An introduction to the Cotswolds

by Jill Park | 27 Dec 2016

Looking for a slice of England? Look no further than the Cotswolds – home to historic houses, secret gardens and the perfect afternoon treat.

the Cotswolds is the place for you. Located an hour west of London, the area straddles six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.

Instantly recognisable by its rolling green hills and sandstone, chocolate box houses, the collection of gentle hills known as ‘wolds’ offer visitors a plethora of indulgences. Whether you are looking for history, foodie treats or an insight into druid life, the Cotswolds is the perfect place to visit.

In our beginner’s guide we will outline the key experiences you should tick off your list when visiting the area.

Eat a cream tea

You’re on your holidays. Indulge yourself with a fruity scone still warm from the oven smothered in strawberry jam and heaped with clotted cream. Bourton-on-the-Water, a little town on the River Windrush, is the perfect place to find yourself a cafe to enjoy
this local delicacy.

A particular favourite is Bakery on the Water, located next to the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, with its freshly-baked treats and beautiful setting. There is no better way to spend an afternoon than in their little suntrap of a garden, listening to the river babble, eating a scone or two.

www.bakeryonthewater.co.uk

Pop into a castle

If you’re a fan of Hilary Mantel’s Booker Prize-winning Wolf Hall, about the machinations of the Tudor court, then Sudeley Castle is the perfect place to gain an insight into Tudor life. Home and resting place of King Henry’s VIII’s last surviving wife, Katherine Parr, the castle played host to the real life characters, Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn during the sixteenth century.

Don’t neglect to stroll around the beautiful gardens. Tours are available every Tuesday and Thursday from May to September (with some exemptions). The jewel in the crown being the Queen’s Garden, home to an idyllic rose collection.

www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

Go antiquing

Antique shops are in abundance in the town of Burford. Situated on a hill, the high street is dotted with antique emporiums where you can find everything from Victorian silver candlesticks, crystal wine decanters or any number of curiosities that beat any souvenir shop loot. Break up your day with a trip to one of the many “ye olde” pubs or tea rooms.

Seek out Antiques at the George, an award-winning store set across three levels in a 15th century coaching inn. Not only does the store’s wares have historical value, but the shop itself has links to Charles II, his mistress Nell Gwyn, and Great Fire of London diarist Samuel Pepys whose graffiti is
preserved on a window pane.

www.cotswolds.info/places/burford.shtml

Visit a national trust house

Fans of period dramas will be in seventh heaven upon visiting the village of Lacock. The keen eyed will recognise it as Merriton in the seminal BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice (yes, the Colin Firth version). A walk around the town is a pleasure in itself, but the jewel in the crown is Lacock Abbey.

Former home of the Fox-Talbot family, it comprises a fine stately home (where the first photographic negative was created), a photographic museum, as well as a fine abbey whose cloisters tell stories of 13^th century nuns such as Lady Ela, the Countess of Salisbury who held the position of Sheriff of Wiltshire for two years – an independent woman of the period – whose descendents include everyone from Mary Queen of Scots through to Princess Diana herself.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock-abbey-fox-talbot-museum-and-village 

Hang out in a henge

Everyone knows of Stonehenge, but few have heard of Avebury. Yes, there is more than one ‘henge’. This gem of a place has many advantages over its more well-known cousin.

Firstly, it is freely accessible (make sure you have cash for parking). Visitors can wander among the stone circle at any time of year. Secondly, it sits in a beautiful village, perfect for a summer stroll. Enjoy a trip to the manor house and gardens or pop into one of the small cafes or popular pub for a bit of lunch. Thirdly, the village still embraces its druid heritage. Sometimes, you might even spot modern-day pagans in robed garb. The summer solstice in June is an excellent time to visit to experience this slice of old England. While you’re there, make sure to pop into the Henge Shop to stock up on gemstones, water dowsing rods and much more.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury