Bibury is a typical Cotswold village with lots of gorgeous Cotswold cottages lining the streets.  It is located between Cirencester and Burford and is of course most famous for Arlington Row, a line of 17th century weaver’s cottages.

These cottages were once nominated as one of the icons of Britain, loved by William Morris, and nearly shipped to the USA for the benefit of Henry Ford!  These must be some of the most photographed cottages (and certainly most photographed Cotswold cottages) in the country.  What was once a row of weavers cottages is now famous across the world.

Other attractions in Bibury include the charity duck race down the river on Boxing day and the Bibury trout farm,where you can buy both fresh and smoked local fish and if you’re feeling activce you can hire bikes from here too.

Of course what Cotswold village would be complete without a classic Cotswold cream tea or a refreshing pint of real ale by the river.  Well both of these can be found in the Bibury Court Hotel or the traditional Cotswold pubs within the village.

Cotswold cottages we have located close to Bibury:

• Lakeside House in Fossebridge (Sleeps 10 and welcomes dogs)
• Lodge 4 in the Cotswold Water Park (Sleeps 8)
• Little Cinders in the Cotswold Water Park (Sleeps 6)
• Wishbone Cottage in Fairford (Sleeps 4 + 1)

Bath is known the world over, not only is it designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, but it has some of the finest Georgian architecture in the country.

With attractions such as the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and The Circus to name a few examples, the best way to enjoy it is to amble around the streets and walkways and take in the sites as you go.

At the centre of this historic town lie the Roman Baths which have recently been restored to their former glory. You can walk around the temple and bathing complex that still flows with hot water and even take a dip yourself, a great way to relax whether you’ve been walking the Cotswold Way or shopping at the new complex, SouthGate.  This shopper’s delight opened in late 2009 and boasts a wide range of places to relieve you of your hard earned cash.

Bath is a wonderful city to just meander around and take in the atmosphere, so if you’re staying in one of our Cotswold cottages put it on your list of things to do.

Bath itself is at the Southernmost end of the Cotswold Way, approx. 10 miles East of Bristol.

We have the following cottages in the Southern part of the Cotswolds:

* Lodge 4 in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 8)
* Meadow House in Cerney Wick, Cirencester (Sleeps 4)
* Wishbone Cottage in Fairford (Sleeps 4)
* The High Room in Tetbury (Sleeps 2)
* Little Cinders in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 6)
* Blackjack House in Cirencester (Sleeps 9 (+2))
* Yew Tree Farmhouse in Hannington Wick, near Lechlade (Sleeps 14 (+3))
* Lakeside Lodge in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 8 (+2))

Bristol is but a short drive from the southern part of The Cotswolds, but as one of the World’s top 10 Cities to visit (DK Eyewitness guides) it is well worth the visit.

Being a large city there is plenty to explore both when the sun is shining and when the rain clouds threaten overhead.  Bristol is famous for Isambard Kingdom Brunel the engineer and John Cabot the explorer.  There are attractions associated with both, the most famous being Clifton suspension bridge which it is hard to believe was built 150 years ago.

Other attractions include the S.S. Great Britain, Cabot Tower, Bristol Zoo, explore at Bristol (a kind of science museum), Cabot Circus – Bristol’s new shopping attraction, the international Balloon Fiesta, as well as many fine shops, restaurants and other attractions to enjoy.

www.visitbristol.co.uk has details of many of the attractions and events that Bristol has to offer.

We have the following cottages in the Southern part of the Cotswolds:

* Lodge 4 in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 8)
* Meadow House in Cerney Wick, Cirencester (Sleeps 4)
* Wishbone Cottage in Fairford (Sleeps 4)
* The High Room in Tetbury (Sleeps 2)
* Little Cinders in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 6)
* Blackjack House in Cirencester (Sleeps 9 (+2))
* Yew Tree Farmhouse in Hannington Wick, near Lechlade (Sleeps 14 (+3))
* Lakeside Lodge in the Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney (Sleeps 8 (+2))

Voted one of the prettiest villages in England, there is plenty here for the visitor.  With the Cotswold stone houses, the River Windrush passing through and many attractions to visit, this is one of the most popular spots in the Cotswolds.

There’s plenty of attractions for children such as the
Model Railway, Model village, Cotswold Motor Museum and Birdland all ready to interest your children.
As well as the Dragonfly Maze, Cotswold Perfumery and Cotswold Pottery.
…and of course there’s plenty of small cafes and shops to browse around between visiting all the attractions.

There are many fine Cotswold gardens, one of the National Trust’s most famous gardens – Hidcote Manor Garden is to be found here in the Cotswolds, but there are plenty of others to see whilst you’re here, ranging from the very well known to some that only open for just a few days a year.

Hidcote Manor Garden – One of England’s great gardens created as a series of rooms over a period of 41 years this was the first National Trust property acquired because of its garden.
Rococo Gardens – Famous for its display of snowdrops this garden lies just outside the beautiful town of Painswick.
Westbury Court Garden – A fine example of a Dutch water garden
Sezincote House and Garden – With pools and waterfalls and a grotto se to the backdrop of a house designed in the style of Rajastahn it’s easy to feel away from the rat race.
National Garden Scheme – Allows you to find which gardens are open near to you when you are visiting the area.  You’ll need the postcode of the property to use this facility.

Broadway is one of the delightful villages in the North of the Cotswolds, so much so that it is referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’.

A good base to explore the Cotswolds with the plenty of walks close by and the Romantic Road starting here.  Close by there is the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway, and a selection of gardens such as Kiftsgate Court Garden, Hidcote Manor Garden, Snowshill Manor and Stanway House and Water Fountain.  There’s a wide choice of tea shops and restaurants including the Lygon Arms to reinvigorate you after all that effort.  Stratford-On-Avon, Worcester and Cheltenham are all within easy reach.

For children there is the Broadway Tower and an excellent playground which is set just behind the high street.

Jasmine Cottage is located just outside Broadway.  It can accommodate 4 (+1) and welcomes dogs.

Stepping Stone is located in Broadway.  It sleeps 6 and one dog is welcomed.

Holly Cottage is in Childswickham near Broadway.  It accommodates 2 (+1) and one small dog.

Traditionally known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Burford is a beautiful town within the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.  Its High Street is on a slope, from where you can see beautiful views across the Cotswolds down to the Windrush valley.

The main street is lined with ancient cottages and shops that have changed little since the Tudor times winding down to the medieval bridge over the River Windrush.  A footpath westwards from this bridge takes you on a pleasant walk along the river where you can appreciate the beauty of rural Oxfordshire.

Wonderful little side streets, traditional pubs, tea rooms and antique shops aplenty make Burford a superb place to explore.  And for the kids, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is only 2 miles outside.

Cotswold cottages we have close to Burford:

• Owl Barn in Chimney, near Bampton (Sleeps 10 (+2)) and welcomes dogs
• Snipe Barn in Chimney, near Bampton (Sleep 9 (+2)) and welcomes dogs
• Rose Barn in Chimney, near Bampton (Sleeps 7)
• Cleeveley Cottage near Burford sleeps (4 (+2))
• Betty’s Cottage in Taynton near Burford (Sleeps 4) and welcomes dogs
• Bay Tree Cottage in Shipton Under Wychwood (Sleeps 2)

A small market town in the north of the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden was once a rich wool trading centre, famous throughout Europe.  Today it is notable for its elegant terraced high street dating back to the 14th century with its fabulous restaurants, specialist shops and traditional pubs.

It is not hard to see why Chipping Campden is a popular tourist destination.  Chocolate box cottages with thatched roofs are in abundance and the High Street is lined with honey coloured limestone the Cotswolds is so famous for.  This lovely town oozes history and character.

Every summer, Chipping Campden becomes the host to the Cotswold Olimpick Games, a championship of rural games including shin kicking!  Set on Dover’s Hill it provides a wonderful setting with extensive views over the Vale of Evesham.  Even if the thought of participating and having your shins kicked doesn’t appeal, the bands, bonfire, fireworks and dance displays may be more attractive!

Nearby, those of us with green fingers will be pleased to hear that there are a couple of particularly famous gardens.  Hidcote Manor Garden and Snowshill Manor and Gardens are both owned by the National Trust but have their own distinctive style.

Cotswold cottages we have located in Chipping Campden and the nearby area:

Wolds End House in Chipping Campden (Sleeps 8)

Elkstones in Chipping Campden (Sleeps 10)

Orchard End in Darlingscott, near Chipping Campden (Sleeps 3)

Twine Cottage in Chipping Campden (Sleeps 2) and one dog is welcomed

Cheltenham, is often referred to as the centre for The Cotswolds, and it’s not hard to see why.  Strategically positioned roughly equidistant between the Northern and Southern extremities of The Cotswolds many people chose to use it as a base.

Cheltenham became a spa town in 1716, and whilst visitors for the spa waters are rare these days the town itself is one of the most complete examples of Regency Architecture. The architecture is complimented by its many parks and gardens the largest of which is Pittville park just outside of the town centre.  Here there are formal gardens, a boating lake and places for the children to play.  It is also home to Pittville Pump room one of the finest examples of the architecture of the day.

Other attractions include the Holst museum, a good selection of shops – many unusual and independent as well as a wide variety of restaurants such as Raymond Blanc’s brasserie and the 2-star Michelin awarded ‘Le Champigon Sauvage’.

Cheltenham also has a variety of festivals including the International Literature Festival, Music Festival, and perhaps most famous of all the National Hunt Festival.

Properties we have in or close to Cheltenham:

• The Granary in Southam, near Cheltenham (Sleeps 4)
• Bredon Cottage in Prestbury, near Cheltenham (Sleeps 4)
• Leckhampton Cottage in Prestbury, near Cheltenham (Sleeps 4)

Situated in the North Cotswolds it is one of the few towns to have its own railway station.  It has a selection of shops and restaurants, but is not large enough for many chains to have an outlet, giving the town a more independent feel.

The town is on the Fosse Way and there is still evidence of the town’s history with details of tolls still shown in the centre, a market with over 100 stalls each Tuesday and a mid-19th Century market hall.

Cotswold Cottages we have in or near Moreton in Marsh:

• Little Cottage, Moreton in Marsh (Sleeps 2)
• The Gatehouse, Blockley (Sleeps 2)
• Slatters Cottage, Bourton on the Hill (Sleeps 3 and welcomes one small dog)
• The Gable, Bourton on the Hill (Sleeps 4 and welcomes dogs)