Great Britain is famous for many things, not least its scenic countryside and charming cottages. Here the refreshing greenery and cleanliness of the air are really amazing.
The British countryside is also characterised by a pristine beauty including green hills sloping down towards rugged mountain ranges with hundreds of waterfalls, inhospitable gorges, sand eddies, cliffs, subtropical vegetation and numerous lakes.
Beautiful countryside
It is a romantic setting composed of endless pastures and wheat fields. For certain aspects it reminds one of Tuscan landscapes; might this have been the reason why, in the Eighteen and Nineteen-hundreds, English literates moved to and celebrated Tuscany in their accounts and works?
Typically hedges and stone walls delimit the landscape, and in the Cotswolds in particular a type of stone walls known as dry stone walls were the order of the day. Here the heritage is without any doubt the pride of this friendly people.
An important part of the history of the place are the worldwide famous English cottages, especially those in the Cotswolds area. But it does not matter from which cottage you depart, in Britain there is always a bit of nature to discover.
The impressive castles, beautiful churches and stately country houses surrounded by beautiful gardens should not be left out from your programme of visits.
Traditional pastimes
It would be a pity not to discover the ancient British traditions: cricket tournaments and horse races amongst them. But let’s not forget the afternoon tea; this is a lovely tradition that you can enjoy organizing a tea party yourself when renting a home or cottage.
Most of the times you will find a typical English tea set for your personal use. And how can you say no to having an abundant English breakfast, a “Full Monty”, perhaps in the garden, during a beautiful summer morning?
The English countryside is also famous for its small but lively pubs, still rooted in the ancient rural traditions. Having a pint with the locals adds so much flavour to your holiday!
As a matter of fact, cottages often started out as humble rural homes, although nowadays they have become desirable and fashionable, and can be quite prestigious properties.
The term indicates the typical country house of British provinces, intended for one family. Almost always cottages still in use are the result of subsequent additions and enlargements from what the original nucleus used to be.
This was carried on to satisfy the growing needs of a family. The resulting structure is very picturesque due to the combination of various colours and textures, but the most common appearance is composed of stone or bricks.
The typical cottage architecture and look can not only be found in private homes for rent, but also in many hotels, and summer and winter resorts.
Nevertheless, private cottages are often the best way to enjoy a self catering holiday in the Cotswolds. Just imagine staying in a cozy and quaint English-style cottage. Rooms are fully furnished and comfortable, while fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens provide all the necessary for a romantic holiday in any season.
The intimate and romantic atmosphere of a cottage is ideal for a honeymoon or even just a weekend. These small country houses surrounded by nature are perfect to switch off and recharge your batteries.