It may be a top tourist destination, but why is the Cotswolds so famous? With an estimated 38 million visitors every year bringing in over £1 billion to the UK economy, there’s no doubt that this place has much to offer. We’ve put together this short guide to explain it all to you! Read on to discover exactly what is so attractive about the Cotswolds, then you can start planning your own visit!
Scenery
One of the biggest draws of the Cotswolds are the stunning views throughout the whole region. It is some of the most beautiful countryside in England, with gently rolling hills and patchwork fields. In 1966, the Cotswolds were even designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This isn’t just a pretty title, but actually grants the area a certain legal status and protections. In this way, the landscape which is an important part of England’s cultural heritage is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
History
Within the Cotswolds, there are thousands of years of history to discover. From mediaeval wool towns to Roman ruins and even Iron Age hill forts, visitors can see for themselves how this landscape helped shape the story of England. Even the name “Cotswolds” is ancient, stemming from Old English before the influence of Latin. It means, “land of the sheep pens on the rolling hills”. The Cotswolds’ historic villages allow visitors to step into the past and catch a glimpse of the life of people from centuries ago.
Film locations
With its various pretty villages and historic towns and cities, there are a number of famous filming locations across the Cotswolds. In Bourton-on-the-Water, a major scene from the James Bond movie Die Another Day was filmed in 2002. Also, the nearby Bampton is the real life town from historical drama Downton Abbey, with the church, hospital and post office. Lastly, Oxford was the setting for many scenes in both Harry Potter and Inspector Morse. Many visitors to the Cotswolds come to see their favourite scenes from on-screen with their own eyes.
Sheep and wool
Another iconic aspect of the Cotswolds is its intrinsic connection to sheep. Sheep have been farmed in the Cotswolds for over two thousand years and it was one of the major wool producing areas in England for centuries. The most famous breed of sheep is the Cotswolds Lion, brought over by the Romans after the invasion of 43 AD. Their golden-coloured wool is known for being very soft and durable, and therefore very high-quality. To this day, it is still sold throughout the world and highly prized by textile-workers.
Famous people
The Cotswolds are also renowned for being home to various celebrities. Many famous people were born in the Cotswolds: the author of the Harry Potter series, J. K. Rowling; the actor Simon Pegg; and the cricket player Alistair Cook. Moreover, celebrities settle here, with the Beckham family, Kate Moss and Ellen DeGeneres having all bought properties in the area. TV-host turned celebrity farmer Jeremy Clarkson has even bought a pub to expand his efforts to champion British farming in the Cotswolds.
Book your visit to the Cotswolds!
Thank you for reading this short guide to Why is the Cotswolds So Famous? We hope it has been helpful and also inspired you to visit this beautiful area of England! To see the rolling hills of the Cotswolds for yourself, check out our amazing Small-Group Cotswolds Full Day Tour. See you on tour soon!
