For many the Cotswolds epitomise their vision of quintessential England. The glorious hotchpotch of honey coloured stone buildings, ancient rooftops and wonky gables all provide a wonderful backdrop for the many pretty cottages, charming pubs, traditional tearooms and unique art dealers that can be found in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Popular with both the English and foreign travellers alike the Cotswolds are famous for their gentle rolling hills and historic towns and delightful villages. Many come to the Cotswolds envisaging country walks, cycling along the highways and byways, exploring the wonderfully unique boutiques each charming town and village have to offer and relaxing with a fabulous cream tea or sitting in front of an open fire at the end of the day.
Although the pretty cottages, well kept gardens, charming pubs, local shops, quiet churches and village greens may give the impression of laid back England, do not underestimate what the Cotswolds has to offer. Visitors are pulled back to the Cotswolds time and time again because all interests, ages and abilities are catered for.
Families coming away together can enjoy time together exploring all the attractions on offer. Perhaps a play at the famous Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford Upon Avon, a visit to the Cotswold Rare Breed Farm Park, or for the more energetic the Cotswold Water Park has everything from canoeing to windsurfing and wakeboarding all set in a wonderful nature reserve.
Whereas many a UK holiday can and do provide a wide range of activities, their main focus is on introducing people to different activities and as such their offerings are at a basic level. The Cotswolds on the other hand, is an ideal place for people of all differing ages, abilities and interests to get together and enjoy the activities on offer.
There are always people on hand to introduce you to a new hobby, as well as handing over the reigns to the more experienced. Whether you re looking for a leisurely trot through the beautiful Cotswold villages on horseback, or looking to blow the cobwebs away during your own hack, you ll never be too far away from someone who can assist.
The Cotswolds have a charm all year round. Spring brings bursts of colour when the plants begin to grow. The vast display of snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden and feeding the lambs at the Cotswold Farm Park are popular attractions. The many unique gardens and country houses are a great way to enjoy the lighter summer evenings, whereas Westonbirt Arboretum comes alive with its vast array of stunning leaf displays in autumn. The variety of Christmas markets gives a festive backdrop to indulge in the lovely heart warming food in front of an open fire without feeling too guilty on those crisp winter days!
Of course there are specific times of the year that the Cotswolds are more popular. Make sure you check out what seasonal events are on before you visit. The Cheltenham Gold Cup Racing Festival in March, The Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford in July and Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill on Spring Bank Holiday even attract celebrities such as Paddy McGuiness and Rory McGrath!
What is more, if you are looking for a place for a family get together or meeting up with old friends the Cotswolds is centrally located and can be reached in less than 2 hours from London. Often finding the time to meet up with old friends in today s hectic world is trouble enough, without spending half of your holiday travelling.
With all the activities and events on offer, coupled with its central location, it is even more pleasing to hear that on top of all this, compared to other UK holidays it is price competitive. Particularly large groups coming together can find excellent value for money!
Covering over 790 square miles, you will never be short of anything to do in the Cotswolds. There is adventure for everyone, the trick is to fit it all in!
Author Resource:-
Anna Phillips represents Jigsaw Holidays, specialists in supplying http://www.jigsawholidays.co.uk Cotswold Cottages and character properties as part of your Cotswold Holiday.
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