The Cotswolds are a picturesque region in south-central England, known for their gently rolling hills, honey-colored limestone villages, and storybook charm.
The Cotswolds offer a timeless escape with quaint market towns, historic manors, and winding country lanes lined with dry-stone walls.
Whether you’re exploring cozy tearooms, wandering through lavender fields, or hiking the scenic Cotswold Way, the area blends historic elegance with English countryside beauty.
Our whirlwind trip to the Cotswolds was chaotic (I traveled with two kids solo), yet magical, and we will return soon. I want to explore more, and the history of England is outstanding.
I have created several guides for you to have the perfect and magical trip to the English Countryside.
You can type “Cotswolds” in the search bar, and everything you need will pop up. For now, here are our favorite photos of the Cotswolds for inspiration to book that trip!
In the Wiltshire countryside, Spinners Welle Cottage is a charming thatched retreat we stayed in during our stay in the English Countryside.
Surrounded by the timeless beauty of nearby Cotswold villages like Castle Combe and Lacock, we found it was a great location and was beautiful and private.
This Grade II-listed property, recognized by Historic England for its heritage and character, blends centuries-old charm with all the modern comforts of today.
Located in a peaceful rural setting, the cottage is best enjoyed with a car (which I had a meltdown over the driving in England), allowing you to fully explore the scenic surroundings at your own pace.
With a rich history spanning over 300 years, the cottage’s unique name—”Spinners Welle”—comes with a captivating story, which you’ll find in the welcome folder alongside local tips for dining, sightseeing, and shopping.
This cottage was unfortunately sold, but you can find recommended stays HERE
Technically not the Cotswolds, but close enough to visit, Highclere Castle is a grand Victorian estate in Hampshire, England, best known as the real-life setting of Downton Abbey.
Surrounded by the largest trees we have ever seen and acres of lush gardens, the castle is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture.
Home to the Carnarvon family for generations, it also holds a fascinating connection to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, thanks to the 5th Earl’s historic expedition to Egypt. A visit here blends British aristocratic elegance with cinematic charm and rich history.
It’s a must while in England. If you’re staying in London and want to do a tour, you can find them HERE
Again, not in the Cotswolds but close enough. We were able to go from our cottage to Stonehenge and then to Highclere Castle for a day trip. Stonhenge is fascinating, but bring a coat or jacket, it was cold and it was June 🙂
Stonehenge was built between roughly 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE on the Salisbury Plain in England.
While its exact purpose remains a mystery, several theories offer insights into why it was built and why it continues to fascinate people around the world.
Why Was Stonehenge Built?
1. Astronomical Observatory
- The alignment of the stones with the solstices (especially the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset) suggests it may have functioned as a solar calendar.
- Some researchers believe it tracked celestial events for agricultural, ceremonial, or ritual purposes.
2. Religious or Ceremonial Site
- It may have served as a sacred space for rituals, burials, or ancestor worship. Human remains found at the site indicate it was used as a burial ground for elite individuals.
- The layout and effort required to build it imply deep spiritual or symbolic meaning.
3. Social and Political Symbol
- The construction involved cooperation from many communities over centuries, suggesting it was a unifying project that reinforced social bonds or power structures.
4. Healing Center
- Some theories propose it was a prehistoric healing sanctuary, based on nearby findings of people who traveled far and had signs of illness or injury.
Why Is Stonehenge So Fascinating?
1. Mystery
- We still don’t fully understand who built it, how they transported the massive stones from miles away, or exactly why it was constructed.
- Its incomplete records and ancient origins leave much to the imagination, fueling theories from scholarly to supernatural.
2. Engineering Feat
- Moving and arranging stones weighing up to 25 tons without modern tools showcases impressive prehistoric engineering.
3. Cultural and Spiritual Resonance
- Stonehenge has inspired myths, legends, and modern-day spiritual movements, especially during the solstices when thousands gather to watch the sunrise.
4. Connection to Nature and Time
- Its alignment with the sun and seasons connects it to ancient understandings of time, nature, and the cosmos—things still deeply meaningful today.
For Stonehenge Tours, you can find the recommended HERE
The famed “Tolkien Door”—nicknamed for its hobbit‑sized, fairy‑tale charm—is located at St Edward’s Church in Stow‑on‑the‑Wold, Gloucestershire.
📍 Where to find it:
- Exact location: It’s on the north side of St Edward’s Church, a little bit hidden and tucked away.
- Address: Church Street, Stow‑on‑the‑Wold, GL54 1AB.
- How to get there: From the Market Square, it’s just a short walk north through the churchyard. The entrance is on the rear/north side.
Time to book your trip to England!
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