The Cotswolds are a stunning area that is are roughly 160km from London. The area is made up of beautiful towns, and villages that have converted themselves into tourist destinations after their industry dried up. There are many spectacular sites to see in the area as well many beautiful restored Cotswold cottages you can rent. There are many attractive places in the Cotswolds, however here are some of the most beautiful.
Stow-on-the-Wold
It is a small market town situated on top of an 800ft hill. You can visit the St Edward’s Church which is a medieval church where old Yew trees flank the north door of this church. Explore Fosse Gallery that hosts many prestigious art exhibits. You can visit the other attractions such as Village Stocks, Market Cross, The Fountain and the Abbotswood, a medieval house with gardens and stunning scenery that you can wander through.
Kingham
You can get from Oxford to Kingham in less than half hour and you can take bike tours through this scenic village. The small village has a population of 913 people according to the 2011 census and it is mostly used for cycle tours or electric bike tours. You can visit the Fairytale Farm and The King Stone which is a historical landmark in England. The Cotswolds are known for their stunning scenery and this town with a small population preserves it.
Burford
Burford is a town on the River Windrush in the historic Cotswolds. It is a serene medieval town with grasslands and is often referred as the gateway to Cotswolds. If you are renting a self-catered property, then Burford high-street is a great place to come to stock up on fresh local groceries. Don’t miss the opportunity to call in to Huffkins, the beloved Cotswolds bakery.
Some other attractions to visit here are Kilkenny Lane Country Park, Tolsey Museum, The Great House, Swinford Museum and The Glebe House. Take a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park which hosts the largest privately owned zoological collection in the UK and exhibits over 260 different species of animals. You can also visit the Crocodiles of the World, a zoo in Brize Norton.
Fairford
Fairford is a small town in the Cotswolds that lies on the River Coln. You can visit the beautiful church St Mary’s church which has amazing stained glass paintings. Head over to the Cotswolds Water Park to try paddleboarding or kayaking. You can visit the Riverside Park and hire a boat or a canoe and head down to the river. If you are a bird watcher than you should definitely visit the Whelford Pool Nature Reserve.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is a village that is known for its low bridges and traditional stone homes in England. Take a visit to the Birdland Park and Gardens where you will find more than 500 different species of birds. They also have an interactive zone for kids that is a lot of fun. Visit The Model Village and its gardens that are open throughout the year. If you want to see an extensive collection of vintage cars head to Cotswold Motoring Museum. Explore The Dragonfly Maze which is a garden maze with 14 hidden clues and a golden dragonfly at the centre of the maze.