The Cotswolds is one of the most stunning regions in the UK and consists of rolling hills, picturesque villages, ancient market towns, castles and parks. It is designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the largest of its kind in UK. It receives millions of visitors every year both locals and international to experience its quintessentially English charm. If you ever wanted to live in a fairytale land, then discover the best of the Cotswolds:
STANTON
The Cotswolds is famous for its quaint honey-colored villages, and a visit to this fascinating region is highlighted with a visit to at least one village. Stanton is one of the most stunning and idyllic villages in the whole area. It appears to have stood back in time and for over 300 years little has changed beneath the slopes of Shenbarrow Hill. It is a delightful village oozing old world charm and consists of a lengthy main street meandering a few corners where age old buildings stand in typical Cotswolds style of steeply pitched gables, mullioned windows and of course the limestone honey-colored walls.
Stanton boasts of ancient architecture with 16th and 17th century houses, some restored delightfully yet retaining their authentic look. In Stanton you can travel back in time to a world with no signs of commercialism. It is a place to relax in tranquility, surrounded by magnificent views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills and beyond Welsh Mountains.
STOW-ON-THE-WOLDS
Stow-on-the-Wolds is a charming market town in the Cotswolds and perhaps one of the most popular in the Cotswolds. Stow-on-the-Wolds stands proudly about 700 feet on a hill at a junction crisscrossed by seven major roads including the Roman Fosse Way. Stow developed as result of the wool industry and held numerous colorful fairs where thousands of sheep were paraded for sale.
Stow has an expansive market square, perhaps implying its importance ages ago. On one end is the ancient cross and on the other the town stocks, the square is surrounded by a magnificent variety of ancient town houses. The town is still an important part of the Cotswolds and has an incredible array of gift shops, antiques, crafts and boutique shops. It is a great destination to stay on a walking holiday in the Cotswolds with a huge array of cottages to choose from for an authentic local experience.
STROUD
Stroud is inspiring vibrant town with a fascinating blend of cafes, galleries and shops selling everything from fossils to fairies. It is the best farmers market in the region that thrived as a result of its woolen mills during the Industrial Revolution, some are currently open to the public. It is rich in history and cultural heritage and features some excellent historical landmarks and still hosts varied festivals including arts and music.
Stroud is famous with travelers due to its rural setting and the sweeping beauty of the Five Valleys. It is not unusual to find roaming cattle and sheep alongside picnicking families, horse riders, paragliders, orchids and rare butterfly. Stroud is the ideal destination for a relaxed family holiday in the Cotswolds.
MALMESBURY
Malmesbury is an ancient market town that dates back to the 15th century, it oozes royalty having been made King Athelstan’s capital in AD 929. It has interesting ancient buildings including England’s oldest hotel, The Bell, which has been offering bed and board since 1220.
The town is famous for its ancient buildings, the 7th century abbey and the Abbey Gardens with its exclusive collection of roses. The abbey stands magnificently amongst five acres of manicured gardens consisting of over 10 000 different types of plants, fish ponds and a section of the River Avon.
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