When King Writes

Is Cotswold worth visiting? Short answer: Absolutely.

Long answer: If you like charming villages, rolling hills that look like a dreamy artist painted them, and a place where time feels like it’s politely slowed down to let you soak it all in… Then the answer is still YES!

Grab a cup of tea (bonus points if it’s Earl Grey) and settle in for a lively little guide.

Why Visit Cotswold?

If the word “quaint” could be bottled and sold, it would probably be called “Essence of Cotswold.”

This side of England offers the kind of charm that makes you want to ditch your city life and open a countryside B&B (you know what I mean. Like the one in Leap Year!). 

At least… that’s how it made me feel. I loved the cobblestone streets, honey-hued cottages with thatched roofs, and picturesque gardens that looked like a Disney animation.

The Cotswolds attracted me—a woman living in an urban jungle ¾ of the year—because it’s a place to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and bask in the delightful simplicity of it all. Even the sheep looked like they were on vacation. 

At my core, I am a simple woman. With simple desires. And exploring the Cotswolds made my heart positively soar.

So, what did I do in Cotswold? Ta-daaaaa:

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Bradwell Grove, Burford OX18 4JP

I’ll be honest—one of the main reasons I visited the Cotswolds was to see Pallas Cats. Yes, you heard me. I’ll keep shouting it to the world: I am a proud cat mama, and anything feline has my full attention.

As luck would have it, the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens was the nearest wildlife park where I could finally meet these furry little legends in person. You can call it a pilgrimage for a devoted cat lover like me.

But let me tell you—even if you’re not a Pallas Cat enthusiast, this place is well worth a visit.

I saw rhinos breastfeeding, giant turtles humping (it was mating season, I guess), red pandas chillin’, lemurs gallivanting, and so much more.

I won’t spoil it for you—you’ll have to check out my full write-up about the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. You can read about all the amazing creatures I got to see up close.

Arlington Row: The UK passport photo IRL!

Awkward Hill, Cirencester GL7 5NJ

If you’ve ever seen a UK passport, congratulations—you’ve already had a sneak peek of Arlington Row. And yes, you can actually visit it, walk around, and snap photos. 

Just a heads up that Bibury’s Arlington Row is a national icon. It can get crowded, especially in peak tourist seasons. 

I visited just before sunset and on a weekday, so I had the row all to myself… until a minibus full of tourists arrived. But by that time, I was already done exploring the area and was ready to sneak into a pub, enjoy a pint, and call it a day.

Before you go: Remember the cottages in Arlington Row are real homes—meaning real residents live inside! Admire from a respectful distance and resist the urge to peek into windows or trample on the gardens.

The Porch House: The Oldest Inn in England

1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN

If the Porch House’s walls could talk, I bet they’d have some juicy medieval gossip.

Kidding aside, The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold lays claim to being the oldest inn in England, with parts of the building dating back to 947 AD.

Of course, it’s already gone through some renovations. But I still had fun exploring its many rooms, admiring the artwork, and enjoying a pint with my loved ones. 

Expect low ceilings with exposed wooden beams, a roaring fireplace at night, and uneven floors to remind you of the inn’s ancient roots.

St. Edward’s Church

2 Crossways House the Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1AB

I’m not particularly religious, so you won’t see me prioritizing visits to churches and temples. 

But since St. Edward’s Church is so close (a 3-minute walk), I decided to visit after enjoying a drink at The Porch House.

I learned the church itself dates back to the 11th century, with significant additions made in the centuries that followed.

This church is famous for its north door, flanked by two ancient yew trees. It’s such a striking and magical sight that to some, it may feel like stepping into a fantasy novel—so much so that many believe it inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.

The staff at the Porch House told me the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon. Especially if you’re after that picture-perfect shot of the north door.

Based on photos online, the ancient yew trees flanking the north door are captivating by day. But when I visited at night, I found they take on a whole new personality. Their gnarled branches cast long, twisting shadows, and their timeless presence felt almost alive. Also: definitely no crowd!

I also enjoyed taking nighttime photos of the surrounding churchyard. Equally charming, with moss-covered gravestones and a tranquil atmosphere. No ghosts. 🙂 

Souvenir Shopping

Last but not least, I often find local goods interesting and worth packing for loved ones back home:

• Borzoi Bookshop (as a bookworm, this is first on the list)
• Cotswold Sweet Company
• The Cotswold Chocolate Company
• The Cotswold Cheese Company

You’ll find a lot more shops offering cute souvenirs, handmade crafts, and locally inspired gifts. Pick up something unique to remember your trip by.

After exploring parts of the Cotswolds, I can’t say I’m burning with the desire to return someday. England, after all, is brimming with other places to discover, each with its own unique charm and hidden secrets. That said, I do wish I’d had a little more time to soak it all in while I was there.

So, if you find yourself with an extra day or two in your itinerary and you’re wondering how to fill it, the picturesque Cotswolds is a solid choice. It promises quaint beauty, peaceful moments, and just enough magic to leave you with a smile.