Blenheim Cottage is the ideal base to explore some of the best places for all ages to visit in the North Cotswolds.

 

  1. Hidcote Manor Gardens National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

(20–30-minute walk from the cottage)

The National Trust’s Hidcote Gardens is an Arts & Crafts masterpiece. Laid out by the revered American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston, whose grave you can find in the church opposite Blenheim,  offers  intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ offer endless inspiration for the keen gardener.

 

  1. Kiftsgate Court Gardens, kiftsgate.co.uk

A 5 minute walk from Hidcote Gardens,  Kifsgate Gardens are famed for its grounds that were the creation of three generations of female gardeners. Author and feminist Germaine Greer rates Kiftsgate as her favourite garden.  Lovely tea rooms and a sculpture exhibition in August are well worth a visit.

A mile further on, a walk around the Foxcote estate is well worth a visit, as  are the villages of Ilminton and Ebrington with award winning pubs to quench your thirst.

 

  1. Chastleton House National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk/Chastleton

Built between 1607 and 1612, and owned by the same same family until 1991, this Jacobean country house is a veritable time capsule of the past four centuries. This sprawling and impressive property has purposefully been left unrestored to afford visitors a genuine opportunity to step back in time.

The house is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

 

  1. Snowshill Manor National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill

From tiny toys to Samurai armour, musical instruments to fine clocks, thousands of objects are housed in this fine Cotswold manor house – that plays host to the eclectic collection of English architect, craftsman and poet Charles Wade. The surrounding village of Snowshill provided the backdrop for the homecoming scenes of Bridget Jones’s Diary and was glazed in fake snow for the filming.

 

  1. Croome Park National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk/croome

Croome Court is a mid 18th century Neo-Palladian mansions surrounded by extensive landscaped parkland, also home to RAF Defford with its interesting museum.

 

  1. Coughton Court National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk/coughton-court

An imposing Tudor house set in beautiful gardens with a collection of catholic treasures

 

  1. Charlecote Park National Trust nationaltrust.org.uk/charlecote-park

Charlecote Park is a grand 16th century country house surrounded by its own deer park on the banks of the River Avon born in Charlecote near Wellesbourne, 4 miles east of Stratford-upon-Avon.

 

  1. Broadway Tower broadwaytower.co.uk

Marked out as the highest castle of the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower was conceived and built by leading 18th century landscaper Capability Brown and renowned architect James Wyatt. The unique vantage point of the Saxon style tower was used by The Royal Observer Corps for tracking enemy planes during both world wars and was later chosen as the location for a Cold War nuclear bunker.  Broadway Tower has a lovely gift shop and restaurant

 

  1. Cotswold Lavender cotswoldlavender.co.uk

Located just outside the village of Snowshill, this is a must see for summer visitors. Walk through the stunning fields of lavender, this third-generation family produce a wide range of lavender gifts and toiletries in the gift shop, also offering a nice café. Open from mid-June until early August.

 

  1. Batsford Arboretum batsarb.co.uk

This 55-acre arboretum is home to the country’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs. The gardens of Batsford were originally set out in the Chinese and Japanese wild style by Algernon Freeman-Mitford, grandfather of the Mitford sisters who all later lived at the house during World War I. If you are lucky enough to be visiting during October, the Autumn colours are incredible. There is a wonderful café here with a lovely outdoor terrace, a favourite of ours on a sunny day.

 

  1. Cotswold archery cotswoldarchery.co.uk

Cotswold archery have a dedicated archery range at Batsford and run a pre-booked archery experiences for all abilities from aged eight upwards. To book a session please contact Cotswold archery directly.

 

  1. Clay Pigeon Shooting

 

  1. Cotswolds Distillery cotswoldsdistillery.com

Nestled in the Warwickshire countryside, the Cotswolds Distillery is the first and only full-scale distillery within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Using the best local ingredients, they craft world-class spirits and liqueurs including the award-winning Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky and Cotswolds Dry Gin. Be sure to book a tasting tour, and the gift shop will offer the opportunity to take some home.

 

  1. Hook Norton Brewery hooky.co.uk 

Do not miss a visit to this Victorian brewery, sitting in its beautiful mellow Cotswold hills landscape Hook Norton is a proudly independent and passionate family business that takes the very best of its hand crafted brewing heritage and combines it with a modern approach to create a range of real ales.  Also, a gift shop, café and visitor centre offering guided tours with tastings.

 

  1. Little oak vineyard littleoakvineyard.com

A beautiful family run English vineyard located just outside Chipping Campden. Give your tastebuds a treat with a vineyard tour and tasting at the award-winning Little Oak Vineyard, where you can sample their high-quality white wine, award-winning sparkling wine and superb brandy. Follow your experience with a traditional Cotswold Ploughman’s lunch of local hams, cheeses chutneys crusty bread and salad with your favourite wine from your tasting. Tours run daily whatever the weather.

 

  1. Barn Antiques barnantique.co.uk

Five minutes away, this is a great place for a mooch offering a wide range of antiques, furniture and collectables. Blenheim cottage showcases a number of purchases from here! The on-site café, The Espresso Barn, is a favourite of ours. Closed Mondays. Just a couple of minutes from here, you can join the Greenway public footpath and cycleway, and walk or cycle into Stratford upon Avon.

 

  1. Hatton Country World hattonworld.com

Set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, Hatton Country World is two individual attractions in one. Hatton Shopping Village houses masses of individual retailers in old farm buildings selling ‘The Unusual, The Unique and Definitely ‘Not on the High Street’! Hatton Adventure World is a family extravaganza of Farm Animals, Exotic Creatures, Shows, Seasonal Events and masses of outdoor and indoor Adventure Play. Over 450 creatures, 60 different breeds and species set in 100 acres of countryside. Come rain or shine they have a daily entertainment programme of activities whatever the weather or season, including a new indoor swimming pool.

 

  1. All Things Wild allthingswild.co.uk

Located in Honeybourne, go wild at all things wild-a fantastic year round family attraction comprising of and animals,dinosaurs, soft play and much more to discover with plenty of activities both indoor and outdoor to keep all ages entertained whatever the weather.

 

  1. Bibury trout farm biburytroutfarm.co.uk 

Founded in 1902, Bibury trout farm is one of England’s oldest working trout farm set in the historic village of Bibury in the heart of the Cotswolds. The farm is open daily and the catch your own fishery is open Wednesday to Sunday and every day during half terms and school holidays. There are a number of brick barbecues, gazebos and picnic benches available for you to hire and cook your freshly caught trout on. There is also a café and gift shop.

 

  1. Warwick Castle warwick-castle.com

Having proudly stood for over 11 centuries, the imposing Warwick Castle is these days a family favourite following a recent £6 million restoration. Actors bring to life the medieval castle’s gruesome past, while other attractions include the world’s largest working siege machine and 65 acres of rolling landscaped gardens. Book in advance for the cheapest tickets and arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during weekends and school holidays.

 

  1. Kenilworth Castle english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworthcastle

From mediaeval fortress to Elizabethan Palace, Kenilworth Castle has been at the centre of England’s affairs for much of its 900 year history. Today, you can marvel at the mighty Norman keep and imagine the majesty of the Great Hall playing host to mediaeval Monarch’s. Walk in the footsteps of the great Tudor queen as you explore the immaculate garden and picture the opulence and splendour of Elizabethan Kenilworth.

 

  1. Compton Verney comptonverney.org.uk

Discover the unique delights of Compton Verney, where there is something for everyone to enjoy. 120 acres of stunning Parkland and lakes around an award-winning winning art gallery, café and gift shop. Escape the every day to wander through a historic ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, marvel at our world-class art exhibitions or have fun in our outdoor adventure playground – all ages welcome, 9 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.

 

  1. National sea life centre Birmingham visitsealife.com 

The National sea life centre is an aquarium with over 60 displays of freshwater and marine life in Birmingham. Its ocean tank has a capacity of 1,000,000 litres of water and houses giant green sea turtles, Blacktip reef sharks and tropical reef fish with the only fully transparent 360° underwater tunnel in the United Kingdom.

 

  1. Gloucestershire Warwickshire steam railway gwsr.com 

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire offering a round trip of 28 miles. It uses part of the route of the former great Western Railways main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham which used to run via Stratford upon Avon. It now operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham racecourse and Broadway through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds.  The line commands wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages with outstanding outlooks across to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

 

  1. The Yard Pottery Painting theyardpotterypainting.co.uk  

The Yard Pottery Painting Co. provides a family friendly space where all ages and levels are welcome. Pick from over 100 different pottery pieces and paint away a few hours using a wide variety of coloured glazes. You can print hand or footprints with any of our non-toxic paint and have your pottery piece personalised professionally by the in-house artist with names and messages.

 

  1. Daylesford Organic daylesford.com

Jeremy Clarkson’s favourite farm shop (until he opened his own!). Having pioneered organic farming for over three decades, Daylesford remains one of the most sustainable farms in the UK. Enjoy their fabulous shops, restaurant and the 2,350-acre holding is revered for its excellent cookery school that hosts numerous courses, pre booking is advisable.

 

  1. Cotswold Wildlife Park cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Only in the Cotswolds can you gaze at rhinos grazing on the lawns of a gothic manor house from the vantage point of a narrow-gauge railway carriage. The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens exhibits over 260 different species of animals and is the largest privately owned zoological collection in the UK. The Park comes complete with a sky-maze that features interconnecting treehouses with jungle bridges and slides.

 

  1. Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Countryfile presenter Adam Henson was raised on the farm he now runs as a popular family-friendly farm park. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can come face to snout with over 50 varieties of farm animals, including Gloucestershire old spot pigs and Highland cattle. The park also plays host to an adventure playground, a maze and a tractor school, while the touch barn and demonstration barn can be enjoyed all year round.

 

  1. Go Ape at Coombe Abbey, Coventry goape.co.uk

The 500 acres of Coombe Country Park set a beautiful backdrop to your adventure with stunning gardens, woodland, lake and a 12th Century abbey, now a 4* hotel. Explore the forest canopy via a treetop challenge, Treetop adventure plus and treetop adventure, Tarzan swing and 200m dual zip wires available for thrill seeking adults and fun seeking children.

 

  1. Ten Pin Bowling tenpin.co.uk

Locate at Leamington Spa or Worcester.

 

  1. Malvern Hills visitthemalverns.org

The Malvern are a uniquely beautiful place offering more than just landscape, with beautiful towns and thriving villages to explore.

 

  1. Jill Carenza Equestrian cotswoldriding.co.uk

In the beautiful village of Stanton just a few miles outside Broadway this riding school offers lessons and splendid hacks for all levels of rider with over 50 well-schooled horses, also ponies for children.

 

Local Cotswolds Villages

  1. Chipping Campden (and National Trust Dover’s Hill)

With the Cotswolds cited as one of England’s most picturesque regions, Chipping Campden is perhaps its prettiest town. Notable for its elegant terraced high street, dating back to the 14th century, Campden can be found within an easy walk of the pub. Located just one mile north of the town and rising some 754 feet is Dover’s Hill, which was named after the 17th century lawyer Robert Dover, founder of the precursor to the modern day Olympics.

 

  1. Upper and Lower Slaughter

Quintessentially British villages with lovely walks and beautiful hotels for morning coffees, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.

 

  1. Bourton-on-the-Water

Nicknamed “little Venice of the Cotswolds”, referring to the numerous bridges that cross the river running through the centre of the village. If you happen to be here over the festive period, then you will find a fully lit Christmas tree suspended in the water. Whilst in Bourton, don’t miss:

 

  1. Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a beautiful Cotswold town with many shops, restaurants and galleries. Don’t miss “The Tolkien Door”, hidden away on the grounds of the historic St Edwards Church. This is a mystical doorway that looks like a portal that could transport you to another realm. With its studded wooden panels flanked by ancient yew trees and an old oil lamp hanging above, you would be forgiven for mistaking this door for being something born of middle earth. There is a local legend that says J.R.R Tolkien visited this church, and the entrance inspired his ‘Doors of Durin’ in Lord of the Rings epic.

 

  1. Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton-in-Marsh offers plenty of eateries and shops. our favourites include the Yellow Brick Cafe and

The Manor Hotel. The town also has a Street Market on Tuesdays.

 

Stratford-upon-Avon

www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk  & the RSC www.rsc.org.uk 

The medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon is the place of pilgrimage for all things Shakespeare. The Bard’s hometown attracts upwards of 2.5m visitors a year, with nearly half attending performances staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The RSC employs over 1,000 staff, produces around 20 productions a year and is the UK’s only theatre company with its own on-site armoury, producing breastplates, gauntlets and weaponry.

 

Other things to do include:

 

  1. Avon Boating avon-boating.co.uk

When in Stratford, renting a rowing boat, punt, large canoe or motor boat is a must! This stretch of the river is beautiful. Avon boating offers 30 or 60 minute hire options or a public river cruise tour is also available.

 

  1. Hoorays Ice Cream hooraysgelato.com

A mouth-watering array of delectable delights to tickle your taste buds, ice cream and sorbet made on-site, also hot crepes and waffles, mac ‘n’ cheese, paninis, soups and toasties.

 

  1. The Everyman Cinema everymancinema.com

Located in the Bell Court shopping arcade, surrounded by a selection of restaurants and shops.

 

  1. Stratford Leisure Centre everyoneactive.com

Offering a gym, two swimming pools, climbing wall, badminton, table tennis and more.

 

Cheltenham

www.visitcheltenham.com

Split neatly into four quarters, the high end boutiques of the Continental leafy Promenade offers independent stores and eateries of Montpellier. While the Bath Road offers everyday staples for locals and visitors alike, the Brewery district is home to multitude of entertainment complexes including a Cineworld Cinema, indoor golf and Hollywood Bowl. With a new John Lewis store, Cheltenham is fast becoming the retail capital south central England.

 

Cinemas

The Regal Cinema, Evesham www.theregal.ac

The Regal is Evesham’s recently restored art deco cinema. In addition to a carefully curated blend of contemporary blockbusters,  the Regal also hosts lectures, live music and comedy nights. Noted for its salubrious and sumptuous interior, visitors to this independent cinema can also enjoy a cheeseboard and a bottle of wine from the comfort of their love seat while snuggling down for a movie.

 

The Everyman Cinema www.everymancinema.com

Located in the Bell Court shopping arcade, surrounded by a selection of restaurants and shops.