|
The Cotswolds [1] refers to a region of gentle hill country in south central England, the main range reaching 300 m (1000 ft) in altitude at its highest. The Cotswolds lie across the boundaries of several traditional English counties: Gloucestershire enjoys by far the largest portion of the region; the county shares this honour significantly with Oxfordshire and south Warwickshire, and to a lesser extent with Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.
Officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, in recognition of their unique appeal and the beauty of its predominantly rural landscapes, the Cotswolds are known worldwide for their stone-built villages, historical towns, and stately homes and gardens. Many consider the Cotswolds as representative of the archetypal English landscape, within easy striking distance of London and several other English urban centres.
More in
The Cotswolds >>
SEE DO EAT
Forecast currently unavailable.
|
|
 |
 SEE
- Visit gardens, historic houses and farm attractions. There is a listing at the local tourist board website [7].
- The weekly farmers market in Stroud
- Cotswold wildlife park [8]
|
|
DO
The Cotswolds [5] attracts people with a visual appeal derived from a long history and the charm of hundreds of honey colour stone villages spread over an area approximately 100m (160km) north to south and 50 miles east to west.
Whilst lacking a single large attraction or theme park, the Cotswolds is a wealthy area that nevertheless retains something of the appeal of a working environment. For visitors, the area is particularly well known for historic gardens, pubs and inns, farm and outdoor attractions and retail - book and antique shops especially. There is also a thriving arts and crafts scene, drawing on a legacy that includes William Morris but also extends to new artists at work in hotspots such as the Stroud Valleys.
The Cotswolds also has a strong food culture with frequent Farmers' Markets, local organic producers and individual businesses such as bakeries and orchard drink producers. The area has a long history of hospitality since being adopted by Londoners with newly available reliable motor cars a hundred years ago and there remains a concentration of high quality hotels and B&Bs in the area.
Cotswold Water Park, [6]. Great Britain's largest water park consists of 133 lakes which were formed by filling old gravel quarries. It is located about five miles south of Cirencester in the centre of England and offers many water sports and activities.
|
|
|
EAT
Look out for Double and Single Gloucester (and up to 100 other) cheeses, Old Spot Pork and local organic game and venison - plus soft fruits in season. Farmers' Markets here are well established and the local food culture is extending to pub noticeboard menus.
|
|
|