Cotswolds Information & Tourism Guide

Even if you haven’t heard of Pulteney Bridge before, you will certainly never forget it once you have set eyes on it, if only for a few seconds when you staying in bath accommodation.

It is one of the most unusual and finest bridges in all the world and this must surely be one of the main reasons for visiting it in the first place.  But let us give you still more reasons for heading in that direction as soon as you arrive for a weekend in Bath.

The bridge itself spans the River Avon, and it crosses from the main part of Bath itself into Argyle Street.  You might want to linger as you cross over it though, for reasons that you will discover below!

1.    It is much more than just a bridge.  Over two hundred years old, it is home to a parade of shops which run along either side.  This aspect of the bridge ranks it alongside just two or three others in the whole of the world which have a similar design.  The south side of the bridge is still very much as it was when it was first built all those years ago, but the north side has seen plenty of changes since then.

2.    It gives you an excellent photo opportunity.  There are several points in particular from which to get a good photo to take home.  Of course you must walk onto the bridge itself and get some pictures of the shops, as they are very small indeed.  Many people use the word ‘quaint’ when describing them.  You should also make a point of taking some pictures from the Grand Parade, looking out onto the south side of Pulteney Bridge.  And if you hop over the river you can take some more pictures from the other side.  Either of these viewpoints should give you plenty of opportunity to get the weir in the front of the picture as well.

3.    You can get a boat trip and go underneath the bridge itself.  This affords you a view of the less attractive northern side of the river, but it is still worth doing for the stunning views you will get along the way.  You soon travel out of Bath itself and into more open country.  The boats offer a trip there and back as well, so you will be able to go back under the bridge again and back into the main part of Bath.

4.    It is one of the main ‘must see’ sights in Bath.  Along with the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent, this is one location you shouldn’t miss out on.  And with so many different ways of seeing Pulteney Bridge it is a very desirable place to head to!

There are very few bridges in the world which offer you the chance to go from shop to shop, perhaps buying some flowers or a bite to eat from a bakery.  But Pulteney Bridge offers all this and much more besides.  Isn’t it time you added it to your weekend away in Bath?

If you have been reading the news lately you will probably realise that some people won’t be taking a holiday at all this year.  It’s not surprising when you think about it, because the recession has put paid to a lot of luxuries just lately.

But even if you cannot afford a week away this year, you might still be able to manage a weekend break in the Cotswolds.  Staying in one of our lovely English country cottages somewhere in the region for a three night break could be just the tonic you need – and it doesn’t have to be that expensive either.

If it’s a real break and some downtime that you need, then weekend breaks can definitely fill your needs.  Depending on where you stay and how many of you are in your party, you could get a great bargain for a short break in the UK.  And if you stay in the low season the prices get better still!

Of course, it’s not just the price of the property you need to think about.  Adding on the cost of food, drink and trips out to various places can push up the cost of any weekend break.  But one of the best things about the Cotswolds is that there are lots of things to see and do which don’t involve any extra cash at all.  Here are just some of the benefits of grabbing that weekend away:

1.    Firstly, just think of all the picnics you could arrange to take on days out.  The Cotswold Way stretches for over a hundred miles all in all, and is just one of the long routes you can start exploring during your stay.  A nice picnic doesn’t cost much to pack, and with a picnic blanket tucked into your backpack you can enjoy an al fresco lunch at very little cost with the whole of the Cotswolds to gaze out over.

2.    Short walks on a weekend break are arguably one of the best things to do during your stay anyway.  But they do also keep the cost down if you are trying to get a cheap break as well.

3.    Another advantage of taking this kind of weekend break in the Cotswolds is that it is a wonderful way to de-stress and wind down from daily life.  This area of the country attracts lots of walkers every single year, and once you have paid a visit it’s not hard to see why!  There are so many walks, trails and locations to explore.  And it’s easy to plan a route from village to village as well, so you can take in some of the pretty locations that the Cotswolds is known for.

As you can see, you don’t need to spend a whole week in the area to get the most out of it.  You can do plenty in a weekend as well, and the cheaper prices mean you should find it easier to be able to afford those few precious days away from home.

So come and pay us a visit – you’ll make some wonderful memories!

Wherever you go on a holiday in the UK, you can expect to find a tourist information centre not too far away.  This is quite often the best place to start any of your  Short Breaks because you can get a quick introduction to the area you have just arrived in.

The tourist information centre in Stratford upon Avon is no exception.  You’ll find it located at the junction of Bridgeway and Bridge Foot, and it is less than a ten minute walk away from where Shakespeare was born.  You can of course visit this property as well!

So here are five reasons why you should make the Tourist Information Centre in Stratford your first stop before you start exploring Stratford upon Avon in any more detail.

1.    You will be able to find out all you need to know about the main Shakespeare properties you can visit in the town.  Some of them, such as Anne Hathaway’s cottage, are not in the main town centre itself so you might miss them if you don’t find out more about them first.  The tourist information centre makes it easy to get all the maps and information you need.
2.    If you are on a UK holiday for a week or more, you will no doubt want to send postcards home to everyone.  You can buy these in the centre too, as well as a great range of gifts that will remind you of your time in Stratford upon Avon.
3.    As with all tourist information centres, this one also has information on other places you can visit in the local area.  The town centre itself has plenty to offer you if you have a weekend away in mind.  But for a longer stay in a Stratford upon Avon self catering cottage, you will be glad of some information and advice on other places to visit nearby.
4.    On a walking or cycling holiday to Stratford upon Avon?  You will be able to buy all the maps you need that give you extensive details on local walking and cycle routes worth exploring.  Many holiday cottages have room to stow away your own bicycles, or you can ask about renting them locally when you arrive.
5.    Finally, don’t forget that not all the best items are available to purchase!  The staff members are always friendly and helpful, and they will be able to answer all the questions you may have about where to head to locally.  If you are looking for a good restaurant for lunch they may be able to recommend some for you.

As you can see, making sure that the tourist information office is first on your list means that you can be assured of the best possible UK holiday in Stratford upon Avon.  They will be able to point you towards the lesser known sights and places to visit, as well as all the familiar ones.  As such this has to be the best sight of all on your arrival.

There is something about scenic railways that really captures the imagination.  They are a far cry from railways that simply take you from A to B – perhaps to get you to work and back.  If you are booking up Short Breaks  near the Forest of Dean, you will be very close to one of the best scenic steam railways in the whole country.

The Dean Forest Railway is loved by visitors of all ages, and the railway itself is easy enough to find.  It is located in Forest Road in Lydney and is well signposted in the local area.

If you need any further convincing to leave your Forest of Dean accommodation and head for the Dean Forest Railway, here are four good reasons for doing just that.

1.    You can relive the best days of steam.  The railway has smart steam engines that pull you along several miles of track.  There is nothing quite like the experience of going on a steam train – the sights and sounds make for a captivating journey.  And there is just one ticket price to pay as well.  Once you have your ticket you will see that it is valid for the whole day, so you can hop on and off the train as and when you like at the various stations along the line.

2.    You can explore the forest by train – and on foot.  The stations along the line are Norchard, Parkend, Lydney Town, St Mary’s Halt and Lydney Junction.  This opens up a wealth of opportunities to take a walk and explore the area around the stations of your choice.  You could even walk from one along to the next and catch the next train from there if you wish.  It’s a good idea to get a local map so you can see where the footpaths and best walking routes are.

3.    You can meet Thomas the Tank Engine – ideal for kids of all ages!  The line runs regular Thomas the Tank Engine days throughout the year.  You will have the chance to be pulled by Thomas himself as you travel along the line.  It’s a great opportunity to entertain the kids (and no doubt the adults as well).

4.    There is just as much to do and enjoy off the train as there is on it.  Norchard has a shop and a museum to browse around; the latter has signs, maps and various artefacts from railway years gone by.  It is an impressive collection.

Railway enthusiasts of all ages will love the Dean Forest Railway.  But even if steam trains aren’t a particular love of yours, you won’t fail to be delighted with your visit.  The surroundings, the trains and the various walks on offer take you back to a time when things seemed far more laid back.  And what better atmosphere to enjoy when you are on holiday in the Forest of Dean?

It’s time to catch that train.

Everyone knows that a holiday in the Cotswolds has a lot to offer.  You will find yourself almost in another world when you arrive for your stay in one of our Cotswolds English country cottages.

It goes without saying that you should remember your camera and have it with you at all times.  If you can take panoramic shots, so much the better!  There are so many stunning views to appreciate that you will be tempted to spend the whole of your holiday looking through your lens.

But here are five of the best to watch out for on your Cotswolds holiday.

Arlington Row in Bibury

It is the mix of old weavers’ cottages, coupled with the single track road and the stream on the other side that guarantees this location makes it into the photo album.

This village is a must see for most visitors, and it isn’t hard to see why.  Bibury fairly breathes the Cotswolds and all it stands for.

The River Windrush in Bourton on the Water

One of the most popular of all the Cotswolds villages, Bourton benefits from the low bridges – six in all – that connect one side of the river with the other.  You can sit on these and dangle your legs over if you wish!  The low position of the bridges makes an unusual and eye catching backdrop for any photo.

Banbury Cross

It’s worth venturing out to the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, because you can take a picture of the Banbury Cross itself.

You’ll remember the nursery rhyme no doubt, but this isn’t the only reason to pay Banbury a visit.  The town is dripping with history and the closeness of the Oxford Canal provides even more stunning views to appreciate.

Looking down from Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton benefits from its high position, situated in the Cotswolds Hills.  As such you have two advantages when you arrive – you can enjoy sights such as the row of Almshouses the town is famous for.  And you can also look across at much of the countryside surrounding the town.  Plenty of opportunities then for panoramic views as well as charming close ups!

Meon Hill – and a bonus village below

Quite often while staying in one of the many Cotswold cottages, you will wander around and stumble on a wonderful view that also gives rise to another discovery.

If you go out walking around just north of Chipping Campden, you will come across Meon Hill.  This is a delightful area and it overlooks the village of Mickleton.

Once you have spent some time gazing down on the views before you, you can make your way down to the village itself.  This charming village is wonderful for visiting on the last day of your holiday – you will be able to buy plug plants and take advantage of the market gardening that goes on there!

There are many other stunning views to appreciate in every corner of the Cotswolds of course.  But these should get you started on the right track.

The Wye Valley has the advantage of being very close to many stunning destinations and locations in this part of the country. Cheltenham and Stratford upon Avon are nearby, so if you are staying in cottages in Wye Valley you will be spoilt for choice for places to go.  The Wye Valley also gives you access to the best of both England and Wales, so there is no doubt that you will find everything you need to inspire you during your holiday in the Wye Valley.

It can be difficult to know where to start though.  So with that in mind here are three great activities to try your hand at.  Some may need to be pre-booked so bear this in mind and plan ahead if you can.

Littledean Jail

Going to jail on holiday – it doesn’t sound appealing does it?  But this is an unmissable experience that plenty of people will be amazed at.  It’s just over in the Forest of Dean, and it is over two hundred years old.

The cells are tiny and very sparse, while the long corridors are filled with darkness and foreboding.  It has even been compared with Alcatraz, and when you visit it isn’t hard to see why.  There are various exhibits and displays, including the Crime through Time collection.

Try a family outdoor adventure with Inspire

This company is located in Monmouth, and you can book all kinds of experiences and challenges with them.  If you are looking for something really different for the whole family to do during your Wye Valley holiday, you can’t get much more different than this!

What better way to get out and see the Wye Valley countryside up close than to try your hand at something totally different like gorge scrambling?  Good for families with kids of ten and over, and at least four people in the group, you can enjoy getting wet and up close to the stunning scenery with this activity.

There is plenty more to do as well though, so be prepared to check out all the options for you and your family to enjoy yourselves during your holiday.

Visit the home of Weston’s Cider

After all that excitement and activity, you might be ready for something a little more laid back.  Seeing the Visitors Centre at Weston’s Cider is just the antidote you need!

This is in Much Marcle, and while the adults can enjoy buying some local cider to take back home, the kids can try out riding a Shire horse.  You can also try the tour, visit the gardens and even have a bite to eat in the wonderfully named Scrumpy House.  What better name for a rustic restaurant close to where Weston’s Cider is made?

This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as your visit to the Wye Valley is concerned.  No matter how long your stay is for, you’ll find plenty for the whole family to do and enjoy – whatever the weather might do.

One of the most popular activities in the whole of the Cotswolds is walking.  With all that scenery on offer the best way to see it is undoubtedly on foot.  Driving may allow you to cover more ground, but what good is it when you can’t make the most of the journey and look at everything on the way?

Short walks are also ideal if there are younger members of the family.  Rambling is ideal for adults but the kids would struggle with longer distances.  So if you are planning on coming to stay in a cottage in the Cotswolds soon, have a read through this article first.  It might inspire you to build walking into your holiday itinerary.

You can spend just half a day exploring the countryside and do something else in the afternoon

Short walks could be anything from a mile up to about four or five, depending on how fit you are.  While many adults would take up the challenge to walk all day – perhaps trying the Cotswold Way or at least part of it from Chipping Campden on – it can be too much to ask of smaller children.

So why not plan a short route during the morning that will end in a nice lunch somewhere?  Carrying a picnic is ideal.  You can also make the walk more interesting by giving the kids challenges to try en route.  For example, research the route first (perhaps before you leave home) and find markers they can spot along the way.  You could give out a small prize for each successful find, perhaps?

A short circular route will bring you back to where you started

Circular routes are wonderful because they enable you to drive somewhere and return to your car easily afterwards.

You could also plan one or two short walks that start from your Cotswolds holiday accommodation.  Exploring the area on your doorstep is one way of getting a lot more out of your Cotswolds holiday.

You can plan your walks close to attractions and venues in the area that are worth visiting

We all have places we would like to visit on a trip to the Cotswolds.  So plan a route that is somewhere close to one such venue.  For example you might want to see the Model Village in Bourton on the Water.  If you do, plan a walk that takes in the nearby Upper and Lower Slaughter villages as well.  These are as close to the romantic view we all have of what a proper English village should look like!

The other advantage of packing some short walks into your Cotswolds holiday is that they will tire you out enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.  That means you will awake refreshed and ready to tackle the next day of your Cotswolds break.

One final tip – use the evenings to rest your feet and plan a short walk for the next day.  It means you can get going early in the morning if you wish!

We’re always being told to get out and about and get some more exercise.  And there is no better time to do this than when we are on holiday,doing holiday activities.

It’s better still when you are having a holiday in the UK as you get the chance to explore some of the best UK countryside on your bike.  The Forest of Dean must surely be one of the best places to go in this respect, as it is simply charming and has a lot to offer.

If you are thinking about building some mountain biking into your holiday in the Forest of Dean, there are a few things you need to bear in mind before you go.  Here are some pointers:

1.    How fit are you?  We all have an image of hopping on a bike and taking on the best and most demanding trails there are with no bother at all.  But in reality if you haven’t been out and about on a bike for years you might struggle.  Try and get some practice in before you go.

2.    Pick a route to suit your skills.  We’ll touch on a couple of good possibilities below, but do bear this in mind.  A tough off road route isn’t going to be very enjoyable if you haven’t cycled in years!

3.    Think about the ages of the people in your party.  If you have kids with you then pick an easier route that isn’t as long as you might tackle on your own.

So where can you go in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas to enjoy a nice bike ride on your holiday in this area?  Let’s find out:

1.    The Family Cycle Trail.  As the name would suggest this is perfect for the whole family to try.  The route has plenty of great sights to see – you will be cycling on disused railway lines for starters – and there are lots of nice places to stop and have a bite to eat too.  Great for every age of rider, and the ground isn’t too demanding either.

2.    The Forest of Dean Cycling Association biking trail.  Don’t attempt this one unless you love cycling and you know what you are doing off road.  If this will be your first time on a dirt track with hills and climbs then start off with something a little easier!

3.    Cycle routes round the Cotswold Water Park.  If you are new to cycling and you want to get started on flatter ground, head for the Cotswold Water Park.  This is perfect as you can cycle alongside the lakes.  The only downside is if the weather has been bad – be prepared to get muddy if this is the case!
These three top choices should get you started if you are heading to the Forest of Dean with your mountain bike.  Alternatively of course you can rent a bike while you are here, so you don’t have to worry about taking yours along with you.
Are you thinking about getting in the saddle now?  You should be – there is no better activity to try!

If you are staying in or near Bath then you will know that there are plenty of places you can visit in the city of Bath itself.  But if you are planning on being there for a week or more on your UK holiday then you might want to venture a bit further afield.

And you might be surprised at how many places are within easy reach of Bath itself.  All of the following places are less than an hour away from Bath by car at the very most – so have a read through and decide where you would like to head to.

Visit Stonehenge

Some people are surprised to learn that Stonehenge is only an hour from Bath.  The A36 is the quickest route, taking the road south out of the city and then taking the B390.  This comes out to the A360 and you should turn left into Shrewton.

This stone circle is world famous and there is nothing better than visiting it to see it up close.

Visit Avebury

About 23 miles north of Stonehenge there is another stone circle worth visiting.  This is in Avebury, which is out to the east of Bath itself.  Follow the A4 north east until you reach the A365, then link up with the A3102.  This takes you back onto the A4 and you can then be at Avebury within 55 minutes of leaving Bath itself.

Visit Bristol

From one city to another, why not head for Bristol for the day?  There is a lot to see and do here and the A4 leads you in a north westerly direction right up to the city itself.  The total journey should only take around half an hour.

And once you are there, you’ve got attractions that include Bristol Zoo Gardens, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.  So there is no shortage of things for the whole family to do here.

Visit Bradford on Avon

Just 17 minutes from Bath is Bradford on Avon.  This is not to be missed as it is very picturesque and has plenty of quirky buildings and sights to appreciate.

You should head out on the A4 and then link up with the A46.  The A363 south will then take you right into Bradford on Avon.

Not only can you enjoy the many shops and restaurants in the middle of Bradford on Avon, you can also enjoy nice views over the River Avon itself.  The river runs through the central part of the town, and many people enjoy a relaxing day close by when they are on holiday, or perhaps enjoying a short weekend break.

So here we have four great ideas for days out from your base in Bath.  Regardless of whether you have Bath self catering accommodation or a hotel in the area, it’s good to know there are lots of other places to visit close by.  Why not make some plans now?

Stratford upon Avon is packed with places that are relevant to its most famous resident, William Shakespeare.  You can certainly spend a day or two at least walking round the various properties that Shakespeare and his love Anne Hathaway frequented during their lives.

But all that activity in Stratford Upon Avon is going to make you hungry at some point.  That’s why it’s good to have a reference guide to help you pick the best places to eat while you are there.  Whether you are staying in one of the many Stratford upon Avon cottages that are available or a Stratford upon Avon hotel, you can enjoy a bite or two to eat out and about as well.

Here are some suggestions:

Café Rouge

While this restaurant is not unique to Stratford upon Avon – you’ll find them all over the UK – it is a welcome sight after a long day visiting assorted attractions.  Be sure to head to Sheep Street to find it.

It is particularly nice if you want a refreshing change from traditional English food.  The welcoming French themed menu is mouth watering and yet not entirely unfamiliar.  This makes it a great choice even if you have kids to please.  After all, they do sell the most wonderful French fries!

Carluccio’s

Sometimes you want a fantastic view to match the fantastic menu, and this restaurant can offer you both in the wonderful setting of Stratford upon Avon.

The food is different but not so different that you won’t be tempted by it.  And the prices are very reasonable too.  Visiting either for lunch or for dinner is equally enjoyable, and you’ll find that the hardest part of your visit is trying to narrow down your choices of what to eat!  The restaurant is located on Waterside.

Sorrento Restaurant

Ely Street hides a real gem of a restaurant called Sorrento.  This is a family run affair which caters to all kinds of people.  Its location close to the Shakespeare Theatre makes it a popular choice for a meal before taking in a show.  You could also book a meal to look forward to after you have seen a performance.

When the weather is good the patio area provides a great way to enjoy some fresh air along with your meal.  In fact, no visit to Stratford upon Avon during a weekend break is complete without a visit to Sorrento.

The Malbec Petit Bistro

You don’t always want a huge meal when you go out, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want the finest service or attention either.  You might be expecting high prices because of the ‘bistro’ name, but in actual fact you can dine for an unbelievably low price here.

Their lunch menu is available at just £5 per course with a two course minimum requirement.  Simply head over to Union Street to discover a whole new type of bistro.

That selection of venues should get you started.  But don’t forget there are plenty more to find as well.  The secret is to explore and enjoy!