cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

An international rugby player has recommended Cleeve Hill walk as one of the best attractions for those taking holiday cottages in the Cotswolds.

Speaking to the Guardian, England and Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell described it as "the best walk in the Cotswolds", noting that he often takes his dog along the route, which offers a clear view over Cheltenham, the river Severn and towards Wales at its highest point.

There are also a number of "great" traditional pubs in the area, he remarked, noting that these are popular with the large number of people involved with Gloucestershire”s horseracing scene.

The Plough at Ford pub is one such establishment, he stated, adding that the jockeys from Jonjo O”Neil”s training yard are regulars there.

The Cotswold Journal recently reported that a programme of guided walks and hikes has been organised by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, with the scheme running until March and featuring routes ranging from four to 12 miles in length.

Posted by Matt Smith

When stepping out from Cotswolds holiday cottages, an exhibition of Japanese art may be the last thing many holidaymakers would expect to see.

But the Tewkesbury Admag reports that Cheltenham is to feature just such an exhibition from Friday, November 27th until Sunday, November 29th.

The artworks have been created by Takumasa Ono, a Gloucestershire resident since 2002.

While they are constructed using traditional Japanese techniques, they are inspired by the sights of the Cotswolds region, the publication notes.

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty draws many people to book a stay in Cotswolds holiday cottages each year.

Mr Ono tells the Tewkesbury Admag: "I love the Cotswolds and have always enjoyed trying to capture the beauty of this landscape through my work."

Visitors to the region can take in some of the landscape”s beauty for themselves, as the Cotswold Journal recently reported on a series of guided walks due to take place until March under the stewardship of the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

People planning stays at holiday cottages in the Cotswolds could take part in a series of guided walks organised in the area.

Running until March, the programme of hikes has been arranged by the Cotswolds Conservation Board around the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, according to the Cotswold Journal.

Ranging from four to 12 miles in length, those taking holidays in the Cotswolds can sign up for the events, with easy, moderate and strenuous options on offer.

Treks include visits to picturesque villages such as Broadway, the Slaughters and Chipping Camden, while sites of interest that are incorporated into walks include Belas Knap, Hidcote Manor and Cooper”s Hill.

"The walks, which will be held until March, are designed to provide an enjoyable way to discover more about the Cotswolds," the news source reports.

Meanwhile, people visiting Cotswold holiday cottages could also watch the annual North Cotswolds Hedgelaying Competition on November 21st, which is part of a local rural skills initiative and covers a series of age categories, with competitors laying up to ten yards of each.

Posted by David Sollberger

The Cotswolds is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape from a large town or city for the weekend, it has been suggested.

According to the Wokingham Times, Chipping Campden is one such destination and may appeal to people that are looking for a break in the countryside.

Writer Sarah Dave noted that the "picture postcard" town features a number of independent shops selling items such as jewellery and antiques, while tea rooms offer home-made cakes and scones.

The town is also home to the Court Barn museum and Guild of Workshops and Ms Dave stated that it is a "great delight" to visit such places, which may be of interest to those staying in Cotswolds holiday cottages.

"You”re eating, walking, drinking and living in Britain”s heritage," she remarked, adding that visitors should be ready for their breath "to be taken away".

The area is also home to a number of local food producers, with one – Martin”s Meats, of Gretton, near Winchcombe – recently picking up five awards, according to the Tewkesbury Admag.

Posted by Matt Smith