The Cotswolds are among the most beautiful areas of England, and are also classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. During your next getaway to England, why not set off on the roads of this preserved region to discover its rich history?
Where are the Cotswolds?
Located in the southwest of England, approximately three and a half hours by car from our Folkestone Terminal, the Cotswolds lie between the counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Warwickshire and Worcestershire , and extend over nearly 150 km long and 40 km wide.
The region is full of small historic villages and is surrounded by many tourist towns, such as Oxford, Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace.
What are the Cotswolds famous for?
The Cotswolds are one of the most famous regions of the UK for several reasons. It's England's largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you'll discover plenty of breathtaking scenery and stroll along the many hiking trails that have attracted walkers and cyclists for years.
But the region is also well known for its history - it was one of the highlights of the "Arts & Crafts" movement in the 1920s - as well as for its houses built of honey-colored stones...
The famous “cottages” of the Cotswolds, built of honey-colored stone
Towns and villages built of honey-colored stones
It's hard not to notice the very particular architecture of the Cotswolds "cottages*" during your visit... It looks like it came straight out of a postcard! Most of the houses were in fact built with honey-colored stones, which are found throughout the region. The limestone rock used to build them blends perfectly with the green valleys and gives Cotswold villages a unique old-world charm.
You can see many examples of these honey-colored stone “cottages” in villages like Bourton-on-the-Water or The Slaughters.
The most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds
Cirencester
Nicknamed the 'Capital of the Cotswolds', Cirencester is one of the largest towns in the region and is a place rich in history. There you can visit the superb Gothic church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the ruins of the ancient ancient amphitheater as well as the Corinium museum, named after the city under the Roman Empire, which brings together numerous remains dating from Antiquity.
Take the time to stroll along the picturesque streets, have a tea in one of the town's so “cozy**” tea rooms and enjoy the warm atmosphere that reigns in this preserved Cotswolds town.
Bourton-on-the-Water
The village of Bourton-on-the-Water, nicknamed “the Venice of the Cotswolds”
With its stone bridges spanning the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is nicknamed the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. This village is very popular with visitors for its sublime stone houses, but also for its many activities. You can admire different species of exotic birds, such as pink flamingos or parrots, at the “Birdland Park and Gardens” .
Also discover the “miniature village”, a one-ninth replica built in the 1930s. It took local artisans five years to create this model of the village which was inaugurated on the day of the coronation of King George VI and the Queen Mother on May 12, 1937.
You can also shop in the village's many independent boutiques or visit one of England's most famous perfumeries, the Cotswolds Perfumery.
The Slaughters
Located 1.5 kilometers from Bourton-on-the-Water, the two villages of Slaughter, “Upper Slaughter” (Slaughter Le Haut), and “Lower Slaughter” (Slaughter Le Bas), are another destination not to be missed during your stay in the Cotswolds.
No new building has been built in the village since 1906, so you will be able to discover very well preserved houses of character. These two villages are also not very touristy, so it is an ideal stop to discover a typical Cotswold village in complete tranquility.
You can also visit the town's mill at "Lower Slaughter", which houses a small tea room, perfect for a break between walks.
Bath
Renowned for its Roman baths and stunning Georgian-style architecture, the city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts many visitors each year, who enjoy strolling its steep streets and taking a break at the Royal Crescent. . This group of houses arranged in a crescent is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture; you can also visit house number 1 and immerse yourself in 18th century England thanks to period furniture, paintings and carpets.
Visit the Roman Baths of Bath during your stay in the Cotswolds
And what would Bath be without its Roman Baths? Discover the city's miraculous spring, the hottest in England, visit the temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva, explore the ruins of the Baths and the museum, where you can see many objects found during archaeological excavations.
Stow-on-the-Wold
This pretty, typical Cotswolds town is worth the detour for St. Edward's Church, where the two trees which frame the entrance seem to be encrusted in the stone. Some even say that they inspired JRR Tolkien to create the Gates of Moria in The Lord of the Rings ...
You can also visit the Cricket Museum and learn a little more about this sport, which is very popular in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries.
Things to do in the Cotswolds
A hike on the Cotswold Way
More than 100 miles long, the Cotswold Way is a marked and maintained path that connects the town of Chipping Camden to Bath. A route of choice for experienced hikers.
During your long hike, stop at the many villages along the way, such as Broadway, Stanway, Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Stroud and of course the town of Bath, where you will end your journey.
You can also discover many historic sites, such as the ruins of Hailes Abbey or the Broadway Tower, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the region.
Visit Hidcote Manor Gardens
Stroll through the Pillar Garden at Hidcote Manor
It is in the north of the Cotswolds, near Stratford-upon-Avon, that you will find one of the most beautiful gardens in England: the Hidcote Manor Gardens.
Created by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, this lush garden is one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts movement-inspired gardens and is divided into green rooms, all with a different theme. You will discover the pillared garden, the white garden, the green theater or the red border during your visit.
Opening hours vary during the year. Visit their website to find out more.
Visit Warwick Castle
Immerse yourself in over a millennium of history at Warwick Castle. Built in 914, then fortified by William the Conqueror in 1068, this Gothic-style castle is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the United Kingdom.
Situated on the banks of the River Avon, you can visit the towers, battlements, keeps, Victorian apartments, mill and engine room during your visit.
Visit Warwick Castle, one of the best preserved medieval castles in the UK
The Château regularly organizes shows and historical attractions which immerse visitors in a medieval atmosphere worthy of the novels of Chrétien de Troyes. Find out before your visit what events will take place during your Cotswolds holiday.
The Castle is open all year round, except December 25, and is 15 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon and 40 minutes from Oxford.
The Cotswold Falconry Center
The center of Cotswold Falconry is located in the town of Moreton-in-Marsh, near Bourton-on-the-Hill.
Dedicated to birds of prey, this sanctuary will allow you to discover the ancestral art of falconry and learn a little more about vultures, falcons, eagles, owls and many other species.
The center also organizes special days and evenings, such as evenings dedicated to owls or days of initiation to the art of falconry.
The center is open to the public from February to November.
Prices: £10 per adult, £5 per child aged 4 to 15. Family ticket available. More information on their website .
Accredited “We’re good to go” accommodation places
You will find a complete directory of accredited hotels and lodges on the Cotswolds Tourist Office website . To make things even easier for you, we have selected some of our favorite hotels in the region.
The Howard Arms à Ilmington
If you want to enjoy all the charm and tranquility of the Cotswolds, then The Howard Arms, located in the picturesque village of Ilmington is for you.
Built in honey-colored stone in the era of Shakespeare, this small hotel offers eight rooms that have been renovated, but which have lost none of their vintage charm. Visit the Cotswolds website to find out more.
The Highway Inn from Burtford
Located in the heart of Burtford village, The Highway Inn offers 11 comfortable rooms that combine contemporary decor with rustic elements.
The hotel restaurant is particularly worth a detour, with a menu made with local and seasonal products. If the weather permits, enjoy your meal on the hotel's small terrace, or warm up by the fireplace in the restaurant.
The Slaughter Manor House
If you want to stay in a superb mansion, then make a stopover at Slaughter Manor House, in the village of Slaughter. This sublime honey-colored stone house perfectly combines old charm and the most luxurious decor.
Take advantage of the hotel's large park, relax in one of the 19 large rooms of this 17th century manor house and let yourself be charmed by the region's peaceful pace of life.
How to get to the Cotswolds?
Book your crossing now with LeShuttle and travel from Calais to Folkestone in just 35 minutes. On arrival at Folkestone Terminal, take the M20 towards London. Continue to the M25 and then take the M40 before following the A40 which will take you into the Cotswolds.
“cottage*”: small typical house
“cozy**”: comfortable