The Cotswolds, History and Heritage

Spanning 800 historically rich, picturesque miles, the Cotswolds is at the centre of British Heritage. Historical sites can be found dotted around this Area of Natural Beauty between rolling hills and golden stone villages. We’ve narrowed down the top, must-visit, heritage sites in the region with information on nearby pubs and walks so you can ‘make a day of it’.

Chedworth Roman Villa

_{Chedworth Roman Villa, Cheltenham GL54 3LJ}

Located on the outskirts of the rural village of Chedworth, sits one of the most elaborate and well-preserved Roman Villas in Britain.

The outstanding preservation of the structure provides invaluable insight into Roman life. A bathhouse room, wet and dry hot rooms point to the traditional Roman bathing practices we are familiar with. An intact hypocaust, used to heat the west wing, attests to just how developed Roman infrastructure was, while a collection of mosaics and a nearby spring shrine (Nymphaeum) open up the cultural and religious aspects of the ancient society.

Hypocaust heating system at Chedworth Roman Villa – Photo Credit – Philip Halling

Other features and amenities

• Café, shop, and picnic site
• Museum containing artifacts from the villa
• Accessible toilets

Where to stop for a bite and a drink

The Mill Inn – Withington. A traditional country pub with a classic food menu, a sunny, riverside beer garden for the summer and cosy open fire for the winter.

Local walks

Intermediate circular walk via the Roman Villa and Mill Inn:

Easy hike – Chedworth village- Seven Tuns:

The Rollright Stones

_{The Rollright Stones, Rollright Road, Little Rollright, Chipping Norton OX7 5QB}

The Rollrights are a collection of megalithic, limestone monuments, the oldest of which dates back to 3800-3000 BC. The King’s Men circle, the Whispering Knights burial chamber and the King’s Stone make up the Rollright collection. Erected around 3800 BC, the Whispering Knights is the oldest of the monuments and was likely one of the earliest funerary monuments in Britain.

The King’s Men Circle – Photo Credit – Dennis Turner

Lots of folklore is attached to the stones, with stories of witches, kings, and battles passing through generations. The verse:

Seven long strides thou shalt take, says she
And if Long Compton thou canst see,
King of England thou shalt be!

Is said to have been passed from the witch ‘Mother Shipton’ to a King at the site, referencing the nearby village of Long Compton.

Where to stop for a bite and a drink

The Red Lion – Long Compton. A cosy pub just a mile and a half from the Rollright Stones offering great food and drink around a warm hearth.

Local walks

Intermediate Rollright Stones loop via the Conservation area of Flowers:

Easy hiking route – With a small tweak, this route can pass the Red Lion Inn:

Hailes Abbey

_{Hailes Abbey, Hailes, Cheltenham GL54 5PB}

Founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall, Hailes Abbey stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic, reflecting the lives of the monks who worshipped there for nearly three centuries.

Hailes Abbey ruins – Photo Credit – John Turner

Other features and Amenities

• Museum
• Audio Tour through the history of the abbey
• Shop selling luxury local produce, souvenirs, and heritage-inspired gifts. Hot/Cold drinks and snacks are also available.

Where to stop for a bite and a drink 

The White Hart Inn – Winchcombe – A Traditional country inn offering rooms, eatery, and bar.

Local walks

Hailes Abbey and Beckbury Camp loop – 3.5 mile walk that takes you through a series of historical monuments including ‘Cromwell’s seat’ monument, Hailes Abbey and Hailes Chapel. Also passes the fruit farm tea rooms and farm shop for refreshments:

Sudeley Castle

_{Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD}

Sudeley grounds and castle – Photo Credit – Gordon Robertson – https://www.flickr.com/photos/gordon_robertson/5627974001

Just a couple of miles from Hailes Abbey stands this impressive 1200-acre estate and 15th-century castle. The castle’s history extends further back even than the building itself, standing on the grounds of a 12th-century manor house. As property of the Royal Family, the castle has seen visits from countless monarchs and significant figures. Notably, Sudeley became the final home and resting place of Catherine Parr, whose tomb lies on the grounds.

Other features and Amenities

• Guided Tours
• Kids Adventure Playground
• Virtual Reality Experience
• Pavilion Café
• Public WC’s
• Visitor Centre and Gift Shop
• Festival of Lights (November and December)

Local Walks

Winchcombe, Sudeley, and Belas Knap Long Barrow loop – Take a heritage tour of the Winchcombe area through Sudeley Castle and the Neolithic long barrow with stunning views over the valley:

Note: All listed Cotswold Heritage sights are within a 45 minute drive of our Cheltenham based luxury serviced apartments.