Cotswolds Attractions
The Cotswolds, a range of low limestone hills forming the watershed between the Thames and Severn basins, lie between the M4 (London to Bristol) and A40 (Oxford to Gloucester), bounded on the west by the M 5. They extend from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south, a distance of some 55mi/88km, and are 24mi/38.5km across from east to west, reaching a maximum height of 1,070ft/326m. Fully justifying their designation as "an area of outstanding natural beauty", they provide splendid walking country, where beech woods alternate with pasture land grazed by vast flocks of sheep renowned for the quality of their wool.
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Castle Combe
Beside Chippenham is Castle Combe (5mi/8km west), one of the prettiest Cotswold villages, with rows of picturesque medieval houses, a 13th-15th century parish church (St Andrew's; 14th century font), the elegant Manor House (14th-18th centuries; now a hotel) and, contrasting with it, Water Lane and the old weavers' houses.
Facilities
On-site accomodations
Daneway House (Golden Valley)
From Cirencester the A 419 runs west through Oakley Woods, passes close to Sapperton, with Daneway House, a manor house of the 14th-17th centuries, and then enters the "Golden Valley" of the Stroudwater, with many cloth factories.
Rollright Stones
Some 3mi/5km outside Chipping Norton are the Rollright Stones, a famous Bronze Age stone circle, less impressive than the larger monuments at Avebury and Stonehenge but in a very beautiful setting. There are about 70 stones in the main circle, known as the King's Men, together with a burial chamber called the Whispering Knights and the isolated King Stone.
Atherstone - Twycross Zoo
The Twycross Zoo is set in 50 acres of Leicestershire countryside. 200 species live at the zoo, including the only Bonobos (pygmy chimps) in Britain.
Hours
March 5 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
November 1 to March 4
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Parking
Pay
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Bibury, England
Bibury is the typical small English town and best noted for Arlington Row, a row of weavers cottages. This series of small joined houses is one of the most photographed features of the region. Many other quaint houses are found in the small streets in the neighborhood.
Birdlip, England
Six mi/9.6km beyond Painswick on the A 46 a short detour can be made to the town of Birdlip on the A 417. From here, on the crest of the Cotswolds' steep western escarpment, there is a beautiful view of the Severn valley.
Chedworth - Roman Villa, England
The route to Cirencester from Stow-on-the-Wold (10mi/16km) is by way of Northleach and Chedworth, a small villaged noted for the Roman Villa (A.D. 180-350; 4.5 mi/7km south). One of the best preserved in the country, with mosaic floors, baths, hypocausts and a museum containing finds from the site.
Chedworth Roman Villa
Yanworth GL54 3LJ
England
Yanworth GL54 3LJ
England
Hours
March 1 to March 16
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
March 18 to November 2
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
November 4 to November 16
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always opened on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Taped tours for rent.
Chippenham - Sheldon Manor
Sheldon Manor (2mi/3km west of Chippenham) is famous for its collection of Nailsea glass as well as for its roses.
All values are in local currency
Hours
March 21 to October 4
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | Closed | Closed | 14:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always opened on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
| Adult | 4.50 |
| Senior | 3.25 |
| Child 16 & under | 1.00 |
| Child 12 & under | FREE |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Chipping Norton, England
Chipping Norton (pop. 5,000) is a wool town in the Cotswolds.
The town serves as a gateway into the Costwolds and to a number of surrounding villages. Chipping Norton is also the site of Rollright Stones, a megalithic monument consisting of a stone circle and several standing stones.
The town serves as a gateway into the Costwolds and to a number of surrounding villages. Chipping Norton is also the site of Rollright Stones, a megalithic monument consisting of a stone circle and several standing stones.
Chipping Norton Tourist Office
The Guildhall
Chipping Norton OX7 5NJ
England
The Guildhall
Chipping Norton OX7 5NJ
England
Cotswold Way Walking Trail
The 100-mile / 161-kilometer trail follows the escarpment of the Cotswold hills from Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire to the city of Bath. The route encompasses a variety of terrain, including valleys, woodlands, village roads and farmland. The path is also under consideration for National Trail status.
Elmley Castle
The black and white castle was the escape of fugitive Charles I. It is open to the public and is the site of maypole dancing and other events on Oak Apple Day (May 29). The castle also has an interesting church with the tomb of the first Earl of Coventry.
Fish Hill
Fish Hill (1024ft/312m), with the Beacon Tower, is famous for its panoramic views; it is said that in good weather thirteen counties can be seen.
Gaydon, England
Gaydon is an interesting town and location of the Heritage Motor Centre, highlighting a collection of historic British cars.
Gaydon is also home to the Land Rover manufacturing plant and the Aston Martin headquarters.
Gaydon is also home to the Land Rover manufacturing plant and the Aston Martin headquarters.
Gaydon - Heritage Motor Centre
The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon contains the world's biggest collection of British cars including: MG, Land Rover, Triumph, Rover, Austin, Morris, Riley and Wolseley. Archival library, cinema, historic displays.
All values are in local currency
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Family | 28.00 |
| Adult | 9.00 |
| Concession or reduced rate | 8.00 |
| Child 16 & under | 7.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Gloucestershire Railroad
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs on a re-built line through the Cotswolds. It features attractions for all ages.
Hours
April 15 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | ||
| Close |
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Guiting Power
From Broadway the A 44 runs southeast, soon climbing in the direction of Stow-on-the-Wold. At nearby Guiting Power the Cotswold Farm Park has a collection of rare British breeds.
Hailes Abbey
Two mi/3km northeast of Winchcombe is Hailes Abbey, once a great Cistercian house but now reduced to only a few scanty remains. Adjoining is a small archaeological museum.
Hailes Abbey is owned and maintained by the National Trust. Inside the abbey, remains of the dramatic cloister arches have been preserved.
All values are in local currency
Hailes Abbey is owned and maintained by the National Trust. Inside the abbey, remains of the dramatic cloister arches have been preserved.
Hailes Abbey
Cheltenham GL54 5PB
England
Cheltenham GL54 5PB
England
Hours
March 21 to June 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
July 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
September 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
| Adult | 3.50 |
| Concession or reduced rate | 2.80 |
| Child | 1.80 |
| Child 4 & under | FREE |
Guides
Taped tours for rent.
Facilities
Gift shop
Lower Slaughter - Old Mill Museum
The Old Mill Museum stands on the banks of the River Eye in Lower Slaughter. It is a 19th C flour mill containing many historical artifacts including one of only three remaining unused mill stones in Britain.
Hours
January 1 to February 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 |
March 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
November 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Moreton-in-Marsh - Chastleton House
Rejoining the A 44, the route from Chipping Campden continues by way of Chastleton House, a large Jacobean mansion built by a wool merchant in about 1610, with beautiful old furniture and other items of interest, set in a magnificent garden.
Chastleton House
Chastleton
Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU
England
Chastleton
Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU
England
Hours
March 19 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 1 to November 1
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | Closed |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Parking
Free
Disabled
No facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Nuneaton, England
Nuneaton (pop. 71,500) is located 20mi/32km east of Birmingham and is an industrial center. The town has three main leisure centres including the Pingles with an indoor and outdoor swimming facilities and a nearby stadium.
Rural Life Museum (Cotswold Countryside Collection)
The Northleach House of Correction contains the Cotswolds Rural Life Museum. Displays are found in the preserved cells and a restored court room, including the Lloyd-Baker Collection of agricultural history.
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always opened on:
Spring Bank Holiday - Britain (last Monday, May )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Summer Bank Holiday - Britain outside Scotland (last Monday, August )
Parking
Free
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Sleaford, England
Sleaford (pop. 8,523) is an old market town located on the Slea River 32mi/51km east of Nottingham. Sleaford has become a popular tourist and craft destination.
Most of the parish church of St. Denys dates back to 1180, with one of the oldest stone broach spires in England.
Most of the parish church of St. Denys dates back to 1180, with one of the oldest stone broach spires in England.
Sleaford Tourist Office
The Mill
Money's Yard
Carre Street
Sleaford NG34 7TW
England
The Mill
Money's Yard
Carre Street
Sleaford NG34 7TW
England
Thames Path, England
This 213mi/ 343km stretch of path was made a National Trail in 1996. The trail begins at the river's source in Gloucestershire and winds along the river banks through Lechlade, Oxford, Abingdon, Henley-on-Thames, Windsor, London and finally Greenwich, where it ends at the Thames Barrier.
Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump)
This is a Neolithic Long Barrow, measuring 120 by 22 feet. It has four chambers in which were discovered 38 skeletons. The burial mound dates from around 3000 BC.
Woodchester, England
Two mi/3km south of Stroud is Woodchester, with an old Dominican abbey and large Roman villa, the latter having been excavated to reveal well preserved mosaic floors.
Many of the buildings have been well-preserved and Woodchester Park features a wooded area with access to a chain of lakes.
Many of the buildings have been well-preserved and Woodchester Park features a wooded area with access to a chain of lakes.
Woodchester Park
Woodchester Park is a National Trust property near Stroud. The park has five lakes, a lost garden and waymarked trails. It was first opened to the public in 1996.
Woodchester Park Warden's Office
Old Ebworth Centre
Ebworth Estate, The Camp
Stroud GL6 7ES
England
Old Ebworth Centre
Ebworth Estate, The Camp
Stroud GL6 7ES
England
Hours
May 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset |
October 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset |
Parking
Pay
