Cotswold is a region steeped in rich history, breath-taking landscapes, and a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage.
Here at Cotswold Food & Drink, we are proud to be part of this remarkable community, sharing its treasures with you.
Interesting facts about Cotswold
The Cotswold Hills
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these hills offer more than just picturesque scenery. They are a living testimony to centuries of agricultural and social history, shaping the region’s identity.
Cotswold is home to some of England’s most beautiful towns and villages, like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Norton, and Stow-on-the-Wold. These places are hubs of traditional English culture.
The Cotswold Hills
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, these hills offer more than just picturesque scenery. They are a living testimony to centuries of agricultural and social history, shaping the region’s identity.
Cotswold is home to some of England’s most beautiful towns and villages, like Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Norton, and Stow-on-the-Wold. These places are hubs of traditional English culture.
The Cotswold Stone
The iconic, golden Cotswold stone, gives the region its distinctive and warm architectural character. This limestone has been a building material since Roman times. At the heart of Cotswold’s charm is its culinary heritage. Renowned for its high-quality local produce, from cheeses to ales, the region has a longstanding tradition of farming and artisan food production. This is where we, at Cotswold Food & Drink, draw our inspiration from.
The Cotswold Stone
The iconic, golden Cotswold stone, gives the region its distinctive and warm architectural character. This limestone has been a building material since Roman times. At the heart of Cotswold’s charm is its culinary heritage. Renowned for its high-quality local produce, from cheeses to ales, the region has a longstanding tradition of farming and artisan food production. This is where we, at Cotswold Food & Drink, draw our inspiration from.
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile footpath that offers walkers breath-taking views and a journey through history. Along the way, hikers can explore ancient battlefields, historic estates, and the serene beauty of the Cotswold countryside.
The Cotswold Canals
Once the lifeblood of local trade, the Cotswold Canals are being restored to their former glory. This network of waterways offers a unique perspective on the countryside and a glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
The Cotswold Way
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile footpath that offers walkers breath-taking views and a journey through history. Along the way, hikers can explore ancient battlefields, historic estates, and the serene beauty of the Cotswold countryside.
The Cotswold Canals
Once the lifeblood of local trade, the Cotswold Canals are being restored to their former glory. This network of waterways offers a unique perspective on the countryside and a glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
Traditional Cotswold Lion Sheep
The Cotswolds were once renowned for their wool trade, largely thanks to the Cotswold Lion sheep, a breed with a long, golden fleece. Though less common today, these sheep are an iconic part of the region’s agricultural heritage.
Secret Gardens and Hidden Valleys
The Cotswolds is home to an array of secret gardens and hidden valleys, often overshadowed by its more famous attractions. Places like the Sezincote Estate, with its Indian-inspired architecture and exotic gardens, offer a surprising twist to the traditional English landscape.
Traditional Cotswold Lion Sheep
The Cotswolds were once renowned for their wool trade, largely thanks to the Cotswold Lion sheep, a breed with a long, golden fleece. Though less common today, these sheep are an iconic part of the region’s agricultural heritage.
Secret Gardens and Hidden Valleys
The Cotswolds is home to an array of secret gardens and hidden valleys, often overshadowed by its more famous attractions. Places like the Sezincote Estate, with its Indian-inspired architecture and exotic gardens, offer a surprising twist to the traditional English landscape.
Hidcote Manor Garden:
Renowned worldwide, Hidcote Manor Garden is a masterpiece of garden design by the talented Lawrence Johnston. Its series of outdoor ‘rooms’, each with its own unique character, showcase an extraordinary range of plant species and innovative landscaping techniques.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens:
Just a stone’s throw from Hidcote, Kiftsgate Court boasts a stunning hillside garden known for its breath-taking views over the Cotswold countryside and its vibrant display of roses, including the famous Kiftsgate Rose.
Hidcote Manor Garden:
Renowned worldwide, Hidcote Manor Garden is a masterpiece of garden design by the talented Lawrence Johnston. Its series of outdoor ‘rooms’, each with its own unique character, showcase an extraordinary range of plant species and innovative landscaping techniques.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens:
Just a stone’s throw from Hidcote, Kiftsgate Court boasts a stunning hillside garden known for its breath-taking views over the Cotswold countryside and its vibrant display of roses, including the famous Kiftsgate Rose.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum:
Home to one of the most significant collections of trees and shrubs in the world, Westonbirt Arboretum is a spectacle of colour and variety.
Batsford Arboretum:
Batsford holds one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in England. With a focus on Asian species, the arboretum presents a serene landscape that blends English romanticism with the Far East’s mystique.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum:
Home to one of the most significant collections of trees and shrubs in the world, Westonbirt Arboretum is a spectacle of colour and variety.
Batsford Arboretum:
Batsford holds one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in England. With a focus on Asian species, the arboretum presents a serene landscape that blends English romanticism with the Far East’s mystique.
The Cotswold Lakes:
The Cotswold Water Park, with its 150+ lakes, is a testament to the region’s versatility. Formed from the ancient practice of gravel extraction, these lakes have been reclaimed by nature and humans alike, creating a unique ecosystem and recreational area.
Wildlife and Conservation:
The lakes are a haven for wildlife, including otters, water voles, and a variety of bird species. Many lakes are designated nature reserves, offering tranquil spots for birdwatching and nature walks.
The Cotswold Lakes:
The Cotswold Water Park, with its 150+ lakes, is a testament to the region’s versatility. Formed from the ancient practice of gravel extraction, these lakes have been reclaimed by nature and humans alike, creating a unique ecosystem and recreational area.
Wildlife and Conservation:
The lakes are a haven for wildlife, including otters, water voles, and a variety of bird species. Many lakes are designated nature reserves, offering tranquil spots for birdwatching and nature walks.
