You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you make your way through incredibly beautiful sleepy villages of the Cotswolds. It’s easy to get there too. Just fly to London, then take the train to Oxford to begin your journey. Here is a list of a few places you can’t miss when exploring these English hidden gems.
Oxford
The City of Oxford makes for a great starting point for your journey through the Cotswolds, or even a base from which you can make several day trips to other towns and villages of region. The famed university town has tons to offer for tourists. The Oxford University campus is a pleasant place for a stroll, especially for Harry Potter fans as it served as a shooting location for the movie series. There are plenty of museums dedicated to a variety of topics - history, anthropology, musical instruments, art - many of which are free, or cost just a few pounds for admission. And when your tired feet need a rest at the end of the day, you can find a quiet spot at the oldest botanic garden in the world.
Bourton on the Water
If there is one place that epitomizes the cuteness that is the Cotswolds, it’s Bourton on the Water. Low stone bridges straddle the river Windrush, trees and lawns neatly line the water’s edge, and the town’s many cafes, shops and attractions are housed in lovely honey-coloured stone buildings. Buy some perfume, or learn how to make your own at The Cotswolds Perfumery, then head over to the Cotswolds Motoring Museum and Toy Collection to admire vintage and classic cars, motorcycles and more.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Ready to do some shopping? Head over to Stow-on-the-Wold. The town became famous during the height of the wool industry for hosting huge annual fairs where thousands of sheep would be sold. Stow-on-the-Wold’s market square is a central fixture of the town. You may not see any sheep for sale anymore, but there are many antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, gift, and craft stores.
Broadway
Known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” Broadway is the perfect combination of beautiful town architecture set in an idyllic countryside landscape. The town’s main thoroughfare, High Street, is lined with red chestnut trees and a varied mix of picturesque buildings in the Tudor, Stuart and Georgian styles. The town has a sophisticated art presence as it served as a home to prominent artists from the present and past.
Stratford Upon Avon
As you leave the region, do so through Stratford Upon Avon. The town is known most famously as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can visit Shakespeare’s childhood home as well as several other buildings connected to him. Finish the day with a paddle down the river Avon accompanied by the graceful swans.