Days out in the Cotswolds

Recommended Cotswold attractions

A round-up of other attractions in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offers so many wonderful experiences right from our doorstep. In fact, step out in any direction and you will be hard pushed not to find incredible walking routes through the tranquil Cotswold countryside, more often than not with amazing pubs along the way.

Far from the madding crowd, are spectacular sunsets with dark skies and bright stars. Rolling Cotswold hills, faint echoes of church bells, and stunning scenery, await your friends and family.

There is literally something for everyone. Here is but a small sample of the possibilities near us...

• Oxford: Needs no introduction! We're located just under an hour away from the home of the world famous University.

• Stratford-upon-Avon: A medieval market town in England’s West Midlands and the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare no less.

• Stow-on-the-Wold: The quintessential English town with its mellow Cotswold stone houses, shops and hotels all surrounded by the world famous Cotswold's countryside.

• Bourton-on-the-Water: A popular Cotswold destination with the gently flowing River Windrush running through the centre of the village and crossed by five low, arched stone bridges leading to the nickname of "Venice of the Cotswolds".

• Burford: often referred to as the 'gateway' to the Cotswolds.

• Bicester Village: An open-air luxury shopping experience with direct access by train.

• Woodstock: Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, Woodstock is a handsome Georgian town, famous as the home of Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

• Upton House & Gardens: An elegant stately home with 1930s period displays, garden terraces, walking trails and a bookstore.

• British Motor Museum: Home to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars - from the very first Land Rover to Lady Penelope’s FAB1.

• Oxford Bus Museum: Are you a bus enthusiast? Then we've got you covered! Just under 40 minutes away near Whitney. Didn't we say there is literally something for everyone?

• Cotswold Electric Bike Tours: Discover the hidden treasures of the real Cotswolds on an exciting day tour with an expert guide on powerful e-bikes which flatten the hills so you can enjoy the ride.

• Offbeat Cotswolds: Walking tours in Broadway, Cheltenham, Chipping Norton and Hook Norton where you will discover quirky sights and stories. You’ll be surprised, amazed and enlightened!

• Bloomery: An interactive relaxing sustainable flower, terrarium, wreath, bouquet, or dried flower workshop in the original potting shed on the Farncombe Estate just outside of Broadway.

• Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre: Horse back tours of the beautiful Slaughter villages for all ages and abilities. Tuition available, River rides and Pony days during the school holidays.

• Daylesford Organic Farm: Apart from a well stocked shop, this legendary organic farm is only 25 minutes away and hosts: a cookery school, cafe, restaurant, bar, organic garden centre with regular garden & floristry workshops. You could easily spend the entire day there, not to mention the entire contents of your purse/wallet.

• River Cruises from Lechlade: Purpose built for charters and river trips on the Upper Thames at Lechlade, they can accommodate up to 12 passengers for a comfortable and relaxing cruise on this historic river.

• Fairytale Farm: Just down the road in Chipping Norton, children will love this! A sensory and learning wonderland for all the family. An exciting adventure playground, an enchanted walk with a surprise around every corner and a chance to meet their amazing animals.

• Broadway Tower: William Morris used this extraordinary folly on the Cotswold Ridge. You too can enjoy its spectacular views, architecture and setting.

• Little Oak Vineyard: A small, family-run business based in Chipping Campden producing high quality and award-winning wines and brandy. Vineyard tours and wine tastings all year round.

• The Rollright Stones: No trip to the Cotswolds can be considered complete without a visit to the famous Rollright Stones. A group of prehistoric megalithic monuments built from large natural boulders found within 500m of the site.