A weekend in the COTSWOLDS
With its honey-stone villages and rolling green landscape, the Cotswolds has everything you need for a charming UK break
Coln St Aldwyns and the surrounding villages have everything you could want for a traditional English break, and it’s like stepping back to a bygone era. Here are our favourite areas to visit on a weekend break in the Cotswolds…
Coln St Aldwyns
If you enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace with a small group of friends (or just you and the dog), head to this gorgeous part of the Cotswolds. Ramblers from across the world are drawn to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walking the 102-mile Cotswold Way, which was declared a National Trail in 2007. Coln St Aldwyns is surrounded by exceptional walking country, so pull on your hiking boots and head out into the fresh country air. As a starter, the gentle one-mile walk around the village is a great introduction to the area. You’ll spy The New Inn, a cosy pub which offers a mean cocktail and craft beers (thenewinncoln.co.uk). If you’re after something a little more challenging, try the four-mile walk through the valley to nearby Quenington. For walking trails, visit cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.
✱ Best for: A walking holiday
The perfect base
Build Me Up Buttercup, a cottage in the village, is a quaint base for anyone exploring the area. Just off the main tourist trails in Coln St Aldwyns – one of the area’s prettiest villages – this home is the perfect starting point to explore the Cotswolds. Set over three floors, you’ll find four spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. The decor blends antique and modern furnishings, making a comfortable and chic stay. One of the best features is its separate outbuilding, where you’ll find an artist’s studio in which you can let your creative side run free, and a pretty garden room, a table and chairs. Sleeps six, from £330 a night, minimum threenight stay.
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