Places To Visit Whilst In The Cotswolds

We recently got back from a little getaway to The Cotswold's. It was definitely needed and one of the most relaxing holidays I've been on. Mentally anyway! Physically it was quite strenuous because we did A LOT of walking. 

We visited for 4 days and I wanted to share some of the things we got up to and where we went so if you're planning on visiting The Cotswold's, this might help you decide on some things to do.

So where did we stay?

We stayed at the Five Valleys Aparthotel in Stroud. It was the highest rated for our price range and I cannot express enough how perfect it was. They are very big apartments (we actually booked the cheapest (therefore smallest) one) and it was still huge. They were nice and clean and everything you needed was provided. Towels, shower gel, shampoo, coat hangers, extra bedding, a safe and all the kitchen utensils as well as a microwave, hob, fridge and dishwasher. On top of that, a cracking view in a cracking location.

All this and we got it for £63 a night! That's cheaper than your typical Travelodge or Premier Inn. And much more luxurious. Two televisions, a desk and all separate rooms. I couldn't have been happier with the hotel!

Stroud

We didn't get chance to explore much of Stroud which is the cutest little town. I don't think it's very big but I could be wrong. The weather was beautiful the whole time we were there. 34 degrees at one point! So we had a walk down by the canal. There were so many picturesque areas. Including this really relaxing stream. Everything was so green and peaceful. I could have sat there all day.

There were so many beautiful homes. I think The Cotswold's is very famous for the cottages alone and it did not disappoint.


Bath

We spent the Monday in Bath. It was an hours drive away and a really beautiful city. The architecture was very lovely. This is such a strange thing to say, but somebody had recommended Bath to me by saying it had a really wonderful smell. I was like..? How can a city smell nice?
But honestly, its really floral :')

The buildings were very lovely. Lots of nice townhouses. The tourist areas such as the cathedral and roman baths get very busy but are so wonderful to look at that I can see why they get so busy!

There are lots of cute one-off shops such as the vintage store and the John Bull sweet shop which do the retro classics that you can't find anywhere anymore. I got some rhubarb and custards and some alphabet letters. My faves!

There is a fashion museum in Bath which we walked to but then found it was fairly expensive to get in. I wouldn't have minded going in if we had more time but we were pushed for time so gave it a miss.

I feel like Bath would be a great place to go to university.

Castle Combe

Castle Combe is a must see. I've always wanted to visit Castle Combe since I first ever saw it in the Stardust movie. It's a quaint little village with the most beautiful cottages. 

My life goal has always been to live there but after I visited I completely changed my mind. Although so so so so so so so beautiful, it's packed with tourists and actually some of them were so rude. Pinching flowers from peoples properties, peering into their windows, going onto private roads, so many people taking photos of your home must be so frustrating. Some people had even put newspaper over their windows to stop people looking in. Nobody should have to live like that. 

Although I took photos, I didn't go to anybody's windows or do anything intrusive. I think it's expected of people to take photos but there is a line that shouldn't be crossed, I still recommend checking it out because it really is like stepping straight into a fairytale. It feels like a film set! Just be polite!

Coaley Peak

Coaley Peak is amazing. You can see so far into the distance that you can see Brecon Beacons in Wales!

It's high up a hill so I'd recommend taking the car and parking up. It's the most beautiful and perfect sunbathing spot on a hot day. We went when it was pretty windy but it was still so relaxing! If I lived near here, this is the place I would come when I needed me time, some time to think, completely alone. You could stare out for hours and never get bored.

The Tree

This tree was recommended for us to visit by the owner of the hotel. It's a lone tree in a field and so picturesque! We got some fab photos. Apparently it's wonderful all year round and I can just imagine how stunning it looks in autumn!

Those were the only places we really had time to explore as we arrived pretty late on the Saturday meaning half our day was cut short. 
This was the most relaxing and beautiful holiday I've been on in the UK and I'd love to go back at some point and explore the rest. There is so much we didn't do! We could have easily spent over a week there without getting bored or spending much money.

In regards to spending money, we spent £40 on a food shop. That was it. Everything is free of charge to do. I would still recommend visiting if you have children but it may cost a bit more to keep them entertained.

It's the perfect couples getaway. Especially if you're used to living in the city. If you don't like walking, it's probably not for you. But if you love exploring, I would highly recommend!