AIBU to think the Cotswolds are over-rated?

[Shoezembagsforever]

We went for a lovely long lunch with friends yesterday near Little Tew in the Cotswolds and then walked/drove around Great Tew and Woodstock before going home. I live in a town in East Sussex and go regularly to the countryside there. I’d actually never been to the Cotswolds though and was really excited as it’s become so popular.

I was actually disappointed though - the countryside seemed bleaker and flatter than East Sussex, but what bothered me most is that almost all the old houses we passed had been cleaned up so much that they looked a bit like dull beige new builds. In contrast the lovely old villages in East Sussex like Firle, Ditchling and Alfriston still look old and have character - it makes a huge difference.

I was in the countryside around Stroud./Cirencester yesterday and was blown away how beautiful it all is. Is that the Cotswolds or South glos?

Stroud and Cirencester are the Cotswold and not South Glos. Stroud at least is just plain Gloucestershire.

So sorry you felt let down by the Cotswolds/not the Cotswolds, OP. Have you been for counselling?

Not really. There have always been tiny pockets of wealth, but not famous wealth. Historically landowner and inherited wealth. Now there’s some famous celebrity wealth and the area is far more in the spotlight. I guess second home ownership has increased a bit.

It’s still a tiny tiny proportion though. Most folk are generations of family with average incomes that have always lived in the area.

Used to live in Cheltenham and work in the cotswolds.not for me sorry

I have that in the areas south of Oxford. Wantage across to Cirencester. Just feel really unsettled. Spooky. Have a few friends that way and I get the shivers as I drive past Newbury on the M4. Weird.

I’m afraid that’s not my experience, Lemons. I can’t speak for the Cotswolds as a whole but I can for my small village which has changed in character enormously in recent years.

There are still a handful of farm labourers and mole catchers, but they’re now faaar outnumbered by venture capitalists and hedge fund managers (and the odd celebrity).

I’m not actually complaining. I could move somewhere less salubrious with that tumbledown charm I miss. But in truth it’s the super wealthy round here that keep me in gainful employment. Mole catchers don’t have much use for my services 🤷‍♀️

I love the Cotswolds and have holidayed there many times

Never tire of the area as there are always some different villages or gardens to see.

A lot of it is very pretty. I lived and worked in Broadway for a bit and on my travels around the Cotswolds it was very picturesque.

I didn't particularly enjoy living there but I didn't like my job and I was miles away from friends and family.

I now live in an ok bit of the UK, nowhere near as nice to look at but since I've put down roots, I have friends, husband, kids, job I like I'm much happier although would still enjoy a visit to the Cotswolds now and again.

@Thwart I admire your honesty - it’s the same here in Somerset, here in Bath you get all the born and bred locals on the big local Facebook page ( a good one too if you want to know what’s going on ) and they always moan about any changes which I understand - but the reality is it’s a lot of the incomers who regularly use all the cafes/bars/restaurants/ personal trainers/accountants/private schools /nurseries /estate agents and lots of other services too that also keep many of the born and bred locals in consistent work.

Finally someone that has asked the question! I agree, could never see the fascination with it, tiny villages with no parking, absolutely rammed and ridiculously overpriced shops and pubs. Plenty of pretty places over the uk which are underrated!

Pen Yen is lovely. Did you wave at the Beckhams as you went past their house?

Tiny villages with no parking? Thank god for that! People live there, it’s not a theme park!

I'm curious, like where please? :)

I don’t think Woodstock is in the Cotswolds.

I love Burford although it’s painful at this time of year. I prefer it during the winter months.

I visited about 20 years ago and it was beautiful! The views from my hotel were amazing and I enjoyed going for little walks close by.

Visiting for the first time today from the North. I do like it here but the bits I’ve seen so far, to me, are nothing like as picturesque as the Lake District.