ATTRACTIONS Local information, places of Interest and days out

The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way Hyperguide From Bath in the South through to Chipping Campden in the North, the Cotswold way is a wonderful walk through a 100 miles of spectacular countryside. It also provides the opportunity to visit historic towns, villages, and monuments along the route.

It is not an ancient right of way, it was actually conceived in the 1950's by the Gloucestershire Ramblers Association, and took many years of negotiation with land owners and agencies until the walk was eventually inaugurated in 1970. 

Whilst many people do walk the whole route in a go. It is also a popular route to do bit by bit. With many people choosing to just walk just the section close to their accommodation. Which ever way you choose to visit the Cotswolds, a walk along the Cotswold way will reward you with spectacular scenery and tranquility together with a great perspective of this fascinating area.  There are plenty of guide books available, and most people running accommodation will be happy to advise of sensible walks to match your requirements.

The Cotswold Wildlife Park is near Burford in the Eastern Wolds

Cotswold Farm Park  Guiting Power
Good park where the children get to see and handle the animals

Sudeley Castle
Sudeley Castle, situated on the outskirts of Winchcombe, has a varied and interesting history.Rebuilt in the 15th Century, it was later owned by Sir Tomas Seymour who married Catherine Parr, the widow of Henry VIII.She is buried in the chapel which is one of the few parts of the original building to survive.Standing in delightful grounds Sudeley Castle was later restored as a manor house and is open to visitors.

Rodmarton Manor Cirencester 01386 852 410
A house built and furnished with local materials entirely by hand. With fascinating gardens

Broadway Tower & Country Park
Gloriously sited and splendidly preserved, the tower was built by the 6th Earl of Coventry in the 1790s as a folly simply, it seemed, to have something to look at from his family seat at Worcester some 20 miles away. Crenellated in sham medieval style, it was designed by the architect James Wyatt. It was erected on Broadway Hill – the second highest natural point on the Cotswolds at 1024 feet above sea level and at a height of 65 ft the tower commands a superb panorama over13 counties. William Morris, the Victorian artist-craftsman, used to spend holidays in the tower, bringing with him his Pre-Raphaelite artist friends, including Dante Gabriel Rosetti and Sir Edward Burne Jones. There are displays on its colourful past, a Children’s Farm, Animal Enclosures, Adventure Playground, Cafe & Shop. 01386 852 390

Snowshill Manor
A Cotswold Manor House containing Charles Paget Wade’s collection of craftsmanship and design, including Samurai armour, musical instruments, clocks, toys, bicycles, weavers’ and spinners’ tools. Delightful organic garden. Charles Wade’s cottage can also be visited. 01386 852 410

Batsford Arboretum Moreton-in-Marsh
50 acres of gardens containing over 1200 different species of trees. Superb views. Open April to October

Ragley Hall Alcester
Stately home – seat of the Marquis of Hertford. Built in 1680 the Hall contains many fine works of art and magnificent baroque plaster work. The 400 acres of parkland, designed by Capability Brown, contain a maze and an adventure playground. Open April to September.

Gloucester Warwickshire Railway Toddington
Picturesque journeys on a Steam Railway. GWR Station, Locomotives, Carriages and wagons, some being renovated. Open late March to October and some special events – details from Tourist Information Centre 01386 852 937

Broadway Teddy Bear Museum
Hundreds of antique and collectors teddy bears and other toys . Teddy bear and doll shop and hospital