A Crowd-Pleasing Destination: The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is one the UK’s most tranquil and untouched areas. Steeped in history, its nature and towns provide a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Britain’s cities. With ample entertainment opportunities, whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget or hoping to splurge, the Cotswolds is an excellent choice. Single travellers, families, couples and groups will find comfort in the lush surroundings and fresh air.

Solo Holidays

Single travellers are spoilt for choice in the Cotswolds. Many local activities let you spend time in peace or in a group if you’re so inclined. Walking is a popular sport with signposted trails snaking through the rolling countryside. There are plenty of pubs along the way where you can catch up with locals for tips on what to include in your itinerary, and fill up on hearty homemade fare. Various companies in the area offer group walking tours with a guide so visit a tourist information centre to find out more. Another activity organised in groups is cooking classes where you can learn traditional recipes from the area, and take away some valuable new skills. For a quiet day out, choose one of the many exciting museums on offer. The Corinium Museum in Cirencester has only recently been done up and showcases spectacular ancient Roman artefacts. Chipping Campden is home to the Court Barn Museum of Craft and Design.

Family Holidays

Kids and adults alike will love the Cotswolds. Family activities in the area are second to none. For the more active travellers, cycling and horse riding are popular attractions. The hilly terrain is pleasantly challenging and provides spectacular views over the rolling hills. In summer months hot air ballooning is a quirky way of seeing the sights from up above. It’s hard to imagine, but llama trekking is also possible in the Cotswolds! Look out for annual cheese rolling events that involve chasing cheese down a slope to try and be the first to catch it.
For those seeking a more peaceful family holiday, there are some truly exciting museums to discover, like the Toy Museum in Stow-on-the-Wold and Gloucester Folk Museum. Near Bourton-on-the-Water you’ll find Birdland Park and Gardens, home to over 500 birds.

Couple’s Holidays

Hire a classic car and travel around the Cotswolds in style. Choose one of many award winning restaurants, some Michelin starred, for a romantic meal and stop off at local pubs along the way for afternoon tea or a stronger tipple. Foodie markets take place throughout the week in towns including Stroud, Nailsworth and Winchcombe, where you can stock up on local goodies like cheeses, Tewkesbury mustard and Gloucester sausages.
Walking and cycling are wonderfully romantic ways of whiling away your time in the Cotswolds too. Take your market-bought goods with you for a picnic in places like Sherbourne Estate, Painswick Beacon or anywhere along the Severn Way.

Friends’ Holidays

Groups of friends will struggle to find the time to manage to see and do everything the Cotswolds have on offer. Indulge in drinks at one of the many classic British pubs scattered throughout the area where you can fill up on local fare too. Enjoy ample shopping opportunities in Bourton-on-the-Water, host of the famous late night shopping experience, the Victorian Evening, in December. Head to Cirencester or Chipping Campden for a range of independent shops. For an unforgettable experience, hop on one of the Cotswolds’ famous steam trains like the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway. Ladies will love all the spa opportunities available at country house hotels in and around the area.


No matter who you’re travelling with and how long you’re planning to stay in the area, indulge in quality accommodation at a Cotswolds hotel and enjoy the charming English hospitality.