Out & About: The Cotswolds

Our guide to the best of the Cotswolds

With easy access from Birmingham and Bristol and just two hours from London via the M40/A40 or a convenient train journey from Paddington to Charlbury or Moreton-in-Marsh, the glorious Cotswolds are perfect for a short country escape. From cool cafes, farm shops and heritage treasures, to scenic trails, wildlife hotspots and country activities, there's something everyone will enjoy. Seek out the quirky, independent shops in charming small towns, stroll through picture-postcard villages, and explore the riverside and hilltop paths that criss-cross the fascinating rolling Cotswold landscape. Rest and refuel at a cosy pub with rooms from our fabulous Cotswold Collection.

 

Food & Drink

You can tour the brewery that brewed your favourite pint, or the distillery that produced your tipple of gin, visit the shop on the farm that reared your delicious Sunday roast beef and seek out the markets, deli's and artisan producers that supplied the treats on the inn's menu, then enjoy them at home.

 

Walks & Nature

Walk the Thames Path, take in the breath-taking view atop Cleeve Hill or walk some of the 102-mile Cotswold Way between Chipping Campden and Bath. And with nature reserves and arboretums of international importance, take some time to discover British flora and fauna.

 

Culture & Heritage

Take a journey through time, exploring Roman Villas, medieval towns, Tudor castles and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Explore glorious gardens - Hidcote and Rousham - heady with the scent of summer blooms. No visit to the Cotswolds is complete without strolling around the quintessential honey-stoned villages.

 

Activities & Days Out

Water sports centres and off-road driving provide an adrenaline-rush; or slow down the pace with a steam train ride or a day angling on the Coln. Or, explore some of the countryside seen in Emma or Downton Abbey by horseback. Or, drift silently across the glorious Cotswold landscape in a balloon.

 

Great Places to Stay

Escape to the Cotswolds and treat yourself to a night or two at one of these brilliant foodie inns. Hunker down by blazing fires in beamed bars and rest and refuel having explored local towns and markets, or a stately pile, or following an invigorating walk. Expect to find a comfortable room with cossetting extras and smart bathrooms, imaginative menus brimming with local produce, a cosy bar serving tip-top beers and eclectic wines, and great walks from the front door. Explore our Cotswold Collection below.

Photo credit: Unsplash

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