poets, and you can follow in their footsteps to see the places that inspired their work. One of the most well-known authors tied to the area is Jane Austen, who is thought to have used the quaint village of Adlestrop as inspiration for fictional places in her novel Mansfield Park. She also lived in the city of Bath for several years. You can discover the locations she wrote about and learn about her life in the Jane Austen Centre.
Rosemary & Thyme, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
Another famous author tied to the Cotswolds is Lewis Carroll, who spent much time in the village of Stow-on-the-Wold. His friend was the rector of a church there, and his daughter was the inspiration behind the heroine of his book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Another classic novel that exists thanks to the Cotswolds is Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien took inspiration from places like Moreton-in-Marsh, Four Shire Stone, Broadway Tower and the Rollright Stones. It's widely rumoured that the yew-fringed doorway at St Edward's Church in Stow-on-the-Wold inspired his novels. Numerous literary festivals occur each year in towns like Chipping Norton, Chipping Campden and Bibury, so it’s worth checking out the event calendar before visiting.
Exciting festivals and events
As well as literary festivals, there are plenty of other events that showcase the Cotswolds’ vibrant culture. You’ll find a whole selection of music and arts festivals, including the esteemed Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Attracting over 20,000 music fans each year, the festival celebrates all things jazz with a mix of well-known names and up-and-coming artists. Also worth adding to your itinerary is the Broadway Arts Festival, a biennial event celebrating visual arts, literature and music. There are over eighty events to look forward to, including celebrity talks, demonstrations, workshops and performances.
The Little House, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
Foodies will find plenty of delicious events to attend, such as the Cotswold Show and Food Festival in Cirencester. Showcasing the best of rural life, you’ll find something for the whole family to enjoy. Also not to be missed is the Cheltenham Food and Drink Festival and the Broadway Food Festival.
There are also a range of unique events to discover. Some of our favourites include the Cheese Rolling Festival on Cooper’s Hill and the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, featuring period costumes, a medieval market and battle reenactments. December is also a great time to visit the Cotswolds, as many towns host Christmas markets, including Cirencester and Tewkesbury. The pretty streets all lit up in festive lights add to the magical atmosphere.
Culinary delights
Retro sweets in jars on display in shop window in Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds is a foodie’s paradise, thanks to its abundance of high-quality produce grown in the area’s many farms. When it comes to eating out, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of cosy country pubs, artisanal bakeries and award-winning restaurants. Expect to find dishes that make the most of local ingredients such as lamb, dairy products, asparagus and truffles. There are also plenty of local specialities to try, such as Bibury trout, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Tewkesbury Mustard and Hobbs House bread. Have a sweet tooth? You can't miss a visit to the old-fashioned Cotswold Sweet Company in Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Silver Knight, Plum Guide home in the Cotswolds
Those with an affinity for cheese will want to try out the range of delicious cheeses produced in the area. We recommend visiting The Cotswold Cheese Co who have delis in Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. You’ll find over 120 artisan and farmhouse cheeses and delicious homemade chutneys and pickles. For beer and cider fans, the Hawkstone Brewery in Cheltenham is a must-visit, where you can take a brewhouse tour and sample some pints at the bar.
Stately homes and gardens
Upper water terrace of Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, Cotswolds, England
To round up our list of reasons to visit Cotswold, we recommend visiting the area's numerous stately homes and gardens, all of which make for a fun day out for the whole family. One of our favourites is Blenheim Palace, a Baroque-style palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s notable as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and features beautiful architecture, a stunning art collection and landscaped gardens by Capability Brown. The 15th-century Sudeley Castle is another fantastic day out where you can explore its ten magnificent themed gardens.
Snowshill Manor and Gardens near Broadway was once home to the architect and artist Charles Wade, who spent time restoring and redesigning it. The manor and grounds are full of curiosities and quirky surprises, as well as a treasure trove of items like suits of armour and mechanical doorbells. Be sure to visit the arts and crafts garden and Wolf’s Cove, a model harbour based on a Cornish fishing village.
