Covering a huge area of almost 800 square miles, The Cotswolds is packed with amazing things to see and do. Picturesque villages, grand palaces, ancient castles, beautiful gardens, outdoor activities – this perfect slice of English countryside has got it all. Wondering where to start? Here are the top 10 thing to do in the Cotswolds with the Sand & Stone stamp of approval:
1. Cotswolds Distillery – Shipston-on-Stour
The first full scale distillery in the Cotswolds, this beautiful rural distillery and shop were designed with visitors in mind. They run tours and tastings every day of the week (advance booking required).
Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road, Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 5HG
11 Miles from Yarrow Cottage
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2. Cotswolds Wildlife Park – Burford
Stroll around the park and get eye-to-eye with Giraffe, watch Rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns or walk with Lemurs. The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens exhibits over 260 different species of animals and is the largest privately owned zoological collection in the UK.
Bradwell Grove, Burford, OX18 4JP
18 Miles from Ivy Cottage
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3. Blenheim Palace – Blenheim
Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
13 Miles from Yarrow Cottage
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4. Cotswolds Farm Park – Cheltenham
Established in 1971 as the home of rare breed conservation, Cotswold Farm Park offers a fun-filled day out for everyone!
Bemborough Farm, Kineton, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, GL54 5UG
10 Miles from The Bledington Barn | 14 Miles from Ivy Cottage
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5. Cotswolds Water Park – Cirencester
140 Lakes and wetlands covering 40 square miles, south of Cirencester. All outdoor needs satisfied – nature reserves, country parks, water sports, cycling, fishing, riding, caravanning and camping. The Cotswold Water Park has much to offer, from a beautiful lakeside stroll to lunch in a Cotswold village pub; from an exhilarating day of watersports to a tranquil morning of birdwatching.
Spine Road, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, GL7 5TL
30 Miles from Yarrow Cottage | 30 Miles to The Bledington Barn
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6. Soho Farmhouse – Chipping Norton
1 Tracey Farm Cottages, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, OX7 4JS
10 Miles from Yarrow Cottage | 10 Miles from Ivy Cottage
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7. Daylesford Farm – Daylesford
Daylesford Farm is a retail heaven of organic gorgeousness on the edge of the Cotswolds, it has grown over the past 10 years into something between a mall and a Japanese temple, selling not just food and produce, but clothing, gardening equipment, homeware, yoga classes and spa treatments.
Daylesford, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0YG
6 Miles from Yarrow Cottage | 6 Miles from Ivy Cottage
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8. The Royal Gardens at Highgrove – Tetbury
Highgrove is the private residence of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. Its organic gardens are open to the public for guided tours between April and October each year. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Highgrove House, Doughton, Tetbury, GL8 8TN
30 Miles to The Bledington Barn
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9. Broadway Tower – Broadway
Broadway Tower is a folly on Broadway Hill, near the large village of Broadway and is the second-highest point of the Cotswolds. It is open to visitors wanting to experience great English heritage in an inspiring location.
Middle Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB
25 Miles from The Old Dairy
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10. Bourton House Garden – Bourton-on-the-Hill
Bourton House Garden is an award-winning three acre garden surrounding a fine 18th century Manor House. The entrance to the garden is through a magnificent Grade I listed 16th century Tithe Barn where you will find occasional exhibitions and can enjoy tea and delicious home-made cakes from May to September.
Bourton-on-the-Hill, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9AE
11 Miles from Yarrow Cottage
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With plenty to do in the great outdoors, once you’ve decided on your choice out of our top 10 things to do in the Cotswolds, view our Cotswolds properties here to find the perfect place to lay your head after a day spent in the fresh air.