Things to do in THE COTSWOLDS

ANTIQUING IN THE COTSWOLDS

 

Whether you're looking for that elusively perfect piece to compliment your already wonderful collection of antiques, or you're a novice that's only starting out, the Cotswolds promise to have the perfect piece hidden away in one of its many antique shops.

You truly are spoilt for choice. From Burford to Stow on the Wold and Broadway, there is something for everyone. We have listed some of our favourites below - please do let us know if you wish to add to it!

 

Our top 5 aNTIQUING LOCATIONS 

Durham House Antiques, Stow-on-the-Wold - Specialist dealers in antiques that just beg to be admired and bought to go home with you!
www.durhamhousegb.com

Baggott Church Street Limited, Stow-on-the-Wold - Old world charm combined with fantastic personal customer service, the team at Baggott will make you feel like you are visiting friends who just happen to have lovely antiques for sale.
www.baggottantiques.com

Fenwick & Fenwick, Broadway - A treasure trove of gems hidden behind a deceptively simple exterior. We love that Fenwick & Fenwick will go the extra mile and open out of hours if you ask them.
www.cotswolds-antiques-art.com/antiques-dealers/d/fenwick-and-fenwick

Twyford Antiques Centre, Evesham - Featured on the BBC’s Antiques Roadtrip, you know you’ll find something special to take home. We love that there are multiple exhibitors and that you can have a chat to everyone! 
www.twyford-antiques.co.uk

Gateway Antiques, Burford - Perfect to spend a rainy (or sunny!) morning getting lost in the myriad of high quality antique and fine art items on sale. We love that Gateway is the largest antique shop in Cotswolds, and that the owners have a real passion for antiques!
www.gatewayantiques.co.uk

     

MANORS & GARDENS

 

In the Slaughters, you are perfectly based to explore all the wonderful manor houses and gardens in the area. Styles range from Jacobean to Tudor, castles to chateaus, and not to mention the gardens, which are the perfect balm to a busy soul.

We strongly recommend checking opening times and ticket availability online before travelling - a number of the stately homes close over the winter period, only opening their doors over the weekend.

 

Our top 5 Manors & Gardens 

Hidcote Manor Garden - Created by Lawrence Johnston, the garden at Hidcote (pictured left) comprises a number of outdoor ‘rooms’, each with its own character. We love that there are a number of plants named after Hidcote – keep an eye out for ‘Hypericum Hidcote Gold’!
Please note: restricted winter opening times apply. Please visit the website for more details.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

Snowshill Manor & Gardens - Snowshill Manor is brim-filled with treasures collected by Charles Wade throughout his life. Living life to the full by the maxim “Let nothing perish”, the manor and gardens are a testament to his joie de vivre. We love the ’50 Things’ Challenge for younger visitors, which promises to keep the kids entertained for a goodly time!
Please note: restricted winter opening times apply. Please visit the website for more details.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden

Sudeley Castle & Gardens - With over 1000 years of history and 16 rare species of endangered birds, it is a treasure trove for both nature and history lovers. We love the Queen’s Garden – it's not very often you have a garden that is renowned for having four of England’s queens having walked on the original Tudor Parterre!
Please note: restricted winter opening times apply. Please visit the website for more details.
www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

Chastleton House - Owned by the same family for over 400 years, Chastleton House is unique in the fact that it is barely touched by the 21st century. We love the feeling of being transported back in time, as the house has remained almost unchanged.
Please note: restricted winter opening times apply – please visit the website for more details.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house

Chedworth Roman Villa - Whilst not a Manor house in the traditional sense anymore, Chedworth is a prime example of what had been one of the grandest Roman villas of its time.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa

     

A DAY OUT EXPLORING

 

There are so many beautiful and unique villages to explore that you will be hard pressed to pick a favourite. Whatever you do, make sure you stop off somewhere for a cream tea - the perfect sustenance for a day's exploring!

 

Below we have listed one of our favourite 'loops' to do. However, please do speak to a member of the team for further information and a map of the Cotswolds. There is far more to do than we could fit in!

 

Our top 5 Days Out 

Bourton-on-the-Water - Only a 2 mile walk from the hotel, Bourton-on-the-Water is a tourist mecca. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, it has a beautiful river running through the town with multiple bridges crossing it. With something for everyone to do, we love that there is something for everyone, ranging from Birdland to the Model Village and various cosy tearooms.
www.bourtoninfo.com

Broadway - Loose yourself in a multitude of tucked away spaces and typical Cotswold architecture. Walk from the village to Broadway Tower with its beautiful Capability Brown folly, but beware, the hill is deceptively steep. And whilst in the area, do pop by our sister property, Buckland Manor.
www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk

Chipping Campden - A town with year-round events; chances are you will stumble across the Spring Music Festival in May, ‘Olympic Games’ in June, and various open garden weekends throughout summer. We love the Silk Mill, home of the Guild of Handicrafts, and the tearooms are toasty in winter, perfect for taking a breather from all that shopping with a glass, or two, of mulled wine.
www.chippingcampden.co.uk

Moreton-in-Marsh - One of the principle market towns in the Cotswolds, make sure to visit the The Bell Inn, whom researchers believe was the inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien’s pub, ‘The Prancing Pony’ in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ books. We love the market every Tuesday, you never know what treasures you might find.
www.cotswolds.info/places/moreton-in-marsh

Stow-on-the-Wold - (Pictured left) A hub for antiquing, you can spend hours getting lost in all the fine arts and antique shops. We love the history attached to St Edward’s Church, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the stained glass is something to behold.
www.cotswolds.info/places/stow-on-the-wold

     

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

 

We know how difficult it can be to amuse different ages, so we have come up with a list of tried and trusted places to visit with something to do for all ages. Whether it be clay pigeon shooting with the teenagers, or visiting the petting zoo with the little ones, there is something for everyone to do.

 

We advise taking an umbrella and/or mac with you, as you never know what the weather will do. We also suggest pre-booking tickets where possible, as the attractions are all very popular, and the queues can be very long (not to mention tedious!).

 

Our top 5 Family Days Out 

Adam Henson's Cotswolds Farm Park - Keep an eye out on the website and signage in the local area for lambing days in spring – an experience unlike any other! With daily activities ranging from ‘Meet our Chicks’ to Farm Safaris and bottle feeding lambs and goat kids, it gives both adults and children alike the chance to get back to nature. We love that you can beat the queues if you buy an e-ticket online. It gives you more time to enjoy the farm.
www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens - With just about anything you can find between an Asian Pygmy Goat and a giraffe, the Cotswolds Wildlife Park has a variety of things to do. From being keeper for a day to adoptions, this is a chance to get involved with animal conservation. We love the different talks and activities available as well. From penguin feeding to brass rubbing, there is little chance of being bored.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Ian Coley Sporting Agency - More suited to teenagers and parents, the shooting school offers various packages, from clay pigeon shooting to shooting lessons. We love that it’ provides a refreshing change from sightseeing for those who seek a different kind of experience.
Please note: Health and safety and age restrictions apply. Please contact Ian Coley Shooting for further information and bookings.
www.iancoley.co.uk

Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre - A true nature lovers’ dream, the arboretum is home to a staggering amount of fauna and flora. From moths and badgers to a unique tree and shrub collections, it’s a wonderful place to get away from the hustle and bustle. We love that you can take your four-legged friends along; all they ask is for dogs to be kept on a short lead at all times, and that you clean up after them.
www.batsarb.co.uk

Crocodiles of the World - An alternative yet exciting day out, witness crocodiles in clear water habitats with incredible underwater viewing, and come face-to-face with some of the most feared predators on the planet, including Nile crocodiles, American alligators, black caiman, and more. Daily crocodile encounters and handling experiences are available with the friendly team.
www.crocodilesoftheworld.co.uk

    

WALKING

 

With a plethora of walks to choose from, you can walk most places in the Cotswolds. It's the perfect way to see the hidden gems that are off the beaten track. We recommend sturdy footwear for walking as you'll likely be crossing muddy, uneven fields. Not equipped? Speak with reception and borrow a pair of our Dubarry boots to go exploring.

 

Remember, always ensure you are well hydrated and that you have something to eat with you. Our kitchen team would be delighted to do a picnic for you (minimum 2 hours' notice required), alternatively, do enquire at Reception about local pubs that will be en route.

 

Our top 5 Walks 

Bourton-on-the-Water - Roughly 2 miles away, Bourton is an easy walk from the hotel and takes approx. 30 minutes. There is also a longer route that takes approximately 2 hours – please ask us for more information. See the guide above for our must-see attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Rissington Round - Once you have reached Bourton-on-the-Water and feel you want to go further, the Rissington Round is a 2 hour walk that starts and ends in Bourton. Although not for the faint hearted, as it has a lot of hills.

Upper Slaughter - The walk to Upper Slaughter takes approx. 30 minutes, with the reward of beautiful Cotswolds stone buildings at the end. Make sure to visit the Old Mill Museum and Tea Room on your way there (or back).

Stow-on-the-Wold - We suggest allowing a comfortable hour for this walk as the route is rather hilly. There is plenty to see and explore, and even more pubs to put your feet up and enjoy a pint after a nice long walk. Our porter advises trying Hufkins’ lardy cakes, he loves them!

From Wold to Water - Should you wish to keep busy for the whole day, walk from Lower Slaughter, to Bourton-on-the-Water, to Stow-on-the-Wold and back to the Slaughters. Think you’ll be tired halfway? Why not ask us to pack a picnic for you to enjoy en route, or stop at one of the local pubs.