Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds

By Andy Williams

The great thing about the Cotswolds is the variety of activities on offer. Whether you're visiting as a group of friends, young family, or a retired couple, there is something for pretty well anyone. And many of the activities are free! No-one charges you to wander across some of the best countryside in England or take your mountain bike for a trip round the Gloucestershire country lanes. I've lived in the area for all of my life and I hope that this top ten gives you some inspiration to come and visit the area and enjoy everything that's on offer.

Westonbirt Arboretum. One of the most popular paid for attractions in the Cotswolds is the National Arboretum in Westonbirt. Lying a few miles SW of Tetbury its home to a fantastic range of trees and shrubs landscaped in 600 acres with 17 miles of footpaths - walk them all and you'll deserve a meal out at one of the typical Cotswold pubs in the area.

Sudeley Castle. Dating back over many centuries, with royal connections and based just outside Winchcombe (which itself was once the chief city of Mercia), Sudeley also has an extensive range of gardens, so a great day out whatever the weather.

Walking. Where do you start? There are so many walks across the Cotswolds, from the ever present Cotswold Way to the challenges around the River Wye there is something for everyone, and many of the published walks give details of pubs and tea shops to take in on along the way!

Mountain Biking. Again, there are many choices across the area, some of my favourites have been in the North Cotswolds riding across some of the higher ground around Blockley or Beckford - it can be hard work to climb to the top of the escarpments but the views are worth it.

Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. This is being developed along the old route from Cheltenham to Stratford-On-Avon. It currently runs for about 10 miles from Cheltenham to Toddington a few miles north of Winchcombe. There are a range of steam and diesel engines in operation, and if you're keen you can even have the chance to drive one of them. Be sure to watch out for specific events throughout the year including their Santa Special, Paddington Bear event and their dining trains.

Historic Manor Garden. This is the sort of garden that you can enjoy if you aren't a gardener. With fantastic borders and a series of outdoor 'rooms' each with their own particular feel, even those of us without green fingers can enjoy a few hours here.

Shakespeare's Stratford. Many people base themselves in the North Cotswolds so that they are close to Stratford and all that it offers, whether it is a tour of the houses associated with the famous bard or the opportunity to see one of his plays if Shakespeare's your thing there is enough to keep you interested for many days in Stratford.

Cotswold Wildlife Park. For those of you with children one of the most popular animal attractions is the Cotswold Wildlife Park situated outside Burford. It is home to many wild animals many of which are not behind bars (although the lions thankfully are enclosed). There is also a good play area for the children to work off excess energy if there's any left after walking round the animals.

Authentic pub with a real log fire. No trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without a trip (or two or three) to one of the many authentic pubs in the area. Many offer a variety of real ales and in the winter months open log fires. Some offer a choice of meals in the bar or a more formal affair served in the dining room and if you're eating during the day, don't forget to find a garden and a good view.

Bourton-On-The-Water. This is one of the most visited and well loved villages in the Cotswolds especially with young families. The river runs though the centre and ducks swim along its route. For the youngsters there's the Model Railway, Model Village, Dragonfly Maze, Birdland, and the Cotswold Motor Museum. With the perfume exhibition, tea shops and local pubs there is plenty to keep everyone happily occupied for many hours.

And Finally... don't forget that for some things you need to be here at the right time, for example, The Rococo Gardens in snowdrop season, the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse (March), Badminton Horse Trials (May), Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill (Spring Bank Holiday), Kemble Air show (June), Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo (July), Cheltenham Festival of Literature (October) and the Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum (November / December).

Anna Phillips represents Jigsaw Holidays, specialists in supplying Cotswold Cottages and character properties as part of your Cotswold Holiday.