Hidden gems of the Cotswolds: 4 Things to do that not everyone knows about

18.06.24
 

Image Source: Gloucestershire Live

The Greenway Hotel and Spa is tucked away on the outskirts of the beautiful Cotswolds, near the Regency town of Cheltenham.

Known for its rolling hills and picture perfect countryside, the Cotswolds is one of the top tourist destinations in the UK and the ideal choice for those looking for a slower paced escape in an idyllic setting.

As well as exploring the stunning countryside, there are also a number of brilliant attractions that shouldn’t be missed on your visit. To give you some inspiration, we’ve put together our top four activities to try…

1. Cotswold Sculpture Park

Image Source: Cotswolds

The Cotswold Sculpture Park is set just outside of Somerford Keynes, a small village in the heart of the Cotswolds.  

Here you can see more than 170 individual sculptures from local and international artists with all pieces being available to purchase.

Within the park there is also ‘The Poppin Tearoom’ selling hot and cold drinks as well as lunch snacks and cakes.

Admission is £7 and it’s open from 1st April to 30th September.

2. Cotswolds Distillery 

Image Source: Country Idyll

From blending your own gin to shaking up some cocktails, the Cotswolds Distillery offers a range of experiences where you can get up close and personal with their range of spirits.

Set in five acres of stunning Cotswold countryside, Cotswolds Distillery lovingly creates their own artisan whisky and gin, which you can sample for yourself on one of the distillery tours. 

The tour takes approximately 45 minutes and goes around the whole distillery site – during which you’ll learn the craft that goes into creating the spirits and see the distillation process in action.

Distillery tour and tasting costs £15 per person and can be pre-booked at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, 7 days a week from 17th May.

3. Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Image Source: Cotswolds

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is a volunteer operated heritage railway in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire offering a round trip of 28 miles.

It now operates steam and heritage diesel trains between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway, through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds. 

The line commands wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages, with outstanding outlooks across to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

Pack your flat cap and enjoy a journey on the steam train. With trains running both Northbound and Southbound from 13th April, take a look at the timetable to book your tickets in advance.

4. The Dragonfly Maze

Image Source: Atlas Obscura

The Dragonfly Maze isn’t your typical English hedge maze. Here you need to solve the clues and puzzles as you work your way around the yew-tree maze, to find the golden dragonfly at the centre.

In total, 14 clues are dotted around the pathways of the maze and only when these are found are you able to crack the rebus puzzle to find the golden dragonfly hidden in the round house at the centre of the maze.

Try your luck in the maze which opens daily from 10am with the last entry at 4pm. Guests should allow themselves 20 – 30 minutes to search for the treasure and complete the maze. 

Open everyday between April – October, with entry from 10am, the Dragonfly Maze must be pre-booked in advance.

Start your Cotswolds escape in luxury

Enjoy a spectacular staycation near the spa town of Cheltenham, the perfect destination for a UK spring staycation with outstanding views and so much to see and do in the surrounding area. 

Discover the Cotswold villages nearby or travel further to Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water or the city of Gloucester. After a day exploring, return to The Greenway to relax with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne before tucking into a delicious three course dinner in our restaurant.

Book in at The Greenway Hotel & Spa for a luxury escape in the countryside.

Being a pretty part of the world at any time of year, you could be forgiven for thinking The Cotswolds is just stunning countryside and nothing more. From hunting for treasure and finding your way through a maze to going on a gin tasting experience, there’s an endless amount of things to see and do in the Cotswolds.

We hope that you’ve been inspired for what to do in the Cotswolds and how to make the most of your stay at The Greenway Hotel.

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