10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in the Cotswolds
Interesting Places in Cotswolds Only Locals Know
Cotswold’s undiluted culture, rolling hills, gorgeous traditional English stately Manors and a plethora of antique shops draw visitors from across the globe to this picturesque town in central-southwest England. Cotswold offers a perfect blend of culture and nature, giving local and international tourists some beauty to stare at and a fantastic backdrop for their pictures.
Most people enjoy exploring Cotswold’s villages and art, but there are other breathtaking gems located off the beaten path in this historic town. Here are ten fun things to do in the Cotswolds.
1. Rollright Stones
A henge you can climb on
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
Located at the Oxfordshire & Warwickshire border in England is the ancient sight of Rollright stones. The complex consists of three main elements, The King’s Men stone circle, King Stone and the Whispering Knights. Culturally, you cannot count the stones in the King’s Men circle, but if you count thrice and get the same answer, you are allowed to make a wish.
This is the perfect place for stargazers to unwind on a cloudless evening. It is also rich in wildlife and plants, making it worth a visit. Rollright stones is open daily and only charges £1 for adults and 50p for children aged 7-16, which you can pay online or at the gate.
Ubicación: Rollright Road, Little Rollright, Chipping Norton OX7 5QB, United Kingdom
Horario: 24/7
Teléfono: +44 370 333 1181
Rollright Stones
2. Painswick Rococo Garden
Experience the charm of the Cotswolds
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
The Painswick Rococo Garden, built in the 1700s as a pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick house, is now an ideal place to see carpets of snowdrops during early spring or enjoy the sun on your skin during summer. It has fun family trails, art exhibitions and an outdoor theater. The events hosted at Painswick Rococo Garden include Autumn Equinox yoga and wood carving workshops. You can have a drink with family and friends as your kids stroll through the gorgeous garden to the enchanted woodland. The opening days and times vary from time to time, so it is essential to check in with them before visiting.
Ubicación: Gloucester Rd, Painswick, Stroud GL6 6TH, United Kingdom
Horario: Monday & Tuesday - closed
Wednesday to Sunday - 10am-5pm
Teléfono: +44 1452 813204
Painswick Rococo Garden
3. Berkeley Castle
The fortress that is now a welcoming family home
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
The Berkeley castle was built by the Berkeley family in 1153 and has hosted over 27 generations. Touring this castle will let you travel through time and experience a taste of history. You will get an insight into the Berkley family members who were involved in many significant events in England’s history, marvel at the love story of Mary Cole and the 5th Earl of Berkeley and discover the Shakesperean play written for a Berkeley family wedding.
The refined upholstery, silver lamps, drawing rooms, paintings, a dungeon and the cell where Edward II is said to have been murdered, will give you a feel of the 16th century.
Ubicación: Berkeley GL13 9PJ, United Kingdom
Horario: Thursday to Saturday - closed
Sunday tot Wednesday - 11am-5pm
Teléfono: +44 1453 810303
Berkeley Castle
4. Mary Arden’s Farm
Experience life, the Elizabethan way
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
Mary Arden’s farm offers an authentic farm experience. This is the farm where Mary Arden, William Shakespeare’s mother, lived. You can stroke and nuzzle the different breeds of animals, help with garden tasks like animal tending and harvesting and learn a skill or two about basket weaving.
This farm houses some rare animal breeds and grows different types of crops. You can enjoy a picnic on the lawn outside the house when it’s sunny or sit in a cafe inside Mary Arden’s house during the cold days of winter.
Ubicación: Station Rd, Wilmcote, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9UN, United Kingdom
Teléfono: +44 1789 338535
Mary Arden’s Farm
5. Cotswolds Falconry Center
Enjoy an Owl Evening or an Eagle Day
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
Just a 2 minute-walk from Batsford Arboretum is the Cotswold Falconry Center. Here, you’ll discover a dazzling collection of over 60 species of birds of prey. A day visit lets you watch the birds flying freely around or view some stunning species in their habitats. Watching the eagles, hawks, kites, owls, vultures and falcons fly freely can help you appreciate nature and marvel at the birds’ speed and agility.
Cotswold falconry center is a great place to visit with family and is mostly open at 10:30 am, but you can call reception to confirm the exact time.
Ubicación: Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT, United Kingdom
Horario: Daily from 10:30am-3pm
Teléfono: +44 1386 701043
Cotswolds Falconry Center
6. Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote
A peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
Minister Lovell Hall is a picturesque ruin in Minister Lovell, a lovely village on the river Windrush. It was built in the early 15th century by William, Baron of Lovell and Holand, some wealthy men in England. It changed hands several times and was finally abandoned and demolished, leaving the ruins that stand to date.
The place gives a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is a fun place to spend an evening with friends and family. You can talk, study the hall’s architecture, walk beside the lovely River Windrush and take photos beside the ruins. The place is open 24 hours, and there is plenty of parking.
Ubicación: Minster Riding, Witney OX29 0RR, United Kingdom
Horario: 24/7
Teléfono: +44 370 333 1181
Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote
7. Cirencester Roman Amphitheater
Where imagination comes alive
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
The Cirencester Roman Amphitheater is an earthwork remnant of one of the largest Roman-era amphitheaters in the country. It is an ancient monument that offers a window to travel into the past and get a feel of ancient culture and style. The outlines of the construction are still visible, though the amphitheater was demolished years ago.
It is a fantastic place to take with family or walk your dog as you enjoy the scenery, the peace and the rabbits. You can also go for a picnic with friends and play games over some beverages and snacks. The place lets you explore your imagination and visualize entertainment in the ancient centuries.
Ubicación: 1xw, 30 Cotswold Ave, Cirencester GL7 1XW, United Kingdom
Horario: 24/7
Teléfono: +44 1285 655646
Cirencester Roman Amphitheater
8. Coaley Peak
The picture-perfect spot
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
Picnic lovers will fall in love with this place. It has breathtaking views of the Severn Valley and the Forest of Dean. Coaley peak is perfect for sundowner moments and chilled evenings. Wildflowers such as sainfoin, orchids, yellow-rattle, clovers, buttercups, red campion, black medick and rough hawkbit grow on this spot, making it more aesthetically pleasing.
This beautiful hilltop is ideal for family picnics, bird watching, sightseeing and relaxing. Do not forget to carry your mat for a yoga session and your food and beverages. The place is open 24 hours and has access to parking spaces.
Ubicación: 21 Rock Road, Dursley GL11 5AU, United Kingdom
Horario: 24/7
Coaley Peak
9. St Edward’s Church, Stow-on-the-Wold
A hidden gem where history meets culture
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
If you are a history buff, this is the spot for you. This stunning historic building is open year-round, and it allows visitors to have a feel of striking interiors.
St. Edward’s Church features architecture and landmarks that date back to the 13th century. Even more interesting is the magical yew tree doorway that looks like a portal ready to transportation you to another realm. This place provides tourists with a beautiful backdrop for their photos, and the giant yew trees are a beauty to behold. The yew trees are believed to have stood there throughout the town’s most historical moments, making them monumental. This family-friendly place will get you intrigued.
Ubicación: 2 Crossways House the Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AB, United Kingdom
Teléfono: +44 1451 830607
St Edward's Church, Stow-on-the-Wold
10. William Tyndale Monument
There is everything to love about this monument on a hill
Categoría: Familias, Opciones económicas
Standing at the Cotswold escarpment is a striking 111-foot tower built in honor of William Tyndale, who was famous for translating the Bible into English.
The steep climb up the hill to get to the monument is tiring but is rewarded by the breathtaking views of the Berkeley Vale, the River Severn and the Black Mountains. You can climb up a spiral staircase of 121 steps to the top of the tower to experience the magic that lies at the top. Don’t forget to carry your camera to capture the view of this beautiful monument.
Ubicación: Nibley Knoll, Dursley, United Kingdom
Horario: 24/7
William Tyndale Monument
Este artículo incluye opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Hoteles.com compensa a los autores de los textos que aparecen en este sitio. Esta compensación podría incluir viajes y otros costos.