For many people, the scenic Cotswolds epitomize their vision of quintessential England. The glorious hotchpotch of honey colored stone buildings, ancient rooftops and wonky gables all provide a wonderful backdrop for the many pretty cottages, charming pubs, traditional tearooms and unique art dealers that can be found in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Popular with both the English and foreign travelers alike the Cotswolds are famous for their gentle rolling hills and historic towns and delightful villages.
Many come to the Cotswolds envisioning country walks, cycling along the highways and byways, exploring the wonderfully unique boutiques each charming town and village have to offer and relaxing with a fabulous cream tea or sitting in front of an open fire at the end of the day.
Although many think of the Cotswolds as the ultimate in laid-back living, don’t make the mistake of thinking the area is only for retired folk! People, particularly families, visit time and time again because all ages and interests are catered for!
The Cotswolds is a great vacation destination for families. Maybe take in a play at the world-renowned Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford-Upon-Avon or visit the Rare Breed Farm Park. Or, for the sporty-types, the Cotswold Water Park is a must-visit – offering everything from wind-surfing to wake-boarding… all surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve.
Whereas many a UK vacation can and do provide a wide range of activities, their main focus is on introducing people to different activities and as such their offerings are at a basic level. The Cotswolds on the other hand, is an ideal place for people of all differing ages, abilities and interests to get together and enjoy the activities on offer.
There are always people on hand to introduce you to a new hobby, as well as handing over the reigns to the more experienced. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely trot through the beautiful Cotswold villages on horseback, or looking to blow the cobwebs away during your own hack, you’ll never be too far away from someone who can assist.
The Cotswolds are a great vacation destination all year round. During the Spring you can catch the lambing season at the Cotswold Farm Park and the beautiful snowdrops at the Painswick Rococo Gardens. The Summer is the perfect time to visit the country walks and gardens. Westonbirt Arboretum is perfect during the Autumn when the leaves are beginning to fall, and the various Christmas markets make the Winter a great time to visit too!
Of course there are specific times of the year that the Cotswolds are more popular. Make sure you check out what seasonal events are on before you visit. The Cheltenham Gold Cup Racing Festival in March, The Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford in July and Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill on Spring Bank Holiday even attract celebrities such as Paddy McGuiness and Rory McGrath!
If you’re looking for a location to get a group of friends or family together, the Cotswolds is the ideal location. It’s centrally located and can be reached in less than 2 hours from London. It’s difficult enough to find the time when you can all get together… you certainly don’t want to spend all your time traveling!
With all the activities and events on offer, coupled with its central location, it is even more pleasing to hear that on top of all this, compared to other UK vacations, the Cotswolds is price competitive.
With over 790 square miles of beautiful countryside, you’ll never be without anything to do in the Cotswolds. The only problem is… how will you fit it all in?!
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