It’s not very often that I recommend one supplier of information over another but this guy, whilst being a bit of an acquired taste, is so thoroughly well researched that I suggest that you spare the time to view his absolutely excellent series all about the area. He’s done series on many subjects These two are a guide to the area and a history of the area:
Robin Shuckburgh:
Complete Guide To The Cotswolds: Parts 1-4 Episodes last: half an hour
History The Cotswolds In 14 Towns: Parts 1-14 Episodes last: 4 - 11 minutes If you like his work here is his: Full playlist
Travel Videos
Places To Go: Cotswolds
Hover over each link for more information (If you have any feedback or if any links are broken please let me know at the address on the Home page. Thanks)
OXFORD
Banbury
Cheltenham Spa
Leamington Spa
WORCESTER
GLOUCESTER
Evesham
See Travel Videos and Lavender Farms below.
Because of the outstanding beauty of the area many people have posted their exploits on YouTube. Some are awful, some are OK, so be picky before you just start just using a general search ! Here are a few that I think people have thought about before posting:
Dennis Callan:
David and Debra Rixon:
Rick Steve:
Simon of Memory Seekers:
The climates in England and New Zealand are particularly conducive to lavender production. Here are some suggestions for the UK:
(New Zealand being out of scope for this site but if you are going there their perfume production supplies the world)
Lavender Farms
Cotswold Lavender
Hot Pink Wellingtons
Visit Britain
There are very many beautiful places to see here. The most popular setting off point is Stratford-upon-Avon, because even that has its attractions, so this has been placed at the centre of this interactive map. Other places may suit you better. I’m going to be honest: you cannot see The Cotswolds in a day and you won’t want to. Even 10 days isn’t enough but you probably have a limited time and budget so rent somewhere nearby and plan each day because the choices will outnumber your days. The area is brimming over with history from megalithic monuments to medieval Kings, Queens & Lords, from stunning poetry & painting to world renowned plays & music, from the English Civil War to The Gunpowder Plots, from huge industrial wealth to stunning cathedrals & formal stately homes so do your research ! Here are my basic suggestions -many have subpages to give you more detail and links to specialist tourist information websites. Have fun..
Some of the rituals date back over 1000 years. For instance there’s The Cotswold Olimpicks first held in 1612 (see the World Shin Kicking Championships). How about Wife Selling -the highest bids were first made in 1690‘s and carried on until the early 20th century ! And there’s still talk of the flying monk of Malmesbury Abbey (founded in AD676). Elmer the monk flew in AD1010 long before the Wright Brothers. See and indexed list here:
Strange Goings On In The Cotswolds
Need to ‘sell’ the idea of a visit to The Cotswolds to your partner ? Here’s a 2½ minute charmathon -hankies at the ready !
Birmze Instagram Jounalist: 10 Places In The Cotswolds That You Must Visit
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Disclaimer
Whilst some care has been taken to check externally linked websites no responsibility is offered nor implied for the suitability, legality or reliability of content therein.