Stone house near a river surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky

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Visit The Cotswolds

For endless opportunities to explore natural beauty, charming English countryside and sumptuous local food, it has to be the Cotswolds. The quaint, honey-hued villages nestled among verdant rolling hills are just waiting to be explored. Here’s where to go and what to do on your short break in the Cotswolds.

Explore Beautiful Nearby Cotswolds Villages

It simply wouldn’t be a Cotswolds short break without pottering through some quaint rural villages and towns. Nestled in the rolling hills, they are, quite simply, the essence of English charm

Quaint stone cottages in an English village with blooming gardens and greenery

Broadway

Considered the gateway to the Cotswolds, the picture-postcard Broadway has a timeless charm and elegant atmosphere. A wide, ‘broad way’ high street runs through centre of the town, lined with horse chestnut trees and framed with preserved limestone buildings. Here, you can also find independent boutiques, art galleries, and stylish eateries serving some of the region's finest food.

Stone path leading through a lush garden to traditional English stone houses.

Chipping Campden

More English charm and idyllic rural beauty can be found at Chipping Camden. A captivating blend of medieval architecture and picturesque stone cottages sits at the heart of the Cotswolds. If you’re looking to while away the day wandering independent shops and bustling tea rooms, Chipping Camden is one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Also known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water combines the honey-hued stone buildings with elegant low bridges over the tranquil River Windrush. The perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll or riverside picnic, there’s a certain peaceful and inviting atmosphere toenjoy. If you’re coming with kids, stop by The Model Village or The Dragonfly Maze for a whole lot of fun.

Read here to find out more about our favourite villages in the Cotswolds

Scenic Walks and Outdoor Adventures

Getting out on foot is what the Cotswolds is all about. With breathtaking walking routes, floral gardens, family-friendly parks and incredible viewpoints, there’s so much to choose from.

Sunlit countryside landscape framed by leafy trees and a stone wall

Popular walking trails and routes

There are so many wonderful places to wander around the Cotswolds. Follow charming trails over the rolling hills and through picturesque villages, with something for every age and ability. Our favourites include a circuit of Castle Combe or Broadway, Dover’s Hill for wonderful views, or one of the lovely local trails around Evesham.

Aerial view of a stone tower on a hill surrounded by countryside

Parks, gardens, and viewpoints

The Cotswolds countryside has an abundance of places to revel in the surrounding natural splendour. Westonbirt Arboretum or Cotswold Wildlife Park are perfect for family fun. To enjoy the timeless charm of English gardens, wander the floral wonderlands at Kiftsgate Court Gardens or Hidcote Manor Gardens. For a chance to gaze out over the rolling hills, there is the likes of Crickley Hill, Broadway Tower, or Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds.

Find out more here on other local attractions near to The Wood Norton.

Taste the Best Local Food and Drink

The Cotswolds has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie destination. Local produce and top creative chefs combine for some incredible dining experiences.

Quaint ivy-covered stone pub with outdoor benches and a Falkland Arms sign

Traditional pubs and restaurants

From traditional country pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, the Cotswolds has all the dining experiences you could ask for. With the farm-to-fork movement going from strength to strength here, you’ll find seasonal, local produce on menus across the region. Revel in the sunshine withalfresco dining and beer gardens in summer, or curl up in cosy nooks by roaring fireplaces in country pubs through winter.

Local produce, farmers’ markets, and culinary highlights

You don’t have to visit a restaurant to taste delicious local produce, head to the nearest farmers market for an array of award-winning cheeses, meats, veg and more. Better yet, assemble a picnic of tasty treats to enjoy by the river or looking out over an amazing view. And, of course, it’s not possible to visit the Cotswolds without indulging in a cream tea or two.

Unique Shopping Experiences in The Cotswolds

While the villages and towns of the Cotswolds are stunning to look at, they are also a perfect spot to find that unique item you’ll treasure forever.

Row of traditional stone cottages beside a small river in an English village.

Independent boutiques and antique shops

A hotspot for eclectic independent boutiques and vintage forages to plunder. Wander the picturesque lanes of Cirencester for thriving boutiques and weekly events in Corn Hall. Delve into the abundance of antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Burford and Moreton-in-Marsh. If you love a vintage emporium, head for Chipping Norton, Nailsworth and Tewksbury to find everything from interiors to clothes.

Wall shelves with colorful spools of thread and paper bags in a craft or sewing shop

Markets and artisan stores

From Cirencester to Stroud, the excellent choice of makers' markets and artisan stores provide plenty of opportunities to find unique treasures across the region. Top market recommendations include the regular events in Stroud, Moreton-on-Marsh and Tetbury. And if you’re a fan of the royals, you’ll also find the Highgrove shop in Tetbury, a glorious array of ethical and sustainable goods from local artisans and craftspeople.

Seasonal Events You Won’t Want to Miss

From lazy summer days to the twinkly lights of Christmas, the Cotswolds is host to amazing events throughout the year.

Three people from behind overlooking a lively outdoor festival with a large tent in the background.

Summer festivals and outdoor concerts

Covering everything from music to food to motorsports, summertime is a glorious seaon to be in the Cotswords. WOMAD and 2000 Trees bring the big tunes, the Moreton-on-Marsh Show and The Cotswold Show and Food Festival bring the foodie fun, and plenty more besides. Vintage Prescott for motorsport fans, the Royal International Air Tattoo for military buffs, the list goes on.

Person wearing a coat and reindeer antlers headband holding a cup at an outdoor market decorated with star-shaped lights

Christmas markets and festive activities

The sound of carols in the air, warm mulled wine in hand and twinkly adorning the trees, Christmas in the Cotswolds is truly magical. If you love wandering a bustling Christmas market, you’ll want to head to Stroud, Cirencester or Cheltenham for festive treats. The region also shines with a delightful selection of light spectacles, enchanted trails, Santa's grottos, theatre extravaganzas, and more to celebrate the festive season.

A pile of assorted pumpkins in various shades of orange and green

Autumn fairs and springtime events

And the fun doesn’t stop in spring or autumn - there’s something to enjoy for everyone across the Cotswolds. Enjoy the likes of the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival or the Midlands Air Festival in springtime. And in between autumn walks, Broadway Food Festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cotswold Apple Festival are well worth a visit.

Enjoy Your Stay at The Wood Norton

Elegantly blending 19th-century French design with sublime comfort and enchanting views, the Wood Norton has everything you need for a luxuriously relaxing stay in the Cotswolds. From grand, oak-panelled suites to comfortable doubles, we’ve got the perfect room for you.Tucked away near Evesham, we’re conveniently located to explore the best that the Cotswolds has to offer. Enjoy exquisite dining with us at the Fleur de Lys Brasserie, an elegant, oak-panneled setting or soak up the sun with an afternoon tea and a view on the Southern Terrace. Relax in regal comfort at the Wood Norton.

Book Your Cotswolds Experience Today

Escape the everyday and book your stay at the Wood Norton.