Deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds are picture book England, a quintessential cluster of time-defying honey stone villages and towns with endearing names like Adlestrop and Minchinhampton. Boasting ivy-clad cottages, some of the country's most unspoilt scenery and cosy pubs, it's little surprise that coach holidays to the Cotswolds are popular. Despite being heavily visited by tourists all eager to see the delights of this easy-on-the-eye corner of England, the area's charm never quite fades.
The Cotswolds' popularity means that a range of day trips, weekend breaks and longer mid-week touring holidays are available. Bourton on the Water (called the Venice of the Cotswolds for its series of little bridges), Burford, Stow on the Wold and Broadway, otherwise known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds, are all top spots on a Cotswolds break and can be found on most itineraries. In addition to whiling away the hours over afternoon tea or capturing thatched roofs on camera, visitors can also embark on a number of enjoyable scenic walks; keep your eyes peeled for dedicated walking breaks which come with a mapped out route and walking guide. Walks are generally between five and ten miles, so go prepared with hiking shoes.
Coach tours to the Cotswolds include return coach travel and with the exception of day trips, accommodation at a good quality 3 or 4* hotel at a convenient base usually about an hours' drive away. A number of carefully picked excursions will be available on any tour, allowing visitors to fully benefit from the beauty of the region. In amongst all the sightseeing, plenty of relaxing stops for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be made. Look out for trips that also pay a visit to the equally picturesque UNSECO World Heritage city of Bath, Warwick, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon.
Tourist offices:
For further information about The Cotswolds you can check out the official tourist board website at cotswolds.com
In addition to taking in the scenery and enjoying lunch in quaint, picturesque villages here are some other places to visit during your time in the Cotswolds:
Cotswold Falconry Centre
Opening in 1988, the Cotswold Falconry Centre houses 150 Birds of Prey, featuring flying demonstrations throughout the day allowing you to see these magnificent birds in flight. Over 20,000 visitors pass through the doors of this centre each year and visit the wooded area created to encourage the birds to breed as they would in the wild.
Arlington Row – Bibury
One of those quintessentially postcard pictures, this row of the houses represents the very essence of the Cotswolds. Built in 1830, these cottages were built as a wool store but were then converted into a 17th century style weaver's cottages. Henry Ford (founder of the Ford Motor Company) apparently tried to purchase the row of cottages to be shipped back to the USA!
Cotswold Motoring Museum
Situated in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton on the Water, the Motoring Museum is a great day out, with a large collection of vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, original enamel road signs and caravans. It is also the home of childhood figure Brum, the little yellow car remembered by many for the TV series.
Hidcote Manor Garden
Relax and unwind in one of the country's greatest gardens. Each garden room is exquisitely unique in character. With a collection of rare trees, plants and shrubs, visitors are given the chance to see unusual herbaceous borders. This garden is a delight to visit year round with beautiful spring bulbs on display, summer's colourful flowers and autumn's red and orange hue.
Tourist offices:
For further information about The Cotswolds you can check out the official tourist board website at cotswolds.com
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in the Cotswolds, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.