The Cotswold Way route – Places of interest

The Cotswold Way route begins at the pretty market town of Chipping Campden. We have decided to highlight some places of interest on the route, walking south. In the next few weeks we will cover the whole of the route. Let’s start with the first few sections,;from Chipping Campden to Winchcombe.

Hidcote Manor gardens

Batsford Arboretum

If you have time available then we recommend two places of interest not far from Chipping Campden; Hidcote Gardens www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote run by The National Trust. One of the most recognized arts and crafts gardens in The UK. And, If you have any horticultural interest, Batsford Arboretum  http://www.batsarb.co.uk/ is also well worth the visit. It is the largest private collection of trees and shrubs in England.

Chipping Campden itself contains many fine examples of Cotswold stone architecture. Its most recognized building is the ‘Market Hall’, built in 1627 in the centre of Town.

Market Hall Chipping Campden

Walking south on The Cotswold Way route Broadway Tower https://broadwaytower.co.uk/ completed in 1789. Capability Brown, the famous 18^th century landscaper, had the inspiration for the tower’s eccentric design.

Broadway Tower

Approximately 10 miles south from the start of The Cotswold Way route are the very pretty villages of Stanway and Stanton. Stanway House http://www.stanwayfountain.co.uk/ is a Jacobean (1567 – 1625) Manor House. More recently, in it’s beautiful gardens, a 300 foot fountain was added. Opening times are limited, please check their website for further details. You can however see the house from The Cotswold Way route.

Stanway House

Further south on The Cotswold Way route is Hailes Abbey http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hailes-abbey/ founded in 1246. Originally a place of worship for monks for almost 3 centuries. The Abbey was also a popular pilgrim destination in The Middle Ages. Nearby the abbey is a teashop and restaurant where you can enjoy a rest and something to eat.

Hailes Abbey

In the next few blogs we shall move on to the Town of Winchcombe and beyond on The Cotswold Way route. if you would like more information on walking The Cotswold Way route then get in touch with us here