The Cotswolds is renowned around the world for it's gentle rolling hills and chocolcate box little villages. You could get in your car each morning, point it in any direction and you will find yourself somewhere beautiful. There are hamlets that have not changed for centuries and bigger towns such as Cheltenham that still have their Regency charm but all the usual modern shops as well. There is something for everyone. Bourton on the Water is the most centrally located village in the Cotswolds and is therefore the perfect place to explore the area.
Hartwells Bike Hire, High Street, Bourton-on-the-Water
Over 30 cycles of all sizes to hire, including 3 with child seats
Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre, Bourton-on-the-Water
Escorted riding in small groups around Lower and Upper Slaughter. 1-2 hours. All ages and abilities.
01451 821 101
Durham Farm Riding School, Chastleton, Moreton-in-Marsh
Escorted riding for all standards, including cross country and pub rides. Group and private tuition.
Chatcombe Estate Shooting School, near Cheltenham
Well-run school catering for the beginner as well as the experienced shot. Sessions can be booked by the hour and include all equipment.
01242 870 391
Ballooning in the Cotswolds
Offering CHAMPAGNE BALLOON FLIGHTS over Gloucestershire, Wiltshire & Oxfordshire since 1985. What a fabulous way to take in the Cotswolds.
www.ballooninginthecotswolds.co.uk
Naunton Downs Golf Club, Nanton, near Bourton-on-the-Water
18 hole picturesque course. Bar and restaurant. Visitors welcome at all times. Booking essential. Pro shop, tuition available, equipment hire. Tennis course available.
Gloucestershire has some of the finest gardens in England - the website below covers all of them and has a good map showing where they all are in relation to us.
30 Aug 2010 is Football in the River Day
Cost: Free
Hours: 4pm
Amazingly for over 100 years the Football in the River game has been played in the river Windrush in Bourton on the Water. Why not come and ejoy lunch at the Dial House Hotel followed by the spectacle of this truly strange but quintissentially English custom.
The Model Village
The Model Village behind the Old New Inn is a one ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water. Here you will find the River WIndrush with it's distinctive bridges, the beeches, willows and chestnuts all in minature. At the churches you can hear the choirs. The buildings are all constructed and maintained in Cotswold stone from the local quarry. Built by local craftsman in the 1930's it was opend to the public in 1937 on Coronation Day. A unique experience which appeals to all ages, the Model Village remains one of the Cotswolds most popular attractions.
www.completely-cotswold.com/bourton/attract/village/village.htm
The Cotswold Motor Museum
The museum is familar to children throughout the world as the home of Brum, the much loved television character. After every adventure superhero Brum would always return to his favourite museum where he lives surrounded by a superb collection of motoring history. This is a trip down memory lane at it's very best. Housed in the old mill on he banks of the River Windrush and flanked by a row of pretty cottages, the collection of veichles and memorabilia serve to remind us of a time when the pace of life was altogether gentler.
www.cotswold-motor-museum.co.uk
Birdland
Beautiful park and gardens containing over 500 birds. Birdland was first established in 1957 and was sited in the centre of Bourton. It moved to it's present site, a few hundred metres down the road in 1989. The current location was a trout farm and poplar plantation, for match stick production owned by Bryant and May. There are still over 150 trees which create a high canopy for the Windrush enclosures. BIrdland is set in woodland, river and gardens. This natural setting is inhabited by over 500 birds: flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary and wildfowl can be seen on various aspects of the water habitat. Over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, ibis and many more. Take time out to wander, relax and learn in the tranquil environment. There are large areas to picnic and watch the activities of the birds.
Bourton Model Railway
Finest operating indoor model railway layout covering 500 sq feet.
The Cotswold Company
High qualilty furnishings from this well-known catalogue company based in Bourton.
Perfumery Exhibition
Exhibition includes the origins of the perfume as well as a cinema with "smells".
The Living Green Centre
Traditional Cotswold Home designed to show 21st century lifestyle tips.
Lower and Upper Slaughter
Two of the prettiest villages in the whole of England. They are often described as picture postcard villages or 'chocolate box'. Lower Slaughter is just under 2 miles from Bourton and then Upper Slaughter a mile further. They make a lovely walk or a very short drive. An absolute must in terms of visiting. There is really very little to do apart from wander around and soak-up the prettiness of it all. Incidentally, Slaughters simply means 'Muddy Place'.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Very popular Cotswold destination. Great antique shops and fabulous food shops too!! At 800 feet above sea level, this is the highest town in the Cotswolds and the wind sometimes proves it!
One of our favourite restaurants is here - 'The Old Butchers' owned and run by Peter and Louise Robinson.
Bibury
William Morris, founder of the arts and crafts movement, described Bibury as 'the most beautiful village in England' and not a lot has changed since he made the claim. The most visited and photographed part of Bibury is Arlington Row, a superb terrace of medieval stone cottages built as a wool sore in the 14th century and converted 3 centuries later into weavers cottages and workshops.
Burford
One of the most beautiful ancient market towns in the country. About 10 minutes from Bourton and with the nicest 'High Street' in Britain. There are, as with all the Cotswold villages, lots of good antique shops, some lovely tea shops and the usual gift shops. There is a particularly good Gallery called 'The Brian Sinfield Gallery'. www.briansinfield.com
Chipping Camden
Delightfully unspoiled village, on the way to Snowshill and Broadway. Home to Robert Welch Silversmiths where all our cutlery is from. www.welch.co.uk
There are also some of the best tea shops in the area in Chipping Campden!
Broadway
Picturesque village that has inspired writers, composers and great artists with its gorgeous buildings and graceful air. Set below Broadway Tower and just creaping into Warwickshire, Broadway is about 30 minutes drive. The famous Cotswold Hunt starts here on Boxing Day every year.
Cheltenham
Regency spa town retaing much of it's period charm with plenty of boutiques, restaurants and gardens to discover. The High Street has the usual culprits, but there is a small area just to the North West of the town centre called Montpellier which has lots of lovely little boutique shops. One of best restaurants in the country is located in Cheltenham - Le Champignon Sauvage. www.lechampignonsauvage.co.uk
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is the beautiful home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A whole day can be spent here quite easily. It is located just on the edge of the village of Woodstock which in itself is worth a visit.
Batsford Arboretum
A jewel of the Cotswolds and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. This is a wonderful place to go to wander around and relax. Take a picnic prepared by one of our chefs! There is also a very good falconry show here.
Sudeley Castle
Steeped in history with royal connections spanning thousands of years it has played an enourmous part in Britain's history. Located just below the lovely village of Winchcombe. Recently the main house of Sudely has been closed to visitors but the gardens are still worth a good look around.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Set in 160 acres of parkland housing a fascinating selection of animals (many endagered).
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Hidcote Manor (National Trust)
Celebrated 20th Century garden. Old roses, unusual plants and trees from around the world.
Snowshill Manor (National Trust)
Home to thousands of fascinating treasures collected by architect Charles Paget Wade. Eccentric arts and crafts-style garden.
Chastleton House (National Trust)
One of Englands finest and most complete Jacobean houses, rare tapestries, Elizabethan topiary garden. This is one of my favourite National Trust properties. It is one of the smaller ones and tours need to be booked in advance.
Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate (National Trust)
Rare C17th grandstand and country estate. Unique deer park and course. Variety of walks with fabulous views. Located just a couple of miles from Bourton this is a wonderful estate to walk around. There is a particularly well signposted walk leading straight off the car park.
Chedworth Roman Villa (National Trust)
Remains of one of the largest Romano-British villas in the country with mosaics, bath houses, latrines.
Warwick Castle
Oxford
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Bath