Cotswolds Attractions

Kenilworth Castle (5mi/8km southwest of Coventry) was built in 1120 by Geoffrey de Clinton, Treasurer of England in the reign of Henry I, and enlarged by Elizabeth I's favorite Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The castle, constructed of red sandstone, was formerly surrounded by a lake. Elizabeth often stayed here, Leicester on one occasion arranging for her the three week long entertainment described in Sir Walter Scott's "Kenilworth". The friendship lasted until the Earl's death in 1588; his tomb is in St Mary's Church in Warwick.Even in ruin the castle is highly impressive, with its walls and towers surrounding the bailey, the old half timbered stables and the Norman keep. The Great Hall, the White Hall, the private apartments and the Audience Chamber all date from the period when the castle belonged to the Earls and Dukes of Lancaster. The parish church of Kenilworth, with a Norman doorway, adjoins the remains of Kenilworth Priory, founded in 1126 by Geoffrey de Clinton.Kenilworth offers interesting architecture, numerous specialty shops, the remains of a medieval monastery and a base for those looking to explore the surrounding areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Market Harborough (pop. 15,934) is located on the Welland 15mi/24km southeast of Leicester. There are a number of places of interest in and around Market Harborough such as nearby Foxton Locks, the grammar school on wooden stilts, St Dionysius Church dating back to the 14th century, and St Mary's Place shopping centre.

Melton Mowbray (pop. 23,554) is located 15mi/24km northeast of Leicester. Melton Mowbray is noted for several culinary specialties such as Stilton cheese and Melton Mowbray pork pies. Melton cloth is also another popular item that originated in the town.

Rugby (pop. 83,400) is located 28mi/45km southeast of Birmingham on the Avon. It is the site of the Rugby School founded in 1567 where the game of rugby was invented.High Street and Sheep Street are the main shopping streets around the Clock Tower in Rugby. St Andrew's Church was expanded and re-built in the 19th century.

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.

Cranwell is near Peterborough. The town is home to the RAF Cranwell, considered the oldest military air academy in the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Edge Hill is located 7mi/11km northwest of Banbury. It was the site of an indecisive battle in 1642, the start of the English Civil War.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs on a re-built line through the Cotswolds. It features attractions for all ages.

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.