Arranging a trip to The Cotswolds can seem overwhelming once you read just how many things there are to do. We have chosen 7 of our personal recommendations of things to see and do, to save you the time. The only thing we can’t do for you is book your trip, so go on, what are you waiting for?

1.Visit Gloucester Cathedral AKA Hogwarts

That’s right, some scenes from the movies were filmed in this centuries’ old (650 years to be precise) cathedral, and it’s easy to see why. The stone pillars and spectacular vaulting will leave you craning your neck in awe.

Address: 12 College Green, Gloucester GL1 2LX
Opening hours: 07:30 – 18:00 every day. Be mindful of prayer times.
No entry fee

2. Hidcote National Trust

This garden is rated one of the best in the entire country, and it’s easy to see why. It’s also one of the more expensive gardens you can visit in the Cotswolds, but if you bring a picnic and make a day of it, it is well worth it. Begin at Hidcote Manor House which is a time capsule set in the early 1900s. Proceed through to the gardens, each of which has its own style and flavour. The photos speak for themselves!

Address: Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, GL55 6LR
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00 every day
Entry fee: £11.80 for adults, £5.90 for children

3. Cream tea at Well Walk Tearooms

Afternoon tea is an absolute must when in the Cotswolds, since the region is also famous for huge homemade scones. We highly recommend a visit to this family-run tearoom in Cheltenham, where the staff are extremely friendly and ply you with unlimited pots of tea.  Enjoy the tapestries and quaint crockery whilst you enjoy a selection of their delicious cakes, from macarons to classic scones. They also serve vegetarian and gluten-free options too!

Address: 5-6 Royal Well Rd, Cheltenham GL50 3JX
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00, Tuesday – Saturday
Entry fee: Afternoon tea (sandwiches, cakes and unlimited tea) starts at £12.95 per person.

4. Be a giant in The Model Village

Photo credit: The Model Village

Ever wanted to feel like Gulliver did in Lilliput? Become a giant as you tower above the miniature stone houses that make up this historic representation of a classic Cotswold village, Bourton-on-the-water

Address:  The Old New Inn, High Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AF
Opening hours: 10:00 17:45 every day
Entry fee: Adults £3.60, Children £2.80 (under 3 go free, though pushchairs are not permitted)

5. Explore Sudeley castle

No visit to the Cotswolds is complete without visiting an historic monument, and Sudeley castle makes a fantastic choice. It is the only castle in the country to have a queen buried within its grounds, namely Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife. History aside, there are plenty activities for all the family, including an adventure playground, zip wire and assault course. If you prefer to do something a little less strenuous, enjoy a walk through over 1200 acres of beautiful estate and gardens.

Address: Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00 every day between March – October 2017
Entry fees: Save 10% by booking tickets online. Adults – £14.95, children £6.00. Under 5s go free.

6. Find inspiration at Blenheim Palace

Photo credit: Blenheimpalace.com

This world heritage site is home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and was the birthplace of the UK’s most famous prime minister, Winston Churchill. Enjoy a guided tour through the gilded state rooms or take a leisurely stroll through the palace grounds, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Address: Blenheim Park, Woodstock OX20 1PP
Opening hours: The grounds are open daily from 09:00 – 18:30 (in winter it closes at sunset). The palace is open daily from 10:30 – 17:30 and last admission is at 16:45.
Entry fees: Access to the grounds are free. To enter the palace the fee is £24.90 for adults and £13.90 for children. Under 5s go free.

7. Go back in time in the towns of  Chipping Campden and Stratford-upon-Avon

Photo credit: Stratford-upon-Avon.co.uk

One of the Costwolds most historic towns, Chipping Campden will take you back in time with its honey-coloured stone houses, 17^th century marketplace and beautiful church that dates back as early as 1488. Stratford-upon-Avon, also known as the birthplace of Shakespeare, was once a thriving medieval market town. Once you have explored the town’s historical buildings, take a cruise down the river Avon or enjoy cream tea with a view at the Rooftop restaurant.

Address: Chipping Campden and Stratford-upon-Avon
Opening hours: N/A
Entry fee: N/A

We have also listed where you can dine in halal restaurants and make it to the mosque during your stay. If you found this travel guide useful feel free to subscribe below!

Read about Soumaya’s itinerary for a short weekend break to The Cotswolds.