Washbrook Cottage is situated in the heart of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides easy access to all that the area has to offer.
Historic Towns and Villages
The Cotswolds is home to numerous ancient and picturesque towns and villages. Set in rolling hills amongst quintessential English countryside they are truly a joy to behold. A day could be spent exploring the local area including Stroud and the five valleys, passing Minchinhampton on the way to Nailsworth and then on to Tetbury, home of Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate. Separately a drive to the North Cotswolds could take in Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh.
A great resource for more information on these towns and villages is the Cotswolder
Finally, special mention has to be given to the historic wool town of Painswick, which is just a short walk from the Cottage along the Cotswolds Way, and is often referred to as the Queen of the Cotswolds. It is easy to see why with its quaint and narrow streets adorned with beautiful buildings and location nestled amongst some of the most delightful Gloucestershire countryside.
Places of History
In the Cotswolds it really does feel that history is all around you as you take in a landscape that in many cases hasn’t changed much in over 300 years.
The places to visit are many and varied but depending on your interests could include:
Romans: Chedworth Roman Villa nr. Cheltenham; Corinium Museum in Cirencester and the Roman Baths in (you guessed it) Bath.
Abbeys, Churches and Cathedrals: Priknash Abbey, Malmesbury Abbey, Gloucester Cathedral and of course St. Mary’s Church in Painswick famous for its 99 Yew Trees.
Castles and Manor Houses: Berkley and Sudeley Castles. Chavenage House and the hauntingly unfinished Woodchester Mansion set in the wonderful Woodchester Park.
Gardens
Garden lovers are sure to find something to entice them in the Cotswolds.
The Painswick Rococo Garden, a short drive from Washbrook was originally laid out in the early 18th Century. Other must sees are the Garden at Highgrove and the Westonbirt Arboretum.
Sporting Events
Washbrook is a great location for the horse lovers amongst you. Cheltenham Racecourse and the Equestrian Events at Gatcombe and Badminton are all less than a 20 mile drive from the cottage.
Gloucester Premiership Rugby. Watching a game in the Shed followed by a couple of pints – what better way could there be to spend an afternoon.
A little further afield……….
If you haven’t managed to fill your stay with the attractions above there are plenty of other day trips from the cottage that we can suggest on your arrival. How about taking the day to take a look around Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford, Hereford, Stratford-upon-Avon – all are less than two hours drive away.