Make a day trip to Worcester from your holiday cottage; there’s more than enough here for an enjoyable day out, without the crowds of some of the region’s more famous towns. The lovely cathedral is an impressive starting point, where King John, best known for his associations with the Magna Carta, lies buried in the Royal Tomb. Climb the tower in the summer months for splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

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Whilst staying in a holiday cottage, a trip to Cirencester is essential. Once second only in importance to London, the Roman city of Cirencester has its roots in military planning; once the Romans left it later regained its status as an important centre in the wool trade. These days, Cirencester’s Roman heritage is of interest to the enthusiast and casual visitor alike, and its central location in the Cotswolds gives it the advantage of accessibility to both the northern and southern Cotswolds.
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Dubbed ‘The Queen of Hilltop Towns’, Malmesbury sits in the Wiltshire countryside in the southeastern Cotswolds. It is the nation’s oldest borough, rich with over a thousand years of history, and a fine Norman abbey rises up to indicate its presence, whilst the elaborate market cross standing proudly in the square is one of the finest in the country. Visit the Abbey, and take a tour of the unique Abbey House Gardens, enjoy a circular stroll around the hilltop town or find out more about Malmesbury in the Althestan Museum. (more…)

For the first, second and sixth Harry Potter films, Gloucester’s historic cathedral cloisters were transformed into the corridors of Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But this isn’t the only reason to book one of our Gloucester holiday cottages!

With a crazy cheese-rolling tradition, the farmer’s markets and a new, multi million pound waterfront, Gloucester is a city well worth spending a little time in. Gloucester’s docks once linked the inland city to the world, providing a flourishing Victorian trade route; 2009 saw the opening of Gloucester Quays, a £400 million new designer outlet retail centre which has given a huge boost to the city’s already appealing shopping experience.

From the most modern to the most ancient – Gloucester cathedral is a magnificent building, displaying beautiful architecture and a wealth of heritage. You may recognise the cloisters, which featured to great effect in the Harry Potter films, whilst the Chapter House, tomb of Edward II and some superb stained glass windows should not be missed. From Harry Potter to Beatrix, the great children’s author’s Tailor of Gloucester story stemmed from a visit to the city; you can visit the museum where displays breathe life into her story. Other museums include the Folk Museum, the City Museum and Art Gallery and the St. Nicholas House, home of the famous pantomime character, Dick Whittington.

Ensure to visit the Blackfriar’s Priory, one of the finest surviving abbeys in England, before taking a stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy a guided cruise to appreciate the importance of this area in past times, or head out to the docklands of the future for some serious shopping at the new Gloucester Quays outlet. Back in town, discover a less glitzy side to ancient Gloucester and join a Ghost Tour of the darker nooks and crannies of this most haunted of towns. Perhaps the stuff of nightmares is nothing more than a little too much cheese; the famous Double Gloucester variety is just one of many local delicacies available at the weekly market or regular Farmer’s markets which showcase some of the region’s best locally farmed produce. Indeed, if you visit in spring, you might just win yourself a block of the famous cheese – the town’s cheese-rolling festival has become an institution, as hundreds hurtle downhill in pursuit of ….large Double Gloucester cheeses.

Beyond Gloucester, the regency town of Cheltenham and its famous racecourse and spa is just a short drive, and the unspoilt Forest of Dean waits to be discovered. Gloucester also makes a good starting point for discovering the pretty neighbouring Cotswolds villages. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge, about ten miles from Gloucester, is worth visiting at any time of year, especially in winter when the Arctic visitors arrive.

Why not see the above for yourself and take a look at our Gloucester holiday cottages?

Warwick is a genteel town whose main draw for visitors is one of the country’s finest surviving mediaeval castles. If you’re staying at a Warwick holiday cottage, there is much to see and do. The castle is owned by Madame Tussauds and as such resembles something of a theme park, with special events, concerts and themed days taking place on a regular basis. Inside, the private apartments are filled with waxworks in a recreation of scenes from history. Don’t be surprised to bump into the Prince of Wales, or a young Churchill, as you walk around the Kingmaker exhibition, which showcases a mediaeval household in full swing, whilst there are Kingmaker feasts and Highwayman suppers to allow you taste the full experience. Don’t miss, too, the world’s largest siege machine, a unique reconstruction of a massive mediaeval Trebuchet, which is fired twice daily during the summer season.

Other popular Warwick attractions include the Collegiate Church of St. Mary, with its famous Beauchamp Tower, mediaeval tombs and the ducking stool in the crypt, once used to soak loose-tongued wives… For museums, the Warwickshire Museum is located in the market building dating back to the seventeenth century and has displays on archaeology and natural history, whilst St. John’s House is a lovely Jacobean manor house set in fine gardens, detailing life in Victorian times, and with a play area for young children. See also the Royal Warwickshire Regimental Museum. Other Military museums in town include the Queen’s Hussars and all the pageantry of Warwickshire Yeoman Museum.

The Lord Leycester Hospital is a beautiful former almshouse with lovely gardens, and fine architecture, including a guildhall and chapel dating from the fourteenth century. Just a stone’s throw from the castle, St. Nicholas Park is a good spot for those holidaying with children – there’s an extensive range of sports on offer here, such as a BMX track, boules rink and crazy golf as well as a summer paddling pool and pony rides, tennis courts, and traditional play areas. From pony rides to horse racing, Warwick Racecourse is close the to castle – check your dates and book early for flat racing or steeple chasing on an enjoyable day at the Races.

If you would like to see the above sights and attractions, why not take a look at our Warwick holiday cottages?