In the heart of England is a rural idyll of peaceful rolling hills where life is unhurried and traditions abound. Historic villages contain stone cottages so perfect they're called "chocolate boxes". Footpaths cross scenic fields and valleys leading to rivers, canals, woods, and civilized pubs. This is the Cotswolds, an area of limestone hills in the English countryside west of London, between Bath and Stratford-on-Avon.
The area has been known as the Cotswolds since at least Shakespeare's time (he mentioned it in Richard II). Its designating name is well-recognized though it is not an official county. Its boundaries are clearly demarked and spill over six counties, though the majority of the Cotswolds lie in Gloucestershire.
This website is your personal travel guide to the Cotswolds.
Books about the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds: A Cultural History (Landscapes of the Imagination), by Jane Bingham 2009. (also on Amazon.co.uk)
New walking guide from Goldeneye - Cotswold Classic Walks.
Events in the Cotswolds
Celebrate Charles Dickens birthday - 200th anniversary in 2012 (Feb 7). Dickens 2012
Visit the English countryside after the Olympics this summer (July 27 - Aug 12 2012). London Olympics 2012
Giffords Circus starts in May! Don't miss this great local circus. Giffords Circus
Our favorite tea shops - The Kitchen in Minchinhampton and Lavender Bakehouse and Coffee Shop in Chalford!
The Veg Shed, part of the Duchy Home Farm, moves to a new location on the A433 south of Tetbury. Read more
The Stroud Farmers' Market is the best in the area. Every Saturday. Fresh-n-Local
For the best local businesses, see the 2011 Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards.
New on Cotswolder
The history of the Royal Mail Letter Box.
Pauline and Steve are spending a year or two in the Cotswolds. Read more on the Slow Travels blog.
About the Cotswolds
An introduction to this beautiful part of the English countryside. History, geography, weather, maps of the Cotswolds, practical tips. Read more
Towns and Villages
The market towns of the Cotswolds - what to see, food and drink, shops, nearby villages and sites. Read more
Plan Your Trip
Get started planning your trip to the Cotswolds: car rental, car services, driving tours, London airports, weather, our favorite books and maps, web resources. Read more
Vacation Rentals
Find vacation rentals (holiday cottages) in the Cotswolds, price comparisons, reviews, hotels and B&Bs, staying near the airports. Read more
Cotswolds Photo Gallery
Photos of the Cotswolds: towns & villages, gardens, food & drink, trip photo essays, Bath, Wiltshire. Look at photos
Slow Travels
A Very British Summer
Last year in England it was sunny and warm – even hot on some days – from mid-May to mid-September.
The Snowdrops are Blooming!
Snowdrops bloom in February and are on display in gardens in the Cotswolds.
Two Teas and Two Gardens
Walking along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. Touring Highgrove Garden.
A Year in England
Very slow travel, spending a year in the Cotswolds.
> Read more Slow Travels, Pauline's blog about living in England and travel.
About Cotswolder
We are Pauline Kenny and Steve Cohen and we are "Cotswolders"! We hope you will come to love this countryside area of England as much as we do. About Cotswolder
