Cotswolds

Attractions and sites of interest on or close to the routes

• Bath
  Bath had its origins 2000 years ago as Aquae Sulis, a Roman settlement. The Romans were attracted to the location by Britain’s only natural hot springs, around which they built the famous Roman Baths. However, it is for its abundance of exquisite Georgian architecture that the city is best known and admired. The Royal Crescent, the Circus, the Pump Room and Pulteney Bridge are some of the world’s finest architectural treasures, and the entire city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is compact, and is best explored on foot. A full day (at least) is recommended!
  
  
• Batsford Arboretum
  The arboretum has a large variety of trees and shrubs – and magnificent views over the Evenlode Vale. The Cotswold Falconry Centre, where birds of prey are flown daily is also here.
  
  
• Bibury
  Described as the most beautiful village in England by William Morris.
  
  
• Bourton-on-the-Water
  Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds” with the River Windrush running right through the centre. The low stone bridges that ford the river are especially attractive features.
  
  
  • Model Village
    A one ninth scale model built in Cotswold stone, of the village as it was in 1937.
    
    
  • Cotswold Motor Museum and Toy Collection
    Cars, motorbikes, pedal-powered vehicles, caravans and a childhood toy collection.
    
    
  • Bourton Model Railway
    A particularly fine indoor model railway layout.
    
    
• Burford
  A steep main street runs down to the medieval bridge over the river Windrush. Relics of the town’s great days as a major wool market include the 16th century Tolsey, now a museum.
  
  
  
• Castle Combe
  Another claimant to the title of 'prettiest village in England'. A 13th century market cross and a stream running through the village. The village was the setting for the film version of Doctor Dolittle”.
  
  
• Chavenage House
  Historic Elizabethan manor house, built in 1576. Tapestry rooms, furniture and relics of the Cromwellian period.
  
  
• Cirencester
  'Capital of the Cotswolds' and a lively market town. It was one of the regional capitals of Roman Britain.
  
  
  • Coronium Museum
    One of the finest collections of antiquities from Roman Britain, including full-scale reconstructions.
    
    
• Cotswold Water Park
  With 132 lakes, this is Britain’s largest Water Park. Besides watersports, the park has numerous nature trails and offers good birdwatching vantage points.
  
  
• Hidcote Manor Garden
  Beautiful series of gardens, owned by the National Trust.
  
  
• Moreton-on-the-Marsh
  Site of the largest open-air street market in the Cotswolds (every Tuesday). The town has some fine buildings, including the rare Curfew Tower. The High Street is lined with shops and houses dating back to the 18th Century.
  
  
• Malmesbury
  Market town built on a hill. The town was originally a Saxon settlement and has a distinguished history, claiming to be the oldest borough in England. Medieval defences and street plan, with a large open market place and a 15th century market cross.
  
  
  • Malmesbury Abbey
    The magnificent remains of the abbey include one of the finest Romanesque stone carvings in Britain, depicting the apostles.
    
    
  • Abbey Gardens
    Adjacent to the abbey, the gardens have Britain’s largest private collection of roses, with 2000 different varieties.
    
    
• Northleach
  The magnificent church is a fine example of 15th century Cotswold Perpendicular, with some of the best wool merchants’ brasses in the country.
  
  
  • Cotswold Heritage Centre
    This museum of country life occupies the old Northleach Prison, with a cell block and a 19th century courtroom. The museum depicts the history of farming from prehistoric to Victorian times.
    
    
  • World of Mechanical Music
    All kinds of music boxes, organs, pianos, gramophones, self-playing instruments and clocks.
    
    
• Owlpen Manor
  A romantic Tudor manor in formal terraced yew gardens. Included in the exquisite furnishings are unique 17th century wall hangings. Tithe barn.
  
  
• Rollright Stones
  These prehistoric standing stones are believed to have been put into place more around 4000 years ago. There are two circles – one named The King’s Men and the other The Whispering Knights.
  
  
• Stow on the Wold
  This beautiful hilltop town is famous as a centre for antiques. The large impressive market square once hosted the largest sheep fairs in the Cotswolds, and boasts a medieval Market Cross as a reminder of those times.
  
  
• Tetbury
  The impressive market house in the centre of Tetbury is an immediate reminder of the town’s history, which can be traced back to the 7th century
  
  
  • Tetbury Police Museum
    Housed in the original cells of the old police station, the museum contains many artefacts from the Gloucestershire Constabulary.
    
    
• Westonbirt
  The National Arboretum, home to the finest collection of trees and shrubs in Europe spread throughout 600 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside.

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