Read all the latest updates on our Discover Cotswolds Blog

The Wye Valley

The Wye Valley is home to one of the finest woodlands in Britain, some of the most atmospheric ruins, and several rare wildlife species. It has been popular with visitors from Victorian times but it’s rarely crowded, and the position on the southern border between Wales and England makes it very easy to get to by car or by train.

The area is best known for gentle walking along the banks of the Wye and in the wooded hills on either side. Several long distance footpaths wind through it- Offa’s Dyke Path is probably the most famous but the Wye Valley walk is just as spectacular. It runs from Chepstow all the way up to the river’s source in the hills of Mid Wales, 136 miles away. Day walkers will find plenty to see too, from the high crags of Symonds Yat Rock to Tintern Abbey. There are castles, caves, traditional pubs, and panoramic hillside views.

Tintern is a typical Wye Valley town. It’s perfectly picturesque, from the restored water wheel to the village cricket green to the Old Station- once a stop on the Victorian rail line, the Old Station has been transformed into a museum and picnic spot. It was recently voted Britain’s favourite park. The Abbey lies right beside the river on the edge of town. The ornate arches of the Cistercian monastery really make this ruin stand out from the crowd and it’s hard not to be impressed by their huge scale alone.
If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling than a walk or a picnic, canoe and kayak hire is available at Symonds Yat or Ross-on-Wye. Rock climbers come to the Wye Valley from across the UK but complete beginners are welcome at the local adventure schools. There are a wide variety of ways to enjoy this part of the world.

Even a casual wanderer will almost certainly see some kind of wildlife, even if it’s only the swans on the river. Lucky ones might also see kingfishers or catch a glimpse of a shy otter. Those that venture into the woods might spot roe, fallow, or red deer, peregrine falcons, and even wild boar and polecats.

Cowley Manor

Hotels

Spa in the heart of the Cotswolds

Cowley Manor is perched upon 55 acres of beautiful country side in the centre of the Cotswolds.

Surrounded by peaceful lakes and rolling green hills, this is the perfect getaway from London. Opened in 2002, this spa hotel is perfect for couples and families looking to get away from it all. There are plenty of things to keep the kids entertained while parents relax and let all the cares in the world melt away in the impressive spa.

The building itself was built in 1855 for Sir James Horlick of the Malted Milk Company. In 1930 the building was converted into assisted living for the elderly and continued this way for nearly 50 years. Because of this conversion a lot of the building’s character was lost in favour of function. This allowed the inside of the building to be updated in a more contemporary style. Fusing the new interior design and with the old style architecture gives this hotel a very distinct feel.

The main house has fifteen bedrooms, public and private rooms for entertainment and relaxation. The Stable building also has 15 bedrooms, which are quite a bit different than the main house’s rooms. The rural character of this building gave way to some very creative and interesting rooms surrounding the beautiful garden.

The public rooms have each been approached in a different way. Some are simple, like the dining room that has been lined with timber to be more in line with what you would expect of a 150 year old building. However, other rooms are much more modern, like the billiard room with its padded leather walls and the bar with very modern backlit cherry veneered panels.

A lot of thought was put into re-establishing spaces of scale and proportion in line with the original buildings. New architectural elements were thought of more as furniture within these older rooms, and where original features remained they were restored. A new glass roof was fitted to the old ‘Flower Room’ which presents guests with a spectacular vertical view of the upper two stories of the old house. There is also a vertical slot by the new staircase that allows the existing classic moulding to continue inside the building.

The spa is more of an enclosed space then an actual building. Built on the edge of the garden with a sunken courtyard and surrounded by 3 additional garden walls, this relaxation area has a very secluded feel, perfect for a quiet moment. You will also find an outdoor and indoor pool, ‘underground’ treatment rooms, steam and sauna and a gym.

All of these elements combine into a very fascinating and relaxing place to stay while in the English countryside. You can view more about staying at Cowley Manor by visiting their website.

The Fleece Inn

Hotels

An Old English Specialty

Ever wanted to visit a bed and breakfast and pub that dates back to the 15th century?

Well, you’re in luck if you plan on visiting the Fleece Inn located in the village of Bretforton, approximately half way between Evesham and the north western edge of the Cotswolds AONB.

Originally built by a farmer named Byrd, very little about the property has changed over the years. The last member of the family died in 1977, and the Inn now belongs to the National Trust.

Even with the transition to new ownership, the Fleece Inn still functions the same as before, with the only additions being new food items like pub grub, locally grown asparagus, sausage and mash and locally made faggots.

Annual Events

Many events take place at the Inn every year like the annual Apple and Ale Festival, Vale of Evesham Asparagus Festival, May Bank Holiday and even classic car events that people come from all over the area to participate in. Every Thursday night is also folk night, where musicians come and play for the crowd at the pub.

Limited accommodation

Experiencing what traditional British countryside life is like is what the Fleece Inn is all about, but with the addition of modern amenities that people cannot live without, you’ll still feel right at home. Booking is tight, so if you plan of visiting any time soon, you must make reservations at least a few weeks ahead of time so you’re guaranteed space.

At only £97.50 per night with breakfast included, you can experience the traditional life at an affordable price, so anyone can enjoy what’s to offer.

One would think there’s not much else to do at the Inn besides drink, eat, sleep and enjoy the surrounding countryside. But there’s also the beautiful medieval church St Leonard’s across the village square to check out, in addition to many other village buildings.

You’d never expect a rural Inn like the Fleece Inn to offer so much history and traditional life at such a high level and affordable price, but that is exactly what you get when you visit.

Gloucester Cathedral

History

History at its Finest

England is full of history, most of which is deep rooted into the culture of the people that live here. In addition to many historical buildings, churches and castles, the wide open pastures and fields are ideal for anyone who’s the adventurous type.

While all of England is rich with culture and history, the Cotswolds in particular are home to one of the oldest cathedrals in the land: Gloucester Cathedral.
Built in 678 CE by an Anglo-Saxon community, Gloucester Cathedral has stood the test of time, as it has seen everything from indoctrination to coronations of kings.

Around 1000 CE, the cathedral became a Benedictine Monastery, and by 1100 CE, St. Peter’s Abbey was consecrated.

In 1216, King Henry III was the first king to be coroneted there, with several other chains of monarchies being reconnected thereafter.

Various historical ceremonies took place up until 2006, when the last known activity there was the replacement of gargoyles on the south aisle of the cathedral.
In addition to learning about the history, what else can you expect when visiting Gloucester Cathedral?

Situated in the British countryside you’ll see centuries of some of the finest architecture seen in the area, active services because the church is still operational, music and even guided tours and group visits of the cathedral, tower and surrounding areas.
If you decide to tour the grounds and cathedral in a tour or by yourself, you’ll eventually pass the east window in the Chapter House. Crafted by Christopher Whall, a key member of the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century, the east window features arguably his finest work in the form of stained glass named The Lady Chapel.

The Great Hall in Harry Potter…

Gloucester Cathedral also plays a momentous backdrop to the Hollywood series, Harry Potter. The interior and many areas around the outside of the cathedral featured extensively as locations in the film series.

Considered by many to be the finest stained glass exhibition of that period in England, visitors will be able to witness one of the most beautiful examples of fine art in all of England.

So, if you’re ever in the Cotswolds, don’t forget to visit Gloucester Cathedral.

While the Cotswolds contain more sites and history than you could possibly get to in a day, Gloucester Cathedral is one destination that you’ll be glad you fit into your schedule.