Cotswolds

Most of the Cotswolds area is in Gloucestershire. This is an area of gentle hills with stone walls criss-crossing the landscape, hidden river valleys and distinctive market towns and villages made of the famous honey coloured Cotswold stone.

Towns such as Winchcombe, Bibury and Painswick have a timeless charm that fascinates visitors from all over the world.

This area of Gloucestershire includes world-famous historic houses and gardens such as those at Hidcote Manor, Painswick, Westonbirt Arboretum and Sudeley Castle, home of Henry VIII's last Queen.

The story of the Cotswolds is really the story of wool and the area's rural past is explored at attractions such as the Cotswold Farm Park.

Cotswold summer days are relaxed and long, but log fires in Winter, Spring bluebells or Autumn colours are all reasons why visitors come at any time of year.

For those who want to buy a piece of the past, the Cotswolds is unrivalled for antiques, and towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Tetbury have the largest concentration of antique shops outside of London. For more information please visit the Cotswold Antique Dealers Association www.cotswolds-antiques-art.com

Despite its unique rural atmosphere, the Cotswolds is less than two hours from London. The town of Cheltenham is a popular tourism base.

Cotswolds and Severn Vale -Winchcombe, Sudeley Castle and Snowshill Manor. For the beautiful area to the south of the Cotswolds, around Stroud, go to www.visitthecotswolds.org.uk.
www.cotswolds.gov.uk  offers further information about the area, including places visit and stay in the Cotswolds. Cotswolds Relocations also offers help and information for people looking to move to the Cotswold's

For further information please visit the 'Order a brochure' section, or contact:

Cotswolds Tourist Visitor Centre, Hollis House, The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Glos. GL54 1AF
Tel: +44 (0) 1451 831082
Fax: +44 (0) 1451 870083

email: stowvic@cotswold.gov.uk

web site:www.cotswold.gov.uk