THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS

Put these six places and activities at the top of your to-do list when exploring this beautiful part of England. By

Cotswold Hare Trail Between March and September, 1.5-metre-tall hare statues will be placed around the Cotswold countryside, forming the Cotswold Hare Trail. Local artists will decorate the statues to feature in towns, villages and rural areas. It’s a great way to discover the region, thanks to the team behind the annual Cirencester March Hare Festival that came up with the idea. Visit the website to find out more and see some of the hares from last year’s event. Details: cirencestermarchharefestival.org.uk Rent a bike Cyclists are heading to the Cotswolds in growing numbers. Last year saw the opening of Flyup Downhill’s 417 Project — a mountain biking centre with a huge downhill course just outside Cheltenham. Head here for coaching sessions before tackling the area’s undulating terrain. For something easier, sign up for a tour with Cotswold Electric Bike Tours in Kingham. There are also hopes that a bike-share scheme now available in Oxford will be rolled out across the region next year. Details: flyupdownhill.co.uk, cotswoldelectricbiketours.co.uk Bourton Model Railway, Bourton-on-the-Water You don’t have to be a train geek to appreciate the spectacular model railways at Bourton Model Railway, which covers more than 152 metres with more than 40 trains. You’ll also see working cranes, cable cars and fun fairs. The trains whiz through various landscapes, ranging from cities to mountains and forest-filled valleys. It’s a true labour of love and the adjoining shop is one of the best-stocked model railway shops in the U.K. Details: bourtonmodelrailway.co.uk The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold The gorgeous Old Stocks Inn in the village of Stow-on-the-Wold is a hotel, pub and restaurant (head chef Wayne Sullivan recently appeared on the U.K.’s version of

MasterChef) but it’s the café we love the most. Come here to sample organic teas and homemade cakes while admiring the decor — colourful, diner-style chairs and beams of knotted wood. During the colder months, there’s a cosy après-ski bar at the rear of the property, too. Details: oldstocksinn.com The Cotswold House Hotel and Spa The stunning Cotswold House Hotel and Spa is popular with the area’s many A-listers, and more than $1 million has been spent on its recent refurbishment. There are two restaurants: the laid-back Bistro on the Square and Fig Restaurant, which is the fine-dining option. There’s also a fantastic spa, so if you’ve spent the day cycling up and down the Cotswold’s hills, it’s the ideal place to soothe those aches and pains. Details: bespokehotels.com/cotswoldhouse The Wild Rabbit, Kingham The cosy Wild Rabbit pub, in the pretty village of Kingham, has a roaring log fire, rough stone walls and, in the restaurant, a circular section of glass flooring which allows you to peer down into an old well. The Wild Rabbit was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2016 and the menu is all about organic, locally sourced food. Don’t forget to check out the dog-themed signs for the bathrooms. Details: thewildrabbit.co.uk U.K. writer Tamara Hinson’s trip was sponsored by the Old Stocks Inn, which didn’t review or approve this story.