With cute cottages creating adorable villages in dreamy countryside, the Cotswolds is a perennial draw. Sue Taylor revels in quintessential England
STRADDLING THREE COUNTIES, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, famed for its honey-coloured stone and full of chocolate-box villages, the Cotswolds is nevertheless something of an enigma. It is hard to identify any single thing that makes it beloved by so many.
There is so much waiting to be discovered beyond the gorgeous landscape itself. History is everywhere, reaching back to the Neolithic age, through the Romans to its medieval heyday when wealth was created from the wool and textile industries. There’s even a palace.
More modern additions include water parks, breweries, and cycle tours. And don’t forget the Grade II-listed model village or the source of the River Thames. There are also a couple of nature trails and long-distance walking routes squeezed in, including part of the longest inland trail in England. That particular course is called the Monarch’s Way and is based on the route taken by Charles II as he fled from Cromwell’s army in 1651. The shorter Gloucestershire Way is also popular.
From villages to towns
With villages such as Moreton-in-Marsh and Bourton-on-the-Water (don’t the names alone make you want to visit?) only around a 90-minute drive from my home, and with a variety of campsites to choose from, I often take weekend breaks in the area. And I always manage to find something new. Also in the mix are the towns of Stratford-upon-Avon with its Shakespeare connections and Warwick with its castle. Though not strictly in the Cotswolds, both are synonymous with the region. Indeed, Warwick was the base for our most recent visit, specifically the Caravan and Motorhome Club Warwick Racecourse site. It’s in the heart of town yet just a mile or so from the M40 motorway.
The well-kept site sits in the grounds of the racecourse (which I imagine is great for racegoers) and many of the pitches offer views over the course. Some of those pitches are on grass while others are Tarmac, and a grassy path right around the course makes for a great dog walk.
A 15-minute stroll from the site took us to the impressive Warwick Castle. Dating back to 914, this is one of the best-preserved castles in the country. There are a couple of towers to climb for stunning views, plenty of rooms (watch out for the dungeons!), engaging displays and exhibitions to explore, gardens to wander and a falconry disp
