Explore country houses and historic properties
The National Trust and English Heritage offer a number of local places to visit. Visit their website to find out details of each property and opening times/access.
We have noted down just a few of the local places with a brief description taken from the National Trust website.
Places to visit in the Cotswolds
The Market Hall and Dover’s Hill in Chipping Campden are both owned by the National Trust but are free to enter and enjoy.
Hidcote Manor Gardens – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote
Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds. It is just a stone’s throw from Chipping Campden and 20 minutes drive from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston its colourful and intricately designed outdoor ‘rooms’ are always full of surprises. It’s a must-see if you’re on holiday in the Cotswolds.
Snowshill Manor & Gardens – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshill-manor-and-garden
Once a Cistercian abbey, founded in 1246 by Richard of Cornwall and dissolved Christmas Eve 1539, Hailes never housed large numbers of monks but had extensive and elaborate buildings.
It was financed by pilgrims visiting its renowned relic, ‘the Holy Blood of Hailes’ – allegedly a phial of Christ’s blood.
Chastleton House – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house
Chastleton House was built between 1607 and 1612 by a prosperous wool merchant as an impressive statement of wealth and power.
Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, the house remained essentially unchanged for nearly 400 years as the interiors and contents gradually succumbed to the ravages of time.
With virtually no intrusion from the 21st century, this fascinating place exudes an informal and timeless atmosphere in a gloriously unspoilt setting. We do not have a shop or tea-room, so you can truly believe you have stepped back in time.
Chedworth Roman Villa – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa
Chedworth Roman Villa was rediscovered by the Victorians over 150 years ago. Leading the way in archaeology and conservation, Chedworth provides a unique insight into life during the Roman period in Britain.
A modern conservation building provides exceptional access to the extensive mosaic floors, hypocaust systems and bath house rooms. And a small museum houses a range of finds and artefacts from the villa.
Bibury – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bibury
Bibury, on the banks of the River Colne, is rich in both history and nature. The cottages along Arlington Row are believed to have been built around 1380 as a monastic wool store and later converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. They are owned by the National Trust and are private homes, except for No. 9 which is now in use as a holiday cottage. There is no public access to the cottages or their gardens.
Other properties include Kenilworth Castle & Gardens, Minster Lovell Hall & Dovecote and Belas Knap Long Barrow, Winchcombe.