• Historic Houses & Sites
• Gardens & Arboreta
• Cotswold Towns & Villages
• Activities
• Itineraries
• Shopping

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Stunning Vanborough building and the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. The Palace and Gardens open early April to the end of October. The park is open daily throughout the year.

Tel: +44 (0)1993 811325. www.blenheimpalace.com

For lunch, try The Bear or The Feathers (Market Street).

Chastleton House, Moreton-in-Marsh (National Trust)
One of England's finest and most complete Jacobean houses, occupied by the same family for 400 years. Elizabethan gardens with topiary, and it was here in 1865 that the rules of modern day croquet were codified. Admission by timed ticket. For opening times go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1494 755585

Chedworth Roman Villa
The remains of one of the largest Roman villas in Britain, set in woodland, and owned by the National Trust. Walls, mosaics, bathhouses and latrines survive. Discovered in 1864, relics are on show in the museum. For opening times go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1242 890256

Hetty Pegler's Tump, Uley
This 180-foot Neolithic barrow is just a short walk from the B4066. The monument entrance is surrounded by a stone wall leading to a long central chamber, which can be entered through the doorway; although uncomfortable on hands and knees and accompanied with a torch, it is well worth the trouble. The monument was built over 4000 years ago and is in the stewardship of English Heritage. Entrance free.
www.english-heritage.org.uk

Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth
A 45-minute drive, but worth a visit to this impressive ruined castle, the largest in England, once stayed in by Elizabeth I. Now run by English Heritage, there are plenty of walks around the ruins and grounds. For opening times go to www.english-heritage.org.uk
For lunch try Simpsons at 101 Warwick Road, Kenilworth.

Ragley Hall, Alcester
Family home of the Hertford (Conway Seymour) family since it was built in 1680. Ragley is surrounded by 27 acres of gardens and the parkland contains a children's adventure wood, 3D-maze, tables, carriage collection, woodland walk and lakeside picnic area. For opening times go to www.ragleyhall.com
Tel: +44 (0)1789 762090
The Hall has a restaurant, but it is only a short drive from Stratford-upon-Avon.

Shakespeare's Stratford
Stratford warrants a full day's visit. Jump on a tour bus and take in all the birthplace properties, including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's House. Stroll along the river, take a ride on a boat, book tickets for a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and enjoy the excellent variety of shops and restaurants. Ones worth noting include Margeaux in Union Street, One Elm and Embargo on Birmingham Road and the Ripple Café on Swan's Nest Lane. Find the tourist office at Bridgefoot.
www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk

Snowshill Manor, Snowshill, near Broadway
Charles Wade's fascinating collection of craftsmanship, toys, artefacts and armour from all over the world, now owned by the National Trust. Great for children and the young at heart. Note: The Manor is a five-minute walk (460 metres) along an undulating path from the Visitor Information Centre; a buggy is available for the elderly and visitors with disabilities. For opening times go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1684 855376
There is a restaurant by the car park, or you could eat in Broadway at the Lygon.

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
Beautiful castle and gardens, once the home of Henry VIII's Queen, Katherine Parr, and housing the unique archives of Emma Dent. Now the home of the Ashcombe and Dent Brocklehurst family. For opening times go to www.sudeleycastle.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1242 604357
The castle has its own restaurant.

Upton House, Edge Hill
A 17th-century house with a magnificent art collection, one of the finest assembled in England in the 20th century, including Hogarth, Stubbs, Canaletto and El Greco. Plus an unrivalled collection of Sèvres porcelain and Chelsea figures. The unusual gardens are terraced with a fabulous summer display. For opening times go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1295 670266
The house has a restaurant, but you could also try the Castle Pub at Edge Hill (one mile from the house) on the site of the Battle of Edge Hill, where Charles I raised his standard in the English Civil War. It is believed to be haunted!

Warwick Castle, Warwick
One of the best and most popular tourist attractions in Britain. Climb Guy's Tower, see the haunted tower and dungeons, and wonderful reconstructions of the Kingmaker and Victorian houseparty with Madame Tussauds' waxworks. Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10:00 am.
Tel: +44 (0)870 442 2000. www.warwick-castle.co.uk
The castle has its own restaurant, or there are plenty to choose from in Warwick town centre, including the Rose and Crown (Market Square) and Ask (Jury Street).

Others

Broadway Tower: On the hill overlooking Broadway. Stunning views over several counties, with picnic area and restaurant.

Dover's Hill: A natural limestone amphitheatre and venue for the annual Cotswold Olympick Games.

Great Witcombe Roman Villa: The remains of a large villa. Built around three sides of a courtyard, it had a luxurious bathhouse complex.

Hailes Abbey, Winchcombe (National Trust): Ruined Cistercian abbey founded in 1246.

Other Attractions Open to the Public

Bibury Trout Farm
www.bibury.com/bibury-trout-farm.htm

Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village and Model Railway
www.bourton-on-the-water.net

Cotswold Heritage Centre, Fosse Way, Northleach

The Cotswold Perfumery, Bourton-on-the-Water
www.cotswold-perfumery.co.uk

The Cotswold Pottery
www.cotswoldpottery.co.uk

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Gloucester Docks and Attractions
www.livinggloucester.co.uk/histories/gloucester_docks/

Gaydon Heritage Motor Museum, near Warwick
www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/sectionpages/museum_index.html

Prinknash Abbey Visitors Centre

GWR Steam Railway at Toddington
www.gwsr.com

To confirm opening times at all National Trust Properties go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk or e-mail enquiries@thenationaltrust.org.uk