Your guide to discovering
The Cotswolds
Fall in love with the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Explore the CotswoldsVisit the Cotswolds
Loved by visitors and residents alike, the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in southern England runs mainly through the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but also extends into parts of Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset.
The Cotswold area covers almost 800 square miles of beautiful scenery, chocolate box villages, vibrant market towns, miles and miles of countryside walks, lots of things to do and a plentiful supply of luxury Cotswold hotels, self catering cottages, bed and breakfast accommodation and places to eat.
Our guide to the Cotswolds includes places to stay, things to do, towns and villages to visit, leisure activities, places to eat and a growing list of frequently asked questions about the Cotswolds.
Places to Stay in the Cotswolds
Cotswold hotels, bed and breakfast, self catering holiday rentals and more
Chocolate box Cotswolds villages and vibrant market towns, the Cotswolds has it all
Family days out, historic country houses, thousands of miles of country walks
Cotswold Events - Things to do in the Cotswolds New
The Cotswold Events calendar brings you details of events all over the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds Country House, Kingham, Oxfordshire New
A spacious holiday home on the edge of the Oxfordshire village of Kingham with 4 bedrooms and private swimming pool in the garden.
Adlestrop, Gloucestershire New
Adlestrop is a village in the Cotswolds, 3 miles east of Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire, on the county boundary with Oxfordshire.
Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire New
Lower Slaughter, a Cotswold village built on both banks of the River Eye, a slow-moving stream crossed by two footbridges, which also flows through Lower Slaughter's twin village Upper Slaughter
Newark Park Updated
Grade I listed country house of Tudor origins located near the village of Ozleworth, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire
Cotswolds Country House, Kingham, Oxfordshire Updated
A spacious holiday home on the edge of the Oxfordshire village of Kingham with 4 bedrooms and private swimming pool in the garden.
Tetbury Goods Shed Art Centre Updated
Tetbury Good Shed Arts Centre has a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions, talks, workshops, live music, films and performances.
Walking in the Cotswolds NEW CONTENT
From the Cotswold Way to circular pub walks, walkers love the Cotswolds!
All the information you need when planning a trip to the Cotswolds
Food and Drink in the Cotswolds
Village pubs, town centre cafes, fine dining restaurants and food & drink producers/suppliers
Products made in the Cotswolds by small businesses and artisan producers
From Leatherwork to Knife-Making: 5 Cotswold Craft Experiences Worth Gifting This Christmas
Some gifts don't need wrapping. Actually, some of the best gifts can't be wrapped at all. A day spent learning how to make something with your hands from scratch will likely stick with you longer than the memory of a random gift you once received in pretty paper.
Top 5 family activities at the Cotswold Lakes
The Cotswold Lakes provide the ideal setting for a family break, a place where outdoor adventures, peaceful moments and quality time come naturally.
Blenheim Palace: A Grand Tapestry of History, Nature, and Family Fun
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, Blenheim Palace stands as a monumental testament to British history, architectural grandeur, and exquisite natural beauty. offering something truly captivating for visitors of all ages, from the tiniest toddlers to the most discerning adults.
The Cotswolds is an impossibly picturesque area of southern England, popular with both visitors from the UK and visitors from all over the world.
The beauty of the Cotswolds was recognised officially in 1966 when it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and 2006 was the 40th anniversary of this designation. The Cotswolds is now the largest AONB in England and Wales.
Many parts of the Cotswolds can be reached from London in 90 minutes which makes it popular with second home owners and those looking for a weekend away between stressful weeks working in the City.
Tourists flock to the Cotswolds to visit picture postcard towns and villages, impressive country estates, beautiful countryside and quaint honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages.
See what all the fuss is about, visit the Cotswolds in 2026, and read about the Cotswolds in the Cotswolds Blog.
Get out and about, explore
The Cotswolds
There's always something to do in the Cotswolds
Internationally renowned events including the Cheltenham Fesvital, Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Badminton Horse Trials and world class polo, literary festivals and music concerts to quirky events like Tetbury Woolsack Races, Bourton on the Water's 'Football in the river' and Boxing Day Bibury Duck Races, there's always something to do in the Cotswolds.
And you're never far from historic buildings (including National Trust and English Heritage properties as well as Roman settlements), impressive country parks, museums, and animal attractions (such as Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cotswold Farm Park, Birdland and WWT Slimbridge).
The Cotswolds - Kick back and relax or make the most of every minute, the choice is yours!
Relax and unwind or experience the many things to do and attractions on offer in the beautiful Cotswolds
A small selection of things to do in the Cotswolds
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Getting Active
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Walking in the Cotswolds
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Sporting attractions
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Art & Entertainment
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Barn Theatre
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New Brewery Arts
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The Wilson
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More Cotswold links
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Broadway Tower
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Chedworth Roman Villa
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Local producers
Featured Cotswolds Businessess and Locations
A selection of businesses and towns & villages in the Cotswolds
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Westonbirt Arboretum, the National Arboretum, consists of one of the most beautiful and important plant collections in the world
Cotswold Events - Things to do in the Cotswolds
The Cotswold Events calendar brings you details of events all over the Cotswolds.
The Close Hotel is a former 16th century town house and a country hotel like no other providing excellent accommodation in Tetbury and a great place to eat and drink.
The Corinium Hotel & Court Restaurant, Cirencester
Built in the 16th century as a wool merchant's house, the Corinium Hotel offers fifteen individual bedrooms, a locally renowned restaurant and cosy popular bar, which are all full of Cotswold charm.
Cotswolds Country House, Kingham, Oxfordshire
A spacious holiday home on the edge of the Oxfordshire village of Kingham with 4 bedrooms and private swimming pool in the garden.
Slimbridge Wetland Centre is set within 325 hectares against a spectacular Severn Estuary backdrop.
