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
Rainy Day Activities: Discover military history at The Royal Armouries
Britain’s national museum of arms and armour is home to a fascinating and unique collection, including the only existing suit of armour built for an elephant.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Splash your cash in Victoria Leeds
A haven for designer brands, Victoria Leeds is the destination for luxury shopping.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Embrace the pop-up dining trend at Trinity Kitchen
Take your pick from a mix of vibrant restaurants and street food vans all under one roof.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Explore the magnificent ruins of Kirkstall Abbey
This atmospheric 12th-century abbey is one of the most complete Cistercian monasteries in Britain, surrounded by tranquil tree-filled parkland.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire
Unleash your inner explorer at Tropical World
Set off on a journey through the jungle, the desert and below the surface of the water to discover all of the creatures who call them home.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Taste the decadent afternoon tea at Oulton Hall
There’s nothing so quintessentially English as settling down in the drawing room for sandwiches, scones and a pot of Yorkshire tea.
Location: Oulton, Yorkshire
Meet feathered friends at Lotherton Hall Estate
Get up close and personal with rare birds, tropical mammals and wild-roaming deer at Lotherton Hall in Aberford, near Leeds.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire
Get Active in Chevin Forest Park
Get outdoors and blow those cobwebs away in some beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Location: Leeds, Yorkshire
Food, fashion and fantastic ales in Leeds
Explore Leeds city centre stopping off along the way to sample the finest local and independent breweries offerings.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Eat like a local at Kirkgate Market
This traditional covered market is one of the biggest in Europe with fresh food stalls that will get your taste buds tingling.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Shop in style in the beautiful Victoria Quarter
Marvel at this collection of beautifully restored Victorian shopping arcades in Leeds and browse the luxury shops within them.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Mosh to the biggest acts at Reading and Leeds Festivals
Head to Richfield Avenue in Leeds or Little John’s Farm in Reading for three days of unbeatable live music.
Location: Reading and Leeds