What to do and see in Cotswolds, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips

September 2, 2017 Yuk Petri

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. Walks With Hawks

Cheltenham, England +44 1452 537420
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5 based on 162 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 4/5 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 Steve C

Just spent an amazing 2hrs flying Ronnie and Reggie (Harris Hawks), Bandit (Kestrel), and Hope (Buzzard Eagle). Clare made it a really enjoyable experience, she is so passionate and enthusiastic about falconry and it comes across throughout the ‘walk with the hawks’ as she freely shares he knowledge of these wonderful birds. Thanks Clare, I’ll be back for some more.

2. Cotswolds Distillery

Whichford Road | Phillip's Field, Stourton, Shipston on Stour CV36 5HG, England +44 1608 238533
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5 based on 1 reviews

Cotswolds Distillery

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. Tours and tastings available. Shop open 7 days a week.

Reviewed By Sophie316 - Cheshire

We called by hoping we’d be able to have a tour without booking, however, they were unfortunately booked up 2.5 weeks in advance. Although we weren’t able to have the tour the staff were very accommodating and allowed us to watch a video which is played at the start of the tour and then went through some tasting with us. They were really informative and friendly, we just wished we’d been organised and booked, we’ll know for next time and in the meantime we have a lovely bottle of their gin to enjoy!

3. Chavenage House

Chavenage, Tetbury GL8 8XP, England +44 1666 502329
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5 based on 304 reviews

Chavenage House

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 Jean D - Charlton, United Kingdom

Many people will have watched the series of 'Poldark' on the Television and recognised this wonderful family home which is a gem in the Cotswolds and soaked in history. The wonder of this beautiful house is that it is lived in by an amazing family who so obviously are enthusiastic about their home and describe each room with interesting anecdotes and humour. Oliver Cromwell spent the night in one of the bedrooms,American Forces stayed in the house during World War 2, why are the tapestries in Cromwell's bedroom intact and not eaten by moths? To listen to some very special stories you really must visit this property and be enthralled.

4. Cotswold Falconry Centre

Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AB, England +44 1386 701043
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5 based on 791 reviews

Cotswold Falconry Centre

We are OPEN for 2018 from the 10th February to the 11th November. Doors open each day at 10.30. 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 11.30am, 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30. 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 LIYUANAINE

Fantastic place to visit with family and friends and especially if you are a fan of birds. Only £10 entry for adults to enjoy 3 flying shows. Many different raptors showcased with entertaining commentary. Would definitely recommend this if you are visiting the Cotswolds.

5. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Cheltenham GL54 5DT, England
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a 13 mile steam and diesel heritage railway in the beautiful English Cotswolds. Visit the GWR stations at Toddington (postcode GL54 5DT), Winchcombe (GL54 5LD), or Cheltenham Race Course (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 the buffet car on the train, the Flag & Whistle Restaurant at Toddington Station and the 1950s themed Coffee Pot cafe at Winchcombe Station. There is a model railway coach and the 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.

Reviewed By Jeremy W - Wroughton, United Kingdom

An excellent railway that is expanding.
However beware of the following.
Access to the station at Cheltenham Race Course can be difficult on race days. So allow time or chose a different day. They have there own car park its just congested trying to access it, We visited on a race day. The good news for the railway is that judging by car parks its being used as a park and ride. The gold ? peak / special timetable does not accept Heritage railway passes. This is not as clear as it could be.
Tea room at Winchcombe is excellent. out of Brief Encounter. Excellent cake etc. Trains clean even if the inevitable BR MK1. Check timetable with care if you want steam trains may be diesel hauled. Must visit again when opens to Broadway.

6. Tewkesbury Abbey

Abbey Office Church Street, Tewkesbury GL20 5RZ, England +44 1684 850959
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Tewkesbury Abbey

Reviewed By Mary M

Our group enjoyed an excellent guided tour with one of the Abbey guides, who took us around the outside of the building before taking us inside. John set the historical context of the building, explaining the importance of this beautiful building in the context of national life. Lots of interesting stories about the people who have played a part in the history of Tewkesbury. Thank you.

7. The Royal Gardens at Highgrove

Highgrove Estate | Parking: what3words ///fries.nicely.alcove, Tetbury GL8 0AY, England +44 333 222 4555
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5 based on 738 reviews

The Royal Gardens at Highgrove

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 Angelikes - Bristol, United Kingdom

How I love these very special Gardens. Been five times before in Summer, Autumn and at Christmas now added early Spring. Each visit reveals such a different view. This time the colour of the Cotswold stone really stood out in the sun. The willow dog and wooden toadstools looked amazing against the backdrop of snowdrops and cyclamen. Most impressed with Prince Charles' hazel path borders in the arboretum which I believe he had constructed himself just a few days before. Best thing of all - this garden is food for the soul. I always feel both rested and invigorated and inspired to get home to my own garden and get cracking!

8. Jet Age Museum

128 Cheltenham Road East | Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL2 9QL, England +44 1452 260078
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5 based on 437 reviews

Jet Age Museum

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 the preserve the past and inspire the future by telling the stories of the people and places that put our County at the forefront of the aerospace industry.

Reviewed By app4k01ubstm42qud707 - Gloucester, United Kingdom

Great free museum. Plenty to interest children and adults. Child sized planes and full sized real cockpits for kids to sit in. Friendly, knowledgeable volunteer staff happy to show kids how things work and to tell their stories. Sensible shop with pocket money to medium priced souvenirs. On site free car park with planes taking off and landing from the airport. Open weekends plus Wednesdays during school holidays. Well worth visiting and a generous, voluntary, donation.

9. Cotswold Way

England 01451 862008
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5 based on 162 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 BrianB321 - St Helens, United Kingdom

Only 21 miles to go & then that will be another National Trail Ticked off. Some great Pubs between Chipping Campden to Bath. According to my wife Bath doesn't have an R in it

10. Mechanical Music Museum

Oak House High Street | The Oak House, Northleach GL54 3ET, England +44 1451 860181
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4.5 based on 289 reviews

Mechanical Music Museum

Reviewed By karin c - Manchester, United Kingdom

We saw the sign to this little gem by chance and decided to visit.Sally ,our museum tour guide,was very friendly and knowledgeable. We spend just over an hour listening to the self playing musical instruments and automata being transported back in time! Sally explained how each instrument works and her presentation skills are excellent. After the tour we enjoyed the home made cake,very nice.thank you for a lovely and informative afternoon!

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