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Resources - Tourist Offices and Travel Websites
There is a lot of information on the web about the Cotswolds and there are some good books. When you are in the Cotswolds drop into the local Tourist Office. In the smaller towns they are run by volunteers who have in-depth local knowledge.
General Information about the Cotswolds
Google Map - The Cotswolds: Pauline's detailed Google Map of the Cotwolds.
Wikipedia Cotswolds - Wikitravel Cotswolds Travel Guide
Enjoy England: Official website for breaks and days out in England.
Britain Express - Cotswolds Travel Guide: This is not an official tourist office site, but contains detailed travel information for the Cotswolds (and all of Britain).
Cotswolds, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: In 1966 the Cotswolds was designated by the British government as an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONB), giving it extra protection with building and farming restrictions. The Cotswolds is the second largest AONB; the Lake District is the largest.
Regional Tourist Offices
Most of the Cotswolds is in the county of Gloucestershire, but parts are in neighboring counties (South Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire - Cotswolds AONB map shows the county boundaries). Since the Cotswolds spreads over more than one county, it is represented by different Tourist Offices, but Gloucestershire Tourism and Oxfordshire Tourism run most of the official Cotswolds websites. Most Tourist Office sites have travel information for the region, activities, accommodation listings, restaurants. They are good resources.
The Cotswolds: Gloucestershire Tourism (and Visit Britain).
The Cotswolds: Glouchestershire Tourism. Detailed database for accommodations and restaurants, pubs and tea rooms. Searching is a bit difficult, but they offer a "Cotswolds eGuide" feature where you can collect a list of information for your trip.
The Cotswolds Stroud District: Southern Cotswolds near Stroud (including Painswick, Minchinhampton, Berkeley).
Romantic Cotswolds and Historic Severn Vale: Tewkesbury and Winchcombe areas (western Cotswolds).
Gloucestershire County Council: Tourist information, including a list of all walking brochures for the Cotswolds.
Oxfordshire Cotswolds: Oxfordshire Tourism for the eastern part of the Cotswolds.
Other Cotswold Web Sites
Cotswolder: Cotswold information from a dedicated Cotswolder (this website :) ).
Oxtowns: Guide to towns in the Oxfordshire part of the Cotswolds.
Visit Gloucestershire: Portal for Gloucestershire for tourists and people living there. Also a blog.
Archaeological and Historic Sites
Archaeological Handbook of Gloucestershire: Bill Thayer reproduces the British and Roman Roads chapter of an 1882 book with descriptions of the Roman Roads through England. Several pass through the Cotswolds.
Archaeology Travel - South West England: Recommended archaeological sites from pre-historic to medieval.
English Heritage: Historic sites throughout England.
National Trust: Historic homes and gardens throughout England.
Wikipedia, Roman Roads in Britain
Gardens
Great British Gardens: Gardens in the United Kingdom.
Local News
Cotswolds Journal: Local news and information.
Stroud News & Journal: Weekly local newspaper (published on Wednesday).
Cotswold Life: Monthly magazine with great local articles.
Maps of the Cotswolds
Google Map - The Cotswolds: Pauline's detailed Google Map of the Cotwolds.
Cotswold District Map: Overview map from Cotswold District Council Online.
Writers from the Area
Katie Fford writes novels, many of which are set in the Cotswolds.
Sue Limb currently writes books for teenagers but has written novels, a column for the Guardian, and more.
Joanna Trollope writes novels, many of which are set in the Cotswolds.
Fiona Walker writes "romance" novels set in the Cotswolds.
Jilly Cooper writes best selling novels and lives in Bisley, north of Stroud.
