Museums that transport you back to the Domesday Book, yellow-stone Cotswold villages straight from a chocolate box and manors perched on rolling, emerald hills. If you like the great outdoors, you'll love The Cotswolds, a region that spans central England and the south west. If you’re looking for things to do in the Cotswolds – well, there’s plenty. Potter around Broadway or Bilbury, spot buzzards sweeping across the hilltops, raid farmers markets for local culinary delights like single Gloucester cheese or treat the kids to a day out at Cotswold farm park. After trekking escarpments, you can even swap hiking boots for top hat and tails at race days in elegant regency Cheltenham. Top that off with a stay at a choice of cosy Cotswolds cottages and hotels, and you’ve got a staycation to remember.
Places to visit in The Cotswolds
Land Rover driving and falconry fun at Peckforton Castle
Always wanted to test drive the latest Land Rover? Spend the day at Peckforton Castle and get ready for the drive of your life.
Location: Tarporley, Cheshire
Explore the tranquil gardens at Tatton Park
Spread across the grounds of a historic estate in Cheshire, Tatton Park have been carefully expanded and cultivated since Edwardian times.
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
Enjoy a picnic, zoo & make pottery at Walton Hall & Gardens
Spend the day enjoying the gardens, testing your golf skills and entertaining the kids at Walton Hall and Gardens.
Location: Warrington, Cheshire
Discover King Richard II's hidden fortune at Beeston Castle
A magical site with stunning views, long walks through rich woodland and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.
Location: Beeston, Cheshire
Step into the Industrial Revolution at Quarry Bank
This fascinating industrial heritage site transports visitors back to 18th century Northern England and the life of a thriving cotton mill community.
Location: Styal, Cheshire
Uncover Cliveden's unique past
Discover a country house in Berkshire with a chequered past.
Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire
Explore captivating Alnwick Castle
Walk through history and admire world-class art at this fascinating castle, then stroll through spectacular floral displays at The Alnwick Garden.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
Sample over 800 years of Surrey’s history
Come and discover Surrey’s history, including the open meadows of from the internationally-know Runnymede and Hampton Court Palace.
Location: London, Greater London
Uncover a political scandal at Cliveden House
Pay a visit to the stately home in Buckinghamshire where John Profumo met Christine Keeler.
Location: Taplow, Buckinghamshire
An Italianate country house in the Chilterns
West Wycombe Park is 45 acres of landscaped park in the Chilterns countryside and home to the Dashwood family for over 300 years.
Location: West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Visit the luxurious home of Louis XVIII
Discover this grand stately home in the heart of England with Rococo ceilings, a relaxing spa, set in 90 acres of landscaped parkland.
Location: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Picture Mr Darcy coming out of the lake
The magnificent house, gardens and deer park at Lyme Park was the filming location for the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice.
Location: Lyme Handley, Cheshire
Experience 19th Century living at Waddesdon Manor
Built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, this impressive 19th century estate combines one man’s grand vision of architecture, art and gardens.
Location: Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
Visit Derby's three National Trust treasures
Derby has a trio of National Trust treasures all within a 10 mile radius, so use the city as your base to explore Calke, Sudbury and Kedleston.
Location: Derby, Derbyshire
Visit England's oldest Smock Windmill at Lacey Green
Restored to working order by The Chiltern Society, Lacey Green Windmill is England's oldest smock mill with wooden machinery dating from around 1650.
Location: Lacey Green, Buckinghamshire
Romance at Peckforton Castle and Combermere Abbey
Combermere Abbey and Peckforton Castle make for a romantic trip you’ll never forget.
Location: Nantwich, Cheshire
Discover the walled gardens at medieval Raby Castle
Visit one of England’s finest medieval castles, and explore the medieval walled gardens and 200 acre deer park.
Location: Durham Dales, Durham
Fall in love with your loved one again…but don’t lose your head
Sneak away to Hever Castle, where one of history’s greatest love affairs blossomed when Henry VIII courted the young Anne Boleyn.
Location: Hever, Kent
Coast to countryside views from Arundel Castle
Explore Arundel’s rich history and heritage with re-enactments and family fun-days at Arundel Castle.
Location: Arundel, West Sussex
Spend the night in Peverell's Tower
Pack your suitcase for a hair-raising and luxurious stay in Dover Castle’s former prison tower.
Location: Dover, Kent
Discover something for all ages to enjoy at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle in Kent – once described by Lord Conway as ‘the loveliest castle in the world’ – is the perfect place for families to escape to.
Location: Lenham, Kent