The Cotswolds
The area known as the Cotswolds is what many people overseas picture when they think of England – a pretty rural landscape with picturesque villages, fetes and ancient markets, and they would not be too far from the truth. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in the country, dotted as it is with pretty limestone villages in a beautiful patchwork of rural fields and woodlands.
Of course there is more to this region that simply the view, though it will still take your breath away. There are numerous cultural events that take place here as well as a very popular sporting season and the occasional festival a few times a year too. This is a region which is just as popular with visitors during the winter months as it is during the summer, and the landscape covered in snow is spectacular. There are some excellent choices in year round accommodation, plenty of excellent restaurants and dining establishments and of course everything is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswolds.
Exploring The Region
The Cotswolds is home to a number of towns and villages, the largest and regarded as the main town of the Cotswolds is Cirencester with its wonderful Roman Amphitheatre and its award winning museum. Stow on the Wold on the other hand is the perfect place to go and take in the very best views of the Cotswolds as you will find yourself in a wonderful hill top location, from which you can survey the patchwork of land that surrounds you. Each of the smaller towns and villages in the region has their own character which you can’t help but love, and all are postcard pretty too. The best way to explore the region is on one of the excellent guided tours that are organised to show visitors the very best that the region has to offer, details of tour times and prices will be available through the tourist information service for the region.
Inspiring Surroundings
Step back in time and visit beautiful Regency Cheltenham, here you will find gardens that have won numerous awards, some incredibly stylish and unique boutiques, excellent restaurants and a wealth of year round festivals and festivities to choose from. Gloucester is another town worthy of a visit as the history of the town is worth investigating, and you can step back even further into the past when you visit the town of Tewkesbury with its incredible medieval heritage and ancient architecture.
To experience the joys of a traditional English farmer’s market though you should head to the Southern side of the Cotswolds and make a visit to the wonderful market town of Stroud. The farmers market that is held here is widely regarded as being one of the best in the country for farm fresh produce. The Cotswolds are the perfect place for a family holiday in the very heart of England, there is plenty to keep all members of the family entertained and lots of different places to get out and explore.
