The Cotswolds:
An experience of sheer pleasure in the U.K.
The
lovely Cotswolds offers green fields, pretty lakes, beautiful viewpoints
and some of the quaintest and most attractive villages in the whole of
the U.K. Why travel to foreign climes when there is a perfect destination
right here at home in England? And if traveling from other areas of the
world, the Cotswolds are a treat that you will remember for a lifetime.
 |
The
Cotswolds consist of a series of gently rolling hills, arising from the
meadows of the upper Thames and heading down the Cotswold Edge, a scenic
escarpment above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. 25 miles (40 km) across
and 90 miles (145 km) long, it encompasses several English counties. While
mainly covered in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the area also spreads
into areas of Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
The
Cotswolds are designated an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty or AONB. The award of AONB is not given
lightly and is offered to an area “designated for conservation due to its
significant landscape value.” The Cotswolds live up to the name perfectly.
When
staying in the area, while there are several lovely hotels and bed &
breakfasts, for a true experience it is recommended that you look at accommodation
with Character
Cottages, staying in a traditional cottage home built of the locally
quarried, golden coloured and attractive Cotswold stone.
The
following is a breakdown of just some the best places to go and things
to do in this gorgeous scenic location. |
|
Photo: CC by-SA 3.0 W.
Lloyd MacKenzie |
|
| Explore
the Cotswolds villages
There
are several pretty little towns and villages in the Cotswolds, all built
with the previously mentioned attractive golden Cotswold stone. Meandering
through the quaint streets with the lovely cottages, pretty gardens and
friendly residents is a joy in itself.
For
more interest while exploring the towns, visit the Tewkesbury Heritage
Centre which is a beautifully restored 17th century building. Previously
a hat shop, the heritage centre now gives the history of the Cotswolds
and its beautiful architectural heritage.
For
something really special, visit the Secret Cottage, which is actually a
tour of the North Cotswolds villages, ending up in the cottage itself,
a 400 year old building where you can enjoy a tasty lunch or an afternoon
cream tea. This tour is great for families and individual visitors
and also for history buffs. |
 |
|
|
|
The
Cotswold Way and Thames Path
For
those with more of a bent for the countryside and fresh air, the Cotswolds
offers more than 5,000 km of footpaths.
For
the more serious walker or cyclist, the Cotswold Way and Thames Path are
perfect, taking you through several towns and villages with gorgeous scenery
along the way.
If
walking and cycling are not of interest, horse riding is a perfect activity
in the area and there are several riding centres available for both beginners
and more experienced riders. The more experienced will enjoy long
distance routes through the Cotswolds, including the Sabrina Way. |
|
Photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Ballista |
|
| The
Cotswold Water Park
This
area of the Cotswolds offers the U.K.’s largest “marl” lake system.
This is a series of lakes created by the extraction of Jurassic limestone
gravel over the last 50 years or so and now that work has ceased, these
have filled with water, creating a beautiful water park.
Bear
in mind this is not the usual fun water park found in a seaside town. The
Cotswold
Water Park is an area perfect for those interested in wildlife and
birds and offers a range of activities including fishing and sailing.
In
conclusion, make a plan this spring or summer to take in the beauty of
this truly lovely area of England. The whole family will thoroughly enjoy
themselves and make memories for a lifetime.. |
 |
|
|
top
U.K.
Travel Guide - Home
|
