Rick Steves book on England recommends northern section of Cotswolds to stay but there seems lots of merits to staying in south like by Tetbury or Bourton on the Water? I wondered if anyone can tell me why the north is preferred over the south. The book does not elaborate. Going for 3 days Or so in June. Recommendations for 3,4,5 star Hotel or B&B ‘s are welcome.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
The Cotswolds cover a large area and are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and therefore the whole area has merit. Bourton-on-the-Water lies towards the north of the Cotswolds.
The north is more popular on this forum as that’s what is covered in the RS book, but many Brits visit Castle Combe, Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury and other areas to the south and it’s handy for Bath.
Posted by
Land of La
8664 posts
Mr Steve’s guidebook is not the travel Bible.
Yes the Cotswolds are lovely but so are countless other areas of England.
However given the RS books and videos tout the Cotswolds there seems to be a belief they have to be visited. Fine. Train to Oxford, pick up a rental car and head out. If you wish to visit towns inundated with tourists then follow his guidebook and book in Bourton on the Water. If you prefer fewer hordes then try towns like Winchcombe to base out of.
Posted by
Granite Bay, CA
81 posts
Stayed at the Lord of the Manor in Upper Slaughter. Excellent accommodations central to many of the sights/ villages in the Cotswolds. Not cheap, but if you want to be treated like royalty...
https://www.lordsofthemanor.com/
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
Last time we were in that area we stayed in Stratford Upon Avon because we were headed to the IWM at Duxford and hadn’t spent more than a few hours in Stratford Upon Avon on previous trips. Stratford just happened to be mid-way between Ludlow and Duxford. We stayed at the Arden hotel and enjoyed it. It is in a nice location, has free parking, and the included breakfast was good. We did enjoy Tetbury years ago, but there’s so much more to see in the UK than the Cotswolds.
Posted by
7662 posts
We stayed in Chipping Campden at the Volunteer Inn. Good prices and they have the best pub in town. Also, they have a great Indian Restaurant.