7ish Things to Do in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and charming village life across this National Landscape of quintessential english charm. This rolling landscape in south-central England attracts millions of tourists each year with its honey-coloured stone buildings, ancient Roman ruins, and scenic walking trails.

You can experience everything from panoramic tower views and Roman archaeological sites to wildlife parks and peaceful village centres, making it an ideal destination for both day trips and extended stays. The following 7ish Things to Do in the Cotswolds just give you a flavour of what's possible!

Whether exploring National Trust properties, walking ancient trails, or discovering nearby attractions like the famous Roman Baths, the Cotswolds provides diverse activities that showcase the region's rich heritage and stunning countryside.

A Cotswolds illustrated map by James Illustrates

1) Visit Broadway Tower for panoramic views

Broadway Tower stands tall at 1,024 feet above sea level on the Cotswolds escarpment. This striking folly tower offers some of the finest views across the English countryside.

The tower was designed by Capability Brown over 200 years ago. Visitors can explore three floors of displays before reaching the rooftop viewing platform.

From the top, sweeping panoramic views stretch across multiple counties. The vista takes in rolling hills, patchwork fields, and charming villages dotted throughout the landscape.

The tower sits within a 200-acre country park owned by a local family. Guests can wander the parkland before or after climbing the tower itself.

Inside, graphic displays tell the story of this unique landmark's colourful history. The tower shop stocks local gifts and souvenirs for those wanting a memento of their visit.

Broadway Tower serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the broader Cotswolds region. Its elevated position makes it one of England's most outstanding viewpoints.

The Cotswolds hand-drawn map

2) Explore Bourton-on-the-Water's charming village centre

Bourton-on-the-Water earns its nickname "The Venice of the Cotswolds" through its stone bridges that cross the River Windrush. The river flows gently through the heart of the village.

Visitors can stroll along the water's edge and admire the elegant 18th-century bridges. The golden Cotswold stone cottages line the banks with their distinctive charm.

The village green provides a perfect spot for families to relax. Children often paddle in the shallow waters whilst parents enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Traditional stone cottages house local shops, cafés, and galleries. The high street offers everything from souvenirs to artisan crafts made by local creators.

Willow trees overhang the riverbanks, creating natural shade on sunny days. The tree-lined paths make for pleasant walks through the village centre.

Photographers find endless opportunities to capture the picturesque bridges and historic buildings. The village centre remains largely unchanged from centuries past.

The compact village centre allows tourists to explore everything on foot within a few hours.

3) Tour Chedworth Roman Villa and other National Trust sites

Chedworth Roman Villa stands as one of Britain's most impressive Roman archaeological sites. Built around 120 AD, this grand villa reached its peak in the 4th century.

Visitors can explore stunning mosaic floors and sophisticated hypocaust heating systems. The site features two bathhouses that showcase the luxury of wealthy Romano-British life.

A modern conservation building provides excellent access to the remains. The on-site museum displays Roman jewellery, coins, figurines and religious artefacts discovered during excavations.

The National Trust acquired Chedworth in 1924 and continues archaeological work today. Interactive events help bring Roman history to life throughout the year.

Beyond Chedworth, the Cotswolds boasts numerous National Trust properties worth visiting.

Hidcote Manor Garden offers world-famous garden design across terraced outdoor rooms.

Snowshill Manor houses an eccentric collection of crafts and curiosities. Chastleton House provides a glimpse into 400 years of family history virtually unchanged since the 1600s.

Newark Park commands spectacular views across the Severn Vale. This Tudor hunting lodge combines stunning architecture with beautiful parkland walks perfect for families exploring the area.

A James Illustrates A1 Map of the Cotswolds

4) Walk the Cotswold Way National Trail

The Cotswold Way stretches 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. This National Trail takes walkers through some of England's most beautiful countryside.

You don't need to walk the entire route. Many people choose shorter sections that suit their fitness level and time.

The trail passes through picturesque villages and rolling hills. Ancient landmarks dot the route, making it perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The path offers stunning views across the Cotswolds at every turn. Stone cottages and traditional pubs provide welcome rest stops along the way.

Starting points include Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire or Bath in Somerset. Both towns offer excellent transport links and accommodation options.

The route is well-marked and maintained throughout the year. Spring and summer provide the best weather conditions for walking.

Local villages along the trail offer shops, restaurants, and places to stay overnight. This makes multi-day walks easier to plan and enjoy.

The Cotswold Way represents one of England's finest walking experiences. It combines natural beauty with historical significance in a uniquely English setting.

5) Discover the Roman Baths in nearby Bath

The Roman Baths in Bath offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient history. Located just outside the Cotswolds, this UNESCO World Heritage site sits about 100 miles west of London.

Visitors can walk around the steaming Great Bath where Romans bathed nearly 2,000 years ago. The naturally hot spring water still flows today, just as it did centuries ago.

The complex includes ruins of the Temple of Minerva where Roman worshippers once gathered. Interactive exhibits and audio guides help bring the ancient world to life.

The Roman Baths showcase remarkable ancient engineering. Romans built this magnificent bathing complex around Britain's only hot spring, creating a temple and leisure facility that attracted visitors from across the empire.

Bath itself makes for an excellent day trip from the Cotswolds. The city centre is perfect for exploring on foot, with Georgian architecture lining the streets.

Rail connections link Bath to London and most major UK cities. Coaches also run regular services, making it easily accessible for Cotswolds visitors.

The attraction sits in Bath's heart, surrounded by other notable sites like the Pump Rooms and Theatre Royal. This makes it simple to combine with other Bath experiences.

6) Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury houses one of the world's finest tree collections. The 600-acre site contains around 15,000 trees and shrubs from across the globe.

Victorian entrepreneur Robert Holford created this remarkable place in 1829. His passion for plant collecting has grown into a nationally important arboretum with five national tree collections.

The site splits into three areas. The Old Arboretum features planted specimens dating back to the 1800s. Silk Wood offers ancient woodland where dogs can roam freely.

Spring brings magnificent flowering trees to life. Autumn delivers spectacular colour displays that attract visitors worldwide. Winter showcases sculptural trees with bright stems.

The STIHL Treetop Walkway takes visitors up into the canopy for unique views. Families can follow the Gruffalo trail whilst exploring the grounds.

Events and workshops run throughout the year. The on-site café serves refreshments after walks along the seventeen miles of pathways.

Admission fees fund the arboretum's maintenance and development. Westonbirt relies on visitor support to preserve this living collection for future generations.

The arboretum offers the perfect place to escape busy life whilst learning about trees from around the world.

7) Visit the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

The Cotswold Wildlife Park sits on 160 acres near Burford in Oxfordshire. It's one of the region's top family attractions. The park features a fantastic Giraffe Walkway. Visitors can walk up to eye level with these tall creatures. It's quite an experience getting so close to them. You'll find Asiatic lions lounging in their enclosure. The park also houses White Rhinoceros, Chapman's Zebra, and wolves. There's plenty of variety to keep everyone interested.

Don't miss the daily Penguin talks at 11am and 3pm in the Walled Garden. These feeding sessions are popular with children and adults alike. The reptile house holds one of Britain's largest collections. Green anacondas live here alongside various lizards and frogs. There's even a section for those brave enough to see spiders.

Beyond the animals, the gardens provide lovely picnic spots. Families can relax under shady trees or near the playgrounds. Some areas offer views of the animal enclosures whilst you eat. Plan to spend most of the day here. There's also a café, train rides, and adventure playgrounds to enjoy.

And, if you started early and still have some time in your day why not visit the Burford Garden Centre, where you can browse remarkable homewares, outdoor accessories and unique contemporary art.

You’ve been, you’ve seen and you've conquered the Cotswolds, it's now time to take home a lasting memory…

A James Illustrates hand-drawn map of the Cotswolds brings together all the region's most loved attractions in one stunning visual guide. It showcases everything from historic castles to charming villages and bring the Cotswolds to life.

Each beautifully crafted map contains all the fantastic places in the '7ish Things to Do in the Cotswolds' list above, alongside hidden gems tucked away, historic and interesting facts and features.

It's unique, quirky and captivating and unlike any other map you'll see of the Cotswolds.

A James Illustrates hand-drawn illustration is available as an art print in three sizes, a tea towel and 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Great as a gift for a loved one, or yourself!

Take a look at jamesillustrates.com/the-cotswolds to se the Cotswolds collection, and jamesillustrates.com to see the wider collections of counties and national parks.