Steeped in rich history, culture, and literature, Oxford and its “dreaming spires” are among the most popular cities from the UK’s tourism point of view. For more than 800 years, Oxford has been home to scholars, royals & artists – showcasing the city’s richly diverse culture. Today, it has become an established town that houses many world-class universities, gothic-style buildings & magnificent architecture. It’s an ideal destination for all tourists, offering them plenty of activities & experiences. And this guide will focus on some of the amazing things to see in the Oxford City of the UK.

Located 58 miles from London, this cosmopolitan city doesn’t comprise giving out the tourists a lifetime experience. Whether you are here for a few hours or a full-day excursion, Oxford will give you the chance to indulge in some great experiences. The city is a mix of ancient & modern representations of the UK. With so many historic buildings, colleges & museums to visit, you can never get enough of Oxford.

Most travelers come down to visit the city only because of the beautifully preserved colleges scattered across. Thanks to their gothic-styled aesthetic appeal, they have inspired many films to shoot their scenes at this picturesque place. Many scenes from the Harry Potter movie were shot in the city, as producers & directors took the opportunity to showcase the beautiful exterior & interior detailed view of the buildings.

Apart from the universities, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Oxford. You can take a walking tour of the city, explore the town’s medieval streets, and enjoy some top attractions like – Botanical Gardens, Pitts River Museum, Radcliffe Camera, and the gorgeous University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

So to help you have smooth travel plans in the city, here’s our list of Oxford’s attractions and experiences.

BEST THINGS TO SEE IN OXFORD CITY OF THE UK

VISIT THE OXFORD BOTANICAL GARDEN & ARBORETUM

Located near Magdalen College in Oxford, this botanical garden should be on your list when you plan to travel the city. Founded in 1621, it is the UK’s oldest botanic garden, with spaces spreading across 120 acres. With picturesque landscapes, this garden is home to some finest conifer collections. There are more than 6,000 types of plants for you to explore. Ideal for travelers who need a quick break from the busy city life!

THE BODLEIAN LIBRARY

The Bodleian Library is one of Europe’s oldest & undoubtedly the most beautiful library. It’s considered to be the primary research library of the University of Oxford. A must-see cultural destination if you plan to travel to Oxford anytime. There are guided tours to take you on this gothic architectural tour, making you explore Duke Humfrey’s Library & some other historical places. This library has also been featured in many films & TV series because of the tall structures & the interior building design.

PITT RIVERS MUSEUM

Founded in 1884, Pitt Rivers Museum offers a unique atmosphere with over half a million objects & artifacts displayed in glass cabinets. This quirky museum gives visitors a different sort of tour experience with its rich history & culture. All the arrangements at the museum are collected according to specific typologies – musical instruments, jewelry, textiles, and tool; allowing tourists to understand how challenges or issues were solved during a particular era. There is some exciting stuff to see here– Japanese Noah masks, Hawaiian feather cloaks & shrunken heads. It’s creepy, dark & a little gruesome, but trusting that you will love the discovery of the whole museum.

UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN

Located at the center of Oxford, this beautiful University Church of St Mary the Virgin is one of the city’s most beloved buildings. It has been a prayer house for Christian worship for over a thousand years, since the Anglo-Saxon times. Opt to explore the decorative gargoyles and grotesque of the church & admire its beauty. You can also explore the church tower for a 360-degree view of the Oxford campus or stop in at the clock mechanism room to understand the gothic structure. It’s open to visitors daily from morning till late afternoon and is nearby from other Oxford’s main attractions. As it’s one of the most photogenic places in Oxford, the place should be on your itinerary if you plan to travel.

ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM

The world’s oldest public museum, Ashmolean, is home to a fascinating collection of priceless art & archaeology, which was founded half a million years ago. It’s one of the best things to see in Oxford to gain a deeper understanding of the rich heritage. With a modern & contemporary collection of relics & runes, the exploration of the museum is broad in scope. Any history lover would find this place as their dreamy destination. All the artifacts restored here represent an era of a specific period. From Egyptian mummies and English silverware to Greek and Minoan poetry, you can easily view all the intriguing objects & dwell back in the past. There’s also a section of art paintings by famous artists – John Constable, Paul Cezanne, and Pablo Picasso. This museum has been a part of the University of Oxford and is open daily for tourists from morning till late afternoon.

RADCLIFFE CAMERA

Radcliffe Camera is Oxford’s most iconic landmark. No city tour is complete without visiting the famous spot of the city. Its eye-catching dome with the unusual cylindrical shape stands out amongst all the neo-Gothic structures in the city. With such impressive architecture & reading rooms that house the Bodleian Library, this place is one of the most photogenic spots.

The word ‘camera‘ from the name is derived from Latin, meaning ‘room.’ Today, the place is a part of the university and can be accessed by students or those taking guided tours.  You can take a walking tour around & explore the nearby attractions within the university.

CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE

Founded in 1546 – Christ Church College is one of the oldest and massive colleges in the whole of Oxford. The grand architecture display of the college itself is a sight to witness for many tourists.

Today, you’d probably relate Christ Church is home to one of the modern-day great films of Harry Potter. A large portion of film direction happened in this college, including the famous shot location of Hogwarts’s Great Hall.

You’d connect more dots to the film if you were to take a wizardly walking tour of Oxford city. I recommend you take it up, as this is one of the fun ways to explore the city.

POPULAR GUIDED TOURS OF THE OXFORD CITY

I’ve partnered with GetYourGuide to showcase relevant guided tours and excursions. The amazing collection of tours they boast are popular across the globe. Below are some of them which you could choose as a part of your Oxford travel plan –

For more walking tours & excursions, visit here.

BEST RESTAURANTS ON OXFORD

With so many things to see and do in Oxford, it is no surprise that the city hosts some great options of cafes & restaurants. And when it comes to food & drinks, the city will spoil you for sure! With an increasing number of options and a variety of world-class cuisines, there is something for tourists for their budget & taste.

Oxford has some hidden secrets stored in the city, from elegant restaurants and award-wining ones to local bistros & cafes. This detailed guide will exploit the city’s treasure if you’re looking for a food tour in Oxford. However, some of the recommended options for you are –

THE MAGDALEN ARMS

Located at a 3-minute walkable distance from Merton College, the Magdalen Arms is a bistro pub serving modern British cuisine with a strong Italian influence. Great place for family, friends & college students to have a take on their popular & signature dishes.

ARBEQUINA

A must-visit place for all tourists traveling to Oxford city. This simple, elegant bohemian tapas bar is a great place to try out some of the best tapas in the country. All the dishes on the menu are flavor bombs, especially the ‘crunchy salt cod croquetas with aioli.’

TWO ONE FIVE

One of the best places to eat in Oxford, Two One Five, is most famous amongst the city’s residents. They have got a delicious menu, with flavored dishes packed with great local ingredients. Some recommended dishes at this restaurant – Merrifield Duck, confit leg cake, and Praline Parfait.

HOW TO REACH THE OXFORD CITY

Oxford is one of the most accessible cities in the UK. With plenty of transportation options, one can find its way to the city quite easily.

By Train – Train services are operational from London Paddington Station to Oxford and London Marylebone Station to Oxford Parkway station. The average time to reach the city is 55minutes with 3-4 stops. Other services operate from the north via Birmingham New Street, from the south via Reading, and from the west via Didcot or Reading.

By Private Car – If you are traveling via private vehicle or a rental car, then it takes approx. 1hr 26minutes to reach Oxford city.

By Coaches – The X90 and the Oxford Tube are the two frequent coaches who travel between Oxford and London.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFO ON OXFORD CITY

The best part about Oxford city is all of the main attractions are within a walkable distance. It doesn’t matter if you are in the town only for a half-day excursion, because there is plenty to do & see. 

Oxford is best visited on foot. Make sure you carry some drinks & snacks along the way to ensure you are hydrated all the time. Some of the attractions may take time to explore, so plan the itinerary accordingly.

You can always combine other major attractions with Oxford if you plan to add something to your itinerary. Warner Bros. Studio is only an hour’s drive away from the city, and it is approx. It takes 3 hours to visit the entire studio.

Cotswold, one of the most scenic places in the UK, is a 50-minute drive away from the city.

Bath, a great tourist destination, is a 94-minute drive away.

These nearby places make Oxford a city center, within other touristic destinations. And it’s always a great idea to combine two or more areas if you have more days in hand to explore.

Hope you enjoyed reading this short guide on Oxford city! In addition to this, I’ll be coming up with more travel ideas and other unique things to do near Oxford to help you have a great vacation in the UK.

Stay tuned!

The post Best Things To See in Oxford City of the UK appeared first on Travel Realms.

Warner Bros Studio may be a household name for it, but the place is all about one thing – The Making of Harry Potter. The studio takes you on a journey filled with exhibitions, iconic props & costumes, visual effect sets, and places like Great Hall & Diagon Alley – making you go nostalgic at every moment.

Located about 20 miles from London – the studio served as a key filming location for most of the iconic scenes. After the final wrap-up of the last chapter, all the props & costumes used were restored and kept in the studio for exhibition purposes. Not just that, but the sets created for the films have been restored too. Approximately 588 different Harry Potter sets were constructed at the studio, with the most notable places being – Hogwarts’s Great Hall, the Dumbledore’s Office, the massive office of Ministry of Magic, and Olivander’s Wand shop. With this, Warner Bros. Studios decided to expand the studio & open it for tourists to give out a live experience of Harry Potter’s legacy.

The Harry Potter Studio in London has become popular over time, with millions of tourists visiting every year. It has defined a whole generation of kids & adults to travel & experience the studio. It can be a spine-tingling thing for you, to witness the actual items & artifacts in reality.

USEFUL TIPS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL –

BEFORE YOU VISIT, WATCH ALL THE MOVIES –

To have the best possible experience at the Harry Potter Studio, make sure you watch all 8 movies. You may also go on to read the books if you want (books are better). Trust me; your excursion to the studio will be more special if you exactly know the scenes from the movie. Each set; each prop will make you go nostalgic. You may even remember watching a particular scene so carefully, then seeing the replica at the studio. Reminiscing of Harry, Ron & Hermione having butterbeer at Three Broomsticks Inn & then having the actual drink at the studio – the feeling is extraordinary!

TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS YOU WANT –

We want you to have the time of your life. Do not hurry up, while exploring the studio. You may lose some important points from the curators. Try to explore & learn things along the way; get to study the potions just like Hogwarts’s students did. It’s all about the experience & the way you enjoy it. Generally, 3 hours is enough at the studio for you to visit every set, so allow yourself to indulge in as many activities as you can.

LEARN WHILE YOU EXPLORE –

You will definitely do this if you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan. The best way for you to add up your knowledge is to ask questions! Curators & guides are helping you out in understanding every particular item present in the studio. They might sometimes surprise you with their encyclopedic Harry Potter knowledge. Some of these curators have worked in the studio during the film shooting, so they make share some personal experiences with each character. They often have plenty of stories to share, explaining the minute details of it.

PLAN YOUR STUDIO TRAVEL –

The studio hosts some exciting exhibitions depending on the time of year. These may be based on several occasions, wherein a particular event may only happen during Valentine’s, Easter, or Halloween. It’s good to do your research as to which event is happening when. Some notable events include – ‘A Celebration of Slytherin’, ‘Dark Arts’ and ‘Hogwarts in Snow’.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES –

There are tons of activities to do here at the studio, with never-ending learning opportunities & experiences. Organize your time accordingly & make sure you enjoy all of it thoroughly. You can pose for a photo at the 9 ¾ platforms, fly a broomstick, drink butterbeer with your friends, wander down through Diagon Alley or jump on Sirius Black’s motor mobile. You can also take a guided interactive tutorial on ‘how to defend yourself from Dark Arts’. Flick your wand & learn some magical spells, cast your own Patronus & learn how you could beat Death Eaters.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WARNER BROS. STUDIO IN LONDON –

HOGWART’S CASTLE

The studio has a huge model of Hogwart’s castle, which was used during the film shooting for the exterior shots. You can watch each side of it, with different angles, truly making it a breathtaking experience. The curator will let you know the description of each caste part, with rooms either belonging to Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. If you are coming in around Christmas, then you will find Hogwart’s castle filled with snow.

THE GIFT SHOP

This is a place that will totally immerse you! It’s full of wonderful stuff but those things are a little expensive. But, you can’t really resist buying some souvenirs, will you? There are plenty of things in store for you. From official merchandise & chocolate frogs to replica wands of characters and Hogwarts maps, you can buy almost anything. You can even find the Gryffindor scarf and several other clothing items. Also, do not miss your visit to the Forbidden Forest shop, where you can find themed souvenirs of Aragog plush and Peppermint Toads. Buying these items is a great way to show the friends of your visit to the Harry Potter Studio (also making them feel jealous) and also to have some memorable memories.

DRINK BUTTERBEER

The studio serves you a sweet glass of sweet and creamy Butterbeer. You can pretend to be at the Three Broomsticks Inn, having fun with your friends & going a couple of beers down!

COURTYARD AREA

You can get some refreshments here at the Cafeteria, allowing you to take a short break. You can sit & relax at the Chocolate Frog Café or the Food Hall and have a meal. There are plenty of things to do here as well, from striking a pose to the Knight Bus to catching the exterior glimpses of Privet Drive. You can get all photogenic & click tons of pictures.

TICKETS FOR HARRY POTTER STUDIO –

Tour timings vary according to the time of the year. Generally, the studio tour opens at 08.30 and the first tour starts between 9 am and 11 am.
Tickets need to be purchased well in advance.
There are different ticket packages that the studio offers & rates differ for age-group

16+ years (Adult) – £47.00
5-15 years (Child) – £38.00
2 Adults & 2 Children or 1 Adult & 3 Children (Family) – £150.00
0-4 years – Free
Adult Complete Studio Tour Package – £56.95
Child Complete Studio Tour Package – £47.95

POPULARS TOURS OF WARNER BROS. STUDIO IN LONDON –

Here’s a popular collection of tours & activities that you can choose to visit the famous Warner Bros. Studio.

(Disclaimer – For the tours, you book through the given links, I get paid a small commission – at no extra cost to you. These partner programs are a way to run my blogs and to showcase quality content to my readers. I’ve personally ensured to suggest only those tours that are relevant & which will benefit you)

Visiting the Harry Potter Studio is fun & memorable, among all movie fans & Potterheads. With so many activities to do & experiences to have, you can indulge in what the studio has to offer. In the end, you will always take some wonderful memories back home!

The post A Magical Guide To The Warner Bros. Studio In London appeared first on Travel Realms.

The charming beauty of Cotswold has attracted millions of tourists in the past. It is mainly because of its backdrop setting that makes your visit worthwhile. With 800 miles of total area, it covers a total of 6 counties in the region, including Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.

With plenty of activities to do & numerous villages to visit, you can easily get lost in the romantic land of Cotswold. If you get the chance to visit, you should lookout for a long weekend on the calendar. This amazing Cotswolds itinerary will help you down in planning a perfect trip to the countryside, ensuring a visit to many of the highlights of the region. You can also take a glance at a more comprehensive Cotswold guide, for a list of beautiful villages & towns in the area.

Since there is so much to do here, the opportunities to explore Cotswold are endless. Either cramp everything in your itinerary or simply explore the most-visited ones. You can even choose to go on day trips in the Cotswolds – if you’re short on time.

For now, the below 3-Day Cotswolds itinerary will help you in planning a perfect trip.

Itinerary for Weekend in the Cotswolds

• The Western Cotswold – Cheltenham – Snowshill – Chipping Camden.
• The Central Cotswold – Cirencester – Bibury – Bourton-on-the-Water.
• The Southern Cotswold – Castle Combe – Chippenham.

Day 1: The Western Cotswolds

You will start your morning by visiting one of the famous villages of Cotswold – Cheltenham. This picturesque town is considered to be ‘the Western Gateway to the Cotswold’. The lively spa town is famous for its regency architecture, beautiful gardens, and pristine parks. Explore the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum which houses numerous ancient artifacts & intriguing objects – celebrating local pioneers. It’s a great place to understand the rich history & culture of the town. Later, wander off to explore Imperial Square and Gardens that display beautiful Georgian houses. The main focal points around the garden are the tree-lined Promenade and Montpellier Walk that surrounds the area.

Snowshill – Post your short travel at Cheltenham, and you will travel to Chipping Camden. But before, let’s take a short detour and stop by Snowshill to admire the famous Broadway Tower. Climb up to the top of the tower, and ge09t a scenic view of the surrounding rolling hills & villages. Snowshill is known for its picturesque views & it will spoil you with its treasures. After your Broadway Tower visit, you will make your way to Cotswold Lavender Farm. The best time to visit this place is from June to early August.

Chipping Camden – Snowshill to Chipping Camden is only a 12-minute drive away. One of the most beautiful towns in Cotswold, there is plenty of things to do here. The town is home to some important historical sites like St. James’ Church, Ancient Market Hall, and Alms Houses. Take a short trip to Dover’s Hill, a 10-minute drive from the main city. On top of the hill, you will find a trig point and a toposcope defining many of the attractions visible. A great place to sit, relax and unwind whilst watching the sunset.
Overnight stay in Chipping Camden.

Day 2: The Central Cotswolds

Further to our weekend in the Cotswolds, we move to the central region of Cotswold. Home to many other important attractions, you will explore some of the highlighted places here.

You will travel down to Cirencester from Chipping Camden (a 44-minute drive). Considered to be the capital of Cotswold, the town brims with rich history & culture. You can start by taking a walking tour of the medieval-styled buildings & narrow alleyways. Explore the local markets, shops & stalls selling local produce & souvenirs. Later on, visit the St. John the Baptist – a classic medieval gothic-styled structure influenced by Roman British. You can also find your place at Market Square, known to be the biggest market here in Cirencester. Optional – You can take a guided tour of the Corinium Museum which houses a huge collection of intriguing objects & artifacts.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Bibury. Located only a 15-minute drive from Cirencester, it is one of the loveliest towns that I’ve visited. Opt to explore the St. Mary Church, which still holds the Saxon remains. Most of the original objects here were restored at the British Museum. The major highlight of your visit to Bibury is the Arlington Row – a group of old-fashioned cottages, with steeply pitched roofs lined up together, that date back to the 16^th century. William Morris called this town ‘the most beautiful village in England’. Post your exploration, you can also visit the Bibury Trout Farm, to buy local wines & eat delicious smoked trout.

After Bibury, you will travel to one of Cotswold’s charming villages – Bourton-on-the-Water. This village is only a 34-minute drive from Bibury. It’s considered to be the ‘Little Venice’ of Cotswold because of the River Windrush streaming down the elegant low bridges. You can take an aromatic tour of the Cotswold Perfumery museum shop where personalized scents are made for the Queen. Or you can opt to visit the Model Railway Exhibition – a place with some of the finest indoor models layout of railways. Later, in the evening, you can take a stroll to the Lower and Upper Slaughter. Collectively, both the picturesque villages are referred to as ‘The Slaughters’.

Overnight stay in Cirencester.

Day 3: The Southern Cotswolds

Start your southern Cotswold tour by arriving at Castle Combe. A 60-minute drive will take you to this enchanting village. From meandering rivers to beautifully preserved cottages, Castle Combe is one of its kind. Strolling around the village will take your experience back to the 17^th century.

Later, drive down to Chippenham – one of the best market towns in the country. Here you will get to visit the Lacock Abbey, a country house with monastic roots. You can take a stroll around the gardens and visit the Fox Talbot Museum. Post exploration, you will travel towards one of the magnificent gardens of Cotswold – Bowood House & Gardens. You can opt for a guided tour here, which approx. takes 90 minutes. It’s considered to be one of the most scenic gardens in the UK, with an area spreading across 100-acre.

Finish off your weekend in the Cotswolds by taking a walk around these gardens, admiring the interiors of the room, and exploring places like Robert Adam’s Library & Dr. Joseph’s Laboratory.

Overnight stay at Castle Comb.

Visit Other Best Villages in Cotswolds

Your weekend in the Cotswolds ends here but there’s plenty more to do if you wish to stay any longer. You can always add up more destinations to your itinerary to get more out of Cotswold. Here’s some of the best villages in Cotswolds to check out –

Chedworth Roman Villa – Influenced by Romano-British villa, this place is a favorite amongst history-lovers. There are audio guides as well taking you back to the establishment of the site.

Blenheim Palace – One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the UK, this country mansion is famous for its history & beautiful gardens. Do visit the Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House, where most of the movie scenes were shit. Bath – Located towards the south of Cotswold, Bath is one of the most popular historic spa towns. Opt for a walking tour & explore the beautiful Roman Baths. Experience the thermal waters for a nice, warm traditional soak.

Accommodation for Weekend Breaks in Cotswolds

With a high range of caliber & plethora of options, Cotswold is home to a beautiful set of hotels to stay in. Considering the budget of a traveler, it’s easy to find your type very easily.

Based on the above Cotswolds itinerary & overnight stays, below are some of the best cottages in Cotswolds for weekend breaks. Also, browse more options from the famous Cotswold accommodation list.

• Cheltenham – The Greenway Hotel and Spa, Cleeve Cottage, Cotswold Grange, and the Green Dragon.
• Cirencester – Kings Head Hotel, Sykes Holiday Cottages, the Swan Hotel, and Sapperton Yurt & Yurt Reynolds.
• Castle Comb – The White Hart, the Castle Inn, and Stable Cottage.

Note – Hotels mentioned are a mixed list of budget & luxury ones. You can always customize it according to your certain requirement.

Best Restaurants & Cafes in Cotswolds

Cotswold has earned the reputation of being a foodie destination, not just among locals but also tourists. With numerous cafes & restaurants and pubs & bars, be assured to find anything you love at your favorite place.

Most of the towns & villages will have their traditional touch to the cuisine so that travelers get the taste of Cotswold’s most interesting dishes.

Below I’ve recommended some of the best options that will suit your weekend in the Cotswolds. Moreover, feel free to explore more of Cotswold’s food & drink selection.

• The Western Cotswold – Huffkins Café& Bakery (cafe), the Garden Restaurant, No.131, Morris and Brown Café at Broadway Tower, and Noel Arms Hotel.
• The Central Cotswold – Teatro, the Gateway Café, the Garden Café at Miserden, the Swan Hotel, and the Village Pub.
• The Southern Cotswold – The Salutation Inn, the Old Stables Coffee Shop, the Fox & Hounds, Castle Inn Restaurant, and Allington Café.

Best Time to Visit Cotswolds

The weather in Cotswold is unpredictable, just like the rest of the UK. January is the coldest of all months & February is the driest. You can expect rain throughout the year. Hence, it’s essential to pack your rain gear when you plan to travel.

You can visit Cotswold at any time of the year, with some fair weather conditions. But rather it’s always advisable to check the weather forecast before you travel.

The post How to Spend a Weekend in Cotswolds: Best Cotswolds Itinerary appeared first on Travel Realms.

This detailed guide will take you to some of the prettiest & quaintest villages in the town. This is your handy piece of information to the introduction of Cotswold as a tourist destination. There are also plenty of activities to do & experiences to have, and we suggest you take a look at this detailed Cotswold Itinerary for more travel experiences.

WHY VISIT THE COTSWOLD?

Cotswold is a perfect destination for short breaks or full-day excursions. Located only a 60-minute drive away from the main Oxford city, this becomes an ideal destination to add up as an excursion in your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do here for all age groups – from visiting wildlife & adventure parks to breweries & craft workshops and taking up a group expedition.

PLACES YOU CAN’T-MISS TO VISIT IN THE COTSWOLD

With so many villages & beautiful rolling hills to explore, the best way to get around Cotswold is via car. Your traveling will become much easier & accessible to visit everything you can within a day. And trust me, it will be worth every glimpse of the famous spots in Cotswold. Some of the places are best to explore on foot. So if you are taking up a guided tour, more information will be available by your respective tour operators. But for you, I’ve rounded some of the best places to see in Cotswold, so that you can make your Southern England tour memorable.

CIRENCESTER

known as the capital of Cotswold, Cirencester is one classic holiday destination filled with plenty of interesting things to do. This market town brims with its rich & history that showcases truly an enchanting experience. The town is mostly influenced by its former Roman city that can even be seen now. From medieval-styled streets & narrow alleyways, this town is best explored on foot. Some of the important tourist attractions in Cirencester include visiting – St John the Baptist, a classic medieval gothic structure, and the Market Square, considered to be one of the biggest markets in Cotswold. You can also explore the Corinium Museum, housing a large collection of objects & artifacts that represents the Roman, Neolithic & Victoria era. If interested in craft workshops & events, you can opt to visit the New Brewery. The town is also home to charming pubs & restaurants, offering a variety of world-class cuisines.

BIBURY

One of the prettiest places in the UK, Bibury is my favorite town in Cotswold.  Just 8 miles northeast of Cirencester, this place gives you ecstatic vibes of Cotswold most picturesque cottages. This beautiful village is clustered around the square of St. Mary’s Church (a Saxon church). You can still find some of the Saxon remains inside the church as replicas, representing the history of the town. The highlight of the town is the Arlington Row, a group of old-fashioned cottages, with steeply pitched roofs, lined up together, dating back to the 16^th century. It sits perfectly overlooking a water meadow and river, making your visit worth every while. You simply can’t stop taking photos here & you would even imagine retiring & settle here. The magnificent sights of Bibury have served as a backdrop for many movies & TV series. The town also hosts some independent shops & markets, offering you a pleasant selection of drinks. Do not miss your chance on visiting the Bibury Trout Farm, 15-acre farmland considered to be one of the oldest trout farms in the UK. The Barnsley House Gardens is another such attraction that is worth your visit. A great place for outdoors, if you want to relax & spend some time.

BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

A perfect place to wander off, Bourton-on-the-water is a classic, relaxing Cotswold village that sits around the gentle River Windrush. Standing back from the river are some of the traditional Cotswolds old wool houses, many of which have become local tourist shops selling souvenirs. This village is considered to be the ‘Little Venice’ of Cotswold because of its river streaming down the elegant low bridges. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Cotswold & home to plenty of pubs, shops, café’s & restaurants. You can take an aromatic tour of the Cotswold Perfumery museum shop where personalized scents are made for Queen herself or you can opt to visit the Model Railway Exhibition, a place with some of the finest indoor models layout of railways. For kids & adults, Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection will be perfect. With numerous vintage car collections & classic cars and motorcycles, you can find almost any intriguing object here. If you don’t mind, you can also take a short detour to visit some of Cotswold best gardens. A located 20-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water, you can explore – Bourton House, Hidcote Manor, Snowshill Manor, and Batsford Arboretum.

CHELTENHAM

Considered to be ‘The Western Gateway to the Cotswold’, the town of Cheltenham is a mixture of ancient traditional & contemporary architecture. Situated beneath Cleeve Hill, this town is a favorite amongst tourists. From markets to classy shops & restaurants, this town gives a modern touch to the Cotswold. Cheltenham was selected as one of the best places to live in Britain in March 2014. It still holds the same vibe, making it a perfect place to unwind & relax your body, mind & soul. With 25+ significant festivals happening throughout the year, no traveler visiting the town will miss the opportunity to indulge in the local experience. Some of the notable festivals include – Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cheltenham Paint Festival, Cheltenham International Film Festival, and Cheltenham Wellbeing Festival. If you are wondering the best places to eat & drink in Cotswold then no worries, Cheltenham got you covered. Voted as the most exciting food destination, this town hosts some of the best local & world-class cuisines. Simpsons Fish & Chips, The Brewery Quarter, and Koj are some of the great places to dine. This town is ideal for all shopaholic people, who want to buy clothing brands & accessories.

CHIPPING CAMDEN

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns of Cotswold, Chipping Camden is a must-visit place to experience more of the beautiful villages of the area. The journey takes you to a sublime English countryside, unfolding most of the town’s beautiful settings once you enter. An important center of arts & craft, the town was considered to be a medieval wool town with pretty much rich history. The town has got impressive historical sites that represent the history dating back to centuries. St. James – one of the region’s most impressive churches is famous among tourists. You can also visit the sites of ancient Market Hall and Alms Houses to understand the importance of it. Most of Cotswold’s famous gardens are located at a nearby distance.

OTHER FAMOUS TOWNS & VILLAGES OF COTSWOLD

Stow-on-the-Wold – Crammed with beautiful antique shops, delicatessens, and hotels, this is an ideal place for all tourists to stop by and enjoy the picturesque setting of the town.

Northleach – One of the finest “wool churches” of Cotswold, Northleach is a small village filled with ancient history & traditions.

Moreton-in-Marsh – Make sure you visit the town on Tuesday, because of its outdoor market setting. Famously known for ‘Tuesday Market’, you can get to buy plenty of items here. Two famous attractions – Sezincote & Batsford Arboretum are located in this region.

Chedworth Roman Villa – Influenced by Romano-British villa, this place is a favorite amongst history-lovers. There are audio guides as well taking you back to the establishment of the site.

Blenheim Palace – One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the UK, this country mansion is famous for its history & beautiful gardens. Do visit the Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House, where most of the movie scenes were shit.

Bath – Located towards the south of Cotswold, Bath is one of the most popular historic spa towns. Opt for a walking tour & explore the beautiful Roman Baths. Experience the thermal waters for a nice, warm traditional soak.

HOW TO REACH COTSWOLD?

Cotswold is a 60-minute drive away from Oxford and a 2-hour drive from London. You can also take a train from London’s Paddington Station that ventures straight to Cotswold. Moreton-in-Marsh is the main station, a 53-minute drive to the main city of Cirencester.

As mentioned before, a car is the best transport mode to explore Cotswold on your own. The roads may be narrow but it’s worth every glimpse of the village & town you pass by. You can also follow our detailed itinerary of Cotswold, to ensure you follow a good plan when visiting.

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