Spring in the Cotswolds

Welcome to Cotswolds.com, a tourist information website created to offer information about this great English visitor destination. As we head for the main season, here are five tips to help you get the most from a visit to the Cotswolds:

1. Book early - Spring and early summer are popular and the best accommodation goes first. Don't be afraid to try more than just the well known Cotswold towns and villages - nowhere is too far from anywhere here. As a rough rule, remember that the stranger the name of the village, the prettier it will be. 

2. Pick up a copy of our Attractions or Gardens guide, available in advance or from Tourist Information Centres in the area. We have some great, quirky attractions that are so much better than a queue in a theme park.

3. Shop local - Farmer's Markets are popular, buzzy and free, a great way to spend time with the locals. You'll find an unusually high number of antique shops and quality craftspeople and artists at work in the Cotswolds. 

4. Check local events and venues. For example, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cheltenham and Gloucester each have theatres and live venues that attract surprisingly big names. 

5. Visit Tewkesbury. During 2007's flooding (now well and truly over, by the way) the image of Tewkesbury Abbey featured in news coverage worldwide - the magnificent Abbey is now a 'must-see' for visitors.  
 

You can use this site to find accommodation, to search for events or to look at which attractions are open through the winter. Our accommodation policy is only to list inspected places and you can look through our Cotswold eGuide on line to see pictures of great hotels, B&Bs and self catering properties.