Where are the Cotswolds and why are they so popular?

It’s likely that at some point you’ve heard the Cotswolds mentioned in a conversation, on a TV programme or perhaps in a book or on a website. You might be wondering where are the Cotswolds and what’s so special about the area? Keep reading to discover the delights of this fantastic UK holiday destination, or browse our lovely selection of campsites in the Cotswolds.

Where to find the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that incorporates the Cotswolds Hills. The region extends from just below Stratford-upon-Avon in the north to Bath in the south. It encompasses parts of various English counties, primarily Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, but also includes sections of Warwickshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, as well as Wiltshire.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are famous for their typically English landscape of lovely green rolling hills, stone walls, woodland and charming little towns and villages. Many of the buildings you will see here are made from sandy yellow Cotswold Stone, making the whole area highly attractive.

The region has become increasingly popular with wealthy Londoners and a number of celebrities have made the Cotswolds their home, which is why you often hear about the Cotswolds in the tabloid press. Don’t let that put you off though, there is a reason why rich people want to live here: this is a brilliant place to come for a holiday with lots of opportunities for enjoying the beautiful landscapes and soaking up the local cultural scene.

Charming Cotswolds villages and towns

The Cotswolds boasts a number of picturesque villages and towns which delight visitors with their chocolate-box charm. One of the most famous Cotswolds towns is Stow-on-the-Wold, which features an enticing combination of appealing architecture, art galleries, antique shops (amongst others) and plenty of places to enjoy refreshments.

Cheltenham is another popular place to visit in the Cotswolds. This Regency spa town is located on the edge of the Cotswolds and is considered the western gateway to the region. Visitors can take in the attractive Regency architecture, explore the parks and gardens, visit art galleries or plan their stay to coincide with one of several festivals that take place here each year.

Things to do in the Cotswolds – getting out and about

The Cotswolds landscape is some of the most beautiful in the UK and the area attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts who are keen to explore the region in person. Walking is one of the best ways to discover the natural delights of the Cotswolds and there is an abundance of walking routes to choose from, such as the Cotswold Way which is a National Trail stretching over 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. This long-distance footpath gives walkers the chance to take in the stunning and varied Cotswolds countryside, enchanting villages and important nearby historical sites.

There are many other outdoor activities and ways to explore the Cotswolds besides walking. Cycling is a popular pastime here. A variety of routes are available that accommodate all levels of cycling experience and there are several places in the Cotswolds to hire bikes from. Horse riding is another fun way to explore the region and there are a number of riding schools and centres that can accommodate experienced riders as well as individuals who are new to the activity.

Things to do in the Cotswolds – attractions to suit all ages and interests

An attraction that is sure to excite animal lovers is the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens. Visitors of all ages can have fun discovering the variety of animals that live within the park’s four sections which encompass birds, reptiles and amphibians, primates and mammals. Equally enticing are the lovely gardens that provide an exceptionally pleasant place to stroll in or indulge in a leisurely picnic.

The Cotswold Water Park is a magnificent wetland spanning 40 square miles that incorporates over 150 lakes – and it even has its own inland beach. The Cotswold Water Park is an excellent place to try a variety of watersports such as kayaking, wakeboarding, swimming, sailing and windsurfing, while the flat terrain also makes it a great cycling location for families and less experienced cyclists. The water park is also a treat for birdwatchers as there are many different species to see here during every season and a diverse collection of wildlife besides birds call the water park home such as badgers, otters, dragonflies, bats and water voles. There are also several towns and villages offering cultural enticements within the water park.

Sights and delights to satisfy young and old alike

The Cotswolds really does have something for everyone. The lovely towns and villages offer a variety of cultural and historical attractions as well as beautiful architecture, while the natural landscapes are sure to amaze anyone who has a passion for the outdoors. The abundance of exciting land and water-based activities also ensures that action seekers will have no shortage of things to keep them occupied. With such a diverse array of things to see and do here, it’s no wonder that everyone is talking about the Cotswolds!