10 Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds

English gardens, honey-hued stone cottages, romantic canals, storybook villages—it’s easy to see why the Cotswolds are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In the South of England, 800 square miles comprise the Cotswolds. Market towns from Gloucestershire to Oxfordshire are famous for all-day golden hour hues, farm-fresh cheeses, and curated shops. Our top ten things to do when visiting the Cotswolds promise a fairytale experience. Want to do it all? Join us on our 5-Day Costwolds Bike Tour.

The National Arboretum at Westonbirt houses 15,000 tree specimens from 2,500 species, including flowering and fruiting flora from all over the globe—a stroll through this wooded parkland is like taking a botanical tour of the world without leaving England. Get plenty of steps exploring 17 miles of marked trails, whether admiring fall colors or spring’s first blossoms.

Leave room in your luggage for charming treasures to remember your time in the Cotswolds. Antique shops here are unrivaled, but modern art galleries, luxury clothing boutiques, and specialty food shops are also chockablock in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water and market town of Tetbury. If you’re especially interested in the British Royal Family, the Highgrove Shop retails favorite products of His Majesty King Charles III.

A cherished tradition that warms the hearts (and bellies) of many English locals, ducking into an English pub is a must while visiting the Cotswolds. Settle into the cozy atmosphere to banter with locals, pass the time, sip a pint, and taste classic, comforting pub fare like fish and chips or bangers and mash.

Originally constructed in the second century, this archeological site in the Costwolds countryside includes astonishing intact mosaics and sophisticated bath houses. Once the luxurious home of a wealthy Roman family in what is now Gloucestershire, the villa was buried for centuries before being rediscovered in the late 19th century. Explore the grounds to see the in-situ ruins and peek into the on-site museum of Roman artifacts.

Brimming with scenic cycling routes that cross pastoral farmlands and follow meandering rivers, exploring the Cotswolds on two wheels often feels like riding back in time. From the quintessential Slaughters to delightful Broadway and beyond, pedal through peaceful honey-colored villages and landscapes straight out of a Jane Austin novel—a little exhilarating, and a lot romantic.

Straight from its kitchen gardens, the Cotswolds offer endless access to beautiful, seasonal ingredients: locally sourced partridge and pheasant, fresh spring vegetables, sweet soft fruit, or hand-churned clotted cream. Between Michelin-starred restaurants and cozy bistros, this corner of England has something for every hungry traveler. For fine dining, reserve a seat at the prestigious Atrium at Lords of the Manor Hotel or the charming Wild Rabbit.

For history buffs and students of architecture, Sudeley Castle is a testament to the opulence of English monarchs like Richard III, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I. Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens through the furnished castle and painstakingly manicured 15th-century gardens. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers in the Queen’s Garden, where hundreds of rose varieties are cultivated.

For an active adventure that’s both historic and scenic, hike the Cotswold Way: a 102-mile trail that follows the western edge of the Cotswold Hills through historic battlefields, enchanting beech woodland, and rolling pasture. Extending from the English market town of Chipping Campden to the Roman city of Bath, this path reveals treasures of the English countryside like quaint tea houses, family manors, and ancient burial sites. Try breaking up the route by staying at the peaceful bed and breakfasts and elegant inns situated along the trail.

You might not think of the UK as a prestigious wine producer, but viticulture in England’s wine country goes all the way back to the Romans. The south of England puts the UK on the map for its sparkling wines, which we suggest sipping at Woodchester Valley estate: a family-owned boutique vineyard and winery in Gloucestershire.

Cotswolds make an unexpected place for self-care, with a collection of luxurious spas in impossibly tranquil natural settings. Pamper yourself at Calcot & Spa with a relaxing evening spa, bliss out with a reiki session, or and rejuvenate with a resurfacing facial. Why not make a trip of it and stay in one of Calcot’s cottages on 220 acres? You can’t beat the beauty benefits of country air.