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
Explore England’s smallest historic county on foot, bike or bus
Rutland is a wonderful place for walking and cycling all year round and each season brings its own rich palette of colours to the rolling countryside.
Location: Rutland
Frolic in Rutland Water's magical outdoor playground
Rutland Water, one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes, is set in over 4,200 acres of stunning countryside, offering you a great getaway experience.
Location: Rutland Water, Rutland
Shop for antiques in a charming market town
Thanks to pretty market towns like Oakham and Uppingham, England’s smallest historic county is spoilt with independent boutiques and antique shops.
Location: Rutland
Spy on endangered wildfowl at Rutland Water Nature Reserve
Visit Rutland Water's famous wildfowl sanctuary, covering a 1,000 acres of bird hides, mucky nature trails and interactive visitor centres.
Location: Rutland Water, Rutland