The Cotswolds is a beautiful area of rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and charming market towns in England. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its:

• Honey-coloured stone architecture: The Cotswolds is famous for its distinctive honey-coloured limestone buildings, Cotswold stone. This stone is abundant in the area and has been used to construct houses, churches, barns, and other buildings for centuries.
• Picturesque villages: The Cotswolds is home to many charming villages full of traditional English characters. 
• Romantic countryside: The Cotswolds is a great place to get away to recharge. The rolling hills, lush meadows, and babbling streams make it a very romantic place to explore.
• History and culture: The Cotswolds has a rich history and culture, dating back to Roman times. There are many historical sites to visit in the area, including castles, abbeys, and stately homes.
• Outdoor activities: The Cotswolds is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The area has many hiking trails, biking trails, and fishing spots. You can also go horse riding, hot air ballooning, or simply relax in one of the many country pubs.

 

Historic Burleigh Court Hotel

History of the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The area was first settled by the Celts, who were followed by the Romans. The Romans built roads and forts in the Cotswolds and mined for lead and iron in the area.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Anglo-Saxons ruled the Cotswolds. The Anglo-Saxons built many churches and monasteries in the area and developed the wool trade, which became a major source of income for the region.

The Cotswolds continued to prosper during the Middle Ages. The wool trade flourished, and many wealthy merchants and landowners built grand houses in the area. The Cotswolds also became a popular destination for pilgrims, who visited the many religious sites in the region.

The Cotswolds declined in importance during the Industrial Revolution, as many people moved to the cities to find work. However, tourists and artists have since rediscovered the area, and it is now a popular destination for people who want to experience the traditional English countryside.

 

 

Celebrities in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a popular area for celebrities to live, due to its beautiful scenery, tranquil setting, and proximity to London. Some of the famous people who live in the Cotswolds include:

• David and Victoria Beckham: The Beckhams have a £5 million nine-bedroom Cotswolds country residence near the village of Great Tew.
• Jeremy Clarkson: The former Top Gear presenter owns a £4 million Cotswolds mansion near Chipping Norton.
• Kate Moss: The supermodel has a £2 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Sarsden.
• Hugh Grant: The actor has a £1.5 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Swinbrook.
• Lily Allen: The singer has a £1 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Cranham.
• Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen: The interior designer has a £1 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Snowshill.
• Patrick Stewart: The actor has a £2 million Cotswolds mansion near the village of Lacock.
• Joanna Trollope: The author has a £1 million Cotswolds cottage near the village of Chipping Campden.
• Ben Kingsley: The actor has a £2 million Cotswolds mansion near the village of Tetbury.
• Daisy May and Charlie Cooper: The actors, who are the stars of the BBC sitcom This Country, have a £500,000 Cotswolds cottage near the village of Cirencester.

These are just a few of the many famous people who live in the Cotswolds. The area is a popular choice for celebrities because it offers a quiet and peaceful lifestyle while still being close to London and other major cities.

 

Literary Cotswolds

The Cotswolds has been a popular setting for literature for centuries. The area’s beautiful scenery, quaint villages, and historic towns have inspired writers from Jane Austen to J.R.R. Tolkien.

Some of the places in the Cotswolds that have been described in literature are:

• Bibury: The village of Bibury is often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to its beautiful cottages and narrow lanes that line the River Coln. It has been featured in the works of many writers, including J.M. Barrie, who wrote about it in his book “Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens.”
• Bourton-on-the-Water: The village of Bourton-on-the-Water is another popular Cotswolds village. It is known for its “Bridge of Sighs” and its many shops and cafes. It has been featured in the works of many writers, including Agatha Christie, who set her mystery novel “The Body in the Library” in the village.
• Stow-on-the-Wold: The market town of Stow-on-the-Wold is a popular destination for shoppers and antique hunters. It has been featured in the works of many writers, including Jane Austen, who set her novel “Mansfield Park” in the town.
• Cotswold Wildlife Park: The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a zoo that is home to over 200 species of animals, including lions, tigers, and elephants. It has been featured in the works of many writers, including Roald Dahl, who wrote about it in his book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
• Sudeley Castle: The medieval castle of Sudeley Castle is set in beautiful gardens. It is the final resting place of Queen Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII. It has been featured in the works of many writers, including Alison Weir, who wrote about it in her book “The Six Wives of Henry VIII.”

These are just a few of the many places in the Cotswolds that have been described in literature. The area’s rich history and beautiful scenery have inspired writers for centuries, and it continues to be a popular setting for literature today.

 

 

Things to do in the Cotswolds

You will not run out of things to do in the Cotswolds:

• Visit the many picturesque villages, such as Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
• Explore the rolling hills and countryside.
• Visit historical sites, such as castles, abbeys, and stately homes.
• Enjoying the outdoors, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Shop in the many market towns.
• Sample the local food and drink.
• Attend one of the many festivals or events.

 

Getting to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is easily accessible by car, train, and bus. The nearest airports are Birmingham Airport and Bristol Airport.

 

 

Where to stay in the Cotswolds

There are many places to stay in the Cotswolds, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and cottages. You can also camp in the area.

Find and book your accommodation in the Cotswolds here. 

 

Planning your trip to the Cotswolds

If you are planning a trip to the Cotswolds, be sure to:

• Do your research and decide what you want to see and do.
• Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you travel during peak season.
• Rent a car to explore the area at your own pace.
• Pack comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
• Bring a camera to capture all of the beautiful scenery.