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Visit The Cotswolds Tourist Information Centre

Your essential gateway to exploring the scenic beauty, heritage, and charm of England’s Cotswolds National Landscape.

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The Visit The Cotswolds Tourist Information Centre is your gateway to exploring England’s largest National Landscape, the Cotswolds. Located centrally, it offers expert local knowledge, maps, and guides to help you discover charming villages, historic market towns, scenic walking trails, and cultural heritage sites across nearly 800 square miles of rolling hills and golden limestone architecture.

A brief summary to Visit The Cotswolds

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays between 9am and 5pm for full access to maps, guides, and expert advice.
  • Pick up detailed walking and cycling route maps to explore the extensive trails across the Cotswolds.
  • Ask staff about local events and seasonal festivals to enrich your visit.
  • Use the centre’s transport information to plan your journey, especially if relying on public transport.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving is the most flexible way to explore the Cotswolds, with good motorway links via the M4, M5, and M40. Travel times from nearby cities like Oxford or Bristol range from 30 to 60 minutes. Parking near the centre can be limited during peak seasons.

  • Train and Bus

    Take a train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (about 1.5 to 2 hours), then catch a local bus or taxi to the centre. Train services run regularly but check schedules in advance, especially on weekends.

  • Coach Tours

    Several full-day coach tours operate from London and nearby cities, offering guided visits to key Cotswolds villages and attractions. These tours typically last 8 to 10 hours and include hotel pickups.

Visit The Cotswolds location weather suitability

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Discover more about Visit The Cotswolds

A Hub for Exploring England’s Largest National Landscape

The Visit The Cotswolds Tourist Information Centre serves as a vital resource for visitors eager to experience the Cotswolds, a protected National Landscape spanning approximately 787 square miles across five counties. This centre provides detailed information on local attractions, walking and cycling routes, cultural events, and accommodation options, helping visitors navigate the region’s diverse offerings from quaint villages to historic estates.

Discovering the Cotswolds’ Distinctive Character

The Cotswolds are renowned for their quintessential English charm, characterized by honey-colored Jurassic limestone buildings, rolling hills, and tranquil valleys. Visitors can explore lively market towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Cirencester, picturesque villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, and stately homes including Blenheim Palace. The centre offers guides to these highlights and many hidden gems, ensuring a rich and varied experience.

Walking and Outdoor Adventures

With over 3,000 miles of footpaths and bridleways, including the famous 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail, the region is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. The information centre provides maps and advice on routes suitable for all levels, from gentle riverside strolls to more challenging hikes along the Cotswold escarpment, offering breathtaking views over the Severn Valley and beyond.

Local Culture, Food, and Events

The Cotswolds boast a vibrant local culture with farmers’ markets, traditional pubs, artisan shops, and seasonal festivals. The centre highlights events such as the historic cheese rolling on Cooper’s Hill and the Cotswold Olympicks. It also guides visitors to sample local produce, including award-winning cheeses, meats, and beverages that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage.

Practical Visitor Support and Services

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, the centre offers a welcoming space for travelers to access free maps, brochures, and expert advice. Staff assist with transport information, accommodation bookings, and suggestions tailored to individual interests. The centre also stocks souvenirs and gifts that celebrate the Cotswolds’ unique identity.

Preserving a Protected Landscape

As part of England’s largest National Landscape, the Cotswolds benefit from conservation efforts that maintain its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The information centre promotes sustainable tourism practices, encouraging visitors to respect the environment and local communities while enjoying the area’s scenic and historic treasures.

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