The Cotswolds, set in the Southern area of England, was recently rated 2nd in the ‘Fine Living Top 10: Paradises On Earth’, by a well-known Men’s Online Magazine, for locations around the world that seem to have remained untouched by civilisation. If you don’t believe this statement, you obviously haven’t visited the Cotswolds. With many towns and villages, the Cotswolds holds some truly spectacular gems when staying in Cheltenham or the surrounding areas.
Cheltenham Spa
Cheltenham, rich in Georgian architecture and historic past, make this one of the most interesting towns in the Cotswolds. With a vast range of shops, museums, gardens and an array of festivals, including the famous Cheltenham Gold Cup, visitors flock in big numbers. Set in the West of the Cotswolds, finding accommodation in Cheltenham would be recommended, as it acts as the perfect gateway to the rest of the Cotswolds, with easy road, and railway access.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Sometimes referred to as ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water is a very historic village, with cottages and houses dating back to the Elizabethan times. The River Windrush flows straight through the village, along the main street, with small stone bridges providing regular crossing points. It is an extremely popular tourist destination in the summer and is great for just sitting and watching the ducks on the river. It is equally busy in the winter and autumn, with particular areas of interest being the Miniature Village, Model Railway and the Cotswold Perfumery.
Broadway
Broadway is the largest of the Cotswold villages set in Worcestershire, and is referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Cotswolds’. A short drive from the village centre is the Broadway Tower, set in Broadway Tower Country Park. The tower, which was constructed in the late 18th century, has spectacular views over thirteen counties on a clear day. A range of boutiques, gift shops, tearooms and cafes, make this an ideal, and must see village, to stop at during your visit to the Cotswolds.
Chipping Campden
One of ‘the most beautiful villages in the UK’, Chipping Campden is an ideal venue for a holiday, or a short break. The ancient town has many places of interest, with beautiful buildings, providing a mix of architectural styles, including St James Church, the Market Hall, and the Old Silk Mill. The village was host to the ‘Cotswold Olympics’, which was founded in 1612, long before the modern Olympic Games had even been established. Even today, this version of the games takes place every summer. With so much to see and do, you will have to come back more than once to fit everything in!
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Known for it’s easy road and rail access, it is the perfect destination for a day out or a short break. The town sits on the banks of the River Avon, which was once a key trade route. Now, the River is used mainly for a number of leisure activities that involve all of the locals. Like many of the other towns and villages in the Cotswolds, the town is surrounded by superb rural countryside. Bursting with culture and history, ‘Shakespeare’s Stratford’ is a delightful surprise.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the most visited placed in the Cotswolds. The Market Square is the feature point of the village, with an ancient cross at one end, and 19th Century stocks at the other. Despite the village having a wide and open appearance, there are many alleyways and small passages which link up to the square, all of which are begging to be explored and followed. Home to the oldest accommodation in the Cotswolds, and for that matter in England, is The Royalist Inn, with history tracing back to 947AD. Many ghostly tales have been heard about this inn.
Quite simply, the Cotswolds is the largest ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ in England and Wales. Set in an extremely picturesque area of Southern England, it is brimming with history and culture. Whether you spend one day, or one week in the area, you will have to return to see all of its true magnificence. With Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Chipping Campden, and Stow-on-the-Wold all within 14 miles of Cheltenham, staying at Beaumont House, a 5 star luxury hotel in Cheltenham, is the obvious choice to get the most out of your break.
