The Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty stretching from the west midlands down into Southwest England attracts millions of tourists every year. The small towns and villages such as Frampton on Severn are a favourite destination for older visitors.
My grandfather came from Moreton in Marsh and I have been visiting the Cotswolds regularly for almost seventy years. Here are my suggestions of things for seniors to do in the Cotswolds. Please check the links for directions and more details of opening times and prices.
If you are feeling energetic you could even walk the Cotswold Way. A lot of older visitors enjoy browsing in the many antique shops or visiting the beautiful wool churches. The hills are ideal for sheep to graze and in medieval times wool made the area very prosperous. Now it is a favourite place for celebrities and even royalty to live and this is reflected in the very high house prices.
If you want to stay in the area you might find hotels in the neighbouring towns such as Swindon, Gloucester and Bath are cheaper. All the Cotswold towns and villages have lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants. I think it is better to visit by car as public transport is patchy.
Best places to visit in the Cotswolds for seniors
1. Highgrove house garden
Highgrove House is one of the private homes of the Prince of Wales. The surprisingly modest house is not open to the public but the gardens are open for private tours in the summer. The stunning organic gardens were created over 40 years by the Prince of Wales and some of the top international garden designers. You can also tour the wildflower meadows and orchards. in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Afterwards, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the Orchard tea room or get a souvenir from the gift shop.
Tours have to be pre-booked and you will need a photo I.D. such as a passport or driving license. £££ see dates and prices
2. Chedworth Roman Villa
Chedworth Roman Villa which is managed by the National Trust was one of the grandest villas in England.
You should also look out for large Roman snails. They were brought to England 1800 years ago and are still living in the grounds. free for National Trust members More details
3. Cotswold Motor Museum (Bourton on Water).
This small museum has an eclectic collection of vehicles, toys and memorabilia from the early days of motoring. More details and directions
4. Hidcote garden
This is an arts and crafts garden designed by a wealthy American plantsman. Major Lawrence Johnston and his mother created this garden in the early 20th century breeding plants from around the world. It has individual garden rooms which give it an intimate feel. Look out for the giant cedar and the architectural topiary. Free entry for National Trust members. Hidcote garden
5. Slimbridge wetland centre
Slimbridge Wetland centre was established in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott. It is a fantastic place to visit for birdwatchers of all ages. The visitor centre also houses a good restaurant, a shop and a small art gallery. Slimbridge Wetland Centre
6. Snowshill Manor
If you are interested in the Arts and Crafts movement you will love Snowshill Manor. Chales Paget Wade, an eccentric architect collector and artist bought the house in 1919 and filled it with handcrafted objects from around the world. He designed the gardens as a set of outdoor rooms to display his enormous collection of plants.
The Manor is now owned by the National Trust. You can find opening times and prices here .
7. Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum has over 2,500 tree species and is particularly beautiful in Autumn. You can enjoy the treetop walkway, try to spot the Gruffalo or enjoy a meal in the restaurant. Westonbirt Arboretum
For 2024 Westonbirt has teamed up with the award-winning internationally acclaimed light trail producers behind Christmas at Kew and at Blenheim to create a new light trail. It includes colourful trees and sparkling tunnels of light. Seasonal snacks and drinks such as toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate can be bought in the Christmas village.
8. Gloucester Services
It may seem odd to recommend a service station but Gloucester services between junction 11A and 12 of the M5 are rather special. Instead of the usual MacDonalds or KFC they have a large farm shop selling a range of local produce including ciders, fruit vegetables and meat. The farm shop recently featured in a channel 4 T.V. series. The business began life on a Cumbrian hill farm. The Westmorland family began Tebay services after the M6 was built through their farm. The kitchen also uses locally sourced produce and dishes range from a full English breakfast to locally sourced pies. 3% of all non petrol sales are given to local good causes.
9. Sudeley Castle
This 15th century castle was once the home of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife. As her resting place it is the only private property to have a queen of England buried in its grounds. It has an extensive textile collection and an Elizabethan parterre garden and the largest collection of endangered pheasants in the world. Sudeley Castle
You may enjoy reading some of my other posts about the Cotswolds:
Postcard from the Windrush valley
A winter walk through Bradford on Avon
