Things to do in Cotswolds, England: The Best Nature & Parks

January 1, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

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. Cotswold Way

England 01451 862008 https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold-way
Excellent
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5.0 based on 202 reviews

Cotswold Way

This 104-mile hiking trail starts close to Shakespeare's Stratford and finishes in Bath, as it winds through pretty countryside and delightful villages steeped in history.

Reviewed By karencA6283NY - Peterborough, United Kingdom

My friend and I are planning on walking the national trail over a few weekends. So far we have walked from Chipping Campden to Seven springs and have really enjoyed the variety and stunning views. Highlights: Hailes Abbey, Broadway, views from Cleeve Hill, Stanton and Belas Knap plus too many other places to mention. Take a drink in Stanton as (walking south) we found no other options on the trail until Hailes fruit farm. A really beautiful trail.

2. Cotswold Falconry Centre

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT England +44 1386 701043 [email protected] http://www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,030 reviews

Cotswold Falconry Centre

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. Walks With Hawks

Cheltenham England +44 1452 537420 [email protected] http://www.walkswithhawks.co.uk
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5.0 based on 321 reviews

Walks With Hawks

We offer a range of packages giving you a rare opportunity to handle and fly a variety of Birds Of Prey here in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire the heart of The Cotswolds. Groups are intentionally kept small, this ensures everyone will get plenty of hands on time with the birds. Max 6 participants, although larger groups catered for on request. Therefore our experiences should not be compared to those found on the discount sites, where groups tend to be very large. Our sessions are designed to give you a more personal experience whether you choose our Hawk Walk, Owl encounter or one of our other packages our aim is to give you some very special memories to cherish.

Reviewed By Extraordinary706245

Today was all about making treasured memories..... Thanks to Clare from Walks with hawks I was able to give my parents an experience I never thought possible. My mother is physically disabled with limited mobility and severe ataxia (uncontrollable shakes) Clare was so patient and kind to my mum and involved her completely and made her feel confident to fully participate. With mum's physical challenges this was truly magical to see. I was amazed to see mum completely at ease to hold all the birds, and have them fly to her, including the magnificent Hope, the blue Chilean Eagle. Dad was in awe and blown away by spectacular birds. The whole experience was fabulous from start to finish, Clare's knowledge and passion for her beautiful birds is infectious. Clare proved to be the most attentive guide with us all and adapted the experience so that we all could enjoy it to the full. 5 star service with memories that we will treasure forever

4. Walks around Wotton-under-Edge

Westridge Wood, Wotton-under-Edge England
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Walks around Wotton-under-Edge

Reviewed By bazb949 - Watford, United Kingdom

A simple, there-and-back dog walk taking in Newark Park house and grounds. Just follow the Cotswold Way out of the village. A fairly steep climb through woods and up a track before branching off across fields to arrive at Newark's car park area. A modest entry fee gets you into the grounds (a welcome tea/coffee room with outside seating) where there's a choice of three, marked walks affording views and a chance to talk to the lambs. The gardens of the house are delightful and it's worth popping in to the house itself (leave the dogs outside). We spent the best part of a day out as the weather was glorious. The return, downhill, walk is much quicker, retracing our steps and taking in a path along side the stream and back into Valley Road. A very pleasant way to appreciate the English countryside and take in a little bit of history, too. Recommended!

5. Greystones Farm

Greystones Lane, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2EN England +44 1452 383333 [email protected] http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Greystones Farm

Greystones, located close to Bourton-on-the-Water, is a unique place for people and wildlife, with a history stretching back 6,000 years. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildflower meadows. Follow the ‘Time Trail’ or ‘Wildlife Trail’ to explore Greystones’ archaeology and rare trees, ancient hedgerows, the River Eye, and a lake teaming with wildlife. Nature reserve opening times: Open to the public all year, 24/7. Cafe opening times: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (and bank holiday Mondays) 10am-4pm. The cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Discovery Barn opening times: staffed by volunteers and open intermittently. Please call ahead if you would like to ensure the Discovery Barn is open. Parking: Parking is available for blue-badge holders at Greystones, all other vehicles must park in the village – it’s just a short distance to reach us. Dogs: Dogs are very welcome at Greystones, but are not allowed inside the cafe or Discovery Barn.

Reviewed By Spa2Junkie - Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Amazing countryside with lovely walks, lot's of different paths all within a few miles of Bourtonon the water, easy walks skirting the lakes ,then extend to returnv via Moor lane to the beautiful village with plentiful tea rooms for that special reward..

6. Hidcote Manor Garden

Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden GL55 6LR England +44 1386 438333 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote
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4.5 based on 2,008 reviews

Hidcote Manor Garden

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. Pittville Park

Pitville Park Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL51 9JZ England +44 1242 250019 http://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/33/parks_and_open_spaces/350/pittville_park
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4.5 based on 837 reviews

Pittville Park

Reviewed By E5743MRcarolinef

Brilliant couple of hours for kids under 10! Large climbing frames, bouncing mats and zip wire. Nice little sand play area too with water feature. Bring some food along and feed the ducks/swans too and have a picnic in the park. Wonderful cafe with great choice of snacks for kids and adults and range of sandwiches too at great prices. Toilets on site too !

8. Birdland

Rissington Road Parking: what3words ///pizza.bulky.strikers, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN England +44 1451 820480 http://www.birdland.co.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,994 reviews

Birdland

Birdland is delighted to be able to welcome visitors back in line with government guidance. The health and safety of all our visitors and staff is of utmost importance to us and we have introduced some additional measures to ensure social distancing can be maintained including setting restrictions on daily admissions, pausing all keeper talks and feeding displays and closing indoor attractions. Two hour timed tickets will need to be pre-booked in advance on the website. For more information on all the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety of our visitors and to see what attractions will be open, please click here: https://www.birdland.co.uk/birdland-reveals-re-opening-plans/ Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy of the winding River Windrush.

Reviewed By doreent192 - Bristol, United Kingdom

What a great place to see so many species of birds. Set in lovely well cared for grounds, this is a must see if you are visiting this area. Ideal for adults and children alike, disabled friendly, there is so much to see. You can watch at designated feeding times, meet a keeper, and just stroll from area to area seeing these beautiful birds. Jurassic area that children just love, picnic tables set around, aheltered seating areas, and a lovely cafe for light snacks/meals and drinks. All set in the delightful Bourton on the water in the Cotswolds, at a very reasonable price. We shall be back

9. Batsford Arboretum

Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9QB England +44 1386 701441 [email protected] http://www.batsarb.co.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,243 reviews

Batsford Arboretum

Home to one of the largest private tree collections in the country, Batsford Arboretum offers visitors year round interest - from lush, spring colour provided by the beautiful Japanese flowering cherries to autumn’s spectacular natural fireworks display. Wander along 56 acres of wild gardens, paths and streams, enjoy stunning views across the Evenlode Valley and discover the beautiful oriental-influenced statues hidden in glades around the grounds.Freshly-baked food available all day in the Garden Terrace Café; Beautiful, quality plants, gifts and garden sundries and expert gardening advice.

Reviewed By Q7975OMmikec - Manchester, United Kingdom

Spent hours wandering through the beautiful trees on a cold damp autumn and loved every second! Wonderful atmosphere and beautiful, already planning a spring visit!

10. Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Chipping Campden GL55 6LN England +44 1386 438777 [email protected] http://www.kiftsgate.co.uk
Excellent
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4.5 based on 356 reviews

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Reviewed By 858pault - Worcester, United Kingdom

had a fab time here ,found staff very helpful ,the garden stunning and well organised for the covid ,very relaxing time strolling around the garden also a good selection of plants for sale finishing off with coffee and cake .

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