When we explore the best places to live in the Cotswolds, we are presented with some of the most beautiful areas in the UK. The Cotswolds consists of rolling hills, incredibly lush scenery and a quaint country atmosphere to boot. Located in the south-central part of England, the Cotswolds crosses the borders of multiple counties, including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, as well as small parts of Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. It’s known for the many picturesque villages, the most popular of which include Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Naunton and Mickleton. It is the natural calmness that these villages provide which makes living in the Cotswolds desirable for so many.
The Cotswolds is an area of 800 square miles and is characterised by uninterrupted hills that hide countless ancient villages and market towns. The local population are often joined by those looking to enjoy Cotswold fishing holidays, as well as those looking to explore the area.
In 1966, the Cotswolds was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is the largest AONB to date in England. It follows the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales as the third-largest protected landscape. It’s not hard to see why either; huge expanses of lush greenery interspersed with small golden stone villages and towns rich in history.
The most famous commodity from the region is the yellowed limestone that has been quarried for decades to build stunning homes and walls throughout the area. It does, however, vary in colour depending on where it has been quarried, ranging from glowing honey tones in the north and northeast to deep golds in the central and southern areas and the famous pale yellow and pure white used for the elegant buildings of Bath in Somerset.
Finding the best place to live in the Cotswolds is difficult simply because of the vast range of incredible locations. To help you see why the Cotswolds is such a popular place to live in and to visit as a tourist, we have utilised our knowledge of the region to put together some major village destinations, as well as what to see when visiting the area.
Once the second largest town in Britain, Cirencester is often referred to as ‘The Capital of the Cotswolds’ and is soaked in over two millennia of history. Roman handywork can be viewed across the town, particularly as it remains home to one of the largest Roman amphitheatre sites in the UK, as well as hosting the remains of the Roman-built Cirencester Town Walls, erected early in the 3rd century. Corinium Museum, the award-winning museum in Cirencester, also boasts a vast array of interesting exhibits, from Roman mosaics to prehistoric tools. Whatever you’re interested in, if you love history, this town’s ancient heritage will pique your interest.
The Cotswolds is surrounded by history, with Neolithic settlements in the area dating back to over 2000 years ago. Chedworth is a quaint village at the heart of this historical legacy, playing host to Chedworth Roman Villa, a mosaic floored abode with bathhouse rooms and artefacts in an incredibly tranquil setting. The villa is considered one of the best-preserved examples in Britain and entices plenty of visitors each year, with more coming just to experience the range of wildlife and idyllic views.
Specialising in antique shopping and full of history, Burford is a popular Cotswolds destination for a host of different reasons. The town is home to old hotels that were frequented by famous historical figures, alongside a classic church and England’s oldest pharmacy which was established in 1734. Quaint but still busy, this is perfect for exploring.
On top of its historical prowess, Burford is nearby Cotswold Wildlife Park, a 120- acre stretch of zoological space, gardens and meadow with over 260 species, including the largest reptile collection in the UK – the perfect place to bring children or grandchildren. There are talks, daily feedings, attractive gardens, lawn-dwelling rhinos and even a walk-in lemur enclosure, definitely worth a visit for the young or mature.
Tetbury stands as another highly historical location in the region. Founded on the site of an ancient hill fort, the quaint and picturesque town is also a hub for heritage and boasts over 1300 years of recorded history. Tetbury’s architecture is similar to what it was over 400 years ago, with classic stone buildings that only add to its charm.
Additionally, the town is only a short distance from Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the most beautiful tree parks in the world which hosts over 15,000 trees from different corners of the globe. You can admire the arboretum’s amazing sights from the ground or take a gentle walk up to the STIHL Treetop Walkway, a 300-metre treetop walk stretching from the Welcome Building to the remarkable Silk Wood. It’s a beautiful attraction and definitely worth seeing.
If you love getting stuck in, the town of Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds is recognised as the original home of the arts and crafts movement, founded by William Morris at the end of the 19th century. You’ll find plenty of arts and crafts stores across the area and there are lots of arty events throughout the year to take part in.
Additionally, the town is marked as the beginning of the long-distance Cotswold Way, a public footpath stretching over 100 miles and running along the entire length of the AONB with views across Severn Valley. Not only is there a plethora of natural beauty to see and discover, but the area will also change with the seasons, presenting new gorgeous views throughout the year.
The endless beauty of the Cotswolds comes at a price and means many people, no matter how in awe of the natural area they are, can be priced out of the market when it comes to the beautiful limestone cottages that line the quaint streets and canals.
In this instance, visiting a Cotswold holiday park will give you a temporary slice of Cotswolds living, without the commitment! There are many holiday parks in the Cotswolds to choose from, including those dotted around the waterways ideal for a fishing break in the Cotswolds like no other. For those looking for an authentically British getaway, there are plenty of caravan holidays in the Cotswolds to be had, each one perfect for a staycation in the UK.
Life in the Cotswolds is every bit as lovely as you could imagine. The picturesque views and idyllic lifestyle can be captivating for many – which is what makes it so popular. If you’re looking for a short break, this is certainly the place to be!
If you’re seeking the perfect Cotswold holiday to explore this scenic area, but don’t like the price tag attached, Bredon View Holiday Park offers a peaceful retreat nestled on the outskirts of this beautiful region. With its stunning views and easy access to the Cotswolds as well as other local attractions, it’s the ideal spot for both short visits.
If you are looking for your next adventure and would like to see what the Cotswold’s area is like on an affordable holiday, consider calling Allens Caravans today on 01386 710738 to learn more. You can also book the perfect Cotswolds holiday via our Hoseasons booking page.
Allens Caravans Estates Ltd is registered in England and Wales - Reg No. 525635
