Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Picture villages made of honey-coloured limestone, spectacular countryside, winding streams and rolling hills. Throw in two of the top 30 coolest places to live as determined by the Times and there you have it, the stunning Cotswolds. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is a truly wonderful place to unwind and relax on a cottage holiday, with many beautiful formal gardens, stately homes and plenty of shopping experiences for retail therapy to enjoy too.
Our cottages are handpicked by us, so that you have the best holiday experience possible. Choose one of our cottages in the countryside, located in complete rural bliss or take your countryside holiday one step further and stay on one of our working farms. We have properties with increased accessibility so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds, as well as large and dog-friendly cottages meaning the whole family can come along too. Treat the family to a stay in one of our luxury cottages and pick a property with a swimming pool, perfect for splashing around with the children.
No matter where you want to visit, our Cotswolds cottages have it covered. Whether you fancy a fashionable stay in Bath or a cultural break in Stroud, we have accommodation to suit you. For some quality family fun book a cottage in Cirencester or for an artistic retreat, Chipping Campden will be sure to inspire you. There is a lot to discover in the Cotswolds and our cottages are a great base for exploring.
Family Fun in the Cotswolds
We know how essential it is to keep the little ones amused on holiday and the Cotswolds is certainly brimming with family fun activities. Get out in the fresh air by hiring bicycles, a great way of admiring the scenery, whilst keeping the children entertained. Try the Cotswold Water Park which has a 12 mile circuit around the lakes or for those that fancy a go at mountain biking, the miles of bridleway are a good challenge. The bridleways are also fantastic for those wanting to try horse riding or pony trekking.
Why not get on the water at Slimbridge Wetlands Centre, either paddling in a coracle or enjoying a canoe safari? It is a great place to spot wildlife and the centre has its own Flamingo Lagoon, a lovely spot for relaxing and admiring the vivacious birds. Visit the Cotswolds Farm Park, for a chance to meet a number of farmyard animals, alongside other opportunities for families to play and discover.
Awaken your senses at the Stroud Farmer's market with its fabulous collection of colours and sounds or learn about the local history at the child friendly Museum in the Park, taking a packed lunch to enjoy in its pretty gardens. The Cotswolds is often alive with cultural events, hosting many festivals throughout the year, which are a great spectacle for children. Watch the battle of Tewkesbury unfold at the yearly medieval festival or enjoy the vibrant Gloucester carnival.
Cirencester is described as the capital of the Cotswolds and is a wonderful place for browsing unique independent shops with the family. We all know that children love Christmas, so why not take a trip to Bourton-on-the-Water, where the shop Christmas Corner is open all year round!
Romance in the Cotswolds
Bourton-on-the-Water is also known as the Little Venice of the Cotswolds and a romantic break here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the arguably, prettiest village in England. There are an abundance of scenic picnic spots in the Cotswolds, so why not put together a hamper of strawberries and champagne to take to our top picks of Neigh Bridge or Woodchester Park.
A wonderful way to introduce yourself to the Cotswolds is by taking one of the Romantic Road routes, using quiet ‘B’ roads and attractive country lanes. Easy to follow, the routes pass through many of the honey-coloured towns and villages, following in the footsteps of many artists and writers that have taken inspiration from the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales.
The Cotswolds is a haven for vintage and retro shoppers and the Swindon and Gloucester designer outlets are great for bargain hunters. The World Heritage City of Bath is also fantastic for shopping but is most famous for its stunning architecture and Roman history. The famous Roman Baths offer a fantastic package which comprises of tickets for access to the ‘most romantic building in Britain’, a champagne tea in the Pump Room and a relaxing session in the modern Thermae Bath Spa.
Walk hand in hand through the formal gardens at Hidcote Manor and admire the grandeur of stately homes such as Stanway House. Place yourself in a fairy tale at Sudeley Castle and enjoy a locally sourced lunch in the banqueting hall or sit on the green at Gloucester cathedral whilst devouring a delicious Pilgrim’s Pie.
Dog Friendly Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a walker’s paradise and that doesn’t exclude walkers with four legs! The Cotswold’s Way is a 102 mile footpath that you and your dog can roam, walking through the range of rolling green hills, passing through charming villages and historic sites along the way.
There are plenty of places to dine with your dog so after a long walk beside the canal, why not refuel at the Tunnel House Inn. Other dog-friendly pubs include the Plume of Feathers Inn in Castlemorton or the Eight Bells in Chipping Campden where dogs can accompany you whilst you dine in the restaurant.
Bringing a dog on holiday doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice visiting attractions. Take your four legged friend to the Cotswold Wildlife Park or one of the many picturesque gardens that allow dogs on leads, such as the National Trust sites of Woodchester Park and the Sherborne Estate.
Come to the Cotswolds and experience the countryside in its true glory, an experience that will be enhanced even further with a stay in a comfortable cottage, providing the complete package for a rural retreat.