Cotswold Trip

Two Days in the Cotswolds Our visit to the Cotswolds combined picturesque villages, beautiful countryside, wildlife, local produce and some of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best-known villages in the Cotswolds. Often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, it is centred around the shallow River Windrush, crossed by a series of attractive stone bridges. Honey-coloured cottages, traditional shops and waterside cafés line the river, creating an idyllic setting for a leisurely walk. Even when busy, Bourton retains much of its historic character, particularly along the quieter lanes away from the main riverfront. A short walk from the centre of the village is Birdland, a wildlife park set within several acres of gardens and woodland. It is home to hundreds of birds from around the world, with penguins among its most popular residents. Flamingos, parrots, owls and many other species can also be seen throughout the park. The woodland setting and riverside paths make it an enjoyable place to explore, while the close views of the birds provide plenty of opportunities for photography. Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone Brewery, located just outside Bourton-on-the-Water, offers an interesting contrast to the traditional villages. The brewery has become well known for producing lager, cider and other drinks using ingredients grown in the surrounding countryside. It demonstrates how local farming and modern brewing can be combined to create a successful Cotswold business, with the opportunity to sample some of the finished products. We stayed in Broad Campden, a village adjacent to Chipping Campden which is an elegant market town renowned for its long, gently curving high street. Historic buildings constructed from warm Cotswold stone line the road, including the impressive seventeenth-century Market Hall. Independent shops, cafés, traditional inns and hidden courtyards add to the town’s charm, making it an ideal place to wander and admire the architecture. The Cotswold Lavender fields provide one of the region’s most colourful summer sights. During the flowering season, long rows of purple lavender stretch across the rolling landscape. The colour, fragrance and gentle movement of the plants create a memorable atmosphere, with bees and butterflies constantly moving between the flowers. Beneath a bright summer sky, the fields offer especially striking views and wonderful photographic opportunities. Broadway is another beautifully preserved Cotswold village, centred around a wide high street lined with historic inns, stone cottages, galleries and attractive independent shops. Its relaxed atmosphere and distinctive architecture make it one of the most appealing places in the area. High above the village stands Broadway Tower, one of the Cotswolds’ most famous landmarks. Built in the late eighteenth century, the distinctive stone folly occupies one of the highest points in the region. From the surrounding hilltop, spectacular views extend across the countryside in every direction, providing a fitting conclusion to a visit filled with villages, wildlife, local flavours and classic Cotswold scenery.