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Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - a fairytale cottage visit to the Cotswolds region of
England. Choose your dreamy cottage. Get some tips on interesting sights, flora, fauna and experiences.
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a region 95 miles 155 km from London in England. The four towns that touch it are Bath, Cheltenham, Cirenchester and Stroud, whilst Bristol, Swindon, Gloucester sit in surrounding regions. With nearly 30 small villages, known for their beauty, the remainder is rolling farmland, grasslands, woodlands and streams. This rustic area covers 800 square miles, that’s 2071 square km, and covers five different counties; Glouchester, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Some of the most beautiful villages are Burford, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold. In modern times the Cotswolds have become renowned for healthy relaxing retreats, beautiful bucolic scenery and cute cottages.
This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty seems so quintessentially English, with comical village names like Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, Moreton-in-Marsh, Waterley Bottoms, North Piddle. The romantic names of Buckland and Little Buckland, Ravensroost Wood, Green Hill, Windrush and Upper Windrush, Clapton-on-the-Hill and Snows Hill just make me want to grab my back pack and walk from village to village. More on that later.
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - Top Tips for the Region
Bibury
Burford
Bibury is the most visited village in the Cotswolds because of its beautiful historic cottages, especially those on Arlington Row. This village gets a little busy with international visitors and tours and buses, but it is stunning. An alternative is Burford, and there are many lovely small villages dotted about the region, see the cottage selection below to act as your guide.
Cotswolds Lavender Farm - located in the north of the region near the village of Snowshill, this visit is full of bucolic charm. From June to August each year visitors can bring a picnic, stroll in the
lavender fields and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Visit the
Wildflower Meadows, the Woodland Trail and Lavender Cabin. This visit can be combined with a visit to the distillery below.
Cotswolds Distillery - also in the north, near the village of Stourton, is the local distillery producing whiskey, gin and plenty more. Their project bringing biodiversity and conservation back to the wildflower meadows is just one reason to try the Wildflower Gin. The distillery is actively involved and in support of the Glorious Cotswold Grasslands project - the aim of which is ' to create the largest network of wildflower rich limestone grassland in the country.'
The Cotswold Way - kept by the UK National trails, it is 164 km or 102 miles from Bath in Somerset to Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. This is a one-way trail that can be done in sections, and it links with many other loop trails. A perfect English experience through open grassland, beech woods, charming villages, historic towns and with views across the Cotswold escarpment. A great way to explore the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - Where to Stay
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - choose your dreamy cottage first then let the adventure fall into place. Here are some of the most beautiful honey-coloured cottages in the Cotswolds.
The Small House - Bourton-on-the-Water - Cheltenham - UK
This 17th Century listed building is a comfortable home offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with space for 6 guests. Featuring a stunning interior full of character and a private garden with fantastic views over the Windrush Valley. Located near the historic village of Bourton-on-the-Water, which dates back to Neolithic times with over 100 buildings being Grade II listed or higher. 4 miles to Stow-on-the-Wold.
All Souls Cottage - Eastleach - Cirencester - UK
With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms this historic cottage sleeps guests. Enjoy the fireplace, gardens and private parking. Stroll in the grounds. Relax in the conservatory. This grade II listed property is just so charming and divine. The twelth Century church of St. Michael and St. Martin sits adjacent to the cottage, adding to its charm and appeal. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds AONB and 12 km or 8 miles to Bibury. Just 43 km or 27 miles to Oxford.
Ivy Cottage - Chedworth - Cheltenham - UK
This sweet cottage has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and is ideal for couples. Enjoy the well-equipped haven just a stroll to cafes and pubs. Relax in front of the wood burner. This charming 19th century, stone-built cottage, with oak beams and inglenook fireplace, has been sensitively restored to a very good standard. Great for walkers as there are many public ways here. The Cotswolds towns of Winchcombe, Stow-on-the Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden are all close by. 10 km or 8 miles to Bibury.
Dove Cottage - Bisley- Cotswolds - UK
This 1 bedroom historic cottage with 1 bathroom is perfect for couples. Located in a hidden enchanting village of the Cotswolds, set in picturesque landscapes. An immaculate 4-star accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds. Step out onto the 'Cotswolds Way' walking trail.
Mayfly Cottage - Coln St Aldwyns - Quenington - Gloucestershire - Cotswolds - UK
Set in the idyllic
countryside of the Cotswolds, next to a trickling stream, this is a
gorgeous romantic cottage. 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, ideal for 2 guests.
Cook in the fully-kitted kitchen and relax in the garden. This
beautifully restored 200-year-old barn still has the owl hole and
exposed beams, having been beautifully restored. An exquisite stay with
Cotswold charm.
Ivy and Crown - Charlbury - Chipping Norton - UK
This 1 bedroom home with 1 bathroom is perfect for a couple, nestled in a quiet lane in the small town of Charlbury, this cottage has its own patio overlooking a garden full of blooms and is close to the Finstock and Evenlode Walk. Relax in style at this Chipping Norton luxury residence.
Bursting with Bloom - Cirenchester - UK
Just or 9 km or 5.5 miles from Cirencester in the Cotswolds is this cosy character stone cottage. This historic home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a private garden and 400 years of history. Relax at home or drive only 10 minutes to Bibury village, the choice is yours.
Cottage Charm - Morton-in-Marsh - Gloucester - UK
This historic home welcomes 4 guests in 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen. With charming features such as exposed beams and inglenook fireplace this authentic 17th Century cottage is dreamy. Just 9 km or 6 miles from Morton-in-Marsh train station.
Grazier's Cottage - Ford - Cheltenham - UK
Built from honey-coloured stone 300 years ago in 1720, Grazier's Cottage is a traditional charming, quintessential Cotswold cottage. Mullion windows, exposed beams, stone walls, flagstone floors, a vaulted ceiling, and a window seat are among the cottage’s preserved historical attributes. One of the most impressive features of the cottage is the massive inglenook fireplace. Located in the north of the Cotswolds, just 9 km or 6 miles from Broadway Tower. 12 km or 7 miles to Stow-on-the-Wold.
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - Experiences
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - take a tour from London for the day if you cannot stay overnight in the region, or take a private walking tour to get the most out of the beautiful countryside pathways.
From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour
Enjoy a full day exploring the best of the Cotswolds. Visit iconic villages, historical towns and the beautiful countryside. Free time to explore each location. Travel in an air-conditioned minibus along the country lanes. Learn from your knowledgeable local guide. 9.5 hours.
4.8 / 5 (3720 Reviews)
Cotswolds: Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Local Guide
Visit local spots off the beaten path. Wander along gorgeous rambling paths. Visit the atmospheric ruins of a medieval manor and 700-year old pub. Learn about the Norman villages that you'll see firsthand. Villages include Burford, Minster Lovell, Asthal, Swinbrook. Meeting point in the Cotswolds. 6 hours.
5 / 5 (2 Reviews)
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - Critters, Flitters & Flowers
Hedgehogs to harebells - the Cotswolds has a rich variety of
ecosystems in which to discover wildlife such as deer, badgers, voles, hares
and stoats, birds such as raptors and warblers, and plenty of stream and pond life
and wildflowers in the grasslands. Exploring the woodland, farmland and
grassland is delightful with the miles and miles of walking paths. Just a few are mentioned below to get you started. Happy trails.
Fauna - whilst hiking along the Cotswolds Way you will be able to spot
Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes
Brown Hare -
Lepus europaeus
Red Squirrel -
Sciurus vulgaris
Birds - keep an eye out for
Barn Owl - Tyto alba
Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris
Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla
Flora - in the meadows and on the verges you will see
Harebell - Campanula rotundifolia
Elderflower -
Sambucus nigra
and perhaps a Sloe Wild Plum (good for sloe gin!) -
Prunus spinosa
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - History
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - the habitation of the Cotswolds began in prehistoric times. This area was settled by the Celts, then the Romans. There are Roman-built roads and forts in the Cotswolds and they also mined for lead and iron.
When Roman Empire fell, the Anglo-Saxons ruled the Cotswolds, they constructed many churches and monasteries and developed the wool trade, a major source of prosperity for the region.
During the Middle Ages, the Cotswolds region continued to prosper. The wool trade grew, and wealthy merchants and estate owners built grand houses in the area. The Cotswolds also became popular for pilgrims.
With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the Cotswolds declined in importance, as many people moved to the cities to find work. Tourists and artists have since rediscovered the area, and it is now a popular place for travellers to experience the traditional English countryside.
The region’s charming architecture, particularly the honey-coloured stone cottages and buildings, get its distinct color from the Cotswold stone, a Jurassic limestone rich in fossils and known for its warm, treacle tones. This stone has been used in the Cotswolds since Roman times.
The classic features in the charming cottages here are steep gabled roofs, mullioned windows, chimneys, thatching, inglenook fireplaces, exposed beam, flagstone flooring and arched doorways. Country gardens and green lawns are part of the character. Modern cottages have been created from old schoolhouses, mill houses, barns, gate houses and even breweries.
The ’wool churches’, dating from the fifteenth Century onward, reflect the abundance of the sheep pasturalists and wool trade, and are some of the most characteristic sights to see in the villages and hamlets of the Cotswolds. Classic examples are St. Oswald’s Church, Wilford, Oxfordshire and The Parish Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, Northleach, Cheltenham (pictured).
Plan Your Path
Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds - if you are staying in a cottage you will most likely need a car. This is by far the handiest way to explore the narrow lanes and small villages, uncover hidden woods and trickling streams. Below are some of the ways to travel to the Cotswolds.
To arrive to the Cirencester in the centre of the Cotswolds
- Fly into London Heathrow Airport LHR
- Drive 130 km or 82 miles
- Or take the National Express coach from Victoria Coach Station at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London, a journey of 2 hours and 25 minutes
To arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh in the north of the Cotswolds by train
- Take the Great Western Railway from Paddington Station, a journey of 1 hour and 40 minutes
Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.
By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.
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