With everything from grand manor houses to picture-perfect gardens, the Cotswolds is brimming with beautiful places that are well worth a visit. Discover 7 of the most incredible places in the Cotswolds with SoGlos’s hot list.
1. Sudeley Castle
Walk in the footsteps of queens at Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII’s sixth wife lived out her last days and is buried.
With a ruined banquet hall, treasure-filled exhibitions and rolling grounds to stroll around – plus an adventure playground – visitors can spend a carefree afternoon at Sudeley Castle.
2. Snowshill Manor and Garden
Bursting with all things weird and wonderful, Snowshill Manor is great for oddity lovers of all ages. Kids will love the room full of scary samurai armour and don’t miss the Wolf’s Cove – a miniature model village.
3. Broadway Tower
Want to reach new heights? Visitors who climb to the top of Broadway Tower will see for miles – they might even glimpse the Black Mountains in the distance.
Wander the grounds and spot a deer or two. Or squeeze into the nearby nuclear bunker for a peek into the past. Even better, stop off at the café near the tower for a scrumptious slice of cake and a cuppa.
4. Blenheim Palace
Homes don’t get much bigger than Blenheim Palace! This monumental palace has history in spades and is best known as the birthplace of William Churchill.
With food festivals, jousting tournaments and classic car exhibitions on the schedule, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained at Blenheim.
5.Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Lions, zebras, rhinos, crocodiles and giraffes – all creatures great and small have gathered in Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, a family favourite for 50 years.
Young explorers can tour the Flamingo Lake, Bat House and other habitats to see and learn how these captivating creatures live in the wild.
6. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway
Experience a blast from the past with Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, a heritage steam experience that has all the sights, smells and sounds of classic rail travel.
Hop aboard a steam-powered ride between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, soaking in the most gorgeous Cotswold countryside imaginable.
7. Painswick Rococo Garden
If you want to get that Insta-worthy shot of the gardens, let the kids run wild or find the perfect spot for hide and seek, Painswick Rococo Garden has something for everyone.
Boasting a series of fantastic events throughout the year, from snowdrop season to outdoor theatre, Rococo Garden is a Cotswold gem that’s definitely worth a visit – and you can even get married there!
By Matt Dicks
