Stay a While
INTRODUCTION
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If you are traveling to the area and not very familiar with it this should give you a little insight on where to stay to begin your Discovery Trail adventures.
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Here we provide an overall impression of the Cotswolds, its geography and character, spread of towns, countryside and cities all in relation to the Cotswolds Discovery Trail, giving those seriously thinking of or who have purchased a Trail Pack an idea of some places you might want to consider staying.
Hot accommodation recommendation
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Barncastle and Barncottage
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Beautiful huge barn conversions a mile south of the Queen of the Cotswolds, Painswick
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Barncastle - 5 large bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Barncottage - 2 bedrooms
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CHELTENHAM
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One of the Cotswolds biggest and most famous towns is Cheltenham. If you would prefer a town setting for your accommodation it's ideal with plenty of nightlife to choose from with excellent restaurants, bars and theatre. Have a look at the diverse accommodation options here.
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It's an ideal location to set off from for both the south or north Cotswold Discovery Trails and it's not on the Trails themselves so its the perfect compliment to them. Situated in the Severn Valley you can escape town heading east straight out on the A40 towards Northleach to begin the north trail. To join the south Trail head south on the A435 for 3 miles.
COTSWOLD WATER PARK
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The Cotswold Water Park is an area of 40 square miles, with more than 150 lakes set across the countryside of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. This beautiful setting has a diverse range of lakeside accommodation options and activities.
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It is about 4 miles south of Cirencester offering a perfect starting location to complete the South Discovery Trail from. Depending on your location in the water park it will be approximately a 30 minute drive to Burford to each the North Cotswold Discovery Trail.
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One of the best options in the water park is Log House Holidays with 8 distinct and luxury Scandinavian log cabins.
BATH & BRISTOL
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Bath is a charming town just south of the Cotswolds, famous for its Roman Baths and regency architecture. It is a fabulous place to stay and visit with lots of local attracts and a bustling night time economy. Access to the south Discovery Trail is an easy drive 14 miles north to Badminton on the A46. The north Trail is not accessible from Bath for a day trip so you could plan a night or twos stay further north in the Cotswolds.
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Bristol is Baths big brother lying to the west. It's the regions big city but a great place to stay and explore in itself. It has a cool city vibe with a rich and vibrant culture and character unique to Bristol. 'Gurt lush'. It's a similar distance south to the Trails but the M5 motorway provides quicker and easier access to both Trails
GEMS ON AND NEAR THE TRAILS​
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The Cotswolds is littered with fantastic places to stay. Here are a few suggestions that are on or near the routes.
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The Crown Inn at Frampton Mansell is a stunning country pub, restaurant and hotel a short distance from the A419 between Stroud and Cirencester in the little village of Frampton Mansell.
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Honeypot Cottages offer a large number of amazing Cotswold Cottages in and around the beautiful small town of Chipping Campden in the north Cotswolds. Chipping Campden is a start point on our north Discovery Trail.
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Aylworth Manor is a luxury bed and breakfast set in a secluded countryside setting in the heart of the Cotswolds within easy reach of both north and south Discovery Trails.
Book amazing Cotswold accommodation with Bolthole Retreats.
We have a large portfolio of beautiful self-catering Cotswold cottages in the most stunning Cotswold villages. Whether you are planning a family get-together, meeting up with friends, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, Bolthole Retreats have the perfect Cotswold holiday property for you. Instant Book Available.
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