The Cotswolds truly come alive in the spring! The green hillsides are dotted with lambs, the villages are adorned with cherry trees in blossom and the rivers and canals are lit with the sun dancing on the glassy water’s surface. But the best bit is… The Cotswolds is still fairly peaceful in spring, before the summer rush!
6 of the best places to visit in the cotswolds in spring
The Cotswolds are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), meaning they have been designated as an area for sensitive management to protect, conserve and enhance the land and it’s villages. Of course then, you must take in the best The Cotswolds has to offer in spring as they begin to awaken.
The Evesham Blossom Trail
Mid-way between Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-Upon-Avon, Evesham is on the edge of The Cotswolds and literally bursts with colour between March and May. For 2023, the 40th year of this very special blossom trail, it has been extended to 55 miles which can taken in by bike, or on foot as you please.
Spot blossom from trees such as cherry plum, apple, blackthorn, pear and damson, and stop at any number of delightful farm shops or garden centres along the way.
Take to the hills of Winchcombe
What better way to experience The Cotswolds than to get out and walk to the top of them?! Winchcombe hosts a popular walking festival every May, which gets booked up very quickly, but you can easily follow the Cotswold Way, Winchcombe Way, Wardens Way, Windrush Way or Gloucestershire Way trails up to Belas Knap, Cleeve Hill, or the long barrow…
While in Winchcombe, why not visit the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire steam railway, or reserve a table at the Five Star Restaurant No5 and sample the Michelin-starred menu?
Lunch at Sudeley Castle
If hiking is far too strenuous, how about a stroll around Winchcombe’s Sudeley Castle and Gardens, followed by lunch at The Pavilion within? You can still take in the stunning Cotswold Hills from here, there’s even a BBQ menu for the first two weeks of April.
Horse riding through The Cotswolds
The equestrian centre based near Broadway has over 50 horses and ponies to suit any level of rider. Go on a guided ride through you many picturesque hacks with virtually no roads. If you prefer and are experienced enough, you could take a private hack for an hour or longer, or ask one of the Cotswold Riding instructors to take you on one of the ‘legendary pub rides’.
Roll a cheese on Cooper’s Hill
Yes! We do mean the famous cheese-rolling activity that takes place every May on the slopes of the steep Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire.
It’s not an activity for the faint of heart though. If you want to join in you must chase the eight-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese to the bottom of the hill, followed by many other mad daredevils! But it is a fabulously unique spectacle.
Cirencester – the home of the Romans
For a little more culture than running down a hill after a cheese, you can always visit Corinium – the original Roman name of Cirencester, where you will find the museum, independent designer boutiques and many fine dining restaurants and iconic brasseries.
For more inspiration, please browse more blogs within the Travel Tips page, or sign up to our monthly newsletter, where we’ll share our insider knowledge and love of this beautiful part of England.
All Rosehill luxury breaks include tours of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and spring is the perfect time to see it. Choose from one of our own itineraries or let us know which highlights you’d like to include. We look forward to proudly showing you around The Cotswolds.
