The Cotswolds are a patchwork of deep valleys full of chocolate box villages and steep-sided limestone hills that offer huge vistas to those that reach the top. And yet it is only 90 minutes from London, bounded as it is by two motorways. It's the ideal location for a weekend escape and whether you're already smitten and constantly searching for new Lakeside holidays or whether you are on your first trip there's always something new to look out for.
And here are five of our favourite secrets to explore that are a little off the beaten track. You won't find Bourton-on-the-Water, perhaps the most quintessential Cotswold village, and we've missed off Cirencester too with its epithet of “The Capital of the Cotswolds” as being just a little too famous. We don’t think you’ll mind, though - as these are some wonderful, perhaps new discoveries for you to enjoy.
Lower Slaughter
With its wonderfully quaint name, Lower Slaughter has nothing to do with butchery but everything to do with water. The name comes from the Old English “slothre” meaning wetland and today has a beautiful stream running the length of the village with picture postcard bridges crossing at regular intervals.
At the western end of the village is The Old Mill. Used commercially until 1958 it is now a delightful tea room.
Sezincote House and Garden
An unexpected jewel in the Cotswold crown is this amazing Mogul place bedecked with minarets and onion domes. Set amongst a Repton landscape the garden boasts pavilions and follies, waterfalls and rare plants.
The Sezincote house is open May to September while the gardens can be visited year round.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Even if you think trees are a bit boring you should make time to visit Westonbirt. With 15,000
specimens from all parts of the world the Arboretum is home to the National Arboretum and contains five national collections of various types of tree. Autumn is one of the best times to visit, closely followed by Spring when the blossoming trees start waking up.
There is a children's playground, dog-friendly walks and a restaurant for when you've finished exploring its 17 miles of tracks!
Nailsworth
Traditional home to Forest Green Rovers FC, Nailsworth has a history based on mills and brewing. Nowadays it is a vibrant town where you can really get to know the locals. It has been a Fairtrade town since 2002 and was one of the first towns in the South West to achieve this status.
Stow-On-The-Wold
At the top of a 800ft hill, and on the Roman Fosse Way, Stow is packed with Cotswold charm. In medieval times it was an important market town, and today still has a huge market place complete with an ancient cross and the stocks where wrongdoers were confined in days past.
The town offers many cafes, tea-rooms, antique shops and boutiques and for the more energetic it iis a centre for walking in the Cotswolds with many well-maintained paths signposted from the town.
There’s really no need to stick to the more famous places in the Cotswold for your holidays.
Why not give one of these gems a try for your next break?
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