Cotswolds

[[file:Cotwold banner Lavender farm - A Cotswold lavender farm}} Broadway-tower-cotswolds - Broadway (England) | Broadway Tower

The Cotswolds are a range of rolling hills in south central England. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, it has unique features derived from the local golden-coloured limestone known as Cotswold stone. The predominantly rural landscape containing stone-built villages, historical towns, and stately homes and gardens, is known worldwide. Many consider the Cotswolds as representative of the archetypal English landscape.

The area is roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) across and 90 miles (145 kilometers) long, stretching south-west from just below Stratford-upon-Avon to just beyond Bath. It is within easy reach of London and several other English urban centres. The Cotswolds lie across the boundaries of several English counties; mainly Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but also parts of Wiltshire, Somerset (England) | Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. The highest point of the region is Cleeve Hill at 1,083 ft (330 m), just to the north of Cheltenham.

Cities and towns

51.83|-1.86|zoom=9

Bourton-on-the-Water GPS 51.886,-1.759 – a village at the northern end of the Cotswolds
Burford GPS 51.808,-1.637 – a small Cotswold town on the A40
Cheltenham GPS 51.883333,-2.066667 – largest town in the area, good shopping
Chipping Campden GPS 52.052,-1.779 – a small Cotswold town
Chipping Norton GPS 51.94,-1.55 – a friendly Oxfordshire market town; gateway to the Cotswolds from the east
Cirencester GPS 51.719,-1.968 – a busy market town
Gloucester (England) | Gloucester GPS 51.87,-2.24 – the only city in the area, more alternative than Cheltenham, with fewer chain shops
Moreton-in-Marsh| GPS 51.988,-1.701
Stow-on-the-Wold GPS 51.928,-1.718 – town in north Cotswolds
Stroud GPS 51.744,-2.215 – a smaller town, with a bit more industry, improving town centre
Tetbury GPS 51.636,-2.158 – a market town, famous for its royal connections as the home of Prince Charles
Winchcombe GPS 51.957205,-1.969204 – a small Cotswold town, home to Sudeley Castle and Hailes Abbey
Witney GPS 51.78,-1.49 – market town near Oxford, known historically for its woolen blankets

Villages

Broadway (England) | Broadway GPS 52.04,-1.86 – country retreat of Victorian designer William Morris
Chedworth GPS 51.80640,-1.92580 – a small village seven miles north of Cirencester, famous for its Roman villa
Fairford GPS 51.708,-1.785 – a small village near Cirencester, known for its wool and nearby RAF airfield
Five Valleys – the five valleys around Stroud including Nailsworth and Minchinhampton a small village, between Stroud and Cirencester. Old streets and a few nice shops
Kemble GPS 51.683333,-2.016667 – a small village with train station near Cirencester

Cotswolds Halal Travel Guide

What is the Geography of Cotswolds

The Cotswolds run generally south-west to north-east and the northern and western edges marked by steep escarpments down to the valleys of the rivers Severn and Avon and the city of Gloucester and the eastern boundary by the city of Oxford (the university "city of dreaming spires") and the west by Stroud, and the south by the middle reaches of the Thames Valley and towns such as Cirencester, Lechlade and Fairford. Key physical features of the area, including the characteristic uplift of the 'Cotswold Edge' can be clearly seen as far south as Bath (England) | Bath.

The Cotswolds are characterised by attractive small towns and villages built of the underlying rock, known as "Cotswold Stone" (actually, a yellow oolitic limestone).

History

Bibury_Arlington_row - The Arlington Row cottages in Bibury

During the Middle Ages and the Cotswolds became prosperous from the wool trade with the Continent. Much of this wealth was directed towards the building of churches and the area still preserving a large number of large, handsome Cotswold Stone "wool churches". The area remains affluent and has attracted wealthy Londoners and others who own second homes in the area or have chosen to retire to the Cotswolds.

Typical Cotswold towns are Broadway (England) | Broadway, Burford, Chipping Norton, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. The Cotswold town of Chipping Campden is notable for being the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, founded by William Morris at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. William Morris lived, occasionally, in Broadway Tower a folly in country park.

Local Language in Cotswolds

Although thit is central England, you may find local residents speak with a heavy Gloucestershire accent although equally the area has a high % of RP residents from London and the South East - it's not known as 'Poshtershire' for nothing.

How to travel to Cotswolds

Kemble (near Cirencester), Stroud, Stonehouse, Gloucester and Cheltenham all have train stations on a main line from Swindon and London Paddington.. Stagecoach has buses from different areas of the nation (cheaper, although slower than the trains).

As you'll find all over Great Britain the cost of public transport is high (compared to mainland Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.). People under 25 can buy a Young Person's Railcard. This gives you 1/3 off standard rail fares, but costs £25, so it might only be worth it if you're planning to spend a long time in the UK. Railcards can be purchased from any train station ticket office. You'll need a passport photo and proof of your age.

How to get around in Cotswolds

Travel by train to Cotswolds

Trains exist between some main towns, but the line from Cirencester was axed 30 years ago. The key lines are:

Bristol

Temple Meads–Filton Abbey Wood–Bristol Parkway–Yate–Cam & Dursley–Gloucester (England) | Gloucester–Cheltenham Spa–Ashchurch for Tewkesbury–Worcester (England) | Worcester Shrub Hill–Worcester Foregate Street

Swindon–Chippenham–Bath Spa–Bristol

Temple Meads

Swindon–Kemble–Stroud–Stonehouse–Gloucester (England) | Gloucester
Oxford–Hanborough–Charlbury–Kingham–Moreton-in-Marsh–Honeybourne–Evesham–Pershore–Worcester (England) | Worcester Shrub Hill—Worcester Foregate Street

By car

As Bill Bryson said, thit is the only option to see the Cotswolds. He was probably right. It's great walking country though - gentle hillsides not mountains.

Note: Take care of the cows on commons (they stand/lie in the roads at night time).

Travel on a Bus in Cotswolds

The bus services in the Cotswolds are very limited, although the first time visitor might have some luck exploring the Fosse Way by bus - a Roman road connecting Moreton in Marsh and various market towns to Cirencester. Research is definitely needed. Many villages only get one bus a day, or some only one bus a week. Even larger towns, such as Cirencester and Stroud, only get one bus every hour.

By cycle

The Cotswolds are hilly but there are well-marked cycle routes on quiet roads.

By foot

Perhaps Bill Bryson was wrong - there are lovely walks throughout all the Cotswolds, taking from a couple of hours for a gentle stroll between villages to a week or more on a walking tour. Local companies offer guided and self-guided walks and tours which explore the rich history of the area. The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile long-distance walk, designated as an official National Trail in 1998, running from Chipping Campden to Bath.

What to see in Cotswolds

The Cotswolds attract people with a visual appeal derived from a long history and the charm of hundreds of honey-coloured stone villages spread over an area roughly 100 mi (160 km) north to south and 50 mi east to west. While lacking a single large attraction or theme park, it is a wealthy area that nevertheless retains something of the appeal of a working environment. For visitors and the area is particularly well known for historic gardens, pubs and inns, farm and outdoor attractions and retail – especially book and antique shops. There is a thriving arts and crafts scene, drawing on a legacy that includes William Morris and extends to new artists at work in hotspots such as the Stroud Valleys.

Gardens, historic houses and farm attractions. There is a listing at the .com/ local tourist board website.
Roman villa ruins near Chedworth
ildlifepark.co.uk/ Cotswold wildlife park

Historical houses

The Cotswolds are home to a number of important historical houses, often set in their own estates and therefore not part of a particular town or village. The .com/ local tourist board provides information on houses open to the public, which include Snowshill Manor, Chavanage, William Morris's house at Kelmscott, Sudeley Castle and Berkeley Castle. Some houses are closed but provide the setting for nationally important gardens such as Hidcote Manor, Painswick Rococo or Abbey House Gardens.

Chastleton House, Chastleton, near Moreton-in-Marsh

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Cotswolds

Walk some or all of the Cotswold Way. Beautiful views over the Cotswold edge the entire way.

Cotswold Water Park - Great Britain's largest water park, consisting of 133 lakes which were formed by filling old gravel quarries. It is about five miles south of Cirencester and offers many water sports and activities, including dragon boat racing.

Classic Motoring | For visitors wishing to tour the area in a classic vehicle and the Cotswolds is home to Classic Motoring, a company specialising in the self-drive hire of Jaguar E-Type convertibles.

Shopping in Cotswolds

Weekly farmers market in Stroud

Halal Restaurants

The Cotswolds has a strong food culture with frequent well-established Farmers' Markets, local organic producers and individual businesses such as bakeries and orchard drink producers. Look out for Double and Single Gloucester (and up to 100 other) cheeses, Old Spot Pork and local organic game and venison - plus soft fruits in season. The local food culture is extending to pub noticeboard menus.

Enjoy a pint at one of the area's excellent pubs.

Donington Ale in the north Cotswolds (brewed in Donington, near Stow-on-the-Wold)
Hook Norton Ale ('Old Hooky' and the like)
Battledown Brewery (Cheltenham Spa Standard, Premium and Porter)
Stroud Organic Ale in and around Stroud.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Cotswolds

Cotswolds - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Cotswolds, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cotswolds. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Cotswolds and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Cotswolds. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Cotswolds. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Cotswolds: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Cotswolds.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Cotswolds: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Cotswolds, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Cotswolds.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Cotswolds, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Cotswolds, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Cotswolds and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Cotswolds, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Cotswolds, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Cotswolds without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Cotswolds is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Cotswolds.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Cotswolds is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Cotswolds, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Cotswolds Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Cotswolds

eHalal Group Cotswolds is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Cotswolds. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Cotswolds.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Cotswolds ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Cotswolds. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Cotswolds, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Cotswolds are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

The area has a long history of hospitality since being adopted by Londoners with newly available reliable motor cars a hundred years ago and there remains a concentration of high-quality hotels and Bed & Breakfasts in the area.

Hotels and larger Bed & Breakfasts are typically expensive in the more picturesque towns and villages. However, smaller Bed & Breakfasts can be found for a reasonable cost. For a longer stay a cottage, barn or church conversion or other private lodging can be rented - typically for a weekend up to stays extending several weeks.

Stay Safe

The area is very safe, with little crime.