10 Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds

The Cotswold Way is one of the most iconic nature trails in all of Britain. It stretches for more than 100 miles, so if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you could turn this into your entire vacation.

Along this path, you'll encounter the best of the English countryside with numerous panoramic views. Of course, you'll find several shorter sections that are equally satisfying if you're just looking for a way to spend a few hours rather than hiking the full stretch.

Copse Hill Road is often referred to as the most romantic street in Britain, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. Located in Lower Slaughter, this lovely street is adjacent to a stream running off the River Eye.

As if the accompanying water wasn't enough, the street is also lined with vibrant trees and other greenery as well as charming stone cottages. Some of those cottages are colored in an alluring honey-like hue that serves as a satisfying complement to the green of the trees.

Lavender season is one of the best times of year to visit the Cotswolds. From about mid-spring to the end of summer, you can see seemingly endless local lavender fields in bloom.

While it's found all over the region, the highest concentration is naturally in the Cotswold Lavender farm. You're free to explore the fields and take photos as you like. Additionally, this farm is happy to provide tea and cake as well, letting you relax among the backdrop of lavender fields. Don't forget to check out the lavender-scented gifts while you're here.

Blockley is a bit larger than most towns you'll find in the Cotswolds, but it's gotten plenty of charm on offer that the whole family can enjoy. The village is largely peaceful, with scenic walks by historical buildings that date back centuries and feature golden-coloured stonework in their design.

Not only can you visit the historical Norman church in town, but the village green overlooks the scenic Bowling Green as well. Surrounding the village, you can enjoy seemingly endless countryside that's great for hikers.

You'll find several trout farms in the area, but Bibury Trout Farm is one of the best. It dates back to 1902, and the crystal-clear waters of the Bibury Spring create great conditions for trout spawning. You can see them leaping up out of the water frequently, so make sure you're not in the splash zone if you don't want to get wet.

The farm features its own fishery where you can cast out and try to catch dinner yourself. Whether you catch it or a professional fisherman does the hard part, you can enjoy pristine trout dishes here.

The Common Walk is a path that stretches for 6.5 miles and takes you across the highest common in the Cotswolds. This romantic viewpoint offers picturesque views of the Malverns, but that's just the beginning. On a clear day, you can potentially see clear into Wales.

If you're interested in local flora and fauna, this walk makes it easy to explore some native species. Rare plants can be found throughout the Common Walk, and you'll find migrating birds frequenting the area as well.

Kingham was once hailed as England's favorite village, so you won't want to miss out on everything it has to offer. You'll find plenty of limestone cottages along with spacious greens, which are themselves great if you're looking to enjoy a picnic.

Kingham has no shortage of pubs, so it's easy to relax and enjoy a pint after a long day. Consider when you want to plan your visit, as the August legal holiday hosts the annual Big Feastival, a food festival hosted by Jamie Oliver and Alex James.

The Cotswolds are full of scenic and picturesque walking paths, but the Five Valleys Walk is especially appealing. While it's just 20 miles long, which pales in comparison to some other paths in the region, it'll take you through 5 valleys and their accompanying villages.

Don't worry about the trail being all that challenging. There's a nature trail specifically designed for children to be able to handle, so you can bring everyone along on this outdoor vacation adventure.

Construction of Sudeley Castle began more than 1,000 years ago, but the unique architecture of this historical landmark shows how its construction and subsequent additions spanned several eras. Around the castle, you'll find incredible gardens, with 10 in total to explore. All are immaculately well-maintained

You'll find a local café that lets you enjoy a spot of tea as you take in the stunning sites of the vibrant flora and water features, here. You're always free to simply sit in the garden room, too.

Snowshill Manor is a premier destination for travelers who want to enjoy a bit of history and the beauty of the natural world around them. This stunning historical manor features numerous fascinating artifacts from times past collected by Charles Wade.

Outside the manor, you'll find a well-maintained garden area in addition to a 3-mile walking trail. Alternately, there's a half-mile walking trail if you prefer a shorter walk. Don't forget to stop by the onsite café as well for some treats.