Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
Top 10 Historic 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. 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. St Michael and St Martins 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. Belas Knap
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Even though it is a bit of hike to get to, this ancient burial mound is worth the effort, especially towards dusk when the site becomes magical in appearance.
Reviewed By iggyg78 - Ashington, United Kingdom
If you are a fan of archaeology and history this should interest you. A nice walk up to the site - park on the road in the lay-by where the English Heritage sign is. The walk is a little steep by not bad and benefits from some wonderful views. The site itself is fabulous- not loads to see but a really interesting place to visit non-the-less. Tip - do a little research about Neolithic and long barrows before going will make it more worthwhile.
5. Snowshill Manor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 709 reviews
Reviewed By St4ple - Redditch, United Kingdom
We visited Snowshill Manor after joining the national trust, myself, my partner and my 14 year old son. It was raining heavily on the day we visited, so didn’t spend too long in the gardens and made a quick dash to the house, although even from the short time we were in the gardens, they looked interesting and and well kept, with little outhouses and workshops to visit. The manor house is a large beautiful house, housing the amazing life long collection of Charles Paget Wade. Every room is a feast for the eyes, filled with interesting and quirky items he spent his life collecting and the National trust staff are very knowledgeable and on hand to talk to you about the wonderful items you discover in each room. This is a great place to visit on a rainy day as you can spend so long looking at the many items. I would definitely recommend visiting with plenty of time as there is a lot to look at, there is even a costume section where you can dress up!
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. St. Mary's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
This church is one of the best attractions in Bibury sitting on the east end of the village . There has been a church on this site since 8th century ad and there are many Saxon Stones in the church and the church is a Grade 1 listed Savon Church .There are many fine stained glass windows and the graveyard has many gravestones of a fair age .
8. The Gallery at The Guild
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
The gallery at the guild is a co-operative of 28 Cotswold artists, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers, woodturners, metalworkers, glass makers, textile artists and cabinet makers whose exhibitions of work change every six weeks. The gallery is stewarded by its members and volunteers and is open daily. The gallery is on the ground floor of The Old Silk Mill in Chipping Campden which was once the home of C R Ashbee's Guild of Handicraft. Todays it is still home to Hart's Gold and Silversmiths as well as Caroline Richardson Jewellery and Campden Coffee Company.
Reviewed By Gill025 - Farnham, United Kingdom
My husband and I were both really taken by the quality of workmanship and the great appeal and variety of the pieces on display. We surprised ourselves by buying two significant items when buying one was rare for us. We will certainly return when we are again in the area as the items on display are changed frequently.
9. Kiftsgate Court Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
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 .
10. Purton Ships Graveyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By grahamwZ4668KU - Bristol, United Kingdom
Had an excellent and enthusiastic guide called Paul who took us to see the wrecks / hulks rapidly disappearing alongside the River Severn. Pleasant walk along the Sharpness canal which had a steady stream of boats approaching the Swing Bridges. Each sunken boat stabilising the river bank has a history, Paul had photos of most of them, so a guide is very worthwhile. Suggest you park at Purton village, and visit the Church tea rooms after the walk, all refreshment money goes to the upkeep of the structure. Be sensible and wear Walking boots or Wellies as there are some muddy stretches along the riverbank. Nice flat walk with interesting river views, wildlife and some maritime history thrown in
