As someone who has spent years driving around the Cotswolds the best way to really see them is to get lost. Travel the small roads pick a route and see what’s there. Places like Burton on the water are like theme parks but you can go a couple of miles and find yourself in another world. Cycling is a brilliant way to see the villages at the right pace and the walking is amazing. Also get a good pub guide there are some excellent pubs in tiny villages that serve great food.
They are not not people here, I peed in someone’s garden and damaged a few shrubs and some woman come out and swore me, I was rather upset and will not be going back
Respect the countryside. We que don’t que jump. Please support the local shops and buy stuff. We have amazing local produce. Lastly the countryside is VERY dog friendly. Don’t huff when you have a meal in a pub because you are surrounded by our furry friends go to the city’s if it upsets you. That said have a wonderful time and we look forward to chatting to you on your travels. We are a friendly bunch. X
It's not just the countryside that's dog friendly these days, everywhere is, even in the residential areas of cities. Unfortunately, not all of us are dog fans...
These places get crowded with tourists (including me), and it puts me off going during the busy season. I might consider an off season, like a busy October work day when most people are back to work, but it is still sunny and autumn like.
I walked the Cotswolds Way lastly year. It really is a beautiful area. Everyone seems to have a beautiful garden. We got to ring the bells in Chipping Campden. Book your hotels in advance.
I drive buses in the Cotswolds, lots of tourists use the buses. Public transport is a great way to beat the parking issues. At the major tourist hot spots, you can really struggle to park. It's possible you will have to queue to get a space.
We really enjoyed the Cotswolds. Beautiful scenery and people. Actually stayed in Lucy’s Tearoom in Stow. Had a fabulous time there and they served amazing food.
Many people who lived in the Cotswolds have been driven out by tourists. The towns were market towns - now they are tourist tat town. Shops that sold food/hardware etc now sell twee souvenirs.
How much of that is down to tourists rather than just the way the world has changed? It isn’t as if every other market town in the UK is like something out of a 1950s children’s book. Tourist tat and excessive numbers of cafes are at least better than empty shop fronts.
I visited the Cotswolds twice. Once for the Badminton Horse Trials (amazing) and once in late autumn. Spent a day tootling about. Beautiful cottages and villages and no crowds. The crowds in your video are intense. Wow.
One thing I always look for in the small, older English villages are the war memorials. They are very moving and old world looking...and just about every village has a couple!
You won't find one in the pretty Cotswold village of Upper Slaughter. Every young man from that village who fought in the Great War came back again. Its one of England's "grateful parishes" or "thankful villages"
I hiked the Cotswolds Way back in March, my favourite villages were Chopping Campdon- beautiful little village with oolitic limestone (the village actually looks even better after a spell of rain, as the ooids really pop out to the eye when wet). Also Painswick I really liked, the village has a quaint feel to it, don't miss the church with it's 99 Yew trees. Other fine places included a wee place over the hill from Painswick called Sheepscombe, more of a hamlet but just was lovely - and not a tour bus about; and Winchcombe is also a very nice village, pop into the museum on a weekend to view the Winchcombe meteorite.
First time I visited Chipping Campden it had been raining heavily. I parked by the almshouses. went for a wander and loved it. I've also been to Winchcombe and went for a walk through Sudeley Park to find the hidden roman villa and mosaic in Spoonley wood. I'm from Sheffield not far from the Peak District where the towns and villages get very busy too but you don't get the same level of foreign tourists with coach loads of them.
I'm lucky enough to have retired to a tiny town in the Cotswolds, not too far from Blenheim Palace. It's not really on the tourist trail, but the centre is still beautiful. On thing about the Cotswolds, is that it is now considered a very wealthy area, and it's true that the wool trade brought in a lot of money. However, from the end of the 18th century, it became quite impoverished, at least for the ordinary people. That was because it was largely bypassed by the Industrial Revolution, and what was left in the country areas was agricultural, which was notoriously poorly paid. That started to turn around again in the late 19th, but especially from the middle of the 20th century as the area was opened up, firstly by the railways, but especially the private car. Then it was re-discovered by the metropolitan elite. Many very run down villages have had their houses gentrified, and it has changed the area hugely since WW II. It has also gained a certain notoriety due to the media fascination with some high profile individuals that live in the area. nb. I should add that the story in some of the bigger towns and cities like Bath is a bit different to the true country areas.
I was there last month - stayed in a small village off the beaten track. I'd recommend avoiding the weekends and maybe focus on two or three of the more popular places and get there before lunch - the earlier the better. Maybe even have breakfast in one and coffee in another and then find some out of the way places to go for the rest of the day. Although if you're in the area on a Sunday, the Sunday roast at the Blue Boar in Chipping Norton was really good.
Don't forget the Cotswolds isn't just Bibury, Bourton etc - explore some of the other towns and villages like The Slaughters, Winchcombe, Northleach and so on. He's not kidding about the size though - it's the biggest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the country. Cheltenham is your festival town - National Hunt horse racing, science, music, literature, jazz, food and drink, street art, and I've probably missed one or two. Cheese rolling isn't part of the Cotswold Olympicks - that's a separate event held on the late May bank holiday at Coopers Hill, just outside Cheltenham (not Dover's Hill, just out side Chipping Camden).
I ended up doing a tour bus venture to the Cotswolds from London this year in April and wished the entire time that I could have had the ability to see the Cotswolds on my own time instead of in such a per-packaged and time constrained way. The tour guide was great and the bus was good, but I didn't feel like I got any more than just a tourist quick sneak peak at what the Cotswolds have to offer. If you're more of an off the beaten path to enjoy the area how locals do type of person, a packaged tour will feel hollow. It's worth finding accommodations in a larger Cotswolds village or Bath and then either taking public transit or driving around to really experience it (during the week as Mark says!). If you just want to check off a box, a tour bus is fine though. Also agree with Mark - Bath is AMAZING and a great place to use a home base point for further exploration.
My hometown is close to the Cotswolds. When we fly back from Australia to visit the family we always use Birmingham. It's a smaller airport so customs and immigration aren't as hectic as Heathrow. Plus, picking up a hire car is a short walk from the terminal. We often do day trips to the Cotswolds. Our trick, get there early before the crowds build up.
I was surprised by just how beautiful this area is. Everything you say is true. The food was great. Your reminders come at a time when I'm thinking of relocating to this area. Thanks for the tour and the tips.
it usually wasn't the pious peasant's generous donations that funded the construction of those churches, monasteries, etc, as they generally were quite busy trying not to starve, but rather the taxes levied on the highly regulated markets by whoever held the title: either some lord, or the church itself, basically who owned the place that was granted the right to host markets. (and wool was a major cash crop)
I live around an hour from the Cotswolds near Bath and never even heard of Bibury, surprising you considered it a typical favourite of tourists haha, I used to stop at Bourton on the Water on my way to and from uni
I've never understood the British passion for self-loathing. The UK is so full of beauty and history. The worst parts of America are orders of magnitude worse than the worst parts of Britain. Gary, Indiana makes Bradford look like Vatican City.
Thank you for the information. I signed up for a group trip to England April-May 2025. We'll be staying near Stroud, and the event includes a few days touring the Cotswolds (Highgrove, Rodmarton, Cirencester, and Kelmscott Manor), then on to a place near London for shopping and touring. I'm already keeping an eye out for comfy water-resistant/proof sneakers ;)
@@bretaskinner3143 if you’re staying near Stroud do try and visit the farmers market on a Saturday 9am-2pm. People travel far and wide as it’s a great market. There isn’t too much else worth seeing as a tourist in Stroud but Cirencester is only 25 mins away and that’s a lovely town
Often people do not realise the Cotswolds style towns and villages extends down into Wiltshire too. I live in the 12th century town of Malmesbury a beautiful old town with the oldest hotel in England and the abbey founded 1180 and we have the tomb of the first king of England Athelstan.
Perfect timing Mark! We're heading to the Cotswolds in a few weeks! I am *sooo* disappointed that Yellow isn't the official color though... maybe that's something I can work on changing! :)
I live in Cheltenham too. It is as near as dammit. From my window I can see Cleeve Hill which is the highest point of the Cotswolds. About 4 miles. You are splitting hairs.
Thank you for not forgetting the Cotswold Olympics, which is the main reason I've heard of Chipping Campden: some of the "debatable" events there have also included some archaic martial arts or combat sports that I find interesting. It would also be nice to know if there's any kind of museum or monument to the "Campden Wonder" criminal case of the 17th century, which actually influenced American law.
As someone who lives near the Cotswolds, my advice would be: 1. Know what the cotswolds are and why you want to visit - unfortunately it does seem that many people come just because it is on some instagram list and dont realise that it isn't one single place but is a large mostly rural area. Come because you want to see and walk around that countryside 2. Don't think the cotswolds is the be all and end all - imo Oxfordshire outside the Cotswolds is just as nice as the bit inside the Cotswolds. 3. The most famous villages are heavily overtouristed. Probably best avoiding - there are plenty of other villages just as nice.
Also, I don't think it's worth a flying visit from London. You'll at best scratch the surface, and there are plenty of picturesque places nearer London.
I would add that Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire in and around the Cotswolds are the same as Oxfordshire loads of beautiful places technically outside.
I was born and have lived in The Cotswolds all my life (and my ancestors for 300+ years) - it’s beautiful but have to agree that there’s so many other equally stunning areas in the UK. I was priced out of living where I grew up because of newcomers and had to move elsewhere to a less popular area. It’s sad!
That was my question, according to tony Robinson he has always said if walking through the UK and you come upon a gate. Leave it the same way you found it. If it's open leave it open if closed then close it behind you. If that's not correct please let me know because I intend on taking a walk around the UK.
Hey Mark, It seems like you have been in the Cotswolds very recently. We're on our way there tomorrow and are a little perplexed about the weather and what to pack. It appears that one day we might need long sleeves and a jacket and the next day shorts and T-shirts? Can you let me know, generally, what the days are like during September. We're in the Cotswolds about 10 days, then on to the Lake District and finishing up in Yorkshire. Thanks, Darren
Did you catch Welsh Viking's salute to your model in five things he hates about living in a historic city? Talked about how overwhelming the tourists are in York.
Mark, I would even PREFER not to stay in one of the small Cotswold towns. We stayed in London, took the one and a half hour train ride to Moreton-in-Marsh, rented bikes from Cotswold Cycles (which I can highly recommend) and biked all over. (As an added treat, we ran into you in the market square in Stow on the Wold while you were making this video!) Electric Bicycles are a great way to get around the Cotswolds, and it’s not as scary as driving on the left-hand side of the narrow roads
There's really only a handful of places that get really bad - Bourton, Bibury, Broadway, Stow on the Wold maybe. Most towns and villages aren't overrun.
Mark, I live in and am from Atlanta, GA. 42, single. On Social Security Disability, SSD. I'm very interested in immigrating to another country. First choices are either Canada or UK. However, non-English speaking countries I'm moderately-considerably thinking about are: Mexico, Brazil, France, Netherlands. Of all of these, I have up till now only experienced/visited UK (3 times) and Brazil (2 times). What would you suggest I do and how does one immigrate successfully from US to any of these countries? If I were to move, I want to have immigrated by, at the very most, 2030. Thanks.
I live nearby in Cirencester, but I have to say it has been too many tourist in the last couple of years. Every time I drive through Bibury I get frustrated with all the tourists. The small village is not made for this large amount of numbers of people. I blame all the Airbnb's for the over tourism. Before when hotels were booked it was full and that was it you had to come another time. The good old times.
For visitors to the UK do your research, the Cotswolds is far from the only lovely area in England (or the rest of the country). For example, not too far from London there are lovely areas in Essex and Suffolk that are full of old world villages. That like the Cotswolds also made their money from wool and whom the industrial revolution passed by.
Does the UK still have local BTAs? I have't been to England or Scotland in 3 decades but the last time I was there I got lovely B&Bs through going to a local BTA. I don't know if that's still a thing.
Tourist information office? Maybe in bigger places for tour booking etc, but everyone researches and books online. You can’t just turn and find a bed for the night, there will be no room at the Inn.
Do people get paid to actually live in these houses? It must be hell on earth! I live in Berlin, not far from the center (or one of the centers). We got loads of tourists too, but cities like Berlin can handle that. Since we don't have overtourism, we are annoying us mutually. 😂
@@aperturix not only do they not get paid but those houses are very expensive, driving out the local youth. But hey, at least that frees up another holiday home.
So many other beautiful country towns other than the Cotswolds. Try Stamford. No tourists and gorgeous stone buildings, restaurants and small independent shops.
@@PastaSauce. Stamford is lovely but it is not surrounded by dozens of other beautiful villages like the Cotswolds. I do not know of another area where there are so many other beautiful towns and villages all within a short distance of one another as the Cotswolds.
@@valeriedavidson2785 Well I have travelled the villages directly South-West of Stamford before, and there are so, so many gorgeous stone villages all throughout Rutland and Northamptonshire (I call it the “second Cotswolds” due to the similarity in the building stone, just with a lot more thatch). Not to mention the high concentration of stately homes (especially from the 16th century). We have to remember that there are hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of gorgeous old villages and market towns across the English countryside. English counties such as Suffolk, Kent, North Yorkshire, Dorset, East and West Sussex, Somerset, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Cornwall, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Rutland, Norfolk, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Cumbria, Surrey, Shropshire, Cambridgeshire, Northumberland, Berkshire, the *northern* half of Essex etc (North Essex is very similar to Suffolk in having so many brightly colored medieval thatched villages, and very different to the stereotype of the county which is based more on the south; closer to London), have all been wonderful to explore by car for me, and contain endless examples of gorgeous historic villages/ small towns in the local architecture of the region. There will be a couple of counties that do not offer the same variety compared to the examples I listed, but the vast majority have *so* very much to offer. I absolutely adore the Cotswolds (and yes it is very tourist friendly for first time visitors), but I also totally adore so many other regions of the English countryside for picturesque village exploration too. I’m also not originally from England, but have lived in beautiful Suffolk now for many years, and been able to do a lot of travelling.
That Tea room in Stow-on-the-Wold has a panic button under the counter and if Kerry Mucklowe takes one step inside, the police will be there in 3 minutes.
Well Wolter, the idea of seeing as many villages as possible until the sun sets is a very American thing. Must be because you don't have any decent paid holidays. Or because you spend a good part of your life in the car anyhow. However all that driving around in one day increases the problem of overtourism. Get out of your car and go walking. I wish I could.
The prettiest villages in England aren't the costwolds theyre in Yorkshire. The best county in all of England. Home to the best city in the world. Leeds. York is cool too
@@jjinwien9054 No commercial GM rapeseed (or other) crops are grown in the UK. You can buy regular cold pressed and extra virgin rapeseed oils in most supermarkets and local stores.
@@Funeemanit’s beautiful in areas but vapid somewhere because of celebrities and Londoners moving there and the thousands of tourists it’s lost its appeal
Hi! I see great potential in your channel. As an experienced editor, I can make your videos more engaging and your thumbnails more eye-catching. Let’s take your content to the next level!"
The Welsh Marches are far more beautiful in my opinion, especially as you head into the Black Mountains. The Cotswolds is the place to go for tourists, not travellers. Pretty accurate video though.
@@woltersworld But why are you promoting excessively driving all the time? Not only in this video. I aprecciate your work but lately you are straining my nerves a bit. Here in Europe we don't do it like you do in the US where you have to get in the car to reach a supermarket. I a city, that is. You know what? You could actually stay in a place for some time and take in the mood. Calm down. It's possible. This permanent fear of missing out might be okay for a seventeen year old like my son but not for a seasoned traveller like you. And if you have realized that by now you should not give opposite advice to your followers. If people follow your advice the world will become an even more stressfull place.
Glad you've finally realised that there are lots of really lovely places in Southern England apart from London (where many of us never actually go). I thought you had been completely taken in by Northern marketing/propaganda.
Also.. Mark.. please Bath is in the South of England... there it is pronounced Barth... Bath without the lengthened A is how northerners mispronounce it.. please, it makes me cringe slightly, but it's one of those local nuances, similar to the pronunciation of Shrewsbury which depends which side of the river you come from..
Be civil & respectful before commenting??? Respect the sheep in the field instead of referring to them as a meal twice in this vlog... vile... perhaps diet foods should be on your plate..... ??? Unsubscribed!
The most important don't of the Grotswolds is don't visit. Unwelcoming, conceited residents, pastiche cream stone villages and bland boring countryside. Visit somewhere more worthwhile instead. If you don't believe me, look at the hostile comments on here from those claiming to be residents.
That's a little unkind. I would rather suggest, do your research there are lots of lovely places in the Cotswolds that are not on the tourist trail. Visit them instead, the local shop owners will be grateful for your money.
@stevebarlow3154 no, the Royal Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are far more picturesque. Residents of the grotswolds are trying to close down all the quarries in the grotswolds, even though its about the only sustainable business that occurs there. As for calling it a 'national landscape', don't make me laugh..
@@billyskoda6839 I have family living in Herefordshire, so I am well aware of places like the Golden Valley and all the beautiful half timbered villages, that thankfully are not so well known to tourists. Incomers and second home owners often forget that the locals need to make a living and the area is not an unchanging museum.
It's just because you live in Belfast. Fortunately, I'm not so chauvinistic. I live in Bath, and am taking the car over to Ireland for a driving holiday covering north and south (but not Dublin, which IS boring) in 2 weeks time. Got 3 nights in Belfast. What do you find "boring" about England?
@borschbandit It's your choice, but you are missing out on a lot of beautiful and very varied scenery and a lot of history too. The natives are quite friendly too!
As someone who has spent years driving around the Cotswolds the best way to really see them is to get lost. Travel the small roads pick a route and see what’s there. Places like Burton on the water are like theme parks but you can go a couple of miles and find yourself in another world. Cycling is a brilliant way to see the villages at the right pace and the walking is amazing.
Also get a good pub guide there are some excellent pubs in tiny villages that serve great food.
That road that goes through Naunton and the Guitings. A lot quieter and less touristy. You might see some walkers.
Bourton on the water , my Grandmother lived in that place .Don't tell the locals its like a theme park .🤣🤣
@@antonycharnock2993 That’s a really good example, a great road.
If you’re ever in this part of the world again, let me know and I can point you in the right direction.
They are not not people here, I peed in someone’s garden and damaged a few shrubs and some woman come out and swore me, I was rather upset and will not be going back
Respect the countryside. We que don’t que jump. Please support the local shops and buy stuff. We have amazing local produce. Lastly the countryside is VERY dog friendly. Don’t huff when you have a meal in a pub because you are surrounded by our furry friends go to the city’s if it upsets you. That said have a wonderful time and we look forward to chatting to you on your travels. We are a friendly bunch. X
Super dog friendly
That suits ME fine: I'd rather dine with doggos than most people.
@@TheSaneHatter we look forward to seeing you soon.
It's not just the countryside that's dog friendly these days, everywhere is, even in the residential areas of cities. Unfortunately, not all of us are dog fans...
I live near one of these towns and tourists just stand in the road blocking up traffic, please be aware people work here so watch out in the road
And thank you for sharing your beautiful country.
I was born in The Cotswolds. Thank you for helping to put us on the map.
These places get crowded with tourists (including me), and it puts me off going during the busy season. I might consider an off season, like a busy October work day when most people are back to work, but it is still sunny and autumn like.
I walked the Cotswolds Way lastly year. It really is a beautiful area. Everyone seems to have a beautiful garden. We got to ring the bells in Chipping Campden. Book your hotels in advance.
I really feel for the residents. If I ived there, I would want peace and quiet.
The Cotswolds is an hour away from my house, many places look like that round here.
Thank you for visiting us here in The Cotswolds, we do enjoy your company
I drive buses in the Cotswolds, lots of tourists use the buses. Public transport is a great way to beat the parking issues. At the major tourist hot spots, you can really struggle to park. It's possible you will have to queue to get a space.
If you are staying in the southern end like Bath, don't miss out on what is Somerset too, Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury, all the little cider farms
We really enjoyed the Cotswolds. Beautiful scenery and people. Actually stayed in Lucy’s Tearoom in Stow. Had a fabulous time there and they served amazing food.
Many people who lived in the Cotswolds have been driven out by tourists. The towns were market towns - now they are tourist tat town. Shops that sold food/hardware etc now sell twee souvenirs.
How much of that is down to tourists rather than just the way the world has changed? It isn’t as if every other market town in the UK is like something out of a 1950s children’s book. Tourist tat and excessive numbers of cafes are at least better than empty shop fronts.
@@alistairbannerman8528 So your whole attitude appears to be 'something negative is better than nothing ?''
People able to make a living is better than unemployment, yes.
I visited the Cotswolds twice. Once for the Badminton Horse Trials (amazing) and once in late autumn. Spent a day tootling about. Beautiful cottages and villages and no crowds. The crowds in your video are intense. Wow.
One thing I always look for in the small, older English villages are the war memorials. They are very moving and old world looking...and just about every village has a couple!
You won't find one in the pretty Cotswold village of Upper Slaughter. Every young man from that village who fought in the Great War came back again. Its one of England's "grateful parishes" or "thankful villages"
Think about visiting Malvern if you're visiting, can get there on the Moreton-in-Marsh train line.
He is actually trying to talk quietly! Very pleased.
I hiked the Cotswolds Way back in March, my favourite villages were Chopping Campdon- beautiful little village with oolitic limestone (the village actually looks even better after a spell of rain, as the ooids really pop out to the eye when wet). Also Painswick I really liked, the village has a quaint feel to it, don't miss the church with it's 99 Yew trees. Other fine places included a wee place over the hill from Painswick called Sheepscombe, more of a hamlet but just was lovely - and not a tour bus about; and Winchcombe is also a very nice village, pop into the museum on a weekend to view the Winchcombe meteorite.
First time I visited Chipping Campden it had been raining heavily. I parked by the almshouses. went for a wander and loved it. I've also been to Winchcombe and went for a walk through Sudeley Park to find the hidden roman villa and mosaic in Spoonley wood. I'm from Sheffield not far from the Peak District where the towns and villages get very busy too but you don't get the same level of foreign tourists with coach loads of them.
Great timing! I was supposed to visit Castle Combe today. Glad I waited haha!
I'm lucky enough to have retired to a tiny town in the Cotswolds, not too far from Blenheim Palace. It's not really on the tourist trail, but the centre is still beautiful.
On thing about the Cotswolds, is that it is now considered a very wealthy area, and it's true that the wool trade brought in a lot of money. However, from the end of the 18th century, it became quite impoverished, at least for the ordinary people. That was because it was largely bypassed by the Industrial Revolution, and what was left in the country areas was agricultural, which was notoriously poorly paid. That started to turn around again in the late 19th, but especially from the middle of the 20th century as the area was opened up, firstly by the railways, but especially the private car. Then it was re-discovered by the metropolitan elite.
Many very run down villages have had their houses gentrified, and it has changed the area hugely since WW II. It has also gained a certain notoriety due to the media fascination with some high profile individuals that live in the area.
nb. I should add that the story in some of the bigger towns and cities like Bath is a bit different to the true country areas.
I was there last month - stayed in a small village off the beaten track. I'd recommend avoiding the weekends and maybe focus on two or three of the more popular places and get there before lunch - the earlier the better. Maybe even have breakfast in one and coffee in another and then find some out of the way places to go for the rest of the day. Although if you're in the area on a Sunday, the Sunday roast at the Blue Boar in Chipping Norton was really good.
Don't forget the Cotswolds isn't just Bibury, Bourton etc - explore some of the other towns and villages like The Slaughters, Winchcombe, Northleach and so on. He's not kidding about the size though - it's the biggest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the country. Cheltenham is your festival town - National Hunt horse racing, science, music, literature, jazz, food and drink, street art, and I've probably missed one or two. Cheese rolling isn't part of the Cotswold Olympicks - that's a separate event held on the late May bank holiday at Coopers Hill, just outside Cheltenham (not Dover's Hill, just out side Chipping Camden).
@@malthuswasright Cirencester too!
@@rocklobstah1876 Absolutely!
Thanks, Mark for sharing this. Beautiful part of England. Burford us worth a visit ✨👌🙌
Thanks for highlighting the Cotswolds. Lots of exciting places to visit
I live in the cotswolds glad you in enjoyed it.
I ended up doing a tour bus venture to the Cotswolds from London this year in April and wished the entire time that I could have had the ability to see the Cotswolds on my own time instead of in such a per-packaged and time constrained way. The tour guide was great and the bus was good, but I didn't feel like I got any more than just a tourist quick sneak peak at what the Cotswolds have to offer. If you're more of an off the beaten path to enjoy the area how locals do type of person, a packaged tour will feel hollow. It's worth finding accommodations in a larger Cotswolds village or Bath and then either taking public transit or driving around to really experience it (during the week as Mark says!). If you just want to check off a box, a tour bus is fine though. Also agree with Mark - Bath is AMAZING and a great place to use a home base point for further exploration.
@@afpherian I love Bath too but if you want a base for the Cotswolds Cheltenham or Cirencester are nearer than Bath.
My hometown is close to the Cotswolds. When we fly back from Australia to visit the family we always use Birmingham. It's a smaller airport so customs and immigration aren't as hectic as Heathrow. Plus, picking up a hire car is a short walk from the terminal. We often do day trips to the Cotswolds. Our trick, get there early before the crowds build up.
I was surprised by just how beautiful this area is. Everything you say is true. The food was great. Your reminders come at a time when I'm thinking of relocating to this area. Thanks for the tour and the tips.
Thank you!
it usually wasn't the pious peasant's generous donations that funded the construction of those churches, monasteries, etc, as they generally were quite busy trying not to starve, but rather the taxes levied on the highly regulated markets by whoever held the title: either some lord, or the church itself, basically who owned the place that was granted the right to host markets. (and wool was a major cash crop)
I live around an hour from the Cotswolds near Bath and never even heard of Bibury, surprising you considered it a typical favourite of tourists haha, I used to stop at Bourton on the Water on my way to and from uni
What a beautiful area. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤
I've never understood the British passion for self-loathing. The UK is so full of beauty and history. The worst parts of America are orders of magnitude worse than the worst parts of Britain. Gary, Indiana makes Bradford look like Vatican City.
Thank you for the information. I signed up for a group trip to England April-May 2025. We'll be staying near Stroud, and the event includes a few days touring the Cotswolds (Highgrove, Rodmarton, Cirencester, and Kelmscott Manor), then on to a place near London for shopping and touring. I'm already keeping an eye out for comfy water-resistant/proof sneakers ;)
@@bretaskinner3143 if you’re staying near Stroud do try and visit the farmers market on a Saturday 9am-2pm. People travel far and wide as it’s a great market. There isn’t too much else worth seeing as a tourist in Stroud but Cirencester is only 25 mins away and that’s a lovely town
Great Video. Thanks for highlighting the Cotswolds.
Our pleasure! Wonderful place to visit.
Go to Bourton on the water at Christmas! It's really beautiful with the tree and lights.
Often people do not realise the Cotswolds style towns and villages extends down into Wiltshire too. I live in the 12th century town of Malmesbury a beautiful old town with the oldest hotel in England and the abbey founded 1180 and we have the tomb of the first king of England Athelstan.
Perfect timing Mark! We're heading to the Cotswolds in a few weeks! I am *sooo* disappointed that Yellow isn't the official color though... maybe that's something I can work on changing! :)
Hey Mark, awesome video
Hey, thanks!
Mark,
Also, my next international trip will either be to Canada, France, or The Netherlands.
Wolter. Cheltenham is a beautiful town. It used to rival Bath 200 years ago.
@@valeriedavidson2785 but it's not in the cotswols ! I live there
I live in Cheltenham too. It is as near as dammit. From my window I can see Cleeve Hill which is the highest point of the Cotswolds. About 4 miles. You are splitting hairs.
@@valeriedavidson2785 the Cotswolds do not start until the escarpment of cleeve hill
It's not splitting hairs,it's a geological fact
Thank you for not forgetting the Cotswold Olympics, which is the main reason I've heard of Chipping Campden: some of the "debatable" events there have also included some archaic martial arts or combat sports that I find interesting. It would also be nice to know if there's any kind of museum or monument to the "Campden Wonder" criminal case of the 17th century, which actually influenced American law.
Thanks 😊
As someone who lives near the Cotswolds, my advice would be:
1. Know what the cotswolds are and why you want to visit - unfortunately it does seem that many people come just because it is on some instagram list and dont realise that it isn't one single place but is a large mostly rural area. Come because you want to see and walk around that countryside
2. Don't think the cotswolds is the be all and end all - imo Oxfordshire outside the Cotswolds is just as nice as the bit inside the Cotswolds.
3. The most famous villages are heavily overtouristed. Probably best avoiding - there are plenty of other villages just as nice.
Also, I don't think it's worth a flying visit from London. You'll at best scratch the surface, and there are plenty of picturesque places nearer London.
I would add that Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire in and around the Cotswolds are the same as Oxfordshire loads of beautiful places technically outside.
Great advice
I was born and have lived in The Cotswolds all my life (and my ancestors for 300+ years) - it’s beautiful but have to agree that there’s so many other equally stunning areas in the UK. I was priced out of living where I grew up because of newcomers and had to move elsewhere to a less popular area. It’s sad!
DON’t forget to get lost if you are driving ! A great way to discover places you never heard of
It really is gorgeous just driving the back roads
That was my question, according to tony Robinson he has always said if walking through the UK and you come upon a gate. Leave it the same way you found it. If it's open leave it open if closed then close it behind you. If that's not correct please let me know because I intend on taking a walk around the UK.
Hey Mark, It seems like you have been in the Cotswolds very recently. We're on our way there tomorrow and are a little perplexed about the weather and what to pack. It appears that one day we might need long sleeves and a jacket and the next day shorts and T-shirts? Can you let me know, generally, what the days are like during September. We're in the Cotswolds about 10 days, then on to the Lake District and finishing up in Yorkshire. Thanks, Darren
That's really interesting!!! I wish i ll visit them someday
I had some wonderful unforgettible moments in Costwold
I'd never diss the sheep! That'd be bhaaaaaad!
Did you catch Welsh Viking's salute to your model in five things he hates about living in a historic city? Talked about how overwhelming the tourists are in York.
Well, *I* caught it, a day or so ago......
When was this video filmed?
Mark, I would even PREFER not to stay in one of the small Cotswold towns. We stayed in London, took the one and a half hour train ride to Moreton-in-Marsh, rented bikes from Cotswold Cycles (which I can highly recommend) and biked all over. (As an added treat, we ran into you in the market square in Stow on the Wold while you were making this video!) Electric Bicycles are a great way to get around the Cotswolds, and it’s not as scary as driving on the left-hand side of the narrow roads
I'm just glad I did it years ago, before the hoards descended.😊
Hi Mark, when you cross the street look both ways even in a one way street cause car can back up. 😆
His name is Mark.
True. Or a toirist goes the wrong way
Damn, these villages look insanely crowded with tourists! How do the locals deal with this?
There's really only a handful of places that get really bad - Bourton, Bibury, Broadway, Stow on the Wold maybe. Most towns and villages aren't overrun.
Mark,
I live in and am from Atlanta, GA. 42, single. On Social Security Disability, SSD. I'm very interested in immigrating to another country. First choices are either Canada or UK. However, non-English speaking countries I'm moderately-considerably thinking about are: Mexico, Brazil, France, Netherlands. Of all of these, I have up till now only experienced/visited UK (3 times) and Brazil (2 times). What would you suggest I do and how does one immigrate successfully from US to any of these countries? If I were to move, I want to have immigrated by, at the very most, 2030.
Thanks.
I live nearby in Cirencester, but I have to say it has been too many tourist in the last couple of years. Every time I drive through Bibury I get frustrated with all the tourists. The small village is not made for this large amount of numbers of people. I blame all the Airbnb's for the over tourism. Before when hotels were booked it was full and that was it you had to come another time. The good old times.
❤❤❤
Pubs shut at 11pm
For visitors to the UK do your research, the Cotswolds is far from the only lovely area in England (or the rest of the country). For example, not too far from London there are lovely areas in Essex and Suffolk that are full of old world villages. That like the Cotswolds also made their money from wool and whom the industrial revolution passed by.
How quant ❤
A great part of this country.
Does the UK still have local BTAs? I have't been to England or Scotland in 3 decades but the last time I was there I got lovely B&Bs through going to a local BTA. I don't know if that's still a thing.
Tourist information office? Maybe in bigger places for tour booking etc, but everyone researches and books online. You can’t just turn and find a bed for the night, there will be no room at the Inn.
What’s a BTA?
@@EKL-qu7ih British Tourist Authority.
@@MiaHessMusic never heard of it. Just use google/tripadvisor/youtube these days
What makes you an expert on Stow, Bourton, Bibury etc?
Do people get paid to actually live in these houses? It must be hell on earth! I live in Berlin, not far from the center (or one of the centers). We got loads of tourists too, but cities like Berlin can handle that. Since we don't have overtourism, we are annoying us mutually. 😂
@@aperturix not only do they not get paid but those houses are very expensive, driving out the local youth. But hey, at least that frees up another holiday home.
You mentioned Bourton on the Water and didn't say a word about Birdland.
At least it’s not that near a Cruise port I guess.
So many other beautiful country towns other than the Cotswolds. Try Stamford. No tourists and gorgeous stone buildings, restaurants and small independent shops.
@@PastaSauce. Stamford is lovely but it is not surrounded by dozens of other beautiful villages like the Cotswolds. I do not know of another area where there are so many other beautiful towns and villages all within a short distance of one another as the Cotswolds.
@@valeriedavidson2785 good point. I guess it’s just less touristy which suits me.
@@valeriedavidson2785 Well I have travelled the villages directly South-West of Stamford before, and there are so, so many gorgeous stone villages all throughout Rutland and Northamptonshire (I call it the “second Cotswolds” due to the similarity in the building stone, just with a lot more thatch). Not to mention the high concentration of stately homes (especially from the 16th century). We have to remember that there are hundreds upon hundreds upon hundreds of gorgeous old villages and market towns across the English countryside. English counties such as Suffolk, Kent, North Yorkshire, Dorset, East and West Sussex, Somerset, Buckinghamshire, Devon, Cornwall, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Rutland, Norfolk, Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Cumbria, Surrey, Shropshire, Cambridgeshire, Northumberland, Berkshire, the *northern* half of Essex etc (North Essex is very similar to Suffolk in having so many brightly colored medieval thatched villages, and very different to the stereotype of the county which is based more on the south; closer to London), have all been wonderful to explore by car for me, and contain endless examples of gorgeous historic villages/ small towns in the local architecture of the region. There will be a couple of counties that do not offer the same variety compared to the examples I listed, but the vast majority have *so* very much to offer. I absolutely adore the Cotswolds (and yes it is very tourist friendly for first time visitors), but I also totally adore so many other regions of the English countryside for picturesque village exploration too. I’m also not originally from England, but have lived in beautiful Suffolk now for many years, and been able to do a lot of travelling.
That Tea room in Stow-on-the-Wold has a panic button under the counter and if Kerry Mucklowe takes one step inside, the police will be there in 3 minutes.
Rick Steves look out!
Sheep farmers should pick up after there pets. Very few taco shops in the cotswold. Id skip it.
Magenta otter lives here..
All that zooming in and out made me feel dizzy. Have a word with the video editor 😂
Beautiful, but full of second homes for the wealthy.
Well Wolter, the idea of seeing as many villages as possible until the sun sets is a very American thing. Must be because you don't have any decent paid holidays. Or because you spend a good part of your life in the car anyhow. However all that driving around in one day increases the problem of overtourism. Get out of your car and go walking. I wish I could.
His name is Mark.
@@alexwelsh4336 Don't expect an anti-American to pay attention to little details like that: facts just get in the way.
@@alexwelsh4336 You are a genius! That's why the site is called Wolters World. 😂🤣
Chipping Campden not don!
The prettiest villages in England aren't the costwolds theyre in Yorkshire. The best county in all of England. Home to the best city in the world. Leeds. York is cool too
Found the Cotswolds to be boring museum pieces empty of residents. Any lively market town like nearby Stroud is better than Cotwolds.
looks like it's turned into another tourist trap town.
We were there for a bank holiday weekend so it was a bit crazier than usual
A lot of public footpaths have been blocked by the landowners ( illegally) and signposts removed, so beware, the paths may just disappear 😮
Canola is a GM product. Dont't use it! I think that rapeseed is processed without that effort in England.
It is made into rapeseed oil in the UK.
@@stevebarlow3154 That's good to hear. If it is pure (and not the Canadian version, this is healthy.
@@jjinwien9054 No commercial GM rapeseed (or other) crops are grown in the UK. You can buy regular cold pressed and extra virgin rapeseed oils in most supermarkets and local stores.
@@Maudiecat1 that's good to know!
I’m British, I can’t say I’ve ever had a hankering to spend time in the Cotswolds.
You don't know what you've missed.
@nicolad8822 it is a very pleasant rural area, but not so different from lots of other areas of the British countryside.
@@Funeemanit’s beautiful in areas but vapid somewhere because of celebrities and Londoners moving there and the thousands of tourists it’s lost its appeal
@@EKL-qu7ih Not to mention hordes of tourist taking photos of peoples houses. I always made sure I was a fair distance away before doing this.
We are very friendly, just please don't disrespect us or the place otherwise we will get grumpy.
Did you say that the sheep’s poo-poo is also tasty? 😂
Hi! I see great potential in your channel. As an experienced editor, I can make your videos more engaging and your thumbnails more eye-catching. Let’s take your content to the next level!"
🤣
I think he’s doing ok 👌
The Welsh Marches are far more beautiful in my opinion, especially as you head into the Black Mountains. The Cotswolds is the place to go for tourists, not travellers. Pretty accurate video though.
So what towns are considered the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is a large 'area of Natural beauty ' covering the cotswolds hills across Gloustershire and western Oxfordshire.
Christine. Mainly Cirencester and Cheltenham (right on the edge of the Cotswolds). Lots of small towns. Stroud, Tetbury - the King,'s country home.
Burford, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Minster Lovell, Northleach, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Taynton, Guiting Power, Snowshill, Shilton, Broad Campden, Stanton, Swinbrook, Woodstock, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Duntinsbourne, Winchcombe, Coln St Dennis.......for a start!!
Who are you?
Do use public transport. Don't bring more cars and park badly!
The bad parking is sooooo bad
And i mean that. Saw some really bad parking
@@woltersworld But why are you promoting excessively driving all the time? Not only in this video. I aprecciate your work but lately you are straining my nerves a bit. Here in Europe we don't do it like you do in the US where you have to get in the car to reach a supermarket. I a city, that is. You know what? You could actually stay in a place for some time and take in the mood. Calm down. It's possible. This permanent fear of missing out might be okay for a seventeen year old like my son but not for a seasoned traveller like you. And if you have realized that by now you should not give opposite advice to your followers. If people follow your advice the world will become an even more stressfull place.
Dont forget it isn’t just sheep poo you will come across..
Sounds like a rough place to be a sheep 🐑😱
Glad you've finally realised that there are lots of really lovely places in Southern England apart from London (where many of us never actually go). I thought you had been completely taken in by Northern marketing/propaganda.
🤣
Also.. Mark.. please Bath is in the South of England... there it is pronounced Barth... Bath without the lengthened A is how northerners mispronounce it.. please, it makes me cringe slightly, but it's one of those local nuances, similar to the pronunciation of Shrewsbury which depends which side of the river you come from..
Be civil & respectful before commenting??? Respect the sheep in the field instead of referring to them as a meal twice in this vlog... vile... perhaps diet foods should be on your plate..... ??? Unsubscribed!
The most important don't of the Grotswolds is don't visit. Unwelcoming, conceited residents, pastiche cream stone villages and bland boring countryside. Visit somewhere more worthwhile instead.
If you don't believe me, look at the hostile comments on here from those claiming to be residents.
That's a little unkind. I would rather suggest, do your research there are lots of lovely places in the Cotswolds that are not on the tourist trail. Visit them instead, the local shop owners will be grateful for your money.
@stevebarlow3154 no, the Royal Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are far more picturesque. Residents of the grotswolds are trying to close down all the quarries in the grotswolds, even though its about the only sustainable business that occurs there. As for calling it a 'national landscape', don't make me laugh..
@@billyskoda6839 I have family living in Herefordshire, so I am well aware of places like the Golden Valley and all the beautiful half timbered villages, that thankfully are not so well known to tourists. Incomers and second home owners often forget that the locals need to make a living and the area is not an unchanging museum.
I don't know if its just because I live in Belfast, but travelling England feels like the most boring thing I could do.
I feel the same about Northern Ireland... and Southern Ireland. You don't have are history.
Belfast? I wouldn't go there for all the tea in China.
It's just because you live in Belfast. Fortunately, I'm not so chauvinistic. I live in Bath, and am taking the car over to Ireland for a driving holiday covering north and south (but not Dublin, which IS boring) in 2 weeks time. Got 3 nights in Belfast.
What do you find "boring" about England?
@borschbandit It's your choice, but you are missing out on a lot of beautiful and very varied scenery and a lot of history too. The natives are quite friendly too!
@@justgrand3429 Belfast is safe to visit these days, even during the Troubles it was safer to visit than many American cities!
You were doing so well... until you pronounced Cheltenham 😂