Cultural & Historical Days Out in the Cotswolds

The picturesque Cotswold landscape is full of cultural and historical attractions for you to discover and explore on your visit. Bursting with charm, the Cotswolds is home to an impressive number of National Trust properties as well as several historical landmarks. Here at Luxury Cotswold Retreats, we’ve selected a handful of our favourites that you can enjoy during your time away.

Snowshill Manor

Snowshill Manor is a National Trust property located in the village of Snowshill. It is a sixteenth-century country house, best known for its owner, Charles Paget Wade, an eccentric who amassed an enormous collection of objects that interested him. From snuffboxes to suits of armour, masks to musical instruments, Snowshill Manor is a treasure trove of quirky and curious objects. The Arts and Crafts garden at Snowshill is an extension of the manor. Designed by Charles Wade and his friend Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott, in 1920, it is a garden worth visiting in all seasons. If you want to make a full day of it, enjoy a three-mile circular walk beginning and ending at the Manor, which offers unspoilt views over the Cotswolds and surrounding areas.

Snowshill, Broadway WR12 7JU

Sudeley Castle and Gardens

Sudeley Castle is nestled in the Cotswold Hills on the edge of the historic town of Winchcombe. The castle itself is spectacular and was built in the 15th century on a 12th century site. The extensive gardens have been lovingly restored and designed to reflect the Castle’s past. The chapel of St Mary’s is the burial place of Queen Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, as the castle was her home for many years.

Sudeley Castle & Gardens GL54 5LP

Whichford Pottery

Established in 1976 by Jim and Dominique Keeling, Whichford Pottery is a family business with a world-renowned reputation for quality and design. With a skilled team of over 30, they produce entirely handmade terracotta flowerpots that are beautiful, durable, and full of character. Here you can experience the unique delights of a traditional working pottery, be inspired by the stunning courtyard garden, and choose from a full range of handmade flowerpots in the Octagon gallery. Top off your day with refreshments in the fabulous cafe, The Straw Kitchen.

Whichford, Shipston-on-Stour CV36 5PG

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a beautiful country house located in an incredible landscape. The principal residence of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, it is the only non-royal non-episcopal house in England to hold the title of palace. A visit is brilliant for all ages and private tours of the Palace can be arranged too.

Woodstock, OX20 1PP

Chasleton House

Owned by the same increasingly impoverished family until 1991, Chastleton remained a time capsule and a hidden treasure-trove for nearly 400 years as the interiors and collection gradually yielded to the ravages of time. Set within its beautiful garden, is a fantastic example and survivor of a bygone age. With associations as diverse as links to the Gunpowder Plot, the Jacobite rebellion, and Bonnie Prince Charlie and as the home of the game of Croquet, where the rules were codified; there truly is something here for everyone.

Chastleton, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0SU