50 amazing things to do in the Cotswolds: The ultimate list

There are things to do in the Cotswolds for every budget and every taste. This area has everything from food festivals and historic castles, to archery schools and lavender fields – the Cotswolds even host its very own Olympics!

Want to explore the Cotswolds without a car – see this detailed guide on getting around the area using public transport.

1 – Enjoy a slice of Victoria sponge at the Old Stables

Where: Castle Combe

The Victoria sponge here is pretty special. A quaint coffee shop in the heart of Castle Combe. This is the perfect place to relax after a walk through this picturesque little Cotswold village.

They accommodate walkers and dogs, cyclists and groups, and have two dogs of their own – Twiglet and Bumble, who can sometimes be found in the shop.

2 – Get lost at Sudeley Castle

Where: Winchcombe

A magnificent castle and gardens with some serious history. Original wings of the castle still remain, and the library here has over 1,000 books – some books are over 400 years old.

Be sure to check out the Secret Garden – the most romantic spot here. Book online directly and receive a 10% discount on ticket prices.

3 – Feel the love at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

Where: Stratford-upon-Avon

Okay – it’s just outside of the Cotswolds, but this 500-year-old picturesque cottage is worth a visit if you’re in the north of the area.

Take a walk through the beautiful cottage gardens, and explore the Shakespeare inspired sculpture trail. There is also a café and a number of picnic tables on site in case you get hungry!

4 – Explore the great Blenheim Palace

Where: Woodstock

Take a look around one of Britain’s greatest palaces. Explore grand state rooms and discover priceless collections of art. Be sure to take a ride on the miniature train between the Palace and the Pleasure Gardens.

This palace can be found on the edge of the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire. If you travel by train or bus on the day you arrive and show a valid ticket, or arrive by foot or bike, you will get a 30% discount on price of your ticket.

5 – Take a walk along The Gloucestershire Way

Where: Chepstow – Tewkesbury

This route covers almost the full width of Gloucestershire and runs through the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds, going as far east as Stow-on-the-Wold.

One of the most challenging but rewarding things to do in the Cotswolds if walking is your thing. A great opportunity to get off the beaten track.

6 – Visit Hogwarts – sorry, Lacock Abbey

Where: Lacock

Get lost in this quirky country house with its variety of architectural styles and medieval feel. A number of scenes from Harry Potter were filmed around Lacock, and Lacock Abbey was used as the interior for Howgarts on a number of occasions.

If you have more time, experience life in Lacock with a stay in one of their cottages. This national trust site is just a 10-miute drive from Chippenham in the south Cotswolds.

7 – Enjoy the view on the Leckhampton Loop

Where: Cheltenham

Go for a walk around one of the most picturesque and unique parts of the Cotswold Way. The walk starts opposite the Severn Springs pub – the perfect place to grab some food and relax after you’re done exploring this looping walk. The route is 4.5 miles long and should take around 2.5 – 3-hours to complete.

8 – Go shopping at the Malt House Emporium

Where: Ashchurch

Have a browse around this modern antique shop! This place has everything from antiques and collectables, to modern décor and contemporary styles.

It is open 7 days a week and even has a tea room on site. After a browse around the emporium, treat yourself to a breakfast bap or some cheese scones, or for something quintessentially British – afternoon tea.

9 – Release your inner archer at Cotswold Archery

Where: Moreton-in-Marsh

Try your hand at some archery in the grounds of the Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre, near Moreton-in-Marsh. Cotswold Archery cater for both first timers and experienced archers.

You do not have to pay for entry to the Arboretum to get to Cotswold Archery. You will however need to book in advance, packages are available for 90-minute and 2-hour experiences.

10 – Have lunch at The Angel Inn

Where: Burford

Enjoy lunch at a true Cotswold pub, the Angel Inn was awarded pub of the year in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

A recently renovated garden and sun terrace makes it great for those long hot summer days, and a warm and cozy interior make it perfect for those cold winter nights. If you have time on your side, consider staying longer and getting lost enjoying the small town of Burford.

11 – Step back in time at Chastleton House

Where: Moreton-in-Marsh

Explore the myths and memories of this ancient country house. Chastleton House is a place frozen in time. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens here and look out for the 400-year-old tree!

For cat lovers, there are 3 on the site which roam around and play at their leisure. Days of the week the house and gardens are open vary, and it is usually only open during the afternoon.

12 – Take a dip in an open air swimming pool

Where: Cirencester

Go for a swim in natural spring water at this unique open air pool in Cirencester. There is a 28 metre pool, a smaller paddling pool, and a sunbathing patio. The pool is open 7 days a week and there are hot and cold refreshments available here.

13 – Be British and have afternoon Tea at Ellenborough Park

Where: Cheltenham

Head to Ellenborough Park and treat yourself to a luxurious afternoon tea. Inside this hotel in Cheltenham is the Grand Hall, where your tea will be served.

Tea or coffee is included – or you can upgrade your afternoon tea to include champagne, a cocktail, or even a gin and tonic!

14 – Dress up at the Jane Austen Centre

Where: Bath

Learn about the time Jane Austen spent in Bath and how it influenced her work. If you want to take a trip back in time – you can even dress up in period costumes or have your photo taken with the famous waxwork here.

After you become a Jane Austin expert – grab lunch in the Regency Tea Room on site.

15 – Get arty at the Wilderness festival

Where: Cornbury Park

Embrace this summer festival in August at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire. This four-day festival is a celebration of music, art, fine dining and wellbeing.

There are a number of camping options available from boutique camping and quiet camping, to live-in vehicles.

16 – Go bargain hunting at Station Mill Antiques

Where: Chipping Norton

Spend some time exploring this antique centre in Chipping Norton. It is spread over 2 floors and has 11,000 square metres of floor space.

Each dealer is given their own space to arrange and display their items how they want. When you’re done rummaging, head to The Mill Kitchen here for a slice or two of cake.

17 – Walk where the Romans did at the Roman Baths

Where: Bath

This well looked after Roman site was once used for public bathing. Free audio guides with a choice of 12 languages are included in the ticket price, and there are public guided tours every hour.

At the end of your walk through this ancient site, you can even try some natural spa water. Book your tickets online before you go and receive a 10% discount.

18 – Release the inner foodie at Eckington Manor

Where: Eckington

Go on a foodie journey at this unique manor house. There are luxurious rooms, a restaurant which focuses on locally sourced ingredients, and a range of cookery classes for all skill levels.

They also host a variety of food and art related events and workshops throughout the year, ranging from calligraphy workshops, to foraging master classes.

19 – Take part in the Olimpick games

Where: Chipping Campden

Cheer on some very unique sports at the Olimpick games in the Cotswolds. That’s right, the Cotswolds have their very own Olympics!

You could even bring out the inner gladiator and enter an event yourself. Events include Shin Kicking, Tug of War and King of the Hill.

20 – Have dinner at The Wild Rabbit

Where: Kingham

A traditional Cotswold pub in the Daylesford estate surrounded by sweeping countryside. In the dining room, the kitchen is open and forms part of your dining experience. Chefs use organic locally sourced ingredients on their changing seasonal menus.

The bar is also home to artisan beers and wine sourced from independent vineyards. If you want to stay for longer, check out the luxury cottages they have dotted around Kingham – all are unique and oozing with Cotswold character.

21 – Feed the penguins at the Cotswold Wildlife park

Where: Burford

The Cotswold Wildlife Park is just south of Burford. The park has seasonal events throughout the year and a number of activities running daily.

Feed some penguins, visit the Madagascar area for a talk while the keepers feed the Lemurs, or take a ride around the park on the narrow-gauge railway.

If you purchase an E-ticket in advance, it is £2 cheaper for adults and tickets are valid for 30-days.

22 – Try some cheese and biscuits at The Cotswold Cheese Company

Where: Burford, Cheltenham, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold

If you love cheese, a visit to one of these shops is a must! Each of their 4 outlets around the Cotswolds stock ridiculously large amounts of cheese, as well as a selection of biscuits and pickles to go with them.

They are big on local products and also stock oils, mustards, jams, beer, and wine. If you just can’t decide – take home one of their hampers!

23 – Grab a beer at The King’s

Where: Chipping Campden

Fresh seasonal food is served in the restaurant here and the chefs focus on British food with a contemporary twist.

Make sure you take sometime to relax and grab a drink, the homely bar at King’s is complete with a log burner and perfect for those cold winter days.

If wine is more your thing – check out these 3 great vineyards in the Cotswolds which offer tours!

24 – Pick up a novel at Jaffe and Neale bookshop and cafe

Where: Chipping Norton

A real community hub in this beautiful Cotswold town. A bookshop and a café all in one – what’s not to like.

Jaffe and Neale’s is an independent book store with friendly smiles, plenty of advice, and some good cakes on offer too.

25 – Check out the pink flamingos at Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Where: Slimbridge

This place is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The centre is set in 100 acres just outside of the Cotswolds. It is home to everything from some cheeky otters to its famous pink flamingos.

You can make your own way around the centre or check out the different events they run throughout the year – everything from wildlife photography workshops to improving you bird recognition skills!

Book online before you visit for a 10% discount on ticket prices.

26 – Go camping at The Big Feastival

Where: Kingham

If you’re in the Cotswolds in summer, enjoy some good music and good food at The Big Feastival. A family friendly festival held on a farm near Kingham. The festival has music, street food, a vintage funfair, and even an iced coffee tent.

If camping is your thing, you can even stay for the full weekend. They have pre-pitched tents and glamping options, and campervan spots available.

27 – Take a cooking class at Daylesford cookery school

Where: Kingham

Get involved in a cooking class at this restored stone barn set in the idyllic Cotswold countryside. They offer full day, half day, and evening classes for all skill levels.

The ingredients used are sourced locally, with their own garden containing over 300 types of fruit, vegetables, salad, and herbs – just 50 metres from the cookery school.

Classes range from “Quick and simple suppers” to “Artisan bread making”.

28 – Soak up the history at Chavenage House

Where: Tetbury

Step back in time at this relaxed Cotswold manor house which has remained almost unchanged for 400 years.

The house is open from May – September on Thursdays and Sundays in the afternoon. The admission price even includes a guided tour.

29 – Take a walk along the tree top walkway at Westonbirt Arboretum

Where: Westonbirt

If you like nature – you’ll love it here! Home to 2,500 species from all around the world. There’s something for everyone, from the tree top walkway, to hidden sculptures and activity trails.

After you’ve explored some of the 15,000 tress here, head to the onsite café for lunch, or find a nice spot and have a picnic. A variety of events also take place here throughout the year, including live music, various festivals and 10km runs. 

30 – Find some bargains at Cirencester Antiques and Collectables Market

Where: Cirencester

This market is held inside Corn Hall in Cirencester every Friday. Around 50 dealers set up their pitches at the market, selling everything from ceramics and jewellery to vintage clothing and coins.

There is a café on site serving refreshments and snacks, and there are a number of restaurants and cafes nearby.

31 – Have pizza at L’Anatra Italian

Where: Bourton-on-the-Water

An Italian place in Bourton-on-the-Water! Home to a great selection of authentic and fresh Italian food, including some delicious stone baked pizzas.

If you’re just looking for a quick snack, they serve tapas Monday – Thursday in the afternoon.

32 – Admire the view from the top of Tyndale Monument

Where: North Nibley

This monument is just a short walk from the village of North Nibley. Climb up the spiral steps to the top for breathtaking views out over the Cotswolds.

From here you can see down to both Severn Bridges and across to Wales. There is a large open green area on top of the hill where the monument sits – a great place to have a picnic with a view!

33 – Hunt for treasure at Snowshill Manor

Where: Snowshill

This Cotswold Manor house is packed with treasure – literally! Thousands of objects are on display in this collection. There is everything from samurai armour to fine clocks.

The garden here is a real treat as well. As you explore, you’ll find some peaceful little corners –  the perfect place to relax after hunting for treasure.

34 – Have a cup of tea at Cotswold Farm Park

Where: Cheltenham

The Ox Shed restaurant and farm shop here are open to the public – meaning you can grab a slice of cake and a cup of tea without buying a ticket for the farm park itself.

There are events run at the Ox Shed frequently – including live music, which are free to attend.

35 – Have dinner at Russell’s of Broadway

Where: Broadway

An award winning Cotswold restaurant and hotel located in the centre of the picturesque village of Broadway. Russell’s is set in a recently renovated historic building.

They have a limited number of guest rooms available too – the perfect place to get off the beaten track and enjoy the English countryside for a day or 2.

36 – Go back 12,000 years ago to the Neolithic age at Belas Knap

Where: Winchcombe

This English Heritage site has free entry. A Neolithic long barrow with plenty of gruesome, but interesting history surrounding it.

The site is open during daylight hours. Facilities are limited, but toilets, shops, and places to grab a bite to eat are a short distance away in Winchcombe.

37 – Get lost at Batsford Arboretum

Where: Moreton-in-Marsh

This arboretum has the country’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs, as well as a garden centre on site.

A truly romantic and exciting place to visit. If you have the time, take a few hours of your day to get lost and explore this beautiful arboretum.

38 – Uncover the secrets of Abbey House Gardens

Where: Malmesbury

A place filled with interesting history – the first king of England is buried somewhere in the garden here, and 2 saints were thrown down the well!

Open from April to September, with discounts for groups of 12 or more. The Coy Carp café on site is the perfect place to relax after your afternoon out, you can even feed some of the koi carp while you’re there.

39 – Go to the circus!

Where: Stroud, Winchcombe, Kingham, Oxfordshire, Minchinampton, Marlborough, Cirencester

Who doesn’t like a good circus? Giffords Circus tours the country between May and September with the majority of locations in or around the Cotswolds.

A massive variety of talent from all around the world can be seen on your next trip to the circus in the Cotswolds!

40 – Have a day out at the Badminton Horse trials

Where: Badminton

A great way to spend a day out, or even the whole 3-days if you’re in the area for this event in May. There are a number of equestrian events on display at these famous trials.

Once you’re done, check out the traditional English village of Badminton nearby.

41 – Learn about American history at Claverton Manor

Where: Bath

A showcase of American art and history. There are a variety of exhibitions here as well as beautiful grounds and gardens to explore.

A number of events and workshops are run, from gardening and planting workshops to seasonal trails.

42 – Visit the Christmas market at Westonbirt’s Enchanted Christmas event

Where: Westonbirt

This event is run in the evenings from the end of November to the end of December. A magical Christmas themed trail through the heart of Westonbirt Arboretum.

There is also a Christmas village – filled with stalls and shops selling everything from arts and crafts, to hot chocolate and mulled wine.

43 – Relax and unwind at Cowley Manor Spa

Where: Cheltenham

The perfect place to treat yourself if you want a luxury spa day in the Cotswolds. This manor house contains 31 bedrooms and is set in 55 acres of Grade-II listed gardens.

The house is 15-minutes from Cirencester and 20 minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold.

44 – Have a picnic in Hidcote Manor garden

Where: Chipping Campden

A national trust site set in the sweeping north Cotswold countryside near Chipping Campden home to a beautifully designed arts and crafts garden.

Hunt for the secret gardens here, or relax on one of the many ornate benches after you get lost exploring. Remember to pack a picnic!

45 – Be a local at the Saturday Farmers Market

Where: Stroud

Experience Cotswold life at this local farmer’s market. The market is open Saturday mornings at Cornhill Market Place and the surrounding streets in Stroud.

If you can’t make it on the day – they even operate an online food ordering service.

46 – Visit a Lavender farm

Where: Broadway

This place is lavender heaven! You can take a walk through the lavender fields, see the harvest and visit the distillery if you’re there around the end of July, or grab a drink in the tea room.

If you want to witness the harvest or catch a glimpse of the distillery, it’s best to contact them before you visit to see if you’ll be in the area at the right time.

47 – Brave the dungeons at Warwick Castle

Where: Warwick

Although it is slightly to the north of the Cotswolds, this castle is absolutely worth a visit. There are a number of different daily activities and shows available for visitors of all ages.

If you’re feeling brave – check out the castle dungeon, with its live actors and amazing special effects.

If you want something a little different, why not stay the night in this 14^th century castle!

48 – Explore Elemental Sculpture Park

Where: Somerford Keynes

Hunt for the sculptures hidden throughout this amazing park. This 10-acre site is an ongoing canvas of international contemporary art work.

When you’re done walking around the park, head to the very arty Poppin Tearom there for some refreshments.

49 – Visit the most romantic street in Britain!

Where: Lower Slaughter

Lower Slaughter is a true picturesque Cotswold village. Head to Copse Hill Road – voted the most romantic street in Britain!

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out the other idyllic villages nearby. Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are just a short distance from Lower Slaughter.

50 – Be a giant at The Model Village

Where: Bourton-on-the-Water

Feel like a giant as you explore this tiny village within a village. The Model Village is a one-ninth scale replica of the village it is located in – Bourton-on-the-Water.

You can even check out the model of the model within this little village! It is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Day.

Visiting the Cotswolds but don’t have a car – See this detailed guide on getting around the area by bus.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, clicking through and paying for these products or services may result in this website getting a commission at no additional cost to you.