Discovering the hidden gems of the Cotswolds - The top 7

The yew trees of Stow-on-the-Wold

The yew trees at St Edward's Church in Stow-on-the-Wold have become quite famous on Instagram in recent years, but the spot remains relatively quiet. If you walk around the back of the church, you will come across the 'Yew Tree Door' or 'The Hobbit Door' as it is also known. The iconic trees grow out of the church door and create a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

Check out this guide on how to find the yew trees in Stow-on-the-Wold if you would like to visit.

Rollright Stones

The ancient site of the Rollright Stones can be found in near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The area is surrounded by mystery and it is alleged that the stones have supernatural and healing properties.

The area is made up of three main elements: The King's Men stone circle, the King Stone, and the Whispering Knights. There are scenic trails running alongside the site.

Dragonfly Maze, Bourton-on-the-Water

This is another fun attraction that can be found in Bourton-on-the-Water. Dragonfly Maze is located on the banks of the River Windrush and combines a traditional hedge maze with a series of clues and puzzles along the way. It's a great family activity that will keep people of all ages entertained!

You can visit the official website to book tickets to the Dragonfly Maze and avoid queuing. There are plenty of other fun activities in Bourton-on-the-Water such as Birdland and The Cotswold Motoring and Topy Museum. Or simply take a leisurely stroll around the quaint streets of the village.

The Garden at Miserden

The Garden at Miserden is a peaceful spot found in the heart of the Cotswolds. The garden has stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and beautiful features including a centuries-old mulberry tree and a lovely topiary yew walk.

The garden is housed in an impressive 850-acre 17th-century estate and the area has retained a wonderful sense of peace and tranquillity. The Garden at Miserden has been described as 'one of the top 10 most romantic gardens in the world.' It is the perfect spot for a romantic walk or picnic.

Snowshill Manor

Snowshill Manor is a 16th century, National Trust-owned stately home that is full of charm and culture. The Grade II listed building is home to impressive collections of Charles Padget Wade and there are roughly 22,000 items displayed throughout the house.

Once you have finished exploring the house, you can visit the stunning gardens that are brimming with vibrant flowers, ponds and sculptures.

Cotswold Lavender

During the summer months, the fields of Snowhill burst into life with over 35 varieties of lavender covering the hills. You can visit Cotswold Lavender and explore 90 acres of the fragrant blooms offering the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs. There is an on-site shop and cafe where you can sample delicious treats like lavender shortbread and lavender ice cream.

Cotswolds Lavender is open from June to September, so you only have a few months to visit this spectacular event. Visit cotswoldlavender.co.uk to check the opening times and book a ticket in advance.

The ruins of Hailes Abbey

The ruins of Hailes Abbey can be found nestled in the countryside near Winchcombe. The tranquil Cotswolds setting gives a first-hand glimpse into 13th-century monastic life making it a popular location with both history buffs and nature lovers.

There is an on-site museum where you can learn more about the site and its history. You can also listen to an audio tour while you explore the ancient ruins and imagine how the ancient monks used to live.

Summary

The Cotswolds is a beautiful region in the UK that is famous for its natural beauty, charming traditional villages, and rolling countryside. The region offers plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained and there are also lots of hidden gems just waiting to be explored!