Cotswold Recs

[Demeter1978]

We’re going to the Cotswolds for a couple of days next week, we’ll be staying near Bourton on the Water but I’ve heard that due to how picturesque it is it’s likely to be really busy. Can anyone recommend any other lovely places to visit nearby that might not be so busy?

Cheltenham lovely for a town visit. Bibury. Winchcombe has Sudeley Castle. Stow on the Wold also nice. Cirencester? Depends what you're looking for.

If you are going on a weekend it’s likely everywhere will be busy, especially if the weather is nice.

Bourton on the Water was my favourite place to visit on a recent trip to the Cotswolds. Went on a Saturday and it was quiet around 9-11am then got really busy.

Also visited:
Stow on the Wold
Bibury - and seen the little row of houses that are on your passport
Chipping Camden
Chipping Norton
Honington - to see Rose Cottage
Diddly Squat Farm Shop
Broadway - seen the tower & nearby lavender fields
Upper Slaughter
Lower Slaughter

Had a lovely Sunday lunch in The Fuzzy Duck, Armscote.

Bourton on the water is quieter if you go later in the day .

Avoid Bibury , it’s crazy in summer . You won’t be able to park as it’s rammed with coaches .
My daughter went to the primary school until she moved onto secondary two years ago and in the summer we couldn’t even get near the school . The best time to visit Bibury is out of season .

Todays the last day for Cotswold Lavender and then the season finishes . However Snowshill Manor is worth a visit , fascinating house and pretty arts and crafts garden .

Stow on the wold worth a visit though , lovely little Town , I love Stow
The slaughters are really picturesque and a must see .

Cheltenhams Pittville Park and Pump room are lovely , we love walking in the park. The Victorian pump room isn’t open every day but it’s a beautiful piece of regency history

Also Burford is lovely , pretty little shops and a nice walk by the river .

Beautiful food and a tranquil setting at The Swan inn Swinbrook , it’s centuries old and situated by the river , if you get a sunny day lunch outside there is perfect
If you are a fan of William Morris you can visit Kelmscot House which was his country residence .

All of the above, also some slightly different bits

Lots of paddle boarding / water skiing at Cotswold water park - various companies

stroud market on a Saturday is quite fun, plus food hall has some amazing food.

lovely walks at miserden, very peaceful and a lovely lake, good for a picnic

Thank you everyone, some great suggestions for me to have a look at.