See & Do

Great Things to 'See & Do' in the Cotswolds

Over 50 years ago the Cotswolds was declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and it is easy to see why. This pretty region of rural England is made up of rolling hills, sweeping green fields, famous rivers and includes some wonderfully historic villages built in traditional local honey coloured stone, vibrant market towns, Roman remains and old stately homes. There is so much to see and do in the Cotswolds region, for inspiration and ideas visit www.cotswolds.com

The Cotswolds & Shopping

It covers a huge area of almost 800 square miles of beautiful countryside. It includes five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire & Worcestershire). Visit and explore the different regions of the Cotswolds as each offers its own unique charm and places to visit. The one key feature that defines to area is the golden local stone and the green rolling hills, which make up the ‘wolds’.

Cotswold market town of Tetbury which is near Prince Charles's home of Highgrove, the shop is a must, which sells everything made by local artisans and craftspeople with ethical and sustainable pedigree.

For serious shoppers there are plenty of options with the more familiar brands at the Westgate Quarter in Gloucester or the popular Gloucester Quays and its designer brands at reduced prices. It also has a huge antiques centre. Down at McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet  there are more than 90 top brand names at discounted prices in an old renovated listed railway building.

Shopping in the Cotswolds

Upmarket Cheltenham has many diverse shopping areas each with individual character – Promenade to the Brewery with bars, restaurants and shops. Or try shopping the Montpellier and the Suffolks neighbourhoods.

If you like something different, the lovely towns and villages in the Cotswolds have many independent stores and boutiques to explore. Lose yourself in the old lanes of Cirencester and enjoy the weekly events in the Corn Hall including home, fashion and garden bazaars and the Saturday craft market.

Antiques lovers can browse the antique shops in Stow on the Wold, Moreton in Marsh, Burford, Broadway, Tewkesbury and Winchcombe. There is also a fine collection of art galleries hosting regular exhibitions and featured artists.

Foodies will love Stroud, boasting the country’s first organic café, and a wide selection of lovely eateries and an award-winning weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. Click here for more 'Shopping in the Cotswolds'

Cotswolds - Places of Interest

There are many wonderful places to visit throughout the Cotswolds, these include:

  • Village of Bourton on the Water & the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection
  • Corinium Museum, weekly market and great shopping at Cirencester
  • Broadway Tower Country Park at Broadway - visit the tower with great views
  • Gloucester Docks & Cathedral
  • Chedworth Roman Villa, Yanworth, near Cheltenham
Area Photos...