How to Make the Most of the Cotswolds in Summer

Why the Cotswolds is magical in summer

While the Cotswolds is a great destination to visit year-round, thanks to longer days and better weather, summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore.

Visit Cotswolds and Explore the Cotswolds have lots of top tips on the best things to do and places to visit during your summer stay, from visiting blooming English gardens and lavender fields to festivals and outdoor dining events.

Plus, with a stay at The Wood Norton, our location overlooking the Vale of Evesham and the Cotswold Hills means you relax in our glorious surroundings and enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises.

Planning your Cotswolds summer break from The Wood Norton

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay in the Cotswolds in summer, you can be sure of a warm welcome at The Wood Norton.

If you’re arriving by car, our convenient location on the Worcester Road A44 makes us easily accessible from the UK. Plus, as we’re under two hours from London by train and just 2.4 miles from Evesham train station, you can head here after finishing work on Friday night and be back in the big smoke by Sunday evening.

If you’re planning a longer break, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, from the beauty of the Cotswolds to Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon, or just relaxing in our spa. Check out more of our local attractions, as well as charming local towns and villages you can explore during your break.

Summer villages to wander: Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and beyond

To make the most of your visit to the Cotswolds in summer, these charming villages are all within a short drive of The Wood Norton:

• Broadway – A quintessential Cotswolds village, just a 20-minute drive from the hotel, it exudes charm with its historic honey-coloured cottages and tree-lined streets. Summer highlights include an Arts Festival in June and a Car Show in August. 
• Bourton-on-the-Water – One of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, it can get busy in the summer months, but it is well worth the visit. Enjoy summer picnics by the river, or evening strolls, enjoying a pint or two in the village’s many traditional pubs. Plus, if you visit over the August Bank Holiday weekend, you can watch a traditional football match which takes place right in the middle of the River Windrush.
• Chipping Camden – Home to one of England’s most charming high streets, you can enjoy exploring the many independent shops and historic attractions, including The Court Barn Museum and The Old Silk Mill. To escape the crowds, head out first thing in the morning or visit in the early evening.

Discover more about these idyllic rural villages and start planning your visit to the Cotswolds. 

Scenic summer walks and viewpoints

One of the best ways to enjoy a summer getaway in the Cotswolds is to get outside and explore. Thanks to our location, there are plenty of walks right on our doorstep. 

The picturesque Vale of Evesham offers a stunning backdrop for both leisurely summer strolls, while the Bredon Hill circular allows you to stretch your legs. You can even head out and explore stretches of the Cotswold Way, which can be reached easily by car. 

To help get you started, we’ve put together some of our favourite walks in the local area, or you can speak to a member of our team, who will be more than happy to offer advice about the best local walks. 

Gardens, lavender fields and outdoor attractions

The Cotswolds in summer also boasts many stunning summer gardens and attractions to explore. Some of our favourites include Kiftsgate Gardens, which features the famous Kiftsgate rose, the National Trust Hidcote Gardens and Batsford Arboretum. But our favourite summer activity is a visit to the Cotswolds lavender fields. At just a 20-minute drive from The Wood Norton, enjoy a leisurely visit followed by a pub lunch. 

Summer festivals and events you won’t want to miss

To really make the most of a summer break in the Cotswolds, we recommend timing your visit to coincide with some of the top events taking place across the season.

Some of our favourites include:

• Royal International Air Tattoo in July
• Prescott Hill Climb in June
• Cheltenham Music Festival in June/July
• The Big Feastival in August
• Cotswold Show and Food Festival in July

Foodie summer experiences: pub gardens, picnics and local produce

The Cotswolds is a foodie’s paradise with plenty of incredible restaurants, tearooms and traditional pubs to explore. In summer, you can make the most of al fresco dining outdoors at traditional country pubs, sampling local produce at farmers’ markets or enjoying riverside picnics.  

You can also enjoy fine food right here at The Wood Norton, in our Fleur de Lys Brasserie. Our relaxing lounge and terrace are the ideal spots to enjoy an afternoon tea after enjoying a morning exploring the local area.  

Family-friendly summer days out in and around the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds in summer is also great for families, with plenty of top attractions for little ones to explore. Enjoy visiting lots of rare animals at the Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens, run off some steam exploring Westonbirt Arboretum, or take a ride on a traditional steam engine at Broadway Heritage Railway. 

Find out more about the many family-friendly locations in the Cotswolds or explore more of our favourite local attractions for you and your family to enjoy.