I'm thinking of doing a 10 day trip to central England over Easter Break this year with my husband and three small children. I've always wanted to go to the Cotswolds, Bath, and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Anyone have recommendations for a village that would make a nice base within the Cotswolds? We would be renting a cottage, not staying in a hotel. We would also have a car rental. We would do mostly day trips within 1-2 hours of the base area - Warwick Castle, Bath, Oxford, Stratford, other villages of the Cotswolds, Glastonbury, maybe Salisbury. Coming from Heathrow airport as well.
Posted by
TX, USA
529 posts
I suggest Blockley, it is a small village very near Moreton in Marsh. In fact, it is walkable distance as my husband and I walked there several times during out stay. We rented a holiday cottage in Blockley. As this cottage would not suit, being too small, I did a quick search for holiday lets and there were some that might suit your needs.
We used Blockley as our base driving to Chipping Camden, Broadway, Stanton, Stanway, Snowshill, Bourton on the Water and other villages.
Here is another good site I used for information about the Cotswolds.
Posted by
San Diego
1540 posts
I've done walking tours in the Cotswold and there are many towns I loved and would recommend.
Here is a link to a site about various villages and you can also get lots of info on Tripadvisor.com
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2805 posts
I would strongly recommend Bourton-on-the-Water, if it's warm the children could walk around in River Windrush, which is only ankle deep, sail a boat in the water. It's so beautiful there.
Posted by
3124 posts
If you're planning to stay in just one Cotswolds home base the entire time, with day trips, then you may want to consider how near/far you are to a major highway such as the M5. Being near a major route will make it easier for you to visit your more southern destinations (Bath, Glastonbury, Salisbury).
Alternatively, if you stayed a couple of nights in Bath you'd have less driving to visit Glastonbury and Salisbury.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
3898 posts
I would second Robin's mention of Bourton-on-the-Water. It's lovely and quiet when the daytime tourists have gone. Has a great toy shop for browsing, and a great bakery for scones and a variety of treats.
Posted by
Galt, Calif., UK
214 posts
check out Sudeley Castle cottages......best place I have stayed in the Cotswolds in 20 years.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
Check the National Trust UK online site for Holiday Accommodations. They have a variety of listings from Cottages to Castles. Book as soon as possible. You can also view what Historic Properties, sites and events are available thru the NT. They have Easter events for the kids. They also have an Overseas Tourist Pass available for families. This can save lots on admissions.