Discover the Area

This section offers you background information on the Cotswolds. There's a section called Cotswolds for beginners which gives you the basics - including a little bit of history (but, we promise, only one date).

Year Round Cotswolds tells you what's happening in each season - what to see and do, with some advice (frequently requested by overseas visitors) on what to wear season by season.

Towns & Villages is an important section for even repeat visitors to the area. If you've found a likely B&B or hotel, use this section to see what the local village or town has to offer.

In the simplest terms, the 'Cotswolds' refers to area of gently hilly country, spread across a large area of England. Around the edge, and infused with plenty of Cotswold character, are places such as Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Gloucester , Cirencester and Bath.

The Cotswolds occupy an area larger than just a few villages (100 miles north to south). The North Cotswolds includes well-known villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden whilst to the south, the area has a slightly wilder nature, especially in the beautiful five valleys around Stroud. There are hundreds of towns or villages to see or stay in, from hamlets with no shops to charming market towns with restaurants and pubs. But take care - some places around the edge, such as Swindon or Stratford-Upon-Avon are not infused with Cotswold character - this guide will help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Above all, we recommend that you stay for much longer than just a day. Accommodation in historic manor houses, new designery hotels, 'Farm Stay' properties or a traditional B&B is definitely part of the appeal and the second half of this guide lists the accommodation options open to you. The Cotswolds are a great touring base for the wider area, including such places as Stratford Upon Avon and Oxford.

A great way to see the attractions and beautiful settings of the Cotswolds is to download our TV & Film Location Map. The map shows you which locations have been used for TV & film in the area, along with ways you can follow in the footsteps of some famous visitors and residents.

The Forest of Dean

Just the other side of the River Severn is the magical Forest of Dean. Known as the 'Queen of Forests', the Forest of Dean has something for everyone - unique and fascinating heritage, spectacular and varied landscapes, plus warm and friendly hospitality. To find out more about visiting the forest, take a look at the Visit Forest of Dean website.