Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
Top 10 Free Things to do 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. Cotswold Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 202 reviews
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. 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.
3. Walks around Wotton-under-Edge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
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!
4. Greystones Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
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..
5. Fifi's Fancy Furniture
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Fifi's Fancy Furniture was created to indulge my passion for all things beautiful. It was a way of combining my life long interest in design, furniture, colour, texture, upcycling, recycling and revamping furniture and artifacts that would sit well in traditional or contemporary settings alike.We are official stockists of The Frenchic Furniture Paint. We offer Beginner and advanced furniture painting courses and bookable drop in painting sessions.
6. 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..
7. 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.
8. Pittville Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 837 reviews
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 !
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.
