If you’re coming to stay at one of our cottages, you MUST make the effort to go along to one of these markets, there’s something very cosy about visiting a farmer’s market in the Cotswolds. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy a more leisurely look round a town or village, as well as being able to enjoy a taste of the Cotswolds while you’re in the area.

Of course no matter where you stay or which Cotswold cottage you choose to relax in while you’re here, you can always find a farmer’s market nearby. Here are some of the highlights.

Bourton on the Water

This market can be found thriving on the fourth Sunday of every month. Look out for the Country Wide stores since this is where it is held. Whatever you fancy rustling up for dinner that night, you’ll find all the ingredients you need here.

Chipping Norton

A delightful place to visit at any time of the month, it has another reason to bring you here on the third Saturday of the month. Local produce galore is piled up for purchase. Stock up on your everyday products if you arrive in the Cotswolds on that particular Saturday. You can treat yourself to speciality products too.

Stow on the Wold

If you’re stuck for something to do on the second Thursday of the month and the weather is fine, head to Stow on the Wold to sample the delights of their farmer’s market. Think cider, think locally reared meat, think mouth watering breads and cheeses and you’ll get the idea!

Cheltenham

The best thing about this market is that it takes place every fortnight on the second and fourth Fridays of every month. Be there at 9am when it opens and you’ll have six hours to enjoy browsing. There will be plenty of opportunities to grab some local produce to take back to your chosen Cotswolds cottage. That’s one of the perks of staying in self catering accommodation – you can buy local and fresh and then cook up a storm yourself!

Lechlade

Be sure to head for the Market Square on the third Thursday every month. This market starts early at 8.30am and it is populated by local farmers. This is a beautiful location you can happily spend the day at as well.

Now, I know I’m biased, but if you’re staying in a holiday cottage, and hopefully one of ours, I would urge you to make the trip to your local market. Some people think self catering holidays can be hard work. But we think it’s the best possible choice when you’re staying in the Cotswolds. The main thing to remember here is that you’ve got terrific access to all manner of farmer’s markets in the area. The five we’ve mentioned above merely scratch the surface of all the markets that are available. So regardless of where you decide to stay while you’re in the neighbourhood, you can be sure there will be several farmers’ markets in and around the local area.

It’s worth checking online to see where your local ones will be once you have booked your Cotswolds holiday. This means you’ll know when and where to go once you arrive, so you can stock up with mouth watering local produce. Enjoy!

Anyone for a lardy cake?!

The number one point, we say, is that you should really love the house itself, after all a second home is a luxury not a necessity. Thereafter everything else can follow on. Chances are that the person asking the questions has stayed with us already and now fallen in love with the area realising that the Cotswolds is quite easy to get to from most parts of England. What then happens is that the customer starts the search for their dream Cotswold Cottage. See if you like what we have.

Here are my top five reasons for choosing the Cotswolds both for your second home but also for your holiday:

1. Location – very convenient from major conurbations and well serviced by major motorways. No need for airports or plane journeys here
2. Classic – arguably there is no more traditional part of England
3. Value – It is expensive (sorry!) but there’s a reason for this and as someone once said ‘you get what you pay for’!
4. Things to do – ok there’s no beach, but it has everything else within an hour; cities (Bath, Oxford), culture, attractions, walks… I could go on
5. Finally the pubs. This can be said about other parts of England, but there are so many good pubs in the Cotswolds that this alone is a reason to come to the region – there’s certainly plenty to keep you entertained here.

The next Step
Your next task will be to consider which part of the Cotswolds you want to stay in, and to choose villages which will be ideal for your needs while you are here – don’t think just about living but if you are thinking of ‘holidays’ then think about your potential customers. You’ll soon find you are spoilt for choice, which is why it makes sense to think about what kind of holiday you would like to have.

For example, some people visit with their kids and have a thoroughly active holiday. They visit all the family friendly places the Cotswolds has to offer. Other people have a walking holiday in mind. In this case they will choose a Cotswold cottage that is close to many of the best walking routes through the area. With footpaths well marked on the Ordnance Survey maps, you are likely to find several options right on your doorstep at many of the cottages.

Another popular type of holiday is a cycling holiday. In this case, if you are bringing your own bike, you will need to find a cottage that offers cycle storage as well. Many of them do since cycling is a popular pastime in this part of the country, especially for visitors. But not all cottages offer this storage as a matter of course, so it is always worth looking closely to see what you can find.

Obviously you need to consider how large the cottage should be. If you are travelling with your partner you’ll need nothing more than a small cottage with one double room. Alternatively something bigger will clearly be required if you are bringing the whole family.

Consider the outdoor space each Cotswold cottage offers as well, for you as well as the potential guests. Will you be happy to spend a day relaxing – hopefully in the sun, you never know(!) – and perhaps enjoying a barbecue for dinner? Make sure you consider the facilities within your cottage. Think cooking, relaxing, and time to indulge. What would you want is probably what an average customer will want. Customers can bring certain provisions but it is also a good idea to make sure the cottage can provide everything they cannot take. Bike storage is one example, but somewhere to put wet and muddy walking boots is also important. Barbecues and outside patio equipment is nice to have as well if you want to enjoy some relaxation time.

Clearly there is much to consider. Start with the location and then go from there. You may find that if you get your choice just right, you will have more customers than you could imagine. Alternatively – and I would say this – you could keep the dream of a second home as just that ‘a dream’ and instead choose to visit lots of different areas and cottages by coming to stay with us! That way you keep me happy and busy, while you don’t have the heartache of dealing of problem solving when things go wrong! Well nothings perfect is it…..?

Get in contact with us if you are interested in finding more about Letting a Cotswold Cottage.

In my opinion it is just as easy to plan for, especially since many of our Cotswolds holiday properties have storage for cycles if you want to take your own instead of hiring one. But for heaven’s sake do make sure that you check in advance with the cottage owner when you are booking your cottage, so you will know whether it has storage or not.

Yes I know we’re in an age where everyone is supposed to be more healthy, eating properly and generally taking care of ourselves, but to me actually getting out on your bike is so much more fun than just walking (or sitting in your car for that matter!) The great thing about cycling – apart from the fact that it keeps you fit and healthy – is that it is well suited to the Cotswolds. You can cover more ground than you would if you stuck to walking. It’s easy enough to plan cycling routes between villages every day so you can see more of the spectacular countryside that this part of the country has to offer.

It might also be worth going online (try the trusted Cotswolds tourism website which has some great ideas of routes) before you leave for your holiday, so you can see where the dedicated cycle paths are. Lots of cyclists share their routes and experiences online, and it can be good to read about them so you know where to go. This is particularly good if you haven’t been to this part of the country before. You can also prepare in advance so you have some routes to follow to begin with.

Hopefully you will have decided to stay with us if you are staying in a Cotswolds cottage, but one area to look closely into is the Cotswold Water Park, where there is a twelve mile round circuit to challenge you even before you leave the park itself. This takes in roads and off-road sections, so it really does provide something for everyone. Once you have tried this you can go outside the park and explore some other routes.

One of the best things about cycling in the Cotswolds is that you can always find routes that are just right for your level of ability. For example you will find that for every hilly and challenging cycle route that exists, there is also a simpler and flatter route for the beginner. And if you want to book in some liquid refreshments for lunch, you can plan any cycle route to take in one of the charming pubs that are dotted around the countryside as well!

So there you have it, my reasons for cycling in the Cotswolds. Are you considering it or are you sticking to the walking option. There are lots of reasons why you ought to think about planning a cycling holiday in the Cotswolds, there are lots of people have already discovered why these holidays are so appealing, and you could be the next to do so. The great thing is that you can keep going back again and again and never hit the same route twice. This is just one of the advantages you can look forward to, thanks to the beautiful surroundings the Cotswolds have to offer you. Tell us your thoughts or suggestions

GO ON GIVE IT A GO – I DARE YOU!

This is not the first time that Castle Combe, located to the north west of Wiltshire, has been used in a film. It has also been the location chosen for the filming of “The Wolfman” and “Stardust”, although it looks as though the village will benefit from fresh interest in Mr Spielberg’s new movie.

The film is set around the time of World War I, so the village was transformed to allow for actors to dress appropriately for the times. The preparation for the filming took approximately one week, after which there was another week set aside for the filming itself. Residents had the exciting experience of watching the filming take place, sometimes right outside their front doors.

Ironically enough the section of the film that Castle Combe was chosen for showed a village in Devon. But even villages in that part of the country were not deemed to be good enough or appropriate enough to take on this important role. Instead Castle Combe was selected to be the place where part of the film was set.

“War Horse” is based on a children’s book, but you may also be aware that it was turned into a successful theatre production a few years ago. Now fans of the story and the film will be able to come to the Cotswolds to see where it was filmed. It is hoped that the village will benefit from this extra association with a newsworthy topic, so that it can bring in even more visitors over the coming weeks and months.

There are only a few hundred people living in this charming village, and it provides a superb choice for anyone looking to stay in an authentic Cotswolds cottage for a few days. The buildings along Main Street – where the filming took place – are quite stunning and if you head up this street you will be able to see the old market cross at the end. The cross itself can also be spotted in the movie, dressed with a call to arms to encourage locals to sign up and support the war effort.

It would be fair enough to expect the tourist industry in and around Castle Combe to receive a boost during 2012 and beyond, thanks to the appearance of the village in “War Horse”. So if you are keen to see the movie location for yourself, make sure you book a cottage in the Cotswolds now to get a prime spot to enjoy Castle Combe and the surrounding location. There has never been a better time to soak up centuries of history and attractive sights nearby. When will you make your booking to see it?

And what better place to do that than in one of the many delightful and peaceful Cotswolds cottages that are dotted all around this beautiful part of the country? Many people go to the Cotswolds with the idea of exploring the countryside and getting out and about in the fresh air. This is a great way of de-stressing and making sure you unwind fully while you are away. But you can equally enjoy the luxury of having a whole cottage on your own for a week, or perhaps even a long weekend.

Most cottages are situated in out of the way places where it is nice and quiet. Obviously you will have to look around and see what you can find, so you can be sure of choosing just the right cottage for your needs. If you intend to unwind by going for long walks, it shouldn’t be difficult to find cottages that are situated close to one of the many footpaths that wind their way up and down the hills of this part of the country. You can even stay somewhere near to part of the Cotswold Way, to try part of this particularly famous route through the area.

If all you want is to put your feet up for a few days, make sure you book into a Cotswolds cottage that has all the facilities you could want. You’ll need to have some shops or a pub fairly close by of course, so you can get supplies and perhaps enjoy a nice relaxing meal out one evening. But make sure your chosen cottage has all the mod cons you want while you are there. Many of them have been renovated to include a relaxing and peaceful outside space too, with picnic tables and chairs. This gives you the ability to sit back and enjoy the feeling of not having to clock watch all the time.

It’s true that we all have different ways to unwind. But whatever methods you happen to enjoy, you can certainly make them happen in the Cotswolds. The great thing is that there is so much to do on your doorstep you won’t even have the need to drive if you don’t want to. You could roll out of bed whenever it suits you, get dressed, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then go out to explore your local surroundings. You can even sit and watch the wildlife in the fields and countryside surrounding your cottage if you wish – many people spend ages doing just that!

So if you need to de-stress early in the New Year, why not book a Cotswolds cottage now to get the desired results?

It is also known sometimes as Cheltenham Spa because it is a spa town. But once Christmas is over it also has a wealth of sales to offer you, making for an exciting experience if you want to shop until you drop at New Year!

Cheltenham is situated a short distance to the east of the M5 motorway, so it makes for easy access no matter where you are coming from. The A40 and A46 are also nearby, so you can access Cheltenham very easily from all parts of the Cotswolds if you happen to be staying there for a short break after the festive excitement.

Cheltenham is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but there is no doubt that it is a superb place to go if you want to do some New Year’s sales shopping. You’ve certainly got a huge range of shops to visit here because there are several distinct areas to see. For starters you can visit the town centre, an area that offers the Promenade and the Regent Arcade. As you will see when you arrive, these areas are very different to one another. There is a distinct feel about shopping in Cheltenham that makes it a vibrant and fun activity to do. Just be sure you’re not too hung over from New Year’s Eve to make the most of it the following day!

Of course the bargains start long before the New Year – mostly even before Christmas – so you don’t have to wait that long to get shopping. If you prefer to check out the speciality shops rather than the shopping centre itself, head for Montpellier. This has just the types of shops you would like to see. You’ll notice too that the whole area has some real character, offering lots to see and do and appreciate while you shop.

One thing you shouldn’t miss while you are at the Regent Arcade is the Wishing Fish Clock. Make sure you get there before the hour strikes because there could be quite a crowd forming, all to see the fish blowing bubbles as the hour comes round! It’s quite a sight and just another touch that makes Cheltenham stand out in your mind. If you are staying in a Cotswold country cottage you should definitely make the time to visit Cheltenham to see everything it has to offer. This is a superb place and a superb location to go to in order to find everything you could need in those New Year’s sales. Don’t miss a bargain – make sure you find it at one of the many delightful shopping locations the area has to offer.

If you are spending Christmas running around seeing all your family and friends it could be the perfect antidote to go away with your partner for New Year’s Eve. You’ll have to be quick though – bookings for Cotswolds country cottages and similar places are usually very busy at this time of year. However with the Cotswolds being such a big place, you might still find a last minute booking somewhere in the region.

The best thing to do is to consider where you would most like to stay and which kind of property you would like to stay in. New Year’s Eve means different things to different people. For example you might think about going to a party with everyone you know. Alternatively there could be nothing better or more desirable than spending a nice quiet night in with your partner, enjoying a romantic meal together and a glass of champagne at midnight. Whatever you would rather do, you can use the ideas to influence what you do this New Year’s Eve.

Think about staying in hotels if you want to enjoy a busy and vibrant evening with other people. But if you want that romantic feel to the New Year, try and look for a romantic cottage somewhere in the Cotswolds that will enable you both to get away from it all for a night or two. Just imagine being able to wake up together on the first day of 2012 and go for an invigorating walk to see in the New Year. You can’t do better than to wander across the fields and countryside of the Cotswolds to enjoy what it has to offer you.

This is by far the best way to enjoy the best of the Cotswolds at any time of the year. In fact if you can get a last minute booking for New Year’s Eve, it might inspire you to book a longer holiday in the Cotswolds during 2012 as well. There is so much to see and do here that you can easily spend a week or even two enjoying everything it has to offer. Get to know the area a bit better by checking out an online map first, so you can see which locations might inspire you the most.

Whatever you decide to do this New Year’s Eve, look to the future – there might just be a trip to the Cotswolds coming up for you to enjoy. Check out just some of the amazing places it has to offer and book a trip here very soon. Happy New Year!

If you happen to be anywhere near the Forest of Dean in the run up to Christmas, make sure you head along to the Christmas Fair at the Harts Barn Craft Centre. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to check out a local fair; get into the right frame of mind for Christmas, and explore one of the most beautiful parts of the countryside as well. In fact if you want to get away from the thought of crowded and stressful shopping centres in December, this kind of day out would be the ideal antidote, bringing the fun back to Christmas shopping.

But what can you expect from the fair itself? It’s a wonderful opportunity to check out the Harts Barn Christmas Shop, but you can also look for homemade items and local crafts to buy for people for Christmas. It certainly makes a change from all the usual High Street gifts, and if you like to add a personal thoughtful touch this could be the way to do it.

It is also the best time to get a real Christmas tree for home if you haven’t already got one. You can browse round the selection and see which ones look best. If you want some holly and mistletoe you can get these as well, completing the perfect look for your home this festive season.

If you have the time you could even turn your trip to the Forest of Dean into a pre-Christmas weekend away from home. There are plenty of Wye Valley cottages available to book into in the run up to Christmas, and while the competition for these cottages will be steep, it is worth getting one. Look into the various country cottages for hire that are in the area and see whether you can book into one that is close to the Harts Barn Craft Centre. You’ll find the centre on the A4136 part way between Monmouth and Gloucester so it is fairly easy to find.

Remember too that you can probably solve some of your Christmas shopping problems quite easily by visiting the fair. Homemade craft items are always well received at Christmas simply because they are different. You will see lots of items that could just solve those troubling gift problems you’re having!

The fair is on now and it lasts right through until 16th January too, well into the New Year. So if you have birthdays to consider early in 2012 or you want to go shopping for next Christmas to help spread the cost, what better way to do it than to combine it with a short trip to the Forest of Dean to recharge your batteries?

If you are going to be in the Cotswolds area during the latter part of December you might want to find out more about the guided winter waterbird walk that is taking place on December 18th. This is a Sunday so you can still have plenty of time for Christmas shopping on the Saturday, before winding down for something completely different on Sunday.

The good news is that the event is free and there is no need to make an advance booking either. However the organisers are asking that if you do want to go you should email them in advance. There is one very good reason for this – they are intending to provide mulled wine and homemade mince pies after the walk to everyone who attends, so they want to be sure they have enough to go round!

The meeting point is the Neigh Bridge car park near Somerford Keynes. You’ll get to see the surroundings of the western side of the Water Park, from 10.30am onwards. In fact if you are planning on having all your Christmas shopping done by this late in December you can even plan to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds. There are various properties you can stay in at the Water Park, not to mention other Cotswolds country cottages nearby. So you are bound to find somewhere you can escape to for a bit just before Christmas arrives.

The Cotswold Water Park is not far south of Cirencester, and well known spots in the Cotswolds including South Cerney and Somerford Keynes. Certainly you can look forward to seeing a lot of other nice spots in and around the Cotswolds if you are planning on making the most of a nice weekend there. It might be just what you need a week before the real festivities begin. Make sure you pack for cold weather though – you never know whether you will be doing the walk on a mild morning or a cold and frosty one.

Certainly there is a lot to be said for the Cotswold Water Park and there is always a lot going on there for you to enjoy when you stay. You don’t need to stay to take part in the guided walk of course, but you might decide that a short break just before the festive season is exactly what you would want. So consider it now and book soon too if you want to have a weekend away. With Christmas just around the corner it might be ideal.

If you have time to visit this charming part of the country before or after Christmas this year, there is an extra reason to visit as well. The acclaimed artist Sarah King has painted a range of oil paintings to depict the Forest of Dean as she sees it. These paintings are now on show as part of an exhibition called “The Joy of the Forest”. It is an appropriate name for the Forest of Dean, and the paintings have been created over the past four years.

Even though you will be visiting the exhibition during the depths of the winter months, the paintings that form the display have been created during the entire year. They depict scenes from all four seasons, giving you an idea of how enchanting the forest looks no matter when you happen to visit it.

The exhibition is taking place now – having started on the 12^th November – at the Dean Heritage Centre. This can be found at Camp Mill, Soudley, and the post code is GL14 2UB. This should help you locate it on Google maps and also on the sat nav if you have one. The exhibition continues until the 6^th January, so if you don’t have time to visit it during the hectic run up to Christmas, you can still catch it over the festive period and in the first few days of the New Year.

The Dean Heritage Centre always has events taking place and good reasons to go there too. No matter when you decide to visit you can learn a lot about the Forest of Dean, and indeed the Heritage Centre is known as the gateway to the area. If you have never visited it before you should definitely start here to gain a better understanding of the area before exploring it in more detail.

Of course if you are intent on visiting the Forest of Dean you can consider staying for a few days in one of the many Wye Valley cottages that are available to book. These are very popular all year round so be sure to consider looking at what is available as quickly as you can. Christmas and New Year are always popular times to get away for many people. The Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean are popular places to head for too, so the sooner you book your cottage in the Forest of Dean, the better. You can then look forward to seeing the exhibition among the many other activities you can do.