The Cotswolds ∙ Also The Cotswolds
When you plan a trip or a visit to anywhere, do you ever think beyond the well-known landmarks or places of interest? If you do, and then mix what you find with the more well-known places to go, chances are you will have a more authentic experience of the area you’re visiting.
The Cotswolds is one of the most wonderful places to go in the world (yes, yes, we’re biased, but that doesn’t mean we’re wrong) and when you come here, you should definitely do some of the things we’re known for, but by venturing off the beaten path, exploring places and activities not found in the “Top 10 Things to do in the Cotswolds” lists you find everywhere online, and even engaging with the local community, you’ll uncover an even greater Cotswolds… you’ll truly connect with the heart and soul of this vibrant and exciting Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is best known for beautiful rolling hills, charming villages, and luxury retreats, and has long been a favourite destination for visitors looking for a taste of the quintessential English countryside. Think luxurious spas, sumptuous holiday cottages, fine dining, elegant afternoon teas, and designer shopping… completely fabulous!
Also The Cotswolds
Now, we love that the Cotswolds is all of those things, but let’s throw a bit of focus on the fact that it’s much, much more and that we have something here for all kinds of people, visitors, and tourists. When you delve a little deeper, you find the most amazing wild swimming spots, lakeside camping, antique and vintage shopping, foraging, pubs serving local ales and spirits, arts and crafts handmade locally, glamping sites, independent shops, cycle trails, cafes serving only local produce, water sports, local products from Cotswold growers and makers, and picnic spots where you’re in the outstanding natural beauty of the great outdoors and not just looking at it……… also completely fabulous!
Perfect places to stay in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit all kinds of visitors’ tastes and budgets. Whether you seek the rustic charm of lakeside camping, the grandeur of five-star luxury hotels, the adventurous spirit of glamping, the cosy comfort of Bed & Breakfasts, or the homely atmosphere of holiday cottages, the Cotswolds has it all.
∙ Just two of the ways to stay ∙ For those looking for a unique, historic, sumptuous, and wildly luxurious experience, Thornbury Castle is all of those things and more. This impressive castle in the Cotswolds offers a glimpse into medieval history as well as being an amazing place for the finest dining with local produce and comfortable nights in beautiful beds and bedrooms.
And for those who fancy outdoor luxury and glamourous camping, there’s Campden Yurts where you will enjoy a good night’s sleep amidst the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Each yurt is beautifully furnished and equipped with all the modern conveniences you need, while the stunning location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The Cotswolds welcomes all visitors, travellers, and tourists to discover their perfect home away from home.
The best places to go swimming in the Cotswolds
Perhaps you didn’t think the Cotswolds was a great place to go for a swim… well, we’re delighted to tell you that you’d be completely wrong. We have so many places to go swimming in the Cotswolds:
∙ A calm spa swim with a side of bubbles ∙ Indulge in a luxurious spa experience and take a dip in their relaxing pools, often set amidst tranquil gardens. Check out these lovely spas with pools in the Cotswolds.
∙ Family fun at the lido ∙ Enjoy traditional outdoor swimming and a family fun experience at one of the Cotswolds’ many lidos. Check out these popular lidos in the Cotswolds.
∙ The largest inland beach in the UK ∙ This fabulous beach at Cotswold Lakes is a man-made lake offers a variety of swimming options, including a beach, a designated swimming area, and several water sports activities. It’s a fantastic day out on a hot day.
∙ Wild swimming ∙ For those with a taste for adventure looking to connect with nature on a more intimate level, we have some of the most beautiful, secluded stretches of pristine rivers in the Cotswolds. Check out our list of some of the best places to go wild swimming in the Cotswolds.
No matter what your preference, there is a perfect way to enjoy a swim in the Cotswolds.
Romance in the Cotswolds
Think hand-in-hand strolls through picture-perfect villages, forest picnics overlooking the stunning views of all the outstanding natural beauty, luxurious spa breaks for two with couples massages and poolside bubbles, and candlelit dinners in cosy inns… the Cotswolds has it all.
Whether your idea of romance is a weekend getaway or a couple of hours in nature alone with your person or anywhere in between, the Cotswolds has just what couples need to create closeness and lasting memories.
Romantic tips for your getaway in the Cotswolds
With a little planning, you can create a romantic Cotswolds getaway that you and your partner will never forget.
∙ Book a room with a view ∙ So many of our hotels and inns have rooms with stunning views of the countryside.
∙ Choose a romantic activity ∙ There are many romantic activities to enjoy in the Cotswolds, such as meals, horse riding, or visiting a spa.
∙ Pack a picnic ∙ Bring a picnic basket and blanket so you can enjoy a romantic meal outdoors.
∙ Take a leisurely stroll ∙ There are many beautiful walking trails and picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, perfect for enjoying a romantic stroll with your loved one.
∙ Spend some time relaxing ∙ Plan time to do nothing in each other’s company, soak up the atmosphere and just sit back, together.
Wellness in the Cotswolds
In the Cotswolds, a unique blend of wellness experiences are on offer, catering to both those seeking luxurious tranquillity and those craving invigorating outdoor adventures.
For those pursuing calm and rejuvenation, the Cotswolds boasts an array of opulent spa retreats.
Here, time slows, and calm reigns supreme. Luxurious treatments, from aromatherapy massages to revitalising facials, are offered in settings designed to soothe the soul. The gentle hum of nature, combined with expert care, creates an environment where stress melts away, and a sense of deep relaxation prevails. Check out our list of 10 luxurious spas in the Cotswolds.
However, our wellness offerings extend far beyond the poolside in luxurious surroundings. The region’s breathtaking natural landscapes invite physical activity and outdoor exploration. Running enthusiasts can traverse miles of scenic trails, breathing in the fresh country air and soaking in panoramic views. The rolling hills and verdant valleys provide a natural gym, where exercise becomes an immersive experience. Check out this list of 10 runs and races in the Cotswolds in 2025.
Whether you choose to unwind in a luxurious spa or embrace the rugged beauty of the landscape, the Cotswolds offers a diverse range of wellness experiences. This harmonious blend of relaxation and adventure allows visitors to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Homegrown in the Cotswolds
In the Cotswolds, we’re increasingly becoming known for our excellent locally grown produce.
Whether you live here, are visiting just for the day or staying for longer, there are ways for you to enjoy great Cotswold produce.
∙ Farmers Markets in the Cotswolds ∙ Find the best, the biggest selection, and the freshest at one of the fantastic farmers markets in the Cotswolds, most local delis will carry lots
∙ Foraging in the Cotswolds ∙ You can even get your hands on it at source by foraging for it yourself.
∙ Cotswold eateries using local or homegrown produce ∙ Lots of the great pubs, cafes, and restaurants in the Cotswolds also use locally grown produce in their dishes and many of our best hotels even have their own vegetable gardens, where the distance from ground to plate is a 30-second stroll.
The ripple effect of choosing local and independent
Whether you’re a tourist, a visitor, or a local yourself, when you support and shop locally in the Cotswolds, the impact ripples far beyond a single transaction. Your purchase becomes a vital thread in the fabric of the community, bolstering the local economy and preserving its unique character. It helps sustain family farms, ensuring the continuation of traditional crafts and sustainable practices. The money you spend circulates within the area, supporting jobs, funding community initiatives, and fostering a sense of local pride.
Leave a positive footprint
By choosing local, you’re not just buying a product or service; you’re investing in the vibrancy and resilience of the place you’re visiting, leaving a positive footprint that lasts long after you’ve gone.
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