Cotswolds self-catering

Why Choose the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is a 'Top Tier UK Getaway Destination' because it caters for anyone and everyone. From bustling party cities to quaint shire villages, quintessential English pubs to a network of walkways and trails, you'll find the perfect place to host your big event in no time.

Family reunions, birthday bashes, romantic weekends, friendly gatherings, whatever the celebration, this certified Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is, naturally, an outstandingly beautiful area for your upcoming trip to Middle England (twist your tongue around that!).

What are the Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds?

Cities & Towns

Villages

Where is Best for Walks in the Cotswolds?

It would be quicker to tell you where isn't best for walks in the Cotswolds seen as the entire 800 square mile region is one enormous AONB. If you fail to find a phenomenal hiking trail, you've taken a wrong turn somewhere!

Specifically, though, there are numerous walkways to choose from. Here are some of our personal favourites:

• The Cotswold Way - This covers a stretch of over 100 miles from Chipping Camden in the north all the way to the city of Bath in the south. So, unless you're super fit, you're not going to be able to do it in one go, but you can take on bitesize sections along the way.
• The Cleeve Hill and Common Walk - A 4-6 hour stroll depending on the route you take, this circular walk over open hilltops boast stunning views throughout Cheltenham and the surrounding countryside.
• The Rollright Stones - You'll certainly get some satisfaction from this 5-mile walk near Chipping Norton in the Oxfordshire stretch of the Cotswolds. Taking you through valleys and along ridgeways, it's a thoroughly enjoyable amble from start to finish.
• The Windrush Way - This 13.5-mile walk links Winchcombe, near Cheltenham, to Bourton-on-the-Water in a long but moderate route through woodlands and open expanses.
• The Winchcombe Way - Covering a 45-mile trail, once again it's not one you can conquer in a day (unless you're super fit) but could be traversed over a long weekend with ease.
• The Leckhampton Loop - 4.5-miles of picturesque countryside just south of Cheltenham - this mild stroll is one that will quench your rambling thirst, without tiring you out too much.
• The Five Valleys Walk - Comprised of, you guessed it, five valleys, this 21-mile walk is an absolute stunner taking in Stroud's finest sites.

What are the Best Events in the Cotswolds?

Two words: Cheese Rolling!

Yes, everyone's heard of the world-famous event at Cooper's Hill near Gloucester, but experiencing it for yourself is a different wheel of cheese altogether. Whether you're just spectating or you're brave enough to take part, it's fast, frantic and downright hilarious. Eternal glory awaits the victor… as well as nine pounds of Double Gloucester! What are you waiting for?!

When: Spring Bank Holiday (Late May)

Other Events in the Cotswolds:

• January - New Year's Day Races - Cheltenham Racecourse
• February - Cheltenham Folk Festival
• March - The Festival (Including Cheltenham Gold Cup) - Cheltenham Racecourse
• May - Cheltenham Jazz Festival
• May - Tetbury Woolsack Races
• June - Three Counties Show
• June - Oxford Pride
• July - Cheltenham Music Festival
• November/December - Bath Christmas Market

Enjoy the best the Cotswolds has to offer in the comfort of your own self-catering property! No need to worry about what time you get back at night, no need to worry about waking up too late for breakfast, just enjoy the full flexibility of our Costwolds group accommodation!

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Cotswolds?

Anytime! With events popping off all year round there's plenty to do and see whether you go in the height of summer or the depths of winter. The nature trails and surrounding scenery transform throughout the seasons too, from one idyllic landscape to the next, so springtime strollers and autumnal amblers will be in their elements!