Visit Cotswold Towns and Villages

Fountain View luxury Cotswold lakeside 3 bedroom self catering holiday cottage is ideally located for scenic drives and days out in the Cotswolds.

Here is a taste of some of the beautiful Cotswold towns and villages to visit in order to plan your days out and enjoy the magic of the Cotswolds countryside knowing you can relax in the peace and tranquillity on your return.

There is so much choice in The Cotswolds

• Panoramic Countryside
• Cotswold stone towns and villages
• Roman Remains
• Arboreta
• Stately Homes and Gardens
• Wildlife Parks and Trails
• Cotswold Architecture

Origin of the word Cotswold

The name 'Cotswold' originated from 'cots' which were old stone sheep shelters and 'wold' which means rolling hills.

Due to the nature of the cotswold countryside it is ideal for the rearing of Cotswold sheep - known as the Lions of the Cotswolds - and this is why the region became famous for its lucrative woollen trade in medieval times.

Gloucestershire is one of the least populated counties in the country and perhaps that is one of the reasons so many celebrities choose to live in the area.

Cirencester is just four miles from Fountain View . It is the second largest Roman town and an historic wool town that had great importance in Roman times. In times past it was second only to London by way of importance.

Its impressive church dominates the market place and can be viewed for miles around. There are so many things to see in this important tourism and craft centre just the place for a day out in the Cotswolds.

In a converted brewery there is an arts centre with workshops, regular craft market in the Corn Hall and Farmers' Market in the Market Square.

Of historical interest are the Corinium Museum, Roman Amphitheatre, the Abbey Grounds and the Wool market to experience Cotswolds architecture.

Cirencester Park Polo Club is delighted to welcome visitors on a Sunday afternoon where you may catch sight of some of the many celebrities who have homes in The Cotswolds.

Tetbury dates back to the 7th century with strong Royal Cotswolds connections and is a wonderfully preserved Cotswold town. Its market place is the hub of the town. Here you will find a fine array of historic buildings and weaver's cotswolds stone cottages.

St Mary's church with its Gothic style and tall spire has a splendid plaster ceiling. The Market House was originally built for the sale of wool and yarn and is still used as a market. The Police Museum houses all kinds of memorabilia.

The annual Woolsack Races are still held here on the Spring Bank Holiday.

Within a short distance in the Cotswolds countryside is the Westonbirt Arboretum changing through the seasons.

Stow-on- the-Wold is an ancient wool town by the Roman Fosseway . There is an enclosed square due to its high elevation. The King's Arms is a good example of a coaching inn where Charles 1 is reputed to have stayed. The Royalist Hotel is said to be the oldest in England. The narrow streets have a fascinating array of shops including many antique shops and some wonderful architecture. There are traditional Cotswold stone cottages and houses many having marvellous oak beams.

Bibury is a pretty village with Cotswold stone cottages along the river Coln. The church has several Norman features. Arlington Row has been restored by the National Trust and was originally a wool store and then weaver's cottages. Rack Isle is a wetland meadow and Arlington Mill is now a craft centre . When you go to Bibury the Trout Farm is a must see.

Bourton on the Water lies just 20 miles north of Fountain View and is commonly known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. Its many bridges span the clear, shallow river Windrush that flows through the centre of this picturesque village. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction and is just as appealing in the autumn and winter as the summer. No wonder it is so very popular as it makes a wonderful day out in the Cotswolds with something of interest for all the family. You will find some wonderful cotswold architecture in the village.

The Slaughters Lower Slaughter is just off the Roman Fosse Way and a wonderfully conserved typical Cotswold stone village. Voted 'Most beautiful village in the Cotswolds'

Lower Slaughter has The Old Mill with shop, museum, craft shop, hand made organic ice cream parlour and riverside tea room. Just take a wander around. Upper Slaughter is equally attractive with old Cotswold stone cottages, farmhouses and a Manor House which is now a luxury hotel.

Cheltenham is a wonderful Regency town with superb architecture. The town has beautiful gardens and tree lined avenues and just 15 miles from Fountain View.

Bath is the town noted for its Roman baths and now boasts the only thermal spa in Britain. It has some wonderful architecture such as Royal Crescent. From Fountain View it is about 25 miles.

Cotswolds Towns and Villages Resources

Cotswold map of Bourton on the Water
Cotswold Tour Guide
Cotswold Attractions Free download map
Cotswold map of Cirencester Free download map

Visit the Cotswolds Gateway Centre where you can  find information about many other tourist activities within the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire regions.

Enjoy a wonderful day out with your family or friends in the Cotswolds countryside ...