THE COTSWOLDS. A QUITE UNIQUE EXPERIENCE.

Is it something in the quirkiness of the British character that accounts for this unique mix of glorious gentle countryside and quite extraordinary architecture? Whatever the reason, the result is an area of exceptional beauty, a favourite among the Brits as a place to unwind, relax, enjoy outdoor and cultural activity – and eat well. In short, the perfect escape.

But what exactly are the Cotswolds? It’s in some ways difficult to describe, as the Cotswolds  are neither a county nor region, but an area of gentle hills and river valleys stretching north/south for 100 miles (160km). The word Cotswolds derives from two old English words: ‘Wolds’ are gentle hills while ‘Cots’ are sheep enclosures. The description is apt, as centuries ago the Cotswolds were the centre of a thriving wool trade which has left its mark on the stone walls that criss-cross the landscape (creating ‘enclosures’) and on the many churches, manor houses, public buildings and prosperous villages that are a delight to explore.

There’s no time of year that isn’t right for visiting the Cotswolds. The days are long and leisurely in the summer months, the autumn colours a rich palette. Winter walks can end with a cosy pub lunch around an open fire where you’ll be made to feel most welcome.

Much more than just a place to soak up the atmosphere.  Browsing through antique shops – the biggest concentration of antique shops outside London – provides a fascinating recollection of history and a source of treasure and bargains.

There are some magnificent gardens to visit too, not least of which are the gardens at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, the home of HRH Prince Charles. There is a Highgrove shop  at Tetbury near Highgrove which opened in March 2008. You’ll find a wide range of interesting crafts and organic produce which are unique to Highgrove.

Don’t miss the National Trust gardens at Hidcote Manor  and the mid-18thC Rococo gardens  at Painswick near Stroud. The Abbey House gardens  in Malmesbury are home to the popular television programme “The Naked Gardeners”. There are innumerable smaller gardens too which are worth exploring for inspiration and encouragement – and the chance even to meet the owners who can explain the secrets behind their wonderful creations. The English are renowned the world over for their love of gardens and gardening, and the Cotswolds provide an iconic backdrop to these gardens.

A great touring base.  Whether by car, on horseback, foot or cycling. The gentle hills make both walking and cycling an undemanding and leisurely pursuit. Local Tourist Information Centres are a useful source of cycling routes. The Cotswolds boast the largest number of walking trails in Britain, walking along old Roman roads, ancient salt ways and through charming villages that date back to mediaeval times.

There is of course the 100 mile (160km) Cotswold Way  national trail from the delightful market town of Chipping Campden in the north to the famous spa town of Bath (a World Heritage Site) in the south. And there’s the 180-mile long Thames Path  too, along the banks of the River Thames from its source at Kemble to the Thames Barrier at Woolwich in south-east London. But if you don’t have the time for either of these two national trails, there are a large number of short walks accompanied by Voluntary Wardens who will explain the local history and local wildlife. You’ll soon appreciate why the Cotswolds are classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Click to find out more about joining an easy, a moderate or a strenuous walk with a Cotswold Voluntary Warden.

Love horses? Love the Cotswolds.  Horse-riding is a popular local sport and there are a good number of excellent riding stables  to choose from. Not surprising, since it is the Cotswolds that host two great events in the British equestrian calendar – the Badminton Horse Trials   in the grounds of the 16thC Badminton Manor House, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Why not plan a visit now to the 2009 Badminton Trials on 01-04 May 2009? Racing takes place at Cheltenham from mid-October to mid-May, with the Festival  (10-13 March 2009) being the jewel in the crown of steeple chasing. There are show-jumping and cross-country trials too at

Blenheim  in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace at Woodstock. Polo is played at Cirencester, the UK’s oldest Polo Club. Click for details.

Just for the fun of it.  Eccentric? Certainly, and loads of fun. Come and join in the spirit of age-old events like Woolsack Racing at Tetbury and Cheese Rolling  at Brockworth (between Stroud and Cheltenham) – these two annual races take place on the last Monday of May (25 May 2009). They’re not as barbaric as they may sound! There’s even River Football  on the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Practical information

Cotswolds Tourist Board: Full information about the Cotswolds – including culture, accommodation, music, opera and theatre, festivals and events, museums, sites, outdoor activities (walking, cycling, golf, riding, etc), shops and places to eat, markets, maps, etc: Website: www.cotswolds.com [Unfortunately the website is only in English, but it’s user-friendly!].

Getting there: The Cotswolds begin about 100 miles (160km) from the Port of Dover, accessed from the M4 and/or M40 motorways west of London, both of which come off the M25 London orbital motorway. The five large towns that circle the area are Bath, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham and Gloucester. For driving details AA recommended routes.

Travelling to/from Ireland? If you’re travelling between Dover and the Port of Birkenhead at Liverpool, the Cotswolds are a delightful area in which to pause or even spend a day.