Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
The 10 Best Sacred & Religious Sites in Cotswolds, England
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. St. Nicholas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This 15th-century church has a dramatic, but gory, medieval Doom painting featuring angels, devils and trumpets.
2. St Kenelm's Church
3. St. James' Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
This stately church, built in the 1400s, is the town's famous Perpendicular wool church, which can be seen from miles around.
Reviewed By 968nicholash - London, United Kingdom
Although there was a Norman church on this site from the 12th century, the present structure has evolved since the middle of the 13th century. There is a wealth of history to be found here, including a unique pair of Altar hanging Frontals (c.1500) which were copied at the request of Queen Mary for the High Altar of Westminster Abbey for George V's coronation ceremony in 1912. There is also possibly the earliest surviving example of a Cope, which dates from around 1400. The original stained glass windows from the 15th century have almost all been replaced, with only small fragments remaining. The Jacobean pulpit and Flemish lectern were gifts from Sir Baptist Hicks, whose ornate tomb is in the Gainsborough Chapel. This is a magnificent church, well worth visiting.
4. 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.
5. Church of St Edmund
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
6. St John the Evangelist Church, Slimbridge, Glos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By fariello2000 - Chesham, United Kingdom
Lovely 13th C church in a village setting. You can park nearby by the village shop, which is also worth a visit. A very peaceful place.
7. St Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By U2324DEianj - Burford, United Kingdom
This lovely little church is home to the Fettiplace monuments. Six of the Fettiplace lords are commemorated, reclining figures stacked in two groups of three, as if stored in aristocratic filing cabinets. The earlier, left hand trio was ordered by the Sir Edmund Fettiplace (d 1613) to commemorate himself, his father and grandfather. They are reclining rather stiffly in full Tudor armour, and are highly stylised as was the Tudor fashion. The right hand trio are from 70 years later and commemorate a later Sir Edmund (d 1686) and his father and uncle and now they lie in full Stuart ceremonial armour.. We know the identity of the sculptor, William Bird of Oxford, who was a collaborator of Wren's. They are arguably the finest 17th Century funerary monuments in England. Outside are the graves of three of the Mitford sisters, including the notorious Unity.
8. Cheltenham Minster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By athyoz - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Tucked away just behind the High Street, this is a beautiful church. There are still a few original 12th century remains (West wall and tower pillars), and the 13th century additions are largely unaltered, which is unusual for a parish church. The interior has some lovely stained glass windows and a lot of interesting memorials, many of them military. The local volunteers are fantastic, and they have kept the church alive and looking beautiful. Well done to them and thank you!
9. Llanthony Secunda Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Llanthony Secunda Priory was a medieval priory; a few of the remaining buildings have recently been renovated and these rooms are now used to host events and private functions. Llanthony's grounds are open to the public and free to visit throughout the year, closing only for special events. We open the buildings on the first Sunday of each month for our Open Days, and host a number of public events throughout the year.
Reviewed By borderpath - Crickhowell, United Kingdom
Fascinating to be able to look behind the scenes of the Brick Range and Medieval Range as the large conservation project continues. It revealed "900 years of history" with high visibility jackets and hard hats (provided) being required. Sensible boots or shoes also necessary. Tour was guided by one of the leaders of the building team working on the Priory who was able to answer questions as well as providing a potted history. Great to be able to see the stripped back skeleton of the building as well as being able to imagine its future when being used by the adjacent college. Appears to be open at odd times in the year as well as when it is part of Heritage Open Days or History Festivals. The Llanthony Secunda Priory Trust can be contacted to ascertain future events which permit access to what is usually restricted by being a working building site.
