Gloucestershire Cotswolds Hotels
RECOMMENDED HOTELS
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Walking is certainly the main attraction in such beautiful natural surrounds and the escarpment in particular contains many of the most popular walking routes, with incredible views over the Vale of Evesham and Severn Valley. The highest point of the area is Cleve Hill, close to the spa town of Cheltenham. Walking routes are all well established and comprise over 100 miles of walks to suit varying levels of fitness. While the hills draw all the keen walkers and hikers, a large part of the charm of the Cotswolds is in the historic villages and towns. These are invariably constructed from the famous Cotswold stone which is found throughout and laces the hills with endless miles of attractive dry stone walls. Cotswold towns include Cirencester, Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Camden. Each has their own distinctive appeal and notable histories. Chipping Camden was the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, formed by William Morris at the start of the 20th Century. The town is also the host venue for the Cotswold Games, held annually since the early part of the 17th Century. The Cotswolds most significant historical contribution to the country has been the wool trade, around which the towns in the area flourished during the Middle Ages. Such was the commercial influence from the local trade that the speaker of the House of Lords traditionally sits on a Woolsack in honour of the mediaeval wealth generated from the wool trade. Much of the mediaeval character, town plans and buildings remain and form attractive visitor sights, most notably the many so called 'wool churches', erected during this period. The historic wealth and character of the area is reflected too in the grand stately houses and castles in the area. With Gloucestershire alone there is Owlpen Manor, Calcot Manor, Chavenage House, and Cirencester Abbey. A further notable historical attraction of this kind is Malmsebury Abbey, located in Wiltshire. Some of the most exclusive Cotswolds hotels are based in historic buildings and country estates. The great manor houses which have been developed as Cotswolds hotels offer a kind of luxury accommodation which immediately conveys all the history of the area and they provide the facilities, amenities and timeless elegance which effortlessly exceed standard hospitality. Often with award winning restaurant facilities, opportunities for fine dining are plentiful and there are invariably lounge and bars areas too, in which to relax with a drink in wonderful surrounds. Manor house Cotswold hotels are found close to the most popular towns or may benefit from complete countryside seclusion. Whether at the heart of the town activities or forming an imposing countryside landmark, large and impressive gardens and grounds are common features of the grand old manor houses and form the basis for the perfect relaxing break or romantic getaway. Traditional and historic style and elegance may dominate but the amenities and recreational facilities will be all those expected from contemporary travellers. Pools, gyms, and sports facilities are all generally available and some of the grand establishments have extensive spa facilities too. Within the towns, visitors have an impressive choice of Cotswolds Hotels. Many form part of the historic town buildings and retain all the aged elegance and appeal which is so attractive in the area. Others are more modern hotels, mostly found within the larger towns and they offer a high and consistent standard of features and facilities as well as everything required for a comfortable stay. Room and suites will be well appointed with hospitality trays, televisions and often internet access too. There are also many smaller Cotswold hotels, more akin to a classic English bed and breakfast guest house. These offer the kind of accommodation which has become an English standard, warm and welcoming, comfortable and with a full English breakfast to start each day's activities. All the local information will be on hand to allow guests to make the most of their time spent in the area. A further hotel option blends all the history of the area with the renowned hospitality and lively social atmosphere of a traditional English pub. These classic Coaching Inns have been largely unspoiled by time and offer comfortable accommodation as well as opportunities to sample some local flavour in a pub or lounge setting. They will almost certainly having dining options for a classic pub lunch or dinner and often some evening entertainment too. A Cotswold Hotel encompasses all that is quintessentially English, from the history and culture to the open green spaces and hospitality. Cotswolds hotels are as much a feature of this as any other aspect and are well established in offering the ideal base for a memorable and enjoyable stay in the Heart of England. |
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