Home > South England >

Cotswolds Holiday Cottages

The Cotswolds are situated in South West England and cover a number of counties including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. It spans almost 800 square miles and is the largest designated area of outstanding natural beauty in the United Kingdom. See below for Cotswolds holiday cottages and self catering accommodation.

The landscape consists of rolling hills, water meadows and picturesque river valleys, occasionally punctuated by sleepy hamlets. Other picturesque features of this region include The Windrush, Coln and Evenlode streams, which meander through the countryside past towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Eynsham and on towards the great River Thames.

The Cotswold Way is a 100 mile trail that runs between Chipping Campden and Bath. It allows visitors to truly appreciate these varied and inspiring countryside settings. Beechwood trees grow in abundance around this part of the world and provide a colourful backdrop to the attractive surroundings. Scattered along this protected region lie a number of historic villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, which consists of low bridges and Cotswold stone houses - it is one of the most idyllic settings in the Cotswolds.

Chipping Campden is one of the oldest and nestles in the hills. It has a 15th Century church as well a Jacobean market hall. Other historical towns include the Elizabethan market town Tetbury, famed for its 17th Century town hall and Chipping Steps and the village of Broadway, with its honey coloured stone buildings and Norman church. Visit the link for more Cotswolds cottages to rent.

Rent Cotswolds Holiday Cottages with Cottages 4 You

Cotswolds self-catering attractions

We've included more details about the leading outdoor activities and visitor attractions in the Cotswolds regions, such as opening times and ticket prices. There's also information about top restaurants and pubs in the area.

Outdoor activities
Nature lovers should visit the award-winning Slimbridge Wetland Center. Located on the shores of the Severn Estuary, the reserve features the biggest collection of ducks, geese and swans in the world. A number of events are held each year including nature walks, workshops and landrover safaris. It's open from 9.30am - 5pm and tickets are between £4 and £9.

Ballooning provides an original way of appreciating the impressive countryside and there are a number of centres that offer flights. Ballooning in the Cotswolds is one of the most popular and has been in operation since 1985. It offers trips over Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. See the site for more details. Cycling is also a great way of exploring the Cotswolds - bike hire is available from places like Pedal for Pleasure (Gloucestershire) and Stonehouse Wheelers (Rodborough).

Horseshoe

Food and drink
The Wild Garlic Restaurant is a leading establishment in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. It prides itself in serving contemporary British cuisine at affordable prices. The menu is not over-complicated and is kept relatively simple, utilising fresh, local produce. 5 North Street in Winchcombe is also top-notch and been awarded 3 AA rosettes. Food is modern European but is occasionally fused with traditional influences, and the service is friendly.

There are plenty of excellent pubs and inns in the Cotswolds, such as The Chequers, in Chipping Norton. It consists of a low-beamed interior and features log-fires, handpumped beers and local ales - there's also conservatory area in which visitors can enjoy their meals - the menu is original and features braised rabbit and black-pudding sausage. The Horseshoe in Ebbesbourne Wake is also noteworthy and is a classic country pub that serves a range of cask ales such as Ringwood Best and Old Thumper.

History and Culture
Blenheim Palace is a World Heritage site and was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It is set in 200 acres of parkland and formal gardens and is considered to be one of the most impressive stately homes in England. It is open to the public from 10.30am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday and tickets are around £5. Tewkesbury Abbey is also impressive and is one of the finest Norman Abbeys of its kind. Dating back to the 14th century it features the largest surviving Norman tower and elaborately carved tombs. Admission if free. The Roman Baths Museum in Bath is another World Heritage Site and is a bathing complex with a well-preserved ruined temple. Opening hours are 9am - 5pm and tickets are between £7 and £12 with concessions for families.