Christmas cottage break in Cotswolds
Where will you discover in the Cotswolds this Christmas?
The Cotswolds is home to many stunning villages with rows and rows of charming cottages set in a delightful rural setting. Renting a self-catering cottage in the Cotswolds during Christmas is an excellent time of year to really get a sense of quaint English village life in a spectacular and history part of the United Kingdom during a magical holiday season, and you and your family will not regret doing something different this year.
Set towards the west of England, mostly within the counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire is the beautiful range of hills of the Cotswolds, known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Renting a cottage that overlooks these beautiful hillsides and fields during Christmas time is a wonderful way to appreciate this incredible rural area, and if it is snowing then the views become even more spectacular. As well as the scenery, there are lots of gorgeous settlements in the Cotswolds with stone cottages lining the streets with a distinct charm and character about them, and they make perfect dwellings for a cottage break during Christmas.
These cottages come with fully-equipped kitchens for rustling up tasty dinners, including the classic roast, and there are comfy living rooms with TVs so you do not have to miss out on any exciting Christmas programmes! Bedrooms are spacious and with cosy beds, and bathrooms have a modern touch with power showers and sometimes even hot tubs, and these cottages can be found in settlements with friendly people and pubs, restaurants and bars for if you wish to sample some local delicacies or make friends with the locals! There are also several shops and grocery stores so you can stock up on the goods to make your self-catering break all the more enjoyable.
Historic places of interest to visit
Go back in time through architecture in the Cotswolds.
Lots of towns and villages in the Cotswolds are home to a vast array of historical places to visit, from abbeys to castles to manors. The 15th century Sudeley Castle is a great one to visit as it is steeped in history, being the burial place of Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. Guided tours can be taken of the castle on specific dates of the year which should definitely be done if you have an interest in royal history.
The 16th century Calcot Manor is another historical structure in the Cotswolds which is worth the visit, as is the pretty village of Bourton-on-the-water. The nearby towns and cities of Cheltenham and Bath can easily be visited from the Cotswolds on day trips, and the Roman Villa of Chedworth in Gloucestershire is a must-see.
Cirencester is another Cotswold town of Roman heritage.
Visiting the Cotswolds during Christmas will truly be a magical trip for you and your family. The spectacular scenery will leave you in awe and the friendly people and historical buildings will leave you coming back for more. It is a wonderful place to celebrate this holiday of love and sharing, and if you are looking to try somewhere new this Christmas then the Cotswolds is a fantastic idea.
