The Cotswolds has a reputation for being a wealthy area – largely because of the medieval wool trade. The wealthy wool merchants began building lavish houses and generously contributing to the churches in the area. These churches that were built or enlarged through such contributions became knows as ‘Wool Churches’. Examples include Chipping Campden, Winchcombe, Cirencester, Northleach and Fairford.

The natural landscape is ideal for sheep farming and the Cotswolds also became known for the quality of its woollen cloth. There were over 150 mills in the area, especially around Stroud and South Gloucestershire. Ultimately much of the wool trade moved to the North of England, causing economic depression in the area.

The Area: 

The countryside is open, varied, and certainly hilly and offers over 3,000 miles of footpaths. There are 2 national trails, The Thames Path starting in the south Cotswolds and The Cotswold Way which stretches 102 miles (164km) between Chipping Campden and the city of Bath, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Cotswolds is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is in fact the largest in England and Wales at almost 800 square miles, which is around 25 miles wide and 90 miles long. It runs through the 5 counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. The highest point is at Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham, standing at 1,083 feet (330m).

Arts & Crafts Movement:

The Cotswolds became an important centre for the Arts & Crafts Movement in the early 20th century. The movement was an international trend in the decorative and fine arts. It stood for traditional craftmanship using simple forms, and often used medieval, romantic or folk styles of decoration.

William Morris, a British textile designer, poet, novelist, translator and social activist, moved from London to Lechlade in 1871. Other makers soon followed and Craft communities developed. C R Ashbee’s Guild of Handicraft – over 50 craftsmen and their families – moved to Chipping Campden in 1902. You can find out more at Court Barn Museum in Campden and by visiting Hart Gold and Silvermiths at The Guild, Sheep Street where they still create beautiful pieces in their workshop.

Exploring the Cotswolds:

There are many ways to explore the Cotswolds – by foot, bike, car or by taking a tour with local companies. Alternatively you could book a Tuk Tuk tour, a horseback ride or a trip on a steam train! The GWSR is a volunteer operated heritage railway based at Toddington. You can enjoy a ride along the 28 miles track between Broadway and Cheltenham.

 Information:

https://chippingcampden.com – information about Chipping Campden

https://www.cotswolds.com/ – more information of what to see and do in the Cotswolds

https://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/ – information about the Cotswolds AONB

https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/ – castle and gardens in Winchcombe

https://www.blenheimpalace.com/ – palace and gardens in Woodstock, Oxfordshire

https://www.courtbarn.org.uk/ – museum in Chipping Campden

https://bourtonvaleequestrian.co.uk – Bourton on the Water – horse riding

http://www.cotswoldsriding.co.uk/ – Stanton, near Broadway – horse riding

https://www.cotswoldtuktuktours.co.uk/ – tuk tuk tours

https://www.gwsr.com/ – steam railway