loveUKtravel: Cotswold Weekend Breaks

Take a look at the map of England and within the triangle created by Bath, Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon lies the Cotswold Hills. One of the great attractions of the Cotswolds are their accessibility. Two hours from London, Manchester and the South Coast, and a short distance from Birmingham, Bristol, Swindon, the Thames Valley corridor. Perfect for a day's visit, better for a short break, or long weekend. And, with half-term on the horizon there is an abundance of attractions on offer. Whether it be the Cotswold Farm Park, and their Spring Lambs, the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, or the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. For those seeking an easy stroll followed by a cream tea, or a pint of ale, none better than to visit one or two scenic villages; starting with Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Chipping Campden. For the more energetic, a jaunt along the Cotswold Way. The choice is yours.

If it is architecture that takes your fancy, look to magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, or Tewkesbury Abbey. For the less ambitious, try one of the famous "Wool" churches; Burford, Chipping Campden, Cirencester, Fairford and Northleach.....the country houses of Blenheim, Chastleton and Stanway....

For food and fine ales, the choice is endless. Few regions of England have so many gastro-dining pubs. There appears to be one in every village. I suggest you seek them out with a little help from Goldeneye's The Cotswold Guidebook @ £12.99. Money never better spent.

For the shopaholics, or those in need of stimulation from fine design, and the bright lights, take a bearing and head for Bath or Cheltenham. Two Regency towns with a host of independent retailers and civilised places to window shop, eat and drink. So Bon Appetit!