Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
What to do and see in Cotswolds, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. Walks With Hawks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 321 reviews
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
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. Cotswolds Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,149 reviews
Offering tours at £15 per person when booked directly through our web site the Cotswolds Distillery is the first and only full-scale working craft distillery located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We make single malt whisky, gin and other Outstanding Natural Spirits artisinally, in our beautiful 4-acre site. Hosts a shop and cafe serving refreshments and light bites, open 7 days a week. VisitEngland 2018 Hidden Gem Accolade.
Reviewed By angharadwilfs
Dean the tour guide was absolutely brilliant he was very informative and funny, allowed us to ask loads of questions, well worth a visit we will be back
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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.
10. 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
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