Our feature in the Express Online
September 21, 2019
Top 10 Attractions In & Beyond Bath
October 8, 2020
The Hidden Cotswolds: All You Need To Know
The Cotswolds is one of the most quintessentially English and unspoiled regions in the country, which you cannot help but fall in love when you visit. This beautiful region officially covers an area of 790 square miles in the upper part of the southwest region of England. It stretches from just south of Stratford-upon-Avon to just south of Bath and lies across the boundaries of several well-known counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Warwickshire.
Not only is the Cotswolds popular with English visitors but it also catches the eye of many international visitors from all over the world. The whole area is known for its outstanding countryside and river valleys, water meadows and beech woods, ancient limestone villages and historic market towns. If you’re looking for somewhere ‘typically English’ to visit then the Cotswolds is definitely the place.
History
The Cotswolds became most well known during the Middle Ages, thanks to the breed of sheep known as the Cotswold Lion. The region became prosperous from the wool trade and most of the money made from wool was used to build churches.
You will often hear people say ‘time has stood still for over 300 years’ when they are talking about the Cotswolds and thankfully, numerous large Cotswold Stone ‘wool churches’ are preserved and still visible today. Even the name Cotswold is popularly attributed the meaning ‘sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides’ so, this is a huge part of the regions history.
You will often hear people say ‘time has stood still for over 300 years’ when they are talking about the Cotswolds and thankfully, numerous large Cotswold Stone ‘wool churches’ are preserved and still visible today. Even the name Cotswold is popularly attributed the meaning ‘sheep enclosure in rolling hillsides’ so, this is a huge part of the regions history.
Culture
Even though the Cotswolds is rich with history and this history has been kept alive throughout the region, modern living has found its place amongst the rolling hills. These days, in this beautiful region you will find eateries, museums, galleries, festivals and unique places to shop.
The Cotswolds is now mostly made up of a series of small towns and villages yet, with so many places to visit you can easily be kept occupied, excited and interested for the duration of your visit.
The Cotswolds is now mostly made up of a series of small towns and villages yet, with so many places to visit you can easily be kept occupied, excited and interested for the duration of your visit.
Events
This region isn’t just a beautiful place to visit, every year the Cotswolds has a wide range of exciting events for the whole family. Ranging from world-famous international festivals like Cheltenham Literature Festival or Cheltenham Gold Cup Week to smaller quirky events like The Cotswold Olimpick Games or Tetbury Wool Sack Races, so you can have an amazing time at events in the Cotswolds.
There are also lots of creative festivals throughout the year in the Cotswolds. With many major music events such as Cornbury Festival, as well as lots of exhibitions, arts and literature festivals, and theatrical productions, there is something to bring out anyone’s creative side.
There are also lots of creative festivals throughout the year in the Cotswolds. With many major music events such as Cornbury Festival, as well as lots of exhibitions, arts and literature festivals, and theatrical productions, there is something to bring out anyone’s creative side.
Planning your visit
It can take time to plan your visit to the Cotswolds, especially if you are trying to see as much as possible whilst you are there. Some of the best ways to see this beautiful region is to book private tours of the Cotswolds. This way, you will be shown around by Cotswolds tour guides who know all of the best spots and unique places to visit.
If you are interested in arranging a Cotswolds guided tour whether it is a walking tour, a cream tea tour or even a Cotswolds gin tour then get in touch with Around & About Bath. Offering a huge range of tours, our professional tour guides can take you off the beaten track and show you the way.
If you are interested in arranging a Cotswolds guided tour whether it is a walking tour, a cream tea tour or even a Cotswolds gin tour then get in touch with Around & About Bath. Offering a huge range of tours, our professional tour guides can take you off the beaten track and show you the way.
