The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offers the sort of chocolate box views that many imagine when they think of England. Its honey-coloured limestone villages and rolling farmland, dotted with curly-haired Cotswold sheep, make up the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country, with the southern section falling within the Great West Way corridor. 

The are some amazing things to do around Bath, making it the ideal starting point for a Cotswolds adventure. (Beginning of course with its own Roman-Regency attractions such as the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent). Perhaps you’d like to pick up the Cotswolds Way in the city, and explore on foot, or head off on a road trip to visit Corsham, Castle Combe - ‘the prettiest village in England’ - and beyond. 

The region is hot on history, making the past feel accessible with its many museums and guided tours. You could trace impressive Roman roads, and visit Cirencester - the town they called Corinium. You could uncover the clues found in Jurassic geology. Or you could go on a journey through the area’s unique built landscape, learning about medieval wool merchants and prehistoric people as you go. Millions of years are waiting to be rediscovered.

The Cotswolds also has a thriving arts community, and some top foodie hotspots, which both add to the joy of any visit. Plus it’s kept some of its quirkier local traditions, such as morris dancing, alive and kicking. Top tip: You’ll be able to identify these jolly dancers by the bells jingling on their legs, and the colourful handkerchiefs they’ll be waving overhead. 

Take a look below for things to do in the Cotswolds on the Great West Way or take a look at our See & Do pages. Alternatively, take a look at cotswolds.com.