Most people have a map in their car somewhere, but it certainly pays to make sure you have one that is up to date when you come to visit the Cotswolds.

But don’t discount the idea of using a map before you get here as well.  For starters you will be thinking about whereabouts you want to stay when you get here.  You’ll no doubt have noticed that our website gives you easy access to a Google map for every cottage and property we offer you.

Simply take a look at the details for the property you are interested in staying in.  Let’s take the beautiful Cotstone Cottage, for example.  Do you see the link a little way down the page which says ‘view map’?  If you click on that you will be taken directly into Google maps, where you will be able to see exactly where the property is situated.

In this case you can see that it isn’t too far from such delights as Bourton on the Water and Chipping Norton.  And it is virtually right on the doorstep of Shipton under Wychwood too, giving you plenty of easy to reach locations for your holiday.

But even though you can start with an online map, nothing beats having a real one.  And if you wait until you get here you will be able to buy local maps with more information about local sights and sounds on them.  Don’t forget that the local Tourist Information Offices are invaluable for finding out all about the location you are staying in, as well as the surrounding areas.

Another type of map you might want to invest in is the type that tells you where all the best walks are!  An Ordnance Survey map is essential if you are going to take any kind of walk on or off the beaten track, but you will often find that guidebooks also give you what you need.  Various walks are usually mapped out for you, along with pertinent information and all the details you need regarding essential stop offs and refreshment places along the way.

You might think that a regular map would be enough.  But it won’t show you where all the best places to visit are.  It can also pay dividends to buy a map designed and presented by local people – or at least those who have walked frequently in the area and have an idea of where all the best walks are.

The other type of map you will usually find is one that focuses just on a particular town or village.  You will generally find these on the back of leaflets and booklets to be found in the relevant places.  They will show you where all the local attractions are, not to mention how to get to them and what distances are involved.

So you see the map is really your best friend when you come to visit us here in the Cotswolds.  No matter where you are headed, you can expect to get there more easily when you are properly armed!