The Beauty Spots of the Cotswolds
Set in the heart of rural England, the Cotswolds are a jewel in the crown of our nation, considered to be an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The range of hills span over six counties, filled with rich woodland and quintessential picture postcard villages.
Among the most beautiful within the area is Bourton on the Water, described as the 'Venice' of the Cotswolds.
Its picturesque high street is flanked by the low and steady trickling current of the river Windrush, with several arched stone bridges crossing the stream.
The riverside is laden with traditional English team rooms and restaurants, serving British classics like cream teas and many more.
The town of Chipping Norton is among the most aspiring areas of the Cotswolds, evidence of the areas success in the wool production industry which made the area one of the wealthiest in the country.
It is known as the 'gateway to the Cotswolds', having both excellent road and rail links from Oxford and Banbury.
Many of the homes are made from thick Cotswold stone, resulting in the pristine Cotswold cottages which are famous worldwide.
Chipping Norton has a fantastic array of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms encased within mile after mile of beautiful countryside.
A nearby attraction is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the current home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.
Built between 1705 and 1724, the house was originally designed to be a present to the 1st Duke of Marlborough in return for military triumph during the battle of Blenheim.
It later became the home of the Churchill family for 300 years.
The palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of gardens and lakes, offering one of the greatest views of the areas countryside.
What could be better than to view all this stunning stretch of natural beauty from hundreds of feet in the sky? Hot air balloons have increased dramatically in popularity over the last few years, some reaching over 3000 feet offering a panorama of the area you will remember for a lifetime.
An average flight lasts around an hour, with the balloon completely dependent on the wind to dictate you direction.
With over 3000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways through the area, it is hugely popular with walkers.
Putting your boots on and exploring the surrounding areas can be the best way to discover the captivating countryside and spot some of many animal species the Cotswolds offers.
The range of hills span over six counties, filled with rich woodland and quintessential picture postcard villages.
Among the most beautiful within the area is Bourton on the Water, described as the 'Venice' of the Cotswolds.
Its picturesque high street is flanked by the low and steady trickling current of the river Windrush, with several arched stone bridges crossing the stream.
The riverside is laden with traditional English team rooms and restaurants, serving British classics like cream teas and many more.
The town of Chipping Norton is among the most aspiring areas of the Cotswolds, evidence of the areas success in the wool production industry which made the area one of the wealthiest in the country.
It is known as the 'gateway to the Cotswolds', having both excellent road and rail links from Oxford and Banbury.
Many of the homes are made from thick Cotswold stone, resulting in the pristine Cotswold cottages which are famous worldwide.
Chipping Norton has a fantastic array of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms encased within mile after mile of beautiful countryside.
A nearby attraction is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the current home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.
Built between 1705 and 1724, the house was originally designed to be a present to the 1st Duke of Marlborough in return for military triumph during the battle of Blenheim.
It later became the home of the Churchill family for 300 years.
The palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of gardens and lakes, offering one of the greatest views of the areas countryside.
What could be better than to view all this stunning stretch of natural beauty from hundreds of feet in the sky? Hot air balloons have increased dramatically in popularity over the last few years, some reaching over 3000 feet offering a panorama of the area you will remember for a lifetime.
An average flight lasts around an hour, with the balloon completely dependent on the wind to dictate you direction.
With over 3000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways through the area, it is hugely popular with walkers.
Putting your boots on and exploring the surrounding areas can be the best way to discover the captivating countryside and spot some of many animal species the Cotswolds offers.
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