Low Cost Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are filled with great attractions large and small. There are many that don't cost a penny, or ask for a small donation towards their upkeep.

Gloucester Cathedral - This magnificent cathedral is in the heart of Gloucester. There is no formal charge, but a donation of £3 is suggested. As one of the filming locations for the Harry Potter series of films, the Cathedral is a popular with visitors of all ages.

Bourton on the Water - One of the best places in the Cotswolds to sit and watch the world go by is by the river in Bourton on the Water. Take your picnic blanket and get an ice cream, or if the weather isn't quite up to scratch, enjoy a cup of tea in one of the lovely tea rooms nearby.

Cheltenham - Cheltenham has a number of parks to enjoy. Montpellier Gardens often hold events and music performances on the bandstand and Imperial Gardens has beautiful flower displays and regular art exhibitions. Pittville Park is popular with families, due to the children's play area and rabbits and birds to entertain the children.

Cotswold Water Park - The Cotswold Water Park has plenty of free walking trails and paths, varying in length. Spot some local wildlife by visiting the nature reserves and lakeside paths. Just pick up OS map 169, choose a route and go!

Uley Long Barrow - A partly reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound, 37 metres (120 ft) long, atmospherically sited overlooking the Severn Valley. Also known as Hetty Pegler's Tump after its 17th Century landowner.

Tewkesbury Abbey - Entry is free to the Abbey, which was founded in 1087 and reputedly has the oldest Milton organ in the country still in day to day use.

Cotswold Way - The countryside is one of the main reasons people visit the Cotswolds and following the Cotswold Way is a wonderful way to see the area. Running from Bath up to Chipping Campden (164km), the trail picks its way through lots of tiny villages that you may not come across if you were in the car. See if you can spot the Cotswold Lion along the way....

The Museum in the Park - There is free admission to this museum, which is housed in a 17thC wool merchant's mansion. There are regular events and new exhibitions throughout the year.

Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum - Situated in Cheltenham town centre, the art gallery includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, archaeology, local and social historyand objects from all over the world. Admission is free and donations are very welcome.

St James City Farm - This city farm in Gloucester gives children the opportunity to pet a wide variety of rare breed animals such as pigs, sheep, goats & rabbits.

Picnics - The Cotswolds area has some of the best picnic spots in the UK (we may be slightly biased!) See our picnic page for inspiration.

Culture - As Britain's Rural Capital of Culture, there's always something happening in the area. Check our Cotswolds Culture website for more details.

Visit one of the Cotswolds' Tourist Information Centres for more ideas on things to do in the Cotswolds.