Thursday 12 July 2018
Explore
1. Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea
Get a taste of quintessentially British afternoon tea right here at The Old Stocks Inn in Stow on the Wold. You can enjoy it in our restaurant with a glass of cold Prosecco, overlooking the quaint market square, or – if you’re staying in our luxury holiday cottage around the corner – we can arrange for it to be brought to you!
2. Cirencester for upmarket shopping
Cirencester boasts both fascinating history and high end shopping, with a combination of high street shops and quirky alleys that are home to independent stores just waiting to be discovered.
Take your swim gear so you can visit Cirencester’s Open Air Swimming Pool that was built in 1869 (no need to worry, it’s heated to 27 degrees!) And, if you’re feeling fancy, visit the beautiful country hotel Barnsley House near the town, which has everything from an on-site private cinema with pink leather arm chairs to a tranquil spa.
3. Relax at a luxurious chapel spa
Sink into deep relaxation at one of the area’s sumptuous spas. Cheltenham’s Mediterranean-style Chapel Spa is encased within an old 19th century chapel and caters for hen parties and big groups, so you can spend quality time with girlfriends.
It is one of the 10 best spas near Cheltenham according to Trip Advisor, with a candlelit relaxation area, hydrotherapy pool and Arabian Rasul all on offer, and there is a top restaurant next door, The Story Teller, for true indulgence.
3. Westonbirt Arboretum
If you’re an outdoorsy lot, head to Cotswold Wildlife Park or Britain’s stunning 56-acre national arboretum, Westonbirt, that encompasses 16,000 trees, 17 miles of paths and is a music concert venue. Or even take the plunge into Cotswold Water Park.
4. Cheltenham racecourse
Put on your glad rags and place your bets with the girls - Cheltenham’s racecourse comes alive during race day. Don your best hat and get ready to have fun in the picturesque Cotswold hills.
5. Get star struck at Bampton
Are you fans of the TV show Downton Abbey? The fictional village of Downton is set in charming Bampton, with its church being a main location for filming.