The Cotswolds spans over 800 square miles of quintessential English countryside encompassed by idyllic villages, market towns and National Trust houses, all within the short reach of Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cheltenham, Oxford, Bath and only 2 hours from London…. making Cotswold staycations your perfect for UK holiday destination!
You’ll never be short of things to do in the Cotswolds! Whether you prefer a casual walk along the Cotswold Way, grabbing a bite to eat at a local Pub or independent Café or seeking out thrills at the Cotswold Waterpark, or Cotswold Wildlife Park… there are many beautiful local areas to walk or cycle, with stunning wildlife, breath-taking views and notable landmarks.
The Cotswold Way, starting in Chipping Campden, stretches over 100 miles and is peppered with ancient monuments and historic sites.
For cyclists and mountain bikers, there is The Ridgeway – Vale of the White Horse – and Badbury Clump, which offer panoramic views and challenging trails, perfect for those who love an outdoor adventure.
Explore Stunning Estates
The Cotswolds is also home to gorgeous National Trust properties and estates like Batsford Arboretum, Westonbirt Arboretum, Sudeley Castle, and the famed Blenheim Palace. These estates offer the perfect blend of history, nature, and architecture, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration. Just remember to check if you need to pre-book your tickets before you visit – especially if you are choosing to visit at a particular time such as Christmas or Bonfire Night.
For those seeking more thrills and adventurous activities why not pay a visit to some of the other Cotswold attractions such as the Cotswold Wildlife Park or Cotswold Waterpark (which has got it’s own Beach!) The Wildlife Park provides an eye capturing and extremely educational experience, as it boasts over 130 species of birds, and some of the fiercest mammals and reptiles on the planet (Asiatic Lion and Green Anaconda).
We would highly recommend pre-booking your tickets for one of these fabulous local attractions. 
Enjoy the Local Food Scene
And once your busy day is over, what better way to unwind than with lunch or supper at one of the many charming local pubs or restaurants. Spots like The Five Alls, Upton Smokery and the Wild Rabbit Inn are firm favourites with the team here at StayCotswold.
A local institution Huffkins in Burford serves up incredible afternoon teas – perfect for when you are fresh off a local walking route. If your Cotswold Staycation falls over a weekend, their are plenty of local pubs serving up delicious Sunday roasts. Try the Ebrington Arms in Chipping Campden famous for its Sunday lunch, or The Halfway at Kineton serves up a “double spud – roast and mash – along with a brisket-filled Yorkshire Pudding.
Pack a picnic.
There are beautiful tranquil picnic spots dotted all over the Cotswolds – and the joy of booking a self-catering Cotswold staycation means you can prepare your own picnic from the well equipped kitchen in your holiday cottage. Then all that is left to do is to pick your picnic spot! Choose from a quiet meander along the River Thames near Lechlade, The Banks of Mallard Pike Lake (Forest of Dean) or on Leckhampton Hill, overlooking the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Don’t forget the banks of the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, where you will find the fantastic Bakery on the water serving up breakfast, morning coffee and lunch.
Ready to snuggle up?
You won’t find a better way to spend your evenings on your Cotswold staycation than retreating to your own cosy snug or sitting room for a family film night. Many of our idyllic cottages and family homes boast traditional wood burners, ensuring you’ll never get cold whilst cosied up on the sofa. Just remember to bring a pack of cards.
Choose a dog friendly cottage
Many of our guests choose a Cotswold staycation year after year, as it means they can bring their family dog on holiday too. With over 140 dog friendly cottages on offer, from barn conversions to cosy cottages and everything in between. Plus, many of the local attractions allow you to bring your dog, like Broadway Tower and Cotswold Motoring Museum, shops and pubs are incredibly dog friendly such as The Fox at Oddington and The Angel in Burford. We’ve put together a review of our favourite dog walks here so why not plan your dog friendly Cotswold Staycation today!
We hope you decide to plan your Cotswold staycation soon – please do check our availability holiday cottages and homes for more detail on properties – StayCotswold this year!
