The Cotswolds is rich in cultural attractions, including historic houses, gardens, museums, and castles for visitors to explore. The region offers a variety of opportunities to immerse oneself in the past and appreciate cultural significance.
Museums
Corinium Museum – Cirencester, GL7 2BX
Located at the heart of Cirencester, the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, the principal collection consists of highly significant finds from the Roman town of Corinium, today known as Cirencester. Immerse yourself in the bright and contemporary galleries, where interactive exhibits guide you through a captivating journey across time, outlining the evolution of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric roots to the present day.
Gloucester Folk Museum – Gloucester, GL1 2PG
Take a trip back in time guided by the colourful characters who lived and worked in this row of Tudor houses. Immerse yourself in fascinating facts and gory stories while you explore the many rooms with a serving maid, an undertaker, a Puritan Mayor or other larger than life characters from the past 600 years. The Tour Guides will be dressed in costume, representing a real person connected to the building.
Nature in Art – Twigworth, GL2 9PA
The world’s first museum and art gallery dedicated to fine, decorative and applied art inspired by nature, has a vibrant programme of temporary exhibitions supported by an unrivalled programme of artists in residence. International in scope, appeal and stature, Nature in Art is a must for all those interested in world-class art, nature and heritage. The museum has twice been specially commended in the National Heritage Museum of the Year Awards. With a licensed coffee shop serving meals, plus gardens, free parking and a beautiful setting it’s a wonderful place to visit.
Castles & Palaces
Berkeley Castle – Berkeley, GL13 9PJ
The Castle is one of the March Castles, built to keep out the Welsh. It has all the trappings to match: trip steps designed to make the enemy stumble during an assault, arrow slits, murder holes, enormous barred doors, slots where the portcullis once fell, and worn stones where sentries stood guard. It is also a fairytale Castle with its warm pink stone that glows in soft sunset light. Outside, the battlements drop some 60′ to the Great Lawn below; but inside the Inner Courtyard, the building is on a human scale, with uneven battlements, small towers, doors and windows of every shape and size. The surrounding land would have been flooded for defence.
Sudeley Castle – Winchcombe, GL54 5LP
Walk in the footsteps of some of history’s most notable characters in the castle’s beautiful gardens, join in the busy calendar of exciting events and discover Sudeley’s many treasures in its fascinating exhibition. There are 10 magnificent gardens to explore, each with its own unique style and design and an adventure playground to delight younger visitors and fuel their imaginations.
Blenheim Palace – Woodstock, OX20 1PP
Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire, is an 18th-century masterpiece of English Baroque architecture with historical significance as Churchill’s birthplace. Surrounded by formal gardens and a vast park by Capability Brown, the palace offers a glimpse into aristocratic life. Its interiors display exquisite craftsmanship, lavish furnishings, and an impressive art collection. Exploring State Rooms, strolling the grounds, or admiring the Grand Bridge reveals the splendour of British heritage at Blenheim Palace.
Other Places to Explore
Chedworth Roman Villa – Cheltenham, GL54 3LJ
Cradled in a beautiful Cotswold valley rest the remains of one of the grandest Roman villas in Britain, including in-situ mosaics, two bath-houses and water shrine. There is also a Victorian museum, displaying finds and objects discovered at the villa.
Buscot Park & Gardens – Faringdon, SN7 8BU
Late 18th-century house, set in enchanting landscaped grounds with extensive pleasure gardens, including the Four Seasons garden, the Peto Water garden and woodland avenues.
Snowshill Manor – Broadway, WR12 7JU
Snowshill is the unconventional home of the eccentric Charles Wade, who delighted in creating a stage for his life and passions. Snowshill Manor is a treasure trove of quirky and curious objects. Charles Wade was fascinated by anything hand-crafted and made with skill. Items on display range from mechanical doorbells to suits of armour and costume. The Arts and Crafts garden is an extension of the house, a series of outdoor rooms. It is filled with curious doorways, hidden vistas and unexpected delights.
Click here for more National Trust attractions in the Cotswolds
