An A - Z illustrated guide to what you can see in the Cotswolds, with word and pen the Author describes this wonderful part of England. From the strange sounding Cotswold towns and villages such as Acton Turville and Wyck Rissington with this guide you will be shown sides of the Cotswolds that the average visitor often misses

An A - Z illustrated guide to what you can see in the Cotswolds, with word and pen the Author describes this wonderful part of England. From the strange sounding Cotswold towns and villages such as Acton Turville and Wyck Rissington with this guide you will be shown sides of the Cotswolds that the average visitor often misses, the text is brought to life with well over 100 pen and ink sketches of Gargoyles and Hobbit like church entrances, Public monuments to medieval punishment tools, Castles to Magic stones, a life time of local knowledge has gone into this book. This book is dedicated to the memory of a great Cotswold artist 'Peter Reardon' Many people will remember seeing Peter's work not only in many Cotswold books, but also as regular features in local newspapers. The poem on the back cover The Cotswolds' is a special creation for us by Cotswold poet and family friend Alfred King This book is not only a great guide to the Cotswolds, but a real product of this wonderful part of England, as it has been written, illustrated, designed, printed and published all within the Cotswold area. The Cotswolds The beauty of the Cotswolds is not new. It is not something that has just come about recently. It is, you might even say, as old as the hills themselves. To the visitor from other parts, it has a unique splendor all it's own. To those fortunate enough to live here, it is seen in a different way. Through the ages this beauty has been captured by the artist's brush, the pen of the writer and in more recent times, the camera lens of the photographer. There are many fine paintings in existence of the great country houses in wonderful settings, and much has been written of the towns and villages of the Cotswolds. But it is not only beauty to be found in these hills, they are rich in history also. The Romans came, stayed a while and then left. They were about the first to leave us monuments of their advanced way of life that we can understand today. Then came the Saxons, the Danes and the Normans. Each left something by which to remember them. In more recent times great houses have been built and are there for all to see, each giving something to history and in particular, the Cotswolds. Some of these features have been included in this book, so that you can be acquainted in words and pictures, with but a few of the details that make up the wonderful story of these hills. The Cotswolds intriguing, majestic, even cruel in its own way. There is a bigness that is breathtaking, especially during the summer, a loneliness that can be frightening during the winter, but always a grandeur, as powerful as an exciting tale that not one little bit must be missed. Perhaps early man found the excitement of these hills a good reason for settling in them. They offered a natural fortification in many instances for settlements, often with views over the valley of the Severn, where animals could be hunted and fish caught in the river. There were also numerous small rivers which offered fish, water and game. It is hoped that your visit to the Cotswolds will be most enjoyable, and if, with the help of these pages, more memorable, then the object of this publication will have been achieved.

The book will help you to get the most out of walking the Cotswold Way - perhaps the best loved of the UK's sixteen designated national trails. It’s special for two reasons: it focuses on the Cotswold Way's natural environment and its archaeology and history; and it’s the work of people with great knowledge and experience of the trail: members of the Cotswold Way Association (CWA), the charity set up in 2016 to promote its conservation and protection, and Cotswold Voluntary Wardens who patrol the trail and lead walks on it. Proceeds from the book, available as paperback and eBook, will go towards the trail’s upkeep and improvement. Chapter 1 spells out the book’s aims and illustrates the types of trail improvement the Cotswold Way Association funds. Chapter 2 introduces you to the Cotswolds that are the trail's setting - in particular, their geology, grasslands and woodland, distinctive settlement pattern of small towns and villages, vernacular architecture and historical monuments - ranging from Neolithic barrows and Iron-age hill forts to Roman villas, medieval castles, manor houses and ‘wool’ churches, along with several notable towers and beacons. Chapters 3-12 deal with the typically ten mile or so long stages of the annual Cotswold Way walks that Cotswold Voluntary Wardens lead. Each one draws attention to the stage's main points of interest and beauty, highlighting a major theme such as outstanding flora and fauna or grand estates or impact of the wool trade and cloth making.

Make the most of your time on Earth™ with The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds Completely revamped for the second edition, The Rough Guide to the Cotswoldsbrings the Cotswolds bang up to date like no other guidebook does. Illustrated in colour throughout, it reviews the best places to eat, drink and stay, and explains how to get around by public transport. Food is a special focus: take in the best of the region's gastronomy with features on specialist farmers' markets and local farm shops, then sample fine dining for all budgets at rural gastropubs and new contemporary restaurants. Discover the best of the area's boutique-styled hotels and top-rated country pubs. In each chapter highlights point to the author's favourites, while there are lively, entertaining accounts of attractions from stately homes and wildlife parks to modern art galleries and country walks. The introduction features what not to miss and itineraries that make the most of the region. Aimed at all budgets, with easy-to-use maps that make sure you don't miss the unmissable.

Make the most of your time on Earth with The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds. Completely revamped for the second edition, The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds brings the Cotswolds up to date like no other guidebook does. Illustrated in color throughout, it reviews the best places to eat, drink, and stay, and explains how to get around by public transport. Food is a special focus: take in the best of the region's gastronomy with features on specialist farmers' markets and local farm shops, then sample fine dining for all budgets at rural gastropubs and new contemporary restaurants. Discover the best of the area's boutique-styled hotels and top-rated country pubs. In each chapter, highlights point to the author's favorites, while there are lively, entertaining accounts of attractions from stately homes and wildlife parks to modern art galleries and country walks. The introduction features what not to miss and itineraries that make the most of the region. This essential guide is aimed at all budgets, with easy-to-use maps that make sure you don't miss the unmissable.