Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
10 Sights & Landmarks in Cotswolds That You Shouldn't Miss
The Cotswolds (/ˈkɒtswoʊldz/ KOTS-wohldz, /-wəldz/ -wəldz) is an area in south central England containing the Cotswold Hills, a range of rolling hills which rise from the meadows of the upper Thames to an escarpment, known as the Cotswold Edge, above the Severn Valley and Evesham Vale. The area is defined by the bedrock of Jurassic limestone that creates a type of grassland habitat rare in the UK and that is quarried for the golden coloured Cotswold stone. It contains unique features derived from the use of this mineral; the predominantly rural landscape contains stone-built villages, historical towns and stately homes and gardens. The population of the District is about 84,000.
Restaurants in Cotswolds
1. Chavenage House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 453 reviews
CHAVENAGE HOUSE is a privately owned Elizabethan Manor House open to the public. It has been used as a TV location for many productions and is at present playing Trenwith in the popular Poldark. There is so much more to see and enjoy. Guided tours by members of the family.
Reviewed By PeterJ1952 - Calne, United Kingdom
We had a group visit from Bowood House, the only downside of that being that we had to do this in our closed season. And it was a cold day. Chavenage has very little heating so every room was perishing cold. Every time we moved to a different room it seemed even colder, probably because as human radiators we managed eventually to take the chill of each room. However...I’ll still give Chavenage top marks. It’s a beautiful house with a fascinating history, superbly accomplished and witty guides from the owning family, Caroline and Richard, and one of the best homemade lunches you can get. Next time though we’ll go in warmer weather!
2. All Saints Church
3. Chastleton House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 624 reviews
Completed in 1612, this is one of the finest and most complete Jacobean houses in England, with scenic gardens and a topiary that are truly Jacobean and Elizabethan in style.
Reviewed By 265joym - West Midlands, United Kingdom
Loved this quirky property as it was 'preserved as it was found', as its last owner lived her life there. No polished woodwork, no gleaming silverware and no signs of extravagance to be seen! The room guides were exceptional, so passionate about the house and so keen to add more information and answer questions throughout our visit. Then being able to go to the church next door for homemade refreshments literally was the 'icing on the cake'. An excellent afternoon throughout.
4. Sudeley Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,831 reviews
Re-designed and refurbished exhibitions telling the story of Sudeley's royal past, Castle rooms, romantic ruins, award-winning gardens and 1000 years of fascinating history are among the many reasons to visit Sudeley Castle & Gardens, which nestles in the Cotswold Hills in the historic town of Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, 8 miles from Broadway. Sudeley is the only privately owned home in England to have a Queen (Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and last wife) buried within the grounds. With a new visitor route for 2018 which includes Castle rooms - some never before opened to the public, completely re-designed exhibitions, plus a restaurant serving delicious lunches, café, shop, play and picnic area, children's Adventure Playground (voted best in Gloucestershire), Pheasantry and a packed programme of events throughout the season, there is something for everyone at this must-see Cotswolds attraction.
Reviewed By nobby69010 - Aylesford, United Kingdom
On a coach tour of the Cotswolds, this was our excursion for the day - and what a day it was - the beautiful castle and grounds were a delight to all - fascinating history and to find the home and final resting place of Katherine Parr - the last Queen of Henry VIII - in the chapel was amazing- weather was perfect and this visit will be remembered for a long time - highly recommended if you are in the area
5. Tewkesbury Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,843 reviews
Reviewed By 343janeq
We were truly impressed by our visit to Tewkesbury Abbey, amazing historic building and truly impressive craftsmanship.. well worth a visit..
6. Berkeley Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 840 reviews
This intriguing castle has been the home of the Berkeley family for more than 850 years. It has been used a filming location for many period dramas, including the BBC's Wolf Hall, Galavant and The White Princess. It was the last place of residence of King Edward II, who was imprisoned in the castle and murdered within its walls. The Castle is open from Easter until the end of October, from Sunday until Wednesday each week. The Butterfly House is open from the beginning of May until the end of September from Sunday to Wednesday, walk amongst the stunning butterflies and tropical plants. A visit to the Yurt Tearoom is also a must! Please check our website for details open days and hours - we are always closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Reviewed By Mambovicki - Kawerau, New Zealand
On my England and Wales holiday, one thing I did lots of was visit castles. Some just ruins, some in working order and furnished and done up in all their glory. When travelling overseas, i always look for places with names the same as my three grandchildren. Berkeley is my oldest and although it's said the American way, the spelling is the same so you can imagine my excitement finding out about Berkeley Castle. And his, he was chuffed to have his own castle, haha. The other coincidental thing was Berkeley Castle and Dr Jenner house nearby. Berkeley's mum is named Jenner and spelt that way too. Seeing sign posts with Berkeley Castle and Jenner House on it was such a treat for me! But besides all that personal titbits, can I say that Berkeley Castle was one of my favourite castles as it was so interesting and splendid inside and out. Fascinating history and amazing things inside with royal connection and other famous people. We loved how the tour guides showed us around and imparted their knowledge and love of things at the castle. Had I known Gloucestershire was as lovely as it was, I would've stayed in the area longer. Glorious castle and grounds, my Englishman and his family and friends in Chester had never heard of it but now they have and it deserves all the visitors it can get. Oh and the gift shop was very good and of course I brought many things with Berkeley on it so my grandson is all set for presents for years to come. hehehe.
7. Broadway Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,883 reviews
A unique Capability Brown Folly Tower open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location. Graphic displays on three floors, roof viewing platform and Tower Shop are a must for Cotswold visits. Broadway Tower is one of England's outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties. Conveniently located on the Cotswold Way, Broadway Tower is the perfect place to start your walk, be it a short circuit or hike. There is ample car parking for patrons of Broadway Tower and refreshments await to reward the completed walk.
Reviewed By TraceyH4167 - Halesowen, United Kingdom
What a beautiful place to visit on a lovely summer's day! We had to queue to get into the tower, but not for too long and visitor safety is obviously paramount at the moment which is reassuring. A flight of twisty stone steps takes you to three separate floors with displays and information about the history of the tower, the connection to William Morris and World War Two. And then you reach the top where the views over the surrounding countryside are spectacular! It's such a beautiful part of the world. Then we wound our down again and enjoyed our picnic, plenty of places to pitch your own chairs plus lots of picnic benches too. Then we enjoyed the circular walk from the car park back to the tower, very scenic. Had a cup of tea and a piece of lemon drizzle cake from the cafe in the sunshine. Just perfect! Bear in mind the toilets are closed so if you need to powder your nose you will have to grin and bear the portaloo! A thoroughly enjoyable day spent here.
8. Parish Church of St John Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By LouiseH562 - Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
So glad we stepped in on our visit so much to see as well as a beautiful space it has very old remains of wall paintings, brasses, Anne Boleyn cup, two organs, rood screen, stained glass, vaulted ceilings.
9. Montpellier District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Reviewed By Nmoyers
Smashing place. Really lovely and lots to do. Stunningly beautiful architecture and very friendly locals
10. Gloucester Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,496 reviews
Reviewed By travelling_teena - San Francisco, United States
Gloucester Cathedral offers at least 3 tours (costs range 7-13 GBP) and they are conducted by volunteer locals, so I feel fine paying/contributing. I took the Highlights and the Tower tour total of 30min and 1hr respectively, (couldn't fit the Crypt tour) both done by lively docents who know their Norman vs. Perpendicular architecture and history. book when you enter. You could walk around on your own, but having a local guide you also get more interesting commentary.
