The Cotswolds – list of the various things todo in Costwolds

Introduction of Costwolds

The Cotswolds, also known as the Cotswold Hills, is a mountain range that stretches for about 80km across south central England. The Cotswolds are part of the Jurassic Highlands that run through the country from southwest to northeast.

The Cotswold Escarpment extends from the clay valleys of the Lower River Severn and its tributary, the River Avon (Upper Avon), and slopes gradually eastward to the Oxford Clay Valley. Its crest is usually 600 to 700 feet (180 to 210 metres) in height but reaches 1,083 feet (330 metres) at Cleeve Cloud above Cheltenham.

The oolitic limestones provide beautiful stone buildings, very present in the area. In the Middle Ages, the Cotswolds were open sheep farms. The wealth gained from the sale of wool and later from the textile industry is evident in the important buildings, especially the church, that look for villages and market towns. The enclosure of the sheepfold, which often consisted of dry stone walls, later followed this shift in agriculture.

Cotswolds – what is it?

The Cotswolds are a mountain range in the west of England, part of an area sometimes called the Heartland of England, an area 40 kilometers wide and 120 kilometers long. These numbers can be confusing because everyone will have their own opinion where the Cotswolds began and ended, but it is clear that they run in the Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire areas, spread to the Wiltshire area, Somerset, Worcestershire in Warwickshire.

Although the first name refers to the mountains, it is associated with a large area of ​​land that has certain architecture, history and geography. If a broad and modern definition of the border is to be given, three motorways would define them – the M4 in the south, the M5 in the west and the M40 in the east, plus a few sections n ‘outside each.

All around these roads are the Cotswolds. More than any geographical description, the Cotswolds have become a symbol: the identity of rural England, like two red cars representing London.

But while London is multi-faceted, with many competing ideas to suit everyone, the Cotswolds have stuck to the quaint comfort label, where nothing has changed since the 1950s. It’s good as a selling point for the tourism industry, which wants to lock its victims into a convenient package, but it’s not good for the people who live and work in the area they see. in the eye and the inanimate.

The nature of the mountains and the character of the region

The western and northwestern border of the Cotswolds is actually a ridge, sometimes called the Cotswold Edge, which overlooks the Vale of Severn and the Vale of Avon in Warwickshire. From there, an endless slope, of valleys and streams, rises to the south-east.

To the east is the city of Oxford and to the southeast the upper reaches of the Thames Valley, including towns such as Lechlade, Tetbury and Fairford. The southern boundary is around Bath. In the north, the area is near Stratford-on-Avon. The highest point is Cleeve Hill (330m/1083ft), overlooking Cheltenham town.

The area is characterized by small towns and villages built from the underlying Cotswold stone (a yellow oolitic material, rich in fossils), many with beautiful churches from the trade old fur. It is these villages, which are well preserved, that are more than anything related to the identity of the Cotswolds.

Best places to visit in the Cotswolds

Without further ado, here are the best places in the Cotswolds, including towns, villages, beautiful houses, gardens, monuments and other places of interest. From the UK’s hidden gems to the best tourist destinations

Walk inside the Roman Baths of Bath

Welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors each year, the magnificent Roman Baths in the city of Bath are a must-see in the region. (Tip: This city is popular with couples looking for a warm getaway.)

The baths have four preserved objects – a holy spring, a Roman temple, a Roman bath and a museum with artifacts from the Aquae Sulis, a Roman residence – both of which are open for visits. Although bathing in hot water is unfortunately prohibited, you can drink water from the spring – although mineral water is an acquired taste.

If you want to soak up the healing waters of the Bath, visit the famous Thermae Bath spa around the corner, known for its rooftop pool and beauty treatments. Or consider splurging on a stay at the beautiful Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, which has its own thermal spa and treatment rooms on site.

Suggestion: Plan to spend 1-2 hours visiting the Roman Baths, longer if you are an audio guide (we recommend the “Bryson at the Baths” tour for Bill Bryson’s humorous commentary and Roman Life). To avoid the crowds, go on weekends in July and August.

Keep the history of Blenheim Palace

The only non-royal country house in England with a royal title, Blenheim Palace is another Cotswolds attraction. Now home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, this Oxfordshire mansion was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Backed by a lake and surrounded by lush greenery,

it’s a great place to walk and explore. Events, such as the Salon Privé car show, are often held at the store. When the Christmas lights shine on the beautifully decorated streets, you will see why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

U-call at Hayles Fruit Farm

Close to the market town of Winchcombe, you’ll find Hayles Fruit Farm, a family business that dates back to 1880.

What used to be apple and cobnut (hazelnut) orchards are now simple and beautiful clusters of plums, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries , pears. … you name it. Discover old towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury

The many villages of the Cotswolds can showcase the beauty and charm of the area.

Once the bustling center of the wool trade, Stow-on-the-Wold is now a bank of antique shops, hip galleries and independent retailers. After you’ve perused these offerings, look for the secret passage of St Edwards Church.

This portal is located between two old yews, with a lamp hanging on top: it is not surprising that many say that it was the inspiration for Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin” in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Although we won’t know for sure, it’s worth visiting the most photographed gate in the Cotswolds to take your own photo.

For the ultimate in Cotswold cottages, head to Bilbury’s Arlington Row village. These limestone castles were built in the 14th century and are now one of the most photographed places in the country. (Arlington Row is printed on all new UK passports.) Take your photo from a distance because the beautiful buildings are private homes.