Cycling

Hiring bikes in the cotswolds is easy, they can be pre-booked from:

Hartwell’s Cycle Hire, Bourton-on-the-Water (http://hartwellscotswoldcyclehire.uk) Tel: 01451 820405 TY Cycles,

Chipping Norton www.tycycles.co.uk, 01608 238150

Archery, Clay & Target Shooting If it’s an archery and shooting experience you fancy, contact Sean 07597 093 708 or email olddownpursuits@live.co.uk. http://www.old-downs-pursuits.co.uk They offer archery, clay pigeon shooting and target shooting.

Guided Tours https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk. (07786 920166) is an award winning tour company offering small group guided day tours of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh and Stratford Upon Avon.

Walking

You’ll find some of the best walks in the Cotswolds including the Gloucestershire Way, the Winchcombe Way, the Wardens Way and of course, the Cotswold Way.

Bourton-on-the-Water: A nice 30 minutes walk is to the delightful Lower Slaughter with its stone cottages and watermill. If you fancy stopping there, the Slaughters Country Inn, (01451 822 143) serves food and drinks, (booking is advised).

Winchcombe: Host to some of the best walks in the Cotswolds, proudly known as the walking capital of the Cotswolds and with “Walkers are Welcome” status, Winchcombe sits at the intersection of the Cotswold Way, the Gloucestershire Way, the Wardens Way, the Windrush Way and the new Winchcombe Way.

The Winchcombe welcomes walkers website has a wealth of information designed to tempt you to take anything from a gentle stroll to a vigorous long-distance trek.

Winchcombe holds an annual walking festival in May.

Stow-on-the-Wold: Guided walks are usually every Sunday morning at 10:30am from the beginning of April through to the end of September. Starting at the stocks in the Square you’ll be taken on a 90-minute guided walk around central Stow. Places are limited so booking is advised via the Visitor Information Centre and costs £5 per person. Stow is where our lovely, The Sanctuary apartment is located.

Chipping Campden: There are many lovely walks here, go past the playing fields and tennis courts and you can pick up walking trails including the beginning of the Cotswold Way. If you’d rather sample just a fraction of the 102 mile trail then there is a delightful short walk that will take you through shaded woodlands and past breathtaking views.

Gardens There are several famous gardens to visit in the cotswolds; Hidcote Manor, Bourton House and Snowshill Manor all make the perfect afternoon out for those who enjoy strolling through garden grounds.

Castles, Abbeys and More…

Sudeley Castle (home of Queen Katherine Parr up to her death in 1548) offers an enjoyable day out. There is also a range of events throughout the year which can be found on their website.

Hailes Abbey (a Cistercian House founded in 1246 and owned by English Heritage)

Stanway House (a Jacobean manor house with world-famous fountain)

Belas Knap (a Neolithic long barrow dating from circa. 3800 BC) all offer a fascinating insight into the life of our forbears.

St Edwards Church in Stow-on-the-Wold is famed for its tree-framed doorway; it’s a beautiful architectural gem and a great place for those who take an interest in history or stained-glass designs.

For the more mechanically minded, the GWR Steam Railway (which runs from Toddington through Winchcombe to Cheltenham Racecourse) provides a fantastic fun day out for the family and the Prescott Hill Climb is home to one of the world’s most prestigious motor racing venues.

Film Location Tour For film and TV locations in the Cotswolds, the areas surrounding Stow on the Wold have played host to some of the most spectacular TV and film locations of our time. Less than 50 minutes away in Gloucester is Gloucester Cathedral (filming location for Harry Potter), just 16 minutes up the road is Snowshill (location for Bridget Jones’ Diary), or just half an hour’s drive away is Cheltenham Town Hall (location for Pride and Prejudice).

All Things Wild Nature Centre Located in the beautiful village of Honeybourne, just a stone throw from Chipping Campden. A fantastic year-round family attraction, comprising plenty of activities both indoor and outdoor to keep all ages entertained whatever the weather! Spa

Days & Treatments

The Cotswold House Hotel, Chipping Campden (https://www.cotswoldhouse.com/spa/treatments/) has a spa with a small hydrotherapy pool. Treatments and spa days can be booked here.

Golf at Naunton Downs Naunton Downs offers a fantastic 18 hole 71 par golf course, which is open to visitors as well as members. Located in the stunning countryside between Stow on the Wold and Bourton on the Water, Naunton Downs Golf Club will be a scenic retreat for avid golfers. Weekly passes are available for visitors.

Guided Tours https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk., (07786 920166). is an award winning tour company offering small group guided tours of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh and Stratford Upon Avon.