Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds This Summer
Take a Dip in the Lakes at Cotswold Water Park
Spend a day lakeside, taking advantage of the finer weather. Sun worshippers relax on the beach at Cotswold Country Park while those looking for adventure hire kayaks and paddle boards. If it’s your first time, the warmer waters will be much more inviting if you take an unexpected plunge!
With the sun shining above, stroll the park following interlinking footpaths, spotting wildlife and stopping off at The Old Boathouse for a meal on the terrace at the lake’s edge. Summer is the best time to visit knowing you won’t be caught in a downpour allowing you to make the most of the long days.
Book one of our Cotswold Lake cottages for a long weekend!
Revel in the Sun at Summer Festivals
The Cotswolds comes alive with music and frivolity in the summer months. Many outdoor festivals take place in summer and no matter what you’re looking for we’re sure there’ll be something to suit your tastes.
Music festivals include 2000 Trees, Womad, for foodies you have The Big Feastival and the Cotswold Show and Food festival. You’ll find something a bit different at Wilderness Festival where wellbeing experiences and arts combine and Tewkesbury Medieval Festival offers something for the history buffs.
Read our full festivals blog for more!
Walks in Wonderful Weather
The Cotswolds are a walkers’ dream. From the Cotswold Way running from north to south to the myriad of lesser-known routes criss-crossing its path, the options are endless no matter where you stay. Surrounded by lush greens and vivid wildflowers you can follow rivers, dipping your feet along the way to cool off.
With the peace of mind of sunny skies above, you can head off for the day on a circular route, stopping off for lunch and soaking in some of the best views in the country. Don’t forget your hats and suncream!
Read our Walking and Cycling guides to find a route near you!
Picnics in Parks and Gardens
Summer days are perfect for gentle garden strolls, picnics, and kick abouts in the park. The Cotswolds have a plethora of picturesque parks where you can linger for the day, Pittville Park in Cheltenham is a great choice for families. With a play park, space to spread out on the grass and a café you have everything you need.
Stroll the gardens at Hidcote or Blenheim Palace, taking the time to soak in these glorious surroundings. With the sun shining above these fantastic locations look even more beautiful.
Read our blog to find the best picnic spots!
Visit the Most Photographed Cotswold Spots
When you think of the Cotswolds, certain scenes spring to mind. From sweeping landscapes of rolling hills to narrow streets lined with quaint cottages. Summer is the best time to head out with your camera to get the best photos for your album.
Make sure you stop off at Broadway Tower for its panoramic views. Arlington Row’s most photographed stone cottages, Bourton-on-the-Water’s picturesque bridges, the 99 yew trees at Painswick and the church doors at Stow on the Wold must also be on your list.
Cool Pints in the Warm Sunshine
The Cotswolds are scattered with ivy clad stone pubs welcoming you with a pint and a hearty meal. Many have hidden gardens and courtyards drenched in warming sunlight where you can take a break, cool drink in hand. Some top choices are The Wheatcheaf Inn (Northleach), The Swan (Bibury), The Ebrington Arms (Chipping Campden) and The Mount Inn which has fantastic, far-reaching views over Stanton and beyond.
For a change of scene, Dunkertons just outside Cheltenham has a bustling food hall and deli so you can while away the afternoon with locally made drinks and street food from around the world.
Read all about our favourite outdoor dining spots!
Experience Amazing Giffords Circus
Travelling Giffords Circus is a magical experience with magicians, acrobats and musicians. They perform from their big top tent across the Cotswolds, showcasing a new experience every year. With shows throughout the day, you can spend time in the beautiful settings they choose, cotton candy or hot dog in hand before being swept away to an imaginative world of delights.
Giffords Circus is a long-standing part of Cotswold culture having shared their performances since 2000. For 2024, locations include Minchinhampton Common, Stratton Meadows and Stonor Park, made all the better by beaming summer weather.
Stop and Smell the Flowers at the Lavender Fields
With the summer weather comes blooming fields of lavender, transporting you to Provence while having to go no further than the Cotswolds. The Lavender Fields just outside Snowshill are planted with over 35 different varieties, covering 140 miles of rows. Your view becomes colourful with vibrant purple hues beneath clear summer skies.
Have a family photo shoot, wander the wildflower meadow and shop for lavender fragranced gifts before admiring the view while having a cup of tea and slice of cake.
Learn more about Cotswold Lavender!
Splash About at a Cotswold Lido
Spend a family day out at one of the open air lidos that can be found in this area. It’s a great opportunity to have a splash about, read poolside and spend time together. Make sure you book a time slot in advance at any of these pools as they can get busy!
Book the lido at Chipping Norton for a family swim, Sandsford Park in Cheltenham has a separate children’s pool while Cirencester pool overlooks the castle. No matter what kind of swim experience you are looking for, you will find it at a Cotswold lido.
