Cotswolds
Lively market towns, quaint hamlets and rolling hills (or ‘wolds’) define this Country bolt hole, a short trip out of London for those fortunate enough to live here.
At Home In The Cotswolds
Perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding or driving (with the top down), you can only be charmed and in awe around every turn in the English countryside. Whether you feel like cooking something delicious in your AGA oven or strapping on a pair of well-trodden hiking boots for a brisk walk along the wolds, this corner of England is a delightful destination in all seasons. Though tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, cosy pubs with roaring fires and heritage sights to visit will keep the entire family entertained. Plus, the Cotswolds area is well connected to the rest of the UK by car or train, so you can easily enhance your trip with a day out in London, Cheltenham or further afield.
Being Active In The Cotswolds
Getting active in the Cotswolds is a brilliant way to explore the area and enjoy time away in your second home. As one of the United Kingdom’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are nearly 800 square miles to discover. Away from the main roads, the winding lanes of the Cotswolds make fantastic cycling territory and the rolling hills hold many pony trekking routes and hikes for different levels of fitness, as well as golf courses like the Burford Golf Club or The Manor House Golf Club in Upper Castle Combe with an 18 hole golf course.
Hiking In The Cotswolds
The 102-mile Cotswold Way gives walkers a wonderful overview of the region and passes through some lovely countryside, linking ancient sites and tiny villages. Another long-distance trail that passes through the Cotswolds is the 100-mile Gloucestershire Way. It runs from Chepstow to Tewkesbury via Stow-on-the-Wold, and is not for the faint of heart!
Fine And Cosy Dining
Gastro pubs are a true delight in the region and hearty British meals to refuel you after a heavy morning on the golf course or stomping the wolds will banish any cold weather blues. There are plenty of gastro pubs and over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants to try. Whether in your local village or Cheltenham, you’ll enjoy fresh, local produce in quintessential English restaurant settings that bring you closer to the region. We are particularly fond of The Lamb, in Shipton-under-Wychwood and The Bell Inn, in Langford.
Sightseeing
Manor Houses, beautifully manicured English gardens and local wildlife are all part of what makes this region so outstanding. A car is essential to whip around the country roads to the foot of different walking routes, heritage sites and picturesque villages. Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are but a few of the nearby towns that charm with their period buildings and traditional character; you will no doubt want to return to them on every visit!
