Trains to the Cotswolds

One of England’s most beautiful areas, the Cotswolds boasts pretty villages of honey-coloured stone, manor houses, charming churches, dry-stone walls and country pubs. History is all around you, from the Regency houses of Cheltenham to the black and white medieval buildings of Tewkesbury.

The stunning Gloucester Cathedral was used as a Harry Potter filming location. Head to Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and get up close and personal with a huge range of primates, reptiles and more. Alternatively, you could join some of the world’s best writers at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. Keep a look out for live music events at the spectacular Westonbirt Arboretum. Dating back to 1950, petrolheads will love Castle Combe Circuit.

Starting from locations across the Cotswolds AONB, including GWR stations Charlbury, Stroud and Moreton-in-Marsh, use the downloadable Cotswold Gateways walks to easily discover hidden corners, epic views, historic sites, and a rich diversity of wildlife. If you fancy a longer walking and exploring break then National Trails is the place to start planning your multi-day overnight itinerary. The Cotswold Way - a step back in time is a three day itinerary between the handsome heritage towns of Chipping Campden, Broadway and Winchcombe. Wander idyllic honey-stone hamlets, discover more about the ground-breaking Arts and Crafts Movement, stop off in teashops and walk out into the sublime surrounding hills.

Gloucestershire offers plenty of fantastic food and drink, from smart gastropubs to traditional inns and quirky cafes. If you enjoy a tipple, don’t miss the local wines and ales. You’ll also find farmers’ markets, delis, farm shops and prize-winning cheese producers all selling the freshest local produce.

The Cotswolds is horseriding heaven, with the Cheltenham Festival – including the Gold Cup – taking over for a week in March, plus more horse-related events at Gatcombe and Badminton. There’s top-class rugby in Gloucester. Cheese rolling at Cooper’s Hill near Gloucester. Plus there’s over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore.

From folk, classical or jazz festivals, to summer opera and concerts in the open air, the Cotswolds has plenty to offer music lovers. There’s also the prestigious classical music celebration, the Three Choirs Festival every 3 years.

From traditional antique shops at Stow-on-the-Wold and Tetbury to contemporary crafts in Cirencester, you’ll find a great choice of local shops in the Cotswolds. Head to Cheltenham for a wider-range of well-known stores – and for delicious local produce try Daylesford Organic Farmshop.