Location: Cotswolds
Top Things to do in Cotswolds
What to do and see in Cotswolds, England: The Best 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. 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. 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.
3. Birdland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,994 reviews
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
4. 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.
5. Batsford Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,243 reviews
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!
6. 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.
7. Corinium Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 785 reviews
The Corinium Museum is located at the heart of Cirencester the 'Capital of the Cotswolds'. Its principal collection consists of the highly significant finds from the Roman town of Corinium. However the museum today is much more than that, taking the visitor on a journey through time and charting the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day. The light and modern galleries offer the visitor an exceptional interactive experience. The museum is renowned for its learning provision, with an education centre and temporary exhibition space that ensure a vibrant, changing programme of events and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Reviewed By 752spikec - Stamford, United Kingdom
An absolute must I you’re visiting the town A real in depth look at the history of Cirencester and lots of mosaic floors to see Many finds from burial sites including some high status jewellery Worth every penny
8. Highgrove Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,012 reviews
Highgrove is the private residence of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. Its organic gardens are open to the public for guided tours between April and October each year. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Reviewed By davep363 - Tetbury, United Kingdom
As above, well worth a walk round the royal gardens, an abundance of flowers, trees, shrubs, hedges, and ponds, and the fantastic vegetable garden, a lovely insight to the royals and to see what prince charles has achieved since owning Highgrove.
9. Elemental Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, The Elemental Sculpture Park features the work of many talented sculptors through a woodland trail and an on site tea room.
Reviewed By ShaunG127 - South Cerney, United Kingdom
This is place is now becoming a regular for us to bring friends, there are hundreds of sculptures set in lovely parkland and wood settings. Most are available to buy. Well worth a visit to spend a couple of hours walking around enjoying the sites, as well as a visit to the great little tearoom.
10. Westonbirt Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,494 reviews
Reviewed By bethrdwx - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Went to the Enchanted Christmas walk last weekend with my girlfriend(at the time, do read on????) and the lights were absolutely beautiful, very cute and cosy setting, lovely atmosphere and plenty photo opportunity’s! Staff were very speedy with responding to personal messages on their Facebook page as I wanted key places of the trail to propose so they were very helpful! However, on the night it turns out she had the same idea as me and underneath the northern light effects she asked me to be her wife to which I then immediately said yes and asked her the question too!???? Was a perfect setting to do so, me and my now fiancée was very happy with the experience! Even managing to head into the food hall afterwards and get an engraved heart with the date on!
