Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
The 10 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. 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. Cotswold Falconry Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,030 reviews
We are open for 2021 from the 17th May until the 14th November. You'll get to see Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Falcons, Vultures, Kites, Caracaras and more. With 150 individual birds from over 60 different species either in their Breeding Aviaries or on the Flying Displays which are held daily at 11.30, 1.30 and 3.00 . You may wish to pre-book one of our popular experiences for that special day out. Cotswold Falconry Centre "More than a Flying Visit"
Reviewed By BourneJ - North Shields, United Kingdom
Who knew that we would spend a full afternoon in this bird sanctuary? Our expectations were to spend an hour viewing the exotic birds or prey and then spread out the picnic for a mid afternoon feast. In reality we watched the first display in the gusting wind and pouring rain, quickly ate lunch and went back for the next two displays. The bird handlers were a font of knowledge and so enthusiastic it was easy to see that they cared for the birds; most of which were endangered in the wild. From burrowing owls feeding from my gloved hand to African Vultures hoping around our feet and Peregrine Falcons dive bombing from far off woodland, this was a superb and informative way to spend £10; unbelievable value for money. We were in the Costwolds for one week, this was our first day, and it was hard to surpass. We even had wild Buzzards and Kites joining the displays. I well deserved excellent from me.
3. Jet Age Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 599 reviews
Dedicated to the preservation of Gloucestershire's rich aviation heritage, Jet Age Museum is an all-volunteer, registered charity. We tell the story of the Gloster Aircraft Company, focussing on the first Allied jet flight. Our mission is to preserve the past and inspire the future by telling the stories of the people and places that put the County at the forefront of the aerospace industry.
Reviewed By 124harryp
Came here with my three year old on a saturday. She loved looking at the planes and getting to play in the various different plane cockpits. The ticketed tours of the larger planes are well worth it as well, staff are friendly and informative and for free admission and parking it's well worth a visit.
4. The Cotswold Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
*Please check our website for available tour dates. All tours must be booked in advance.* The Cotswold Brewing Company is a specialist keg lager microbrewery nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds. We brew a range of lagers and IPA and cider, as well as gin and vodka. We are all about premium quality, community engagement and passion for life. Please note, all tours must be booked in advance as they do not run every day. Our Brewery Shop is open daily 10am until 2pm.
Reviewed By robbH3046MC
Our group of eight had a great afternoon on the brewery tour , Nigel our ‘tour guide’ was exceptionally knowledgeable on all aspects of the brewery and made the whole event great fun. We sampled ALL the beers on offer with generous sampling measures and a couple of surprise freebies !!! Thank you Nigel for ‘opening up’ over the Christmas holidays , much appreciated. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.
5. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,481 reviews
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a heritage railway over 14 miles (23km) long in the beautiful English Cotswolds. Visit the GWSR stations at Broadway (postcode WR12 7DF), Toddington (postcode GL54 5DT), Winchcombe (GL54 5LD), or Cheltenham Racecourse (GL50 4SH). Free parking, and there is so much to do in addition to riding on the heritage trains. There are authentic Great Western Railway stations and well-stocked shops. Catering options include on-train buffet cars, Broadway Station Refreshment Room, 1950s themed Coffee Pot Cafe at Winchcombe Station and the Flag & Whistle Restaurant at Toddington Station. There is a model railway coach and Discovery Coach at Winchcombe Station, whilst at Toddington there is a self-guided heritage trail, a children’s play area, a have-a-go signalbox and a locomotive yard viewing area. Check out our website to see the operating days, the train times and the range of this year's special events, both for enthusiasts and for children.
6. Hidcote Manor Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,008 reviews
Reviewed By GordonE880 - Redditch, United Kingdom
Enjoyed our booked visit to Hidcote Manor,greeted with a warm welcome from N-Trust member at car park entrance with guidance information to enable us to enjoy our visit. There was well marked single pathways around the stunning Arts and Craft garden with hidden gems around every corner, due to social distancing some of pathways closed off but N-T had cleverly formed viewing points to show hidden secrets. There are 2 narrow marked pathways you can take 1 of which includes steps. Due to the lockdown some of the areas of the garden are over grown but this adds to the enjoyment,there are some unusual plants full of colour which includes wild life meadow. The Barn Cafe is now serving take away food and the onsite shop is now open with garden plants for sale. Hidcote is well worth a visit just take your time with social distancing (you are allowed 2 hours) and enjoy the splendour of the garden and at the end of your visit enjoy a picnic in the lovely Cotswold countryside next to the car park.
7. 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
8. 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..
9. Cotswold Motoring Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,898 reviews
Located in the picturesque village of Bourton on the Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fascinating journey through the 20th century that the whole family can enjoy. The Museum is bulging with great cars, quaint caravans, precarious looking motorcycles, enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities! Brum, the BBC TV's little super hero car whose adventures start and end at the museum can be found here every day.
Reviewed By daisyhall - The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom
This is a very quaint very English type of museum like walking back in time to your grandparents garage. Great displays jam packed with memorabilia from the past so much to look at . Brilliant price admission £6.50 per adult. Great range and great for a motor enthusiast into collecting toy cars as there are so cars many in the cabinets dinky and Corgis from the past all the old cars are polished to perfection. A real novelty museum to bring children and grandparents . A collectors haven.
10. 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.
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