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 the 1,000-year history of Oxford Castle and Prison
Step back in time with costumed guided tours and see fascinating stories come to life.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Join in the adventures of Nottingham’s legendary son, Robin Hood
Discover the tales of Nottinghamshire’s most legendary son and the world's favourite folk hero, Robin Hood.
Location: Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire
Go ghost hunting with Cambridge Ghost Tours
Seek out ghosts and ghouls on a guided tour in the ancient city of Cambridge.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Discover Dorset’s Myths and Legends
Tour the many landmarks, dotted along Dorset’s beautiful coast and countryside, and uncover their fascinating tales.
Location: Dorset
Titanic & Liverpool: the untold story
Titanic & Liverpool: the untold story tells Titanic’s story from unique Liverpool perspectives, including Captain Smith and the 120 crew with Merseyside links.
Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
Join a ghost tour of England’s spookiest fortress
Join a spooky twilight tour at Eastbourne’s Redoubt Fortress this October for a fun and frightful tour around the creepy cobwebbed corridors.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Meet the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington
Take a trip to discover this incredible figure situated on the South Downs, near Eastbourne.
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex
Visit the Wizard Merlin's sleeping place in Alderley Edge
Spend the day exploring the magical area in Cheshire’s Alderley Edge where Merlin and King Arthur are reputedly sleeping in enchanted repose.
Location: Alderley Edge, Cheshire
Discover the village that fell into the sea
One dark night in 1664, while local people were attending a wake, the whole village of Runswick slipped into the sea…
Location: Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire
Go ghost hunting in Newcastle Castle
Uncover the horrifying history and hauntings of the castle from which Newcastle gets its name.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear
Join Bill Spectre on his award winning Ghost Trail
Dressed as a Victorian undertaker, Bill will lead you through the streets of this pretty city lifting the lid on this great seat of learning.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Chase the Lincoln Imp at Lincoln Cathedral
Hear the story of the mischievous Imp that has been a symbol of Lincoln for centuries.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Be spooked on a Lincoln Ghost Tour this Halloween
Hear the spooky tales of Lincoln’s past by foot or by open-top bus.
Location: Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Follow the last journey of the ‘Pendle Witches’
The Trail of the Pendle Witches tells a tale of witchcraft and suspicion woven through the moors, valleys, villages and castles of Lancashire county.
Location: Forest of Bowland AONB, Lancashire
Discover Bristol’s myths and legends
Delve into ancient folklore and uncover Bristol’s iconic landmarks on a family city break
Location: Bristol
5 gruesome murders in historical English homes
Some of England's historic houses and castles have played witness to some unsavoury tales of murder, deception and revenge.