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Things to do in The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are home to some big attractions such as castles and estates, as well as some historic towns and cities, but a holiday in the region is mostly punctuated by small tourist gems such as speciality museums, gardens and quaint historic cottages.
For instance, Moreton-in-Marsh boasts the very popular Cotswold Falconry Centre and the Batsford Arboretum, which is home to one of the largest private tree collections in England. Bourton-on-the-Water will delight families with the Giffords Circus and the Dragonfly Maze, and is also home to the small but special Cotswold Motoring Museum.
Getting around the Cotswolds is best achieved by hiring a car which allows visitors to explore at their leisure, although organised tours are also a good option. The region is around a two-hour drive from London, along the M4 or M40.
Those wanting to explore this pretty region on foot should walk the Cotswold Way, a National Trail which winds from Chipping Campden to Bath. It takes about a week to walk the whole stretch but many people opt to enjoy small sections of the hike by walking from one village along the route to another.
Sudeley Castle
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in…
Sudeley Castle
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle is steeped in history. With royal connections spanning a thousand years, it has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past. The castle was once home to Queen Katherine Parr (1512-48) following her marriage to Sir Thomas Seymour, and has also housed Lady Jane Grey. Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Queen Elizabeth I all visited Sudeley Castle in its heyday. King Charles I stayed here, and his nephew Prince Rupert established his headquarters at the castle during the civil war. Following its destruction by Cromwell's troops, Sudeley lay neglected and derelict for 200 years; however, its romantic situation and ruins attracted many visitors, including King George III. In 1837, Sudeley was bought by John and William Dent, successful businessmen from Worcestershire who began an ambitious restoration programme. Within the castle's apartments are a range of historic possessions dating from the civil war and an important art collection, including paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Turner, Reynolds, Claude, and Jan Steen. The romantic 14-acre grounds are worth a visit from March to September, and are the setting for outdoor Shakespeare performances, concerts, and other events in summer.
Website www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle's origins date back to before 1066, and although not used as a Royal residence but rather as the seat of the Earls of Warwick, its history is tied inextricably to th…
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle's origins date back to before 1066, and although not used as a Royal residence but rather as the seat of the Earls of Warwick, its history is tied inextricably to the throne through the influence held by the castle's lords. Today, the castle is owned by the Tussaud's Group, which has refurbished most of the original grounds, and which has begun to use the castle as the setting for an annual wax pageant featuring historical figures. A new addition to the castle's programme of events and activities is the ghoulish Warwick Dungeon, which features a thrilling 'Witches of Warwick' exhibition that is guaranteed to delight young and old visitors alike. Note that children under the age of 10 might find the Castle Dungeon experience a little scary.
Website www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Gloucester
Gloucester is known primarily as a ceremonial city, and as one of the larger towns in the Cotswolds region. It is home to several popular attractions, including Gloucester Cathedra…
Gloucester
Gloucester is known primarily as a ceremonial city, and as one of the larger towns in the Cotswolds region. It is home to several popular attractions, including Gloucester Cathedral, whose richly decorated halls contributed to the set of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films; Prinknash Abbey, and bird park; the 18-century Docks, home to museums, shops, restaurants and pubs; and the City Museum and Art Gallery, which houses many artefacts relating to Gloucester's Roman heritage. Just outside the city of Gloucester is the picture-perfect Gloucestershire village of Painswick, and any number of beautiful walks and hikes in the surrounding countryside.