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The Cotswolds is possibly one of the most enchanting areas of the United Kingdom, a little slice of unspoiled land harkening back to yesteryear. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the rich, diverse landscape has managed to remain somewhat unchanged for hundreds of years; rolling hills and lush, green valleys, crystal-clear streams and rivers, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to come by in the hustle and bustle of modern life. Spanning six counties, the land is primarily made up of limestone. Indeed, this distinctive yellow rock is the primary building material used in the area, giving it a unique 'Cotswold Stone' look that you won't find elsewhere.

The Cotswolds are home to a number of protected trees and plants, including the Beechwoods National Nature Reserve where hellebore, orchids, wild thyme the very rare fingered sedge are allowed to grow in peace. The architecture of the Cotswolds dates back to the 12th century, and everywhere you turn, you will see fine examples of buildings ranging from tiny stone cottages, to stately homes and mansions. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history of England. Blenheim Palace, a monumental stately home located in Woodstock (west Oxfordshire), is held in such high regard that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 1987.

The Cotswolds is truly a one-of-a-kind area, and once you've visited, you may be tempted to never leave!

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The Cotswolds are very easy to get to, having such a central location. The closest airport for the northern Cotswolds is Birmingham Airport (BHX), whereas the south is nearer to Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) airports. From any of these airports you can hire a car, and be at your destination in quite a short time.

When driving from London, take the M4 west for southerly locations such as Bath, or the M40 north for Oxford. When you approach from Birmingham, take the M6 south, which brings you to Stratford Upon Avon.

National Express offers a service to the Cotswolds from London and Birmingham. From Heathrow Airport, you should take the 444 coach, which also stops in London. It has drop-offs in various towns such as Cirencester and Cheltenham. From there you can get a local coach to villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Moreton-in-Marsh. From Birmingham International Airport, you can get a coach to Stratford Upon Avon. For further information, visit the National Express website.

As in most areas of England, there are a number of bus routes between the towns and villages, but they can be infrequent, depending on the size of the town/village. While you will have to check the local bus routes when you are in the area, here is a useful Web site, Escape to the Cotswolds, with list of attractions accessible using public transport.

There are two main train lines from London to the Cotswolds, the South Cotswold line, that runs to the south, and the Cotswold line, that traverses the east and north. Times and schedule can be found on the National Rail Enquiries Web site (official source for UK train times and timetables)

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The weather in the Cotswolds stays fairly mild all year round, with average winter temperatures in the high 30s °F (3 °C), and summers hovering around 80 °F (25 °C). Rainfall is most prevalent in the fall and winter, but don't get caught out - England is notorious for its sudden downpours! Many people choose to visit the Cotswolds during the spring or very early summer, as this is when everything is in full bloom. It's also a nice time of year to take long walks, before the sun is at its hottest.

Another time of year that people tend to visit is during the Christmas season. The countryside is absolutely magical when it's covered with a fine dusting of snow, and the hotels, with their huge log fires, are particularly inviting on a cold winter's night. Suffice to say, any time of year is wonderful in the Cotswolds!

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We recommend the following hotels:

The picturesque village of Broadway, near Stow-on-the Wold, is home to the Broadway Hotel (The Green, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7AA, UK ). This 3 star traditional half-timbered hotel, in one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds, is a great place to base your travels. There are 19 rooms, with rates staring at £160 for a double room (2 people) during midweek, rising to £200 (all prices here and below are 2012) for a superior double room on Saturdays, inclusive of full English breakfast and VAT. Parking is found behind the hotel, using a driveway at the left: you have to press a button to raise the barrier to the car park.

If you are basing your trip around Stratford Upon Avon, there's no better place to stay than the Legacy Falcon (Chapel Street, Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6HA, UK), just a stone's throw away from the Royal Shakespeare theater. This 16th century Legacy Falcon Hotel features original half-timbers and slanted windows, giving you a real feel of living in the past. This 4 star hotel has 83 bedrooms, starting around £95 for a double or twin room in the low season, to $140 in high season.

For the ultimate in Cotswold living, you might consider the 3 star Rectory Hotel in Malmebury (Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9EP, UK). This former rectory is family friendly, featuring 12 rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and a classic walled garden. Rates start from £105 for a double room, including a full breakfast, with extra family beds costing £15 per night. Dinner in the acclaimed restaurant costs from £30 for 3 courses. Research and book hotels in or near Cotswolds, United Kingdom

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There are so many things to do and see in the Cotswolds, from walking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, wind-surfing, visiting historical sites and gardens, or just relaxing in the idyllic countryside, enjoying the view. Here are a few suggestions:

The Homes of William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's birthplace, located on Henley Street, Stratford Upon Avon, is a must-see for anyone visiting the Cotswolds. Throughout the years, this house has been visited by such literary luminaries as Charles Dickens, Lord Byron, John Keats, Sir Walter Scott, Thomas Hardy and William Thackeray, each one leaving their signature in various areas of the home; whether on the walls, windows, or in a guest book that is available for viewing. Ticket prices (here and below prices are 2012) are £12.50 per adult, £8 per child, and £33.50 for a family. This also allows you free entry to Nash's House, and New Place where Shakespeare wrote 'The Tempest', and other later works, living there until his death in 1616. New Place no longer exists, but the accompanying gardens still flourish, and the site is now the subject of an archaeological dig. You can also gain free entry to Hall's Croft, the home of his daughter Susanna.

Anne Hathway's cottage (where William Shakespeare courted his future bride Anne Hathaway), in the village of Shottery, is open year round. This cottage is best visited in the spring and early summer months, when the garden is in its full blooming glory. It is located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Stratford, and can be reached by car, or following a well-marked footpath. Ticket prices are £7.50 per adult and £4.50 per child. Alternatively, you can purchase a family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) for £19.50. Children under the age of 5 are free.

Mary Arden's farm is the house where Shakespeare's mother grew up. It is still a working farm, and visitors can interact with the animals roaming around, and explore the grounds using a number of winding nature trails. Ticket prices are £9.50 per adult and £5.50 per child. Under 5s are free, and a family ticket is £24.50. Bear in mind that the farm is closed from October to March.

You can see all five houses; Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's cottage, Mary Arden's Farm, Hall's Croft, and Nash's House/New Place, for the reduced price of £19.50 per adult, £12 per child or £50 per family. For more details on planning your explorations of William Shakespeare's houses visit the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Web site

Holy Trinity Church, Stratford Upon Avon

Holy Trinity Church, which sits on the banks of the River Avon, is a 13th century church, and a must-see for literary and architecture fans alike. It is both the baptism and burial site of Shakespeare. The church is open to visitors from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and 12.30pm to 5pm on Sundays. While it is free to look around the church, there is a £1.50 charge to visit Shakespeare's final resting place.

The Dirty Duck, Stratford Upon Avon

A great place to stop for a meal and a hearty glass of ale is The Dirty Duck on Waterside. Dating back to the 1500s, this is a classic example of an olde English pub, and is known as 'The Actor's Pub', as it is generally teeming with actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company. If you go there after seeing a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (Royal Shakespeare Company), there's a good chance that you will be rubbing shoulders with the very people you just saw performing on stage! On a sunny day, enjoy a pint on the front terrace overlooking the River Avon.

Broadway Tower

Broadway Tower is the second highest point in the Cotswolds, at 1,024 feet (312 m). It is a classic example of an English Folly, conceptualized by famed landscape designer Capability Brown, and built in 1798 by the architect James Wyatt. The folly is rather extravagant, featuring gargoyles, battlements and turrets, and over the years has had a number of uses, including a summer retreat for various pre-Raphaelite artists and writers. In the last century, Broadway Tower was taken over by the Royal Observer Corps, as a place to track incoming enemy planes. After the Second World War, a nuclear bunker was constructed near the site to track Cold War 'attacks', and on various days during the spring and summer, you can make the descent into the bunker, guided by retired members of the Observer Corps.

This unique building is open year round from 10.30am to 5pm, and is well worth a visit - don't forget to climb to the top of the folly and admire the incredible view from the roof viewing platform! Admission costs £4.50 for adults, £2.50 for children (4-14) and £12 for a family. The park surrounding Broadway Tower is home to a herd of rare Red Deer that can be seen grazing at various points throughout the grounds. Many people choose to park in the village of Broadway and walk up the hill to reach the Folly, but bear in mind that the walk is about 1 mile (1.7 km), and is rather steep! For those who don't relish the walk, you can drive up to the Folly.

Notable Gardens

Gardeners will find delight at every turn in the Cotswolds, as there are a number of notable gardens in the area. A particularly delightful example is Hidcote Manor, close to Chipping Campden, one of the very first gardens to be designed using the concept of 'outdoor rooms', each unique area offering its own individual character. Designed by Major Lawrence Johnson, this sprawling landscape is regarded as one of the most influential gardens built in the 20th century, inspiring others to copy its unique style. Between April 30th and September 12th, it is open from 10am to 6pm, 7 days a week; opening times vary at other times of year, so it's best to check their web site. Admission costs £9.05 per adult, £4.54 per child or £22.72 for a family, and parking is free. Due to its uneven slopes and winding pathways in some parts of the garden, only about 1/3 of the area is accessible to someone in a wheelchair.

An exquisite example of a charming 'cottage' garden, is at Brook Cottage, near Banbury. Lovingly cared for, the 4 acre garden has been re-created based on a 17th century garden, and is included in the book "1001 Gardens You Must See Before You Die". Brook Cottage is open weekdays from Easter Monday to the end of October. Admission is £5 for adults, £4 for pensioners, and free for children. Bear in mind that wheelchair access is quite limited. For more information on gardens in the area visit the National Trust Web site.

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle, a 12th Century Norman fortress, was originally built to keep the Welsh at bay. With 60 foot high battlements, it has everything you would imagine in a Medieval castle: arrow slits, murder holes, sentry areas and various small towers surrounding a protected inner courtyard. Built in a concentric style, this made Berkeley Castle virtually impenetrable! Notably, it is the oldest building in England that is still inhabited by descendants of the person who originally built it. Sitting on 6,000 acres, and featuring a deer park and butterfly garden, it is a lovely day out for the entire family. It is open to the public from April 1st to November 4th, from 11am to 5.30pm. Admission is £9.50 for adults, £5 for children (5-16), or £24 for a family of four.

Blenheim Palace

One of the largest 'houses' in England, Blenheim Palace is a magnificent stately home located in the small town of Woodstock. The ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill, it sits on 2,000 acres of parkland, designed by Capability Brown. Guided tours of the palace are offered daily (except Sunday), and of particular interest is the Churchill exhibition, featuring an array of personal letters and photographs. Other tourist attractions on the vast property include a hedge maze, adventure playground, a butterfly house and cafe. These are located in what is known as the 'Pleasure Park', and are reached by using a free miniature train - the Blenheim Park Railway. The Palace is open to visitors from 11th February to 14th December, from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Admission is £20 for adults, £11 for children, and £52 for a family.

The Model Village - Bourton-on-the-Water

The Model Village in the grounds of the Old New Inn, at Bourton-on-the-Water is a delight for young and old alike. An exact 1:9 replica of the village, it features all the famous landmarks, including the Old Water Mill and the Old New Inn. Even the trees in the village are replicated, using live bonsai type trees. It also includes the River Windrush winding through the center of the village. Unfortunately, the paths may be a little narrow for wheelchair-bound people, but they can be admitted through the side gate, and entrance is free of charge as they will only be able to see part of the village. People are kindly asked to stay on the footpaths, and not damage anything. The village has a CCTV system, and anyone found damaging the property will be prosecuted. It is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, from 10am to 6pm in the summer, and 10am to 4pm in the off-season. Admission costs £3.60 for adults, and £2.80 for children (3-13). For over 60s the cost is £3.20 and under 3's are free.

The Cotswolds Water Park

South of the town of Cirencester is The Cotswolds Water Park, 140 man-made lakes covering an area of 40 square miles. It's a fantastic day out for the entire family, with such activities as canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, angling and water-skiing. For those who want to relax, there is a bathing beach at Keynes Country Park, in the center of the Water Park. Activities on the land include pony trekking, hiking, cycling and paint-balling.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park

Situated in 160 acres of fabulous parkland, the Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford, is an excellent day out for the family. The park consists of four sections, each one devoted to certain kinds of animals: primates and small mammals, birds, large mammals and farmyard, and the herpetology section. Children will love feeding the penguins and petting the farmyard animals. The park also features a railway (£1 to ride), adventure playground, restaurant, and a brass rubbing center. The park is open every day of the year (except December 25th), and admission is £13 for adults, £9 for children, and £8.50 for people over the age of 65. Children under 3 are free of charge.

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The Cotswolds are extremely popular for walking and hiking, but you need to be prepared. Always wear a good pair of walking shoes (hiking boots if you are traversing a rocky area), carry suitable rain gear, and a couple of extra layers of clothing if you plan to be out later in the day. Don't forget a guidebook and an Ordnance Survey Map. While the major public footpaths are well marked, if you find yourself getting a little off the beaten path, a map will come in incredibly handy. You can pick up an Ordnance Survey Map at most newsagents or book shops in the area.

If you decide to go on one of the long distance footpaths that take a few days to complete, plan well in advance. While you might think that it's pretty easy to find somewhere to stay when you arrive at a village or town, you may find yourself out of luck. It's always advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

Always remember to follow the Country Code. Follow the signposts, and try not to stray onto private property if possible. If you open gates or stiles, always close them behind you (these are normally designed to keep animals in, not people out!) You will find different colored arrows that will keep you on the right path. A yellow arrow indicates a public footpath, red, a byway, and blue a bridleway. Remember to pick up your litter and clean up after yourself; this area depends on visitors to help keep it in pristine condition.

The Cotswolds Green Scheme is a sustainable tourist initiative, encouraging visitors to adopt a 'greener' attitude when holidaying there. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area on foot, bicycle, or use public transport whenever possible. Another way that they recommend being environmentally friendly is by using your hotel towels for more than one day, and remembering to turn off the television and lights when you leave your room for the day.

England is renowned for a lot of things, one of which is its unpredictable weather! Always carry an umbrella or waterproof jacket, in case of a sudden downpour.

As with all areas, practice safety. Always lock your car, and leave valuables at your hotel/lodging. When driving through villages, take care and pay attention to your surroundings. It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving in the UK, and both front and rear passengers must use a seatbelt. Last but not least, remember to abide by the speed limit.

There is plenty of parking in villages and towns throughout the Cotswolds, whether on the street or in car parks. If you are looking for a parking area, simply follow the large "P" signs. Bear in mind though, that car parks fill up really quickly, so a good idea is to park on the edge of the village or town, and enjoy a leisurely stroll to the center.

As with most areas in the United Kingdom, there seems to be a friendly pub or restaurant at every turn! If you are planning on eating at one of these popular establishments - book in advance to save disappointment.

With more than 3,000 public footpaths traversing the Cotswolds, walking is one of the most popular pastimes. Whether you decide to embark on one of the Long Distance Trails (which could take more than a day) or just a leisurely walk, you won't be disappointed! Just remember to prepare your journey in advance.

Whether you are an experienced angler or would like to learn how to fish, there are a number of places in the Cotswolds that offer a peaceful place to catch trout and carp.

Web sites of Oxfordshire Cotswolds and Cotswold District Council can be useful resources in planning your visit to the Cotswolds.

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Web Sites:   Berkeley Castle Gloucestershire
  Birmingham Airport Car Hire | (mentioned 2 times on Naviquan)
  Blenheim Palace and Formal Gardens
  Broadway Cotswold England UK Tourist Guide and Information
  Broadway Tower Country Park - Cotswolds Attraction
  Brook Cottage Garden Oxfordshire
  Cotswolds Tourist Information & Travel Guide England UK
  Dirty Duck, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire
  Escape to the Cotswolds
  Heathrow Airport | (mentioned 2 times on Naviquan)
  Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon
  Legacy Hotels & Resorts | (mentioned 2 times on Naviquan)
  Life and work of Shakespeare - Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
  National Express Coaches - Coach, Rail & Bus Travel in UK | (mentioned 3 times on Naviquan)
  National Rail Enquiries - Official source for UK train times and timetables | (mentioned 3 times on Naviquan)
  National Trust | (mentioned 2 times on Naviquan)
  Official Cotswolds Website
  Official web site of the Cotswolds
  Oxfordshire Cotswolds tourist information website
  Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
  The official website of Cotswold District Council, UK
  The Old New Inn and the Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds, U.K
  The Rectory Hotel, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England

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