The Cotswolds is one of the most visited vacation regions in the world, with 38 million visitors a year to this 2,000km² area. There are many reasons why you'll want to make this your holiday destination, check out our other blogs (coming soon!) to get some great ideas.
If you're here already, or just want to learn more about the region, here are 9 of our most frequently asked questions to get you started.
Why should I go to The Cotswolds?
There are so many reasons!
The Cotswolds is the largest of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB - more info here) covering 800 square miles, 5 counties, and is beautifully placed in the centre of England with easy access from many large cities.
Its rich culture and history is unavoidable, with literary and royal connections, as well as some of the best pubs and restaurants in the UK serving excellent local produce.
The towns and villages are seemingly untouched in comparison to the busy South East of England and there are activities within the Cotswolds for people with all manner of interests.
You could be adrenaline fuelled mountain bikers, dog walking hikers, celebrity spotters, Harry Potter fanatics, brewery enthusiasts, gin connoisseurs, plus-four-wearing golfers, water sporters, or rambling pub crawlers. The Cotswolds is a perfect place for a holiday of any length.
Is The Cotswolds dog friendly?
A question we love to answer! The Cotswolds is one of THE most dog friendly areas in the whole of the UK. With thousands of miles of clearly marked walks, and hundreds of pubs within reach of Milestones, you've come to the right place if you're looking for a location that's as entertaining for your dog as you. Here's some of the best dog walks in the region.
Here's a fantastic article by Dog Friendly Cotswolds listing dozens of things for you to do with man's best friend.
If you're looking for some refreshment after chasing your dog around the rolling fields, here's a Google maps search to get your started.
Where can I get the best cream tea in The Cotswolds?
A form of light afternoon meal, cream teas are considered very traditional within the UK, with great debate around the way it 'should' or 'shouldn't' be presented.
Especially regarding the scone, jam and clotted cream. If we've lost you already, then have a read of this article by The Darling Academy before you make your way to The Cotswolds.
You'll encounter cream tea in all shapes and sizes, with different blends of tea, different bakes of scones, and some including great towers of creative and beautifully crafted cakes. Some may argue cream tea is equally as much about the food, the presentation, and the time of day you eat it.
Some of our favourite we encounter whilst rambling The Cotswolds are Dormy House in Broadway, The Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter, Blenheim Palace Orangery in Woodstock, and The Tea Set in Chipping Norton.
Where can I hire a car near The Cotswolds?
If you are arriving internationally then Birmingham International and London Heathrow airports have many car hire options. Alternatively nearby towns Stratford-Upon-Avon, Banbury, Oxford, and Warwick all have a choice of car hire that will easily provide you with what you need for your trip.
Which airport is closest to The Cotswolds?
Birmingham International airport is 40 miles from Milestones. It is the closest international airport with regular flights to all over Europe, The Middle East and North America. Alternatively there is London Oxford airport (17 miles), which runs domestic flights in the UK. Finally, if you are coming from further afield, London Heathrow (65 miles) or London Gatwick (102 miles) might be your best options.
Which famous people live in The Cotswolds?
It has been found that "the region is home to more stars per acre than anywhere outside the capital". Kate Moss, David & Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Liz Hurley, Damien Hirst, Hugh Grant, Prince Charles and Jeremy Clarkson, to name just a few, are celebrities living not far from Milestones.
Why is it called The Cotswolds?
Although there are a few claims to the origin of the word 'Cotswold', it is regularly defined as 'sheep enclosure in the rolling hillside'. 'Wold' is more specifically defined as 'hillside'.
When should I go to The Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is blessed by all year round beauty and has so much to offer in any season. Like much of the UK, the busiest time is in the summer when typically the weather is warmer and there might be less rain. On the flipside, the beautiful areas you might want to visit are quieter during other seasons, meaning you can have a more relaxing holiday, and probably cheaper too!
In some ways your planned activities might dictate the time of year you visit. If you're happy wrapping up warm to take the dog for a walk followed by a lovely meal by a pub's open fire, then the Autumn and Winter might be a great option for you. Alternatively, if you are more of a fair weather golfer of biker, the Spring and Summer will tick all the boxes.
One thing is for certain, whatever time of year you visit, whatever the weather, the welcome warm glow of the Cotswold stone never disappoints.
How is Covid-19 affecting bookings?
In support of the UK’s fight against Covid-19, holidays were not possible for a long time. Recently though, the 'stay at home' rule in the UK ended, allowing holidays in UK-based holiday lets. It is also intended that the current level of restrictions will stay in place until 19 July 2021 at the earliest.
For regular updates please check the top of our homepage.
Do you have a question we haven't answered?
Please get in touch and we will provide as much information as you need!