The Cotswolds - The perfect staycation?

Spring in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds comes into its own in Spring with the colourful display of daffodils alongside most roadside curbing providing a magnificent spread of colour keeping me in awe whenever I am on my travel excursions.

Cotswold canals

I used to really enjoy my walks along the Canals in the Gloucester Docks precinct where I lived for many months.

In Stroud I have been delighted to discover more Canal walks that proceed in opposite directions, I recently had the pleasure of partaking in a walk along a canal walk heading towards Ebley. Our walk ended in a vibey waterfront area of Ebley with an interesting Eclectic coffee shop and adjacent wine bar. Swans and ducks on the canal en-route providing their unique appeal.

Walks and hikes

Another first has been a walk in the Standish Forest, a National Trust treasure. The views seem to extend forever! A sunset walk there has to be experienced. I believe it provides one of the best dog walks in the area.

Slad Valley also has many scenic walks to explore. Thousands know of the Slad Valley through Laurie Lee's novel entitled 'Cider with Rosie' (1959) which describes the writers life growing up in the Village.

Walkers and Hikers are very well accommodated in these areas with several designated walking paths clearly marked along the routes.

Cotswold villages and towns

Many of the Pubs and other establishments in the area offer accommodation for those wishing to visit. Driving through picturesque Painswick I had a very scenic drive to Sheepscombe where surrounding valleys and farmland have landscapes that are truly out of a novel providing inspiration for Artists and Writers alike.

On another road trip I made the delightful discovery of Burford. The 'Oldy Wordy' High Street which rises up from the postcard pretty Church to the River. In Burford High Street you will find intriguing shops well worth the time to explore as do the many Pubs and Inns. Arrange a walking tour or if you are looking for something more adventurous, how about a visit to 'Crocodiles of the World'.

To my mind Burford is arguably one of the prettiest spots in The Cotswolds

Watersports in the Cotswolds

If it is water sports you enjoy, The Stroud Raft Race is due to return this Summer after an enforced absence due to the Pandemic. According to the Organisers of The Cotswolds Canal Trust this race is going to be bigger than ever! Similarly, the Tall Ships also return to Gloucester Docks with a 'jampacked' schedule of family fun and entertainment 'setting sail' over Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee weekend early in June.

The Cotswold Waterpark, spanning Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, are another great attraction this Holiday Season. An area of 40 square miles between Swindon and Cirencester with 150 lakes offer different leisure providers with places to stay, eat and explore. Cotswold Lakes Trust is a charity dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the Cotswold Waterpark for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Entertainment in Cotswolds, Gloucester and Cheltenham

For Children, there are a selection of Animal Farms covering the area from Cirencester to Cheltenham that are now open after their Winter 'shut down'. Food Markets and Farm Stalls add to the Country feel and vibe. Antiques shops and Galleries are found in the most of these centres.

Gloucester Quays and Cheltenham provide a multitude of Restaurants and Shopping to delight the majority of Adults. With the weather warming up why not explore and enjoy what these delightful areas have to offer. You will always find ways to enjoy what's happening all around you when visiting the very scenic Cotswolds without the headache of travelling abroad.