The Cotswolds of England for a UK vacation [Image by Jason from Pixabay]As recently noted on Travel New Paths, the Cotswolds of England offer much natural beauty and scenic wonders, including rolling hills, lakes and rivers. However, the area also features many fun activities for travelers on a UK vacation. Having learned the basics of this beautiful region, we now reveal the many things to do and see here.
About the Cotswolds of England
The Cotswold Hills [Image by Jason from Pixabay]In 1966, the Cotswolds of England was officially declared an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” a worthy award for its lush and beautiful scenery. The area runs from the Cotswold Hills in south-central England, through beautiful lush meadows and along an escarpment dubbed the Cotswold Edge.
[Image Cotswold Water Park on Facebook]Meanwhile, traveling through the region takes visitors through several English counties. Along the way, it features many bodies of water, including lakes and rivers.
Fun activities in the Cotswolds of England
– Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Water Park, England [Image by Simon Elliott from Pixabay]Among the attractions is the Cotswold Water Park, and while it sounds like a fun theme park, it is the largest marl lake system in the country. Marl is a type of lime-rich mud or calcium carbonate, made up of various amounts of silt and clays.
Moreover, these lakes were formed following the extraction of the Jurassic limestone gravel in the area. When the work stopped in 1970, they naturally filled with water to make the lakes we enjoy today.
What makes the water park important is its wildlife, including breeding and wintering bird species. Having been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area is fully protected. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, birding and sailing in the area.
The area boasts a total of 147 lakes of varying sizes, all nestling in gorgeous scenery. Some feature beaches, while boating and other water sports are available to visitors, making this an ideal place for a lakeside vacation in England.
– Wildlife and gardens
Macaw [Image Birdland Park and Gardens on Facebook]The Cotswold town of Bourton on the Water offers Birdland Park and Gardens, where visitors can see 500 bird species, including flamingos, king penguins, colorful macaws and more.
Ring-tailed lemur in Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens [Image by Vicki Roberts from Pixabay]The wildlife park spreads over 160 acres of beautiful gardens and parklands, home to several creatures such as lemurs, meerkats, squirrel monkeys, prairie dogs and more. Moreover, its indoor exhibits include the Children’s Farmyard, with a petting zoo and Reptile House. Another fun attraction is the amusingly dubbed Bat Belfry.
– Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection
Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection [Image Cotswold Motoring Museum on Facebook]This next attraction in Bourton on the Water will appeal to boys of all ages and of course, some girls too. The Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection hosts fabulous classic and vintage cars and motorcycles. It also features all kinds of motoring curiosities to view.
Where to stay
Accommodations in the Cotswolds of England [Image Log House Holidays on Facebook]Throughout the area, travelers will find a good range of accommodations in the small towns, including bed & breakfasts and small hotels. However, another option is truly special as it offers log cabins, right on the waterfront. These feature their own private decks for viewing the landscape and even the occasional hot tub as well as all modern conveniences.
Experience a tour of the Cotswolds of England in the spring or summer of 2024. You will surely want to return to this scenic and beautiful place again in the future.