Your Guide to

Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe
Steeped in 1,000 years of history, and the resting place of Henry VIII’s sixth wife Katherine Parr, Sudeley Castle makes for a fascinating day out, with 10 award-winning gardens set in the 1,200-acre estate and a huge adventure playground, not to mention the vast number of events including the ever-popular Spectacle of Light, also taking place throughout the year. 

Hailes Abbey, Hailes
The medieval Abbey was once one of the most important pilgrimage sites in England, with visitors flocking to see the Holy Blood of Hailes, believed to be the blood of Christ. The holy relic was destroyed during Henry VIII’s dissolution. Today you can visit the Abbey and the museum, which tells the tale of the history of this historically significant site.

Broadway Tower, Broadway
You can spot this iconic landmark from miles around. It’s the second highest point in the Cotswolds, on a clear day you can see as far as Wales and the views are truly spectacular. E-bikes are available for hire or simply take your time exploring the 50-acre estate including a resident herd of red deer. There’s a café for refreshments and you can also book to explore the old nuclear bunker too.

Stanway House, Stanway
Stanway is a beautiful example of a Jacobean manor house lived in by the same family since the 16th century. Explore the medieval Tithe Barn, 18th-century water garden and see the Stanway Fountain, the highest gravity-fed fountain in the world.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, Winchcombe
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is a steam and diesel heritage railway. Since 1981, the volunteers have restored over 10 miles of line, together with platforms, buildings, steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock. In addition to a scheduled service, GWR hosts a number of galas and enthusiasts’ events throughout the year, including the ever-popular Santa Specials.

Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, overlooking the Windrush Valley, this is a fabulous day out for the whole family. See rare breeds, spot new arrivals in the animal barn, follow the wildlife trails and spend time in the glorious countryside. There’s plenty to do whatever the weather, with an adventure playground, Farm Safari, maze, Tractor School, sandpits and jumping pillows. Adam’s kitchen, café-restaurant and the Farm Park shop are both open to visitors and the public.

Cleeve Hill, Cleeve
On the north-eastern edge of Cheltenham, Cleeve Hill is the highest point in Gloucestershire and the highest peak in the Cotswolds. Criss-crossed by countless footpaths, including the Cotswold Way National Trail, the breath-taking views take in the Malvern Hills and on a clear day the Black Mountains in Wales. There are oodles of open space, quite a few sheep, a golf course and a Neolithic long barrow – Belas Knap. This English Heritage ancient monument has been described as an ‘outstanding example representing a group of long barrows commonly referred to as the Cotswold-Severn group’.
 

Winchcombe Museum
Dedicated to all things Winchcombe, the Winchcombe Museum takes visitors through the historical heritage of the town and surrounding area. Displays include pieces from the Winchcombe Pottery, drawings from the excavation of Neolithic burial site Belas Knap, and curious relics including an Iron Age cup, a WWII field telephone found in the tower of St Peter’s church and part of the Winchcombe Meteorite. 

The Everyman Theatre
The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham was designed by famed architect Frank Matcham, who was responsible for the London Palladium, Coliseum and Hippodrome among others, and has been entertaining audiences since 1891. The theatre showcases a wide range of productions encompassing ballet, opera, music, comedy, musicals and a hugely popular Christmas pantomime.

Festival Opera Longborough
The beautiful setting of the Longborough opera house, which has two bars, a choice of dining venues and picnic options, shows acclaimed performances during their annual season. Even if you are not an opera aficionado, this is an experience not to be missed!

Cheltenham Festivals
Cheltenham is well known for its spectacular festivals which bring a flourish of life and entertainment to the town throughout the year. Starting in May with the Jazz Festival, the Science Festival in June, followed quickly by the Music Festival in July and the Literature Festival in October. Each showcases the talents of celebrities and offer great free events alongside big-name tickets.

Winchcombe Pottery
The much-acclaimed pottery is made in Winchcombe and has been since at least 1800. Each item is thrown by hand following the classic slipware style, using Winchcombe clay to make bowls, plates, dishes, jars and more.

Snowshill Manor
Managed by the National Trust, Snowshill is the eclectic home of Charles Wade. He was an architect and artist with a passion for the unusual. His collections are quirky and avant-garde and as you wander through the atmospheric rooms, you’ll find thousands of objects from the tiniest of toys to genuine Samurai armour. The gardens are also beautiful.

Broadway Arts Festival
The Broadway Arts Festival is a biennial event that celebrates the unique, artistic heritage of the village, forged by the famous colony of American writers and artists who found inspiration here during the late 19th century. Encompassing different locations throughout the village, you’ll find workshops, outdoor theatre, exhibitions, talks, live music and garden tours.

Corner Cupboard Inn, Winchcombe
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
This charming 15th-century inn boasts roaring fires and oak beams. Expect a local pub with classic pub food and a friendly welcome.

5 North Street, Winchcombe
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
An informal dining room with Michelin-star chef Gus Ashenford at its helm, serving a variety of menus inspired by seasonal and local foods. A lovely spot for a special occasion.

Plaisterers Arms, Winchcombe
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
A lovely old traditional Cotswold pub with a shady rear garden, which is great for dogs on sunny days, serving good pub classics.  

The Gardeners Arms, Alderton
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, vegan and Sunday lunches
16th-century pub with an extensive menu of pub classics and substantial vegan options too. Their Sunday roasts are exceptionally popular, and we recommend booking ahead.

The Mount Inn, Stanton
Perfect for: lunch, dinner
As the name suggests, this pub sits in an elevated position in a pretty village not far from Broadway. The far-reaching views from the terrace are wonderful and pair perfectly with your meal. Booking is recommended.

The Greasiest Spoon, Winchcombe
Perfect for: breakfast, brunch and vegan
Despite the name, this family-run café serves excellent breakfasts with a range of vegan dishes. Takeaways are available and they offer private catering too.

The Lion Inn, Winchcombe
Perfect for: lunch and dinner
A 15th-century coaching inn with a garden serving British cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, even using locals’ spare home-grown fruit and veg.

Royal Oak, Gretton
Perfect for: dinner and Sunday lunch
A family-friendly pub serving classic pub food with a local twist. Sit in the garden and watch the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam train chugging by.

The Hollow Bottom, Guiting Power
Perfect for: dinner, Sunday lunch
So named by the locals for being the pub in the hollow at the bottom of the village. This popular pub has an interesting menu using wonderful British and local produce. Booking is recommended.

The Plough Inn, Ford
Perfect for: lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts
This popular pub has a wonderful atmosphere and an extensive menu of superb pub classics and roasts on a Sunday. The pub is across the road from Jackdaw’s Castle, Jonjo O’Neill’s racing stables so expect a horsey vibe. The pub and garden are child and pet friendly.

Cotswold Lavender, Snowshill
Home to a patchwork of purple-hued fields, Cotswold Lavender burst into life every summer. For a brief eight-week period the farm is open for you to stroll through the fragrant fields. Learn how they use the flower and then pick up lavender-scented goodies in the on-site shop before you leave.

Prescott Hill Climb, Gotherington
Established in 1938 by the Bugatti Owners’ Club, the Prescott Speed Hill Climb is set in a 69-acre location surrounded by stunning Cotswold countryside where weekend-long classic car and bike events are held, as well as the British and Midland Hill Climb Championships. Learn to drive the historic hill climb alongside an expert instructor following in the tyre tracks of the greatest drivers including Stirling Moss, Peter Collins and Graham Hill.

Batsford Arboretum, Batsford
This stunning Arboretum is a wonderful spot to let off steam. Follow the woodland trails (there’s a trail, especially for children with a prize at the end), through the beautiful estate surrounded by clouds of wildflowers, trees and plants. Batsford is always beautiful, but it really comes into its own during the spectacular Autumn months. 

Belas Knap and Cleeve Hill
On the northeastern edge of Cheltenham, Cleeve Hill is the highest point in Gloucestershire and the highest peak in the Cotswolds. Criss-crossed by countless footpaths, including the Cotswold Way National Trail, the breathtaking views take in the Malvern Hills and on a clear day the Black Mountains in Wales. There are oodles of open space, quite a few sheep, a golf course and a Neolithic long barrow – Belas Knap. This English Heritage scheduled ancient monument has been described as an ‘outstanding example representing a group of long barrows commonly referred to as the Cotswold-Severn group’.

Regency Cheltenham Spa
This vibrant town is bursting with history, but it’s also jam-packed with culture, the arts and an impeccable racing pedigree. From a much-celebrated annual literary festival attracting authors from across the globe to fabulous music, jazz and science events, Cheltenham is a place to refresh the mind and the soul.

Bourton-on-the-Water
This picture-postcard village offers a wealth of attractions including Birdland Park and Gardens, the Model Village, the Dragonfly Maze, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Wander alongside the riverside walk, as the River Windrush flows through the centre of the village, before refuelling with a cream tea in one of the lovely independent cafes. On a clear day, you can see 16 counties and 62 miles in each direction from the top of Broadway Tower.

Broadway Activity Park, Broadway
A three-acre recreation ground that has been turned into a state-of-the-art activity park to be used and enjoyed by the whole community. The park is divided into four specific areas for different age groups and the distance between these areas is open grassland. There is lots of great play equipment including a seesaw, climbing poles, twin fly spinners, climbing towers, a skate ride simulation and more.

Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Divided into six zones, including Huff and Puff, Enchanted Walk and Fairy Dell, Fairytale Farm has something to keep the whole family entertained. With animals including pigs, goats, ponies, lambs, chickens, rabbits and alpacas, as well as an adventure playground, Fairytale Farm has enough to do to keep children occupied for hours. What’s more, because they’re having so much fun, it won’t feel like learning at all!

Birdland Park & Gardens, Burford
Set in nine acres of gardens and woodlands, children can discover an amazing world of birds and their Jurassic ancestors. From King Penguins and comical Humboldts to life-sized dinosaur statues lurking in the woodland, there’s something around every corner. Be sure to check the feeding times, if there are any special events organised or newborns in the hatchery and nursery.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford
Discover one of the UK’s largest zoological collections and exciting gardens. There are a range of animal sections including birds, mammals, primates, reptiles and amphibians. There are also beautiful gardens including the Victorian walled garden and mature tree-planting landscape. Seasonal events are held, as well as daily activities which include penguin and lemur feeding.

Crocodiles of the World, Burford
Dedicated to the conservation of these much-maligned creatures, you’ll be able to see 17 of the 24 species currently found in the world including fresh and saltwater crocodiles, caiman and alligators. For those who want to get even closer, there are wild keeper experiences for children and grownups alike.

Bamford Wellness Spa, Kingham
Set on the Daylesford organic farm, Bamford Spa offers a holistic approach to relaxation and healing. A range of treatments uses both modern and ancient techniques to fully relax the body and let the mind quiet. Classes are available and you can purchase access to The Spring wet spa.

Dormy House Spa, Broadway
An award-winning spa just outside the heart of Broadway, a picturesque Cotswold location. You will find a menu of treatments, a relaxed spa café and fitness suites alongside the candlelit infinity pool.

Hatherley Manor Spa, Cheltenham
Take some time for yourself at Hatherley Manor Spa. A thermal suite lets you choose your favourite way to rejuvenate or meditate in their tranquil relaxation room. Visit for a treatment and spend some time in the pool for a break away from life’s stresses.

Elan Spa at The Greenway, Cheltenham
This oasis of calm is an ideal retreat to relax and unwind while on holiday in the Cotswolds. With a choice of day packages and mini spa days, you will find something that will fit your needs perfectly.

The Garden Spa at Minster Mill, Minster Lovell
Choose how you want to spend your time by booking either a spa day, a treatment, or add-on use of the pool facilities. This space only allows eight users at a time, making it a truly relaxing experience.

C-Side Spa, Cowley
The magnificent surroundings of Cowley Manor make the C-Side Spa a luxurious escape. After enjoying a treatment of your choice and a swim in the indoor or outdoor pool, wander the grounds where you will find natural springs and lakes.

Cotswold House Spa, Chipping Campden
Open for spa days or treatments, Cotswold House Spa also has a hair salon and nail bar on site. Found in the centre of Chipping Campden, combine your spa day with a stroll around the town.

Ellenborough Park Spa, Cheltenham
The luxurious Ellenborough Park will not disappoint. Surrounded by countryside on the outskirts of Cheltenham you can enjoy the grounds after your favourite treatment or treat yourself to afternoon tea.

The Lygon Arms Spa, Broadway
On the main street in Broadway, The Lygon Arms is a wonderful place to while away a few hours with a treatment before spending time relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet on a lounger. The Lygon is also home to Grill by James Martin for a delicious meal.