At a glance...
One of the most internationally renowned areas of the UK’s countryside, for many, the Cotswolds is the embodiment of English rural beauty. Bucolic landscapes scattered with countless, unspoilt honey-toned villages and market towns – picturesque is an understatement. In recent years, the Cotswolds has also become increasingly trendy, with fast transport connections to London and an ever-growing fleet of diverse businesses, from farm shop empires, gastro-style hotels & spas, pubs, restaurants and boutiques. These include Daylesford Organic, Soho Farmhouse and Thyme at Southrop.
The Highlights
The Cotswolds is a unique place. The combination of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, some of the country’s best schools and universities and many outstanding amenities – all within easy reach of London – makes it one of the most sought-after regions of the UK. It’s a location where you can really make the most of an outdoor lifestyle, covered in walking trails and cycle paths. From equestrian events such as the Cheltenham Festival to country pursuits and water sports, there is something for all interests.
If you’re after more of a cosmopolitan lifestyle in a beautiful open space, then the Cotswolds is more than happy to oblige. Offering scores of some of the finest pubs, restaurants, and bars in the country, in addition to retail and leisure options led by the larger towns and cities of Oxford, Cirencester, Cheltenham and Bath.
Key Details
A big part of the Cotswolds’ appeal is how well connected it is. It’s easy to reach London Paddington within an hour and a half, with popular train stations in the south being Chippenham on the Bath line and Kemble on the Cheltenham line. In the north, Charlbury and Kingham stations are on the Oxford to Hereford line. The Chiltern line also gives access to London Marylebone from Oxford Parkway, Bicester, and Banbury.
The area has good road connections via the M40, M4 and M5 motorways. The area is also internationally well-connected, with Bristol and Birmingham Airports to the south and north respectively, and London Heathrow within a one-to-two-hour drive.
The Cotswolds is home to many outstanding schools and universities, with many of these in or around Oxford, Cheltenham and Bath.