Destination Cotswolds, United Kingdom

The Cotswolds region is the country's largest officially designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. Popular with both the English themselves and tourists from all over the world, the area is well known for gentle hillsides, outstanding countryside with river valleys, water meadows and beech woods, sleepy ancient limestone villages and historic market towns.

This region is a rural idyll of peaceful rolling hills where life is unhurried and traditions abound. Historic villages contain stone cottages so perfect they're called "chocolate boxes". Footpaths cross scenic fields and valleys leading to rivers, canals, woods, and civilized pubs.

It is the perfect area for a relaxed, outdoor-oriented vacation as activities abound to satisfy everyone. Explore the idyllic golden-hued villages, see the distinctive "wool churches", enjoy delicious, locally-produced food in atmospheric pubs, pleasant tea rooms, and fine restaurants.

Wish for something more thrilling? Take a hike on the famous Cotswold Way (over 100 miles), or an shorter walk along the miles of easily-accessible public footpaths, visit ancient ruins from the Romans' occupation of this area more than 2000 years ago, and find the fascinating and mysterious stone circles built by the prehistoric peoples who lived here 4000 years ago.

Places of interest

• Walking the Cotswold Way.
• The leafy green Windrush valley.
• The antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold.
• Hidcote Gardens - one of the jewels of Britain.
• The ruins of XIII century Hailes Abbey – a lovely medieval historic site.
• Berkeley Castle - the final prison for King Edward II.

More regions of United Kingdom, Anglia, Cotswolds, Devon, Highlands, Kent, London, Sussex, South Wales

FEATURED PROPERTIES

Cotswolds, United Kingdom. Manor Farm Cottage is ideal for a busy touring holiday or just peaceful relaxing and walking in lovely countryside. This is one of two traditional stone built, old fashioned cottages located a short distance from each other on the same working dairy farm in an attractive South Cotswold hamlet. Manor Farm Cottage is a self contained part of the 18th century farmhouse fa... read more

Cotswolds, United Kingdom. Traditional stone built cottages located on a working dairy farm with orginial character and charm. This is one of two traditional stone built, old fashioned cottages located a short distance from each other on the same working dairy farm in an attractive South Cotswold hamlet. Carters Cottage is a delightful 18th Century attached 2 bed-roomed cottage, ... read more