If your planning on visiting the Cotswolds then a must see attraction for locals and visitors is the lavender at Snowshill. This is a seasonal attraction as it is dependant on when the lavender is in bloom however at the moment it is the prime time to go.

​Many people visit this wonderful site and the atmosphere and buzz around the lavender is fantastic. Lots of people taking selfies and pictures of their friends and family sat in the lavender and even jumping up! It is really something magnificent to see from a distance the fields of lavender look just like one big purple carpet. There is also a small café and shop on site meaning that you can easily spend a few hours here looking around and having some light lunch. The shop also gives the opportunity to buy some of the lavender plants to take home with you.

Below are a few pictures of our visit last weekend.

Last weekend 17th/18th June the Landmark trust opened the gate to the ruins of Old Campden house and the two refurbished banqueting houses. This gave an opportunity for the public to take a look around the site of this once great manor house as it is usually locked from the public.
​With the sunshine blazing down on us the trip to once again walk around these buildings was a great afternoon out. With a little imagination it is clear to see that once upon a time this house would have been quite something. Built in 1612 by Sir Baptist Hicks it was easily the grandest house in Chipping Campden and villages around the town. Unfortunately due to the fire in 1645 the only remaining part of the original house is a very small ruin which has now turned pink in colour due to the heat of the fire. The Landmark trust have done a fine job in refurbishing the two banqueting houses and these are available to rent throughout the year.
​Below are some of the pictures of the site that we took on our visit, hope you enjoy.

Have you seen our new and exciting competition for this month?

​We have a new mascot for our webpages and we need you to help us chose a name, for more information please visit our partner site www.thecampdenwonder.com

​The winner who comes up with the most fitting name for our bear will win one for themselves and one runner up will win a limited edition Campden Wonder china mug.

​Good luck and get thinking! .....

The weather is getting warmer and the events in the Cotswolds now start to get busier in preparation for the summer and visitors coming on their summer holidays. I love the Cotswolds and I think one reason that it is very popular with visitors is because there is a lot of choice of activities and often there is something for everyone to keep them entertained during their stay.

Old Campden House is a very popular site with many visitors to the town of Chipping Campden wanting to see the ruins of the original house and the east and west banqueting houses. At the moment there is an archaeological dig around the ruins to try and see if any more evidence and clues can be given for what would have been a truly magnificent house. The ruin and banqueting houses are closed to the public however are available to rent through the landmark trust. Every year there are open days where the grounds are opened up the public to go and view. The dates for this year are the 17th & 18th June.

​Interestingly there is also a theatre production being shown here on 16th & 17th June at 7pm from a local theatre company. The production is going to be of William Shakespeare's 'A midsummers night dream,' if you are visiting the area around these dates I think that this really would be an amazing event to attend. I can only imagine how magical the show is going to be and feel sat watching in the grounds of Old Campden House.

​For more information please visit the landmark trust and Sudden impulse theatre company for tickets and further information.

​We would also love to hear from anyone who has been to the site or are hoping to visit the site on the open days this year!

Throughout the year there are many different seasonal events that take place within the Cotswolds towns and villages, ranging from traditional annual festivities to newer and one off events. One of the main events that is taking place in March is the Cheltenham festival.

The Cheltenham festival is a popular event in the National Hunt racing calendar held every March at Cheltenham Racecourse, Cheltenham Gloucestershire this year running from the 14th-17th March. 

There are many popular races within this festival including the Gold Cup, Queen Mother champion race, champion hurdle and world hurdle which is held over four days. The Cheltenham festival originated in 1860 and is becoming more and more popular with visitors coming from all over the world to attend. Accommodation and local amenities become very full so it is always advisable to book well in advance, some people even repeat their booking for the following year during their stay!

The festival is also televised so if you don’t manage to go or would rather be away from the crowds you can still be kept up to date with live coverage and results. Lots of money is lost and won and the atmosphere of this event makes an impression on people.

The festival normally co-incides with St Patricks day and as the races are attended by a lot of people from Ireland there is a lot of merriment and celebration throughout these four days.

The Cotswolds have been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty since 1966, running from the border regions of Worcestershire and south Warwickshire through Gloucestershire and west Oxfordshire, as well as taking in parts of Wiltshire, Bath and somerset.

One of the attractions for many visitors to the Cotswolds is the 'Cotswold way' a walk of just over 100 miles through beautiful Cotswold towns and villages. Also known for its historic buildings and interesting character the famous Cotswold stone does wonders in showing off said buildings. Cotswold stone is a yellow limestone rich in fossils, the appearance of this stone is often described as honey coloured and golden.

There are many different attractions within the Cotswolds for everybodies interests, stately homes, activity parks, farm parks and the annual festivities in different towns and villages throughout the year. No matter what season you visit there is always lots to do and see to fill your time on your trip. Although ever changing to keep up to date for visitors and tourists the charm of the Cotswolds is never lost and the natural beauty of the area is always preserved.

Have you visited the Cotswolds? if so what did you enjoy the most? please feel free to leave a comment for me to read.
Megan.

I love winter time in the Cotswolds, with the dark nights and christmas lights that start appearing in the towns and villages its a beautiful place to visit. Although it gets cold outside there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to keep you warm and out of the cold while still enjoying the relaxing Cotswold atmosphere. Depending on the weather that we get through the winter months there can be some perfect opportunites for some great pictures of the area especially if we get hard frosts or even a covering of snow. Lots of towns and villages will put on different christmas events for the public from victorian street markets to trees of light to visiting santa or even a lovely christmas inspired meal.

Below are a few picutres of winter over the last couple of years in Chipping Campden. I think this shows how beautiful this area is even in the winter.

Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I still do.

Autumn time in the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful times of the year, the trees are glorious colours of red and oranges and the lightness of the Cotswold stone buildings is really reflected off the colour of the trees and greenery. Above are just a few pictures of some of the beautiful sights in the Cotswolds during the Autumn. The Autumn is a perfect time of year for visitors to see this gorgeous part of the world and we still have many different events and places to visit during this period. All of the local gardens and arboretums look amazing at this time and it is great to appreciate the scenery before the winter hits and we lose this lovely colour scenery for another year.
Hope you enjoy the beautiful pictures.
Megan.