What: Originally built in 975 AD The Porch House is reputed to be England’s oldest inn, hosting weary travellers for over a 1000 years. Despite its age, The Porch House is anything but dated. Gorgeous interiors full of Cotswolds’ charm and a restaurant that’s home to some of the best British pub grub for miles around await you when you breakfast, lunch or do dinner here. The menu is plump with fresh, seasonal dishes prepared using locally-sourced ingredients and culinary flare. Design expert Katy Campbell and acclaimed photographer Mark Nicholson offer an insider's look at the Cotswolds' most charming and inspirational private homes Starter homes – you want younger people here; you want families. Where can those houses go? Well, anywhere but near me! Seriously, though, they should go everywhere. We don’t need huge, sprawling estates. A number of nice houses, in lots of areas, that integrate into the community: that’s how it should be. Winter in the Cotswolds is great for those who are looking for a cosy, festive getaway with multiple Christmas markets popping up throughout the towns. Temperatures drop to a much cooler 7°C, however, there can be the occasional crisp, sunny day during winter. What to Do on Cotswolds Holidays The Cotswolds is home to some of the most unspoilt, historic and famous towns and villages in England. The honey-coloured stone buildings provide a quintessential English charm found no-where else in the world. It really is a unique experience!

Planning tip: The grounds are open for tours and afternoon teas from April to October: combine the two for a wonderfully full day. 5. Enjoy tea at a traditional tea room There are a number of pretty towns situated in the Cotswolds, many of which offer their own unique setting. Although, one that stands out in particular is Castle Combe, known for being one of the prettiest villages in England.The Cotswold Water Park dominates the south of the Cotswolds and is an incredible place for leisure offering sports, walks and a beach based around 150 lakes in 40 square miles. Despite its size, it is a well-kept secret just a few miles from Cirencester. Winchcombe is an unspoilt market town set on the Cotswold edge. It’s known as being a centre for walkers and is a great place to base yourself if you want to enjoy the rural Cotswolds.A stay in the north Cotswolds brings Stratford upon Avon and Oxford into perfect range for day visits. The Details: Serving lunch 12pm – 3pm, Monday to Saturday and dinner 6pm – 9 pm; Serving lunch 12pm – 4 pm and dinner 5 – 8pm on Sundays. High Tea, The Manor House– The Manor House in Castle Combe delivers a decadent homemade high tea in one of their sumptuous lounges or on their outdoor terrace. The setting is beautiful, the sandwiches dainty and the champagne free-flowing.

Whatever the weather, the Cotswolds has plenty of great days out with its fine architecture, National Trust properties and gardens, arboretums, museums and pretty villages. There are fantastic, historic towns and cities including the Roman City of Bath , Oxford, Cheltenham and Stratford-Upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The route from Stanton to Snowshill climbs to the top of the Cotswolds escarpment with views over the Cotswolds farmland. Finish at the Snowshill Arms– one of our favourite pubs in the Cotswolds.Summers in the Cotswolds are generally mild and warm with some infrequent hotter days. With more daylight, this means that you can spend much of your time outdoors when visiting the Cotswolds during this time. It is typically overcast with average temperatures of around 21°C, providing comfortable weather to enjoy the numerous activities in the county. Where: Find it in the picturesque village of Shipton-under-Wychwood near Burford, West Oxfordshire. The village is easily accessible from Cheltenham, Oxford and the Cotswold villages of Bourton, Stow and Moreton in Marsh. Once a bustling center of the wool trade, Stow-on-the-Wold is now a treasure trove of antique shops, trendy galleries and independent retailers. When you’re done perusing these offerings, go on the hunt for the mystical door at St Edwards Church. This portal is nestled between two ancient yew trees, with a lantern hanging above: no wonder that many say it was this that inspired Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin” in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. While we’ll never know for sure, it’s definitely worth visiting the most photographed door in the Cotswolds to take your own shot. The Cotswolds in spring is utterly breathtaking with an array of daffodils and tulips popping up all over the gardens and countryside. Spring is a great time to get active in the outdoors as the temperatures drop to around 15°C, making for comfortable hiking weather. The Cotswolds is one of England's greatest treasures. Stretching across six counties, its bucolic appeal is protected as the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK. From Bath to Berkeley and Stow-on-the-Wold to Stroud , there is something for everyone whether your tastes are sophisticated or simple.

The south Cotswolds covers the area around Cirencester and the Stroud Valleys – continuing down to north Wiltshire and towns such as Tetbury and Malmesbury. Basing yourself here puts Bristol and Bath within easy reach. If you want to stay in one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds then consider our Cotswolds holiday cottages in Chipping Campden , Stow-on-the-Wold , Burford , Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway . However, if you want to be a little off the beaten tourist trail but still in the heart of the Cotswolds, consider Oddington , Kingham, Upper or Lower Slaughter, Bibury, Bruern or the Cotswolds Water Park for those who love water-based outdoor activities not fair from their holiday cottage. If I were invisible, I would go into Highgrove and stand by the phone to listen to any conversation Prince Charles might have with Harry. I feel desperately sorry for Charles – I really do. Family difficulties are bad enough without one of you bleating about it to the press all the time.

Follow The Cotswolds

You can easily spend hours at this Cotswolds stop, starting with a cozy train ride around the park. Follow up by acting as a keeper for a day (age 17 years or older), then maybe even (figuratively!) adopting your own animal. You can also wander the glorious landscaped gardens that surround the Victorian Manor House – perfect for a romantic stroll, or for the kids to let off some steam. 10. Browse local shops To the world, it’s the cheese-rolling. We do the pictures every year on the telly. (You can’t possibly say it, but the expectation is always that someone will break a leg.)

Their engines may not purr anymore, but the cars of the Cotswold Motoring Museum gleam with vintage glory. Visit for a fascinating look at motoring history through an irresistible collection of vehicles, toys and memorabilia.

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The Details: Open for lunch Monday – Friday 12.00pm – 2.30pm, and dinner 6.00 pm – 9.30 pm; Open for food Saturday 12.00 pm – 9.30 pm and Sunday 12.00pm – 8.00pm. Stay Nearby: The Swallow is an ultra-cool and quirky conversion only a short drive from Cirencester I very nearly bought a house in Tetbury once. I love that part of the world, so I think Highgrove would be nice to live in. It’s a style of house I like. Would I turf out HRH if money were no object? He’s likely to read this so I’m definitely going to say no to that.