Explore the surrounding villages…
Bibury
It’s easy to see why 19th century British craftsman William Morris called Bibury ‘the most beautiful village in England’, with its chocolate-box cottages along the banks of the River Coln and idyllic countryside. Right in the centre of the village, you’ll find the crystal-clear waters of Bibury Trout Farm, where up to six million trout ova are spawned every year. Nearby you’ll find the iconic houses on Arlington Row; probably one of the most photographed scenes in the Cotswolds.
Before you go, you must make a stop at The Swan, a former coaching inn, which oozes Cotswold charm. Its afternoon tea by the river, with the chef’s freshly baked scones, is unmissable (cotswold-innshotels.co.uk/the-swan-hotel).
✱ Best for: Idyllic, snappable scenery and dreamy afternoon tea
Tetbury
The Cotswold market town of Tetbury is famous for a vast variety of antiques traders and stores brimming with one-of-a-kind treasures and trinkets. Long Street in the town centre is lined with first-rate shops, so start among the eclectic offerings at Top Banana Antiques Mall then work your way up. Take a five-minute walk to The Royal Oak, a classic Cotswold inn, for a restorative real ale in timbered surroundings, followed by a country stroll into Berkeley Wood.
✱ Best for: Antique lovers
Bourton-on-the-water
Often called The Venice of the Cotswolds, take a walk down the main street and over one of the many bridges and you’ll quickly see why Bourton has this nickname. Famed for honey-coloured houses and idyllic scenery, there’s so much to delight. Little and big kids alike will enjoy Bourton’s Model Village, while nature lovers should head to Birdland, set in nine acres of gardens and woods (bourtoninfo.com).
✱ Best for: Family fun