Why Visit The Cotswolds in Winter?
Broadway, in the Cotswolds, is in an area of outstanding natural beauty in south-central England. The Cotswold hills are renowned for their picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and timeless architecture.
Whilst it's a popular destination throughout the year, there's something uniquely enchanting about the Cotswolds in winter. Add a little light frosting or some snow and the area’s landscapes, cozy villages, patchwork fields, and local seasonal events adopt a special character. The Cotswold hills call out to be explored by visitors looking for the real English winter experience.
In this latest blog, we'll explore the beauty of the Cotswolds during the winter months, including the sights, events, walks, nature, and the delectable food and drink offerings that make this region a truly special place to visit.
We’re excluding Christmas and New Year events, covered in our last blog.
Key Winter Sights
Snow-Covered Villages: The Cotswolds' iconic honey-coloured stone cottages take on a new allure when we experience frost or snow. Villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway itself, become postcard-perfect scenes.
Frosty Fields: The open fields and rolling hills become a serene, and sometimes white wonderland in winter, offering breathtaking photo opportunities and a sense of romantic tranquility.
Historic Architecture: Exploring the Cotswolds' historic buildings, including Sudeley Castle and Blenheim Palace, is a delight during the quieter winter months.
Tree Shapes in the Winter Landscape. Our deciduous trees, such as the beech, create fantastic silhouettes in the winter sky.
Winter Events
Cotswold Christmas Market: These run through December in most towns and larger villages. Broadway’s two Late Shopping Evenings are the best (of course). The 2023 dates are Friday, the 24th of November, and Friday, the first of December, between 5pm and 8.30pm.
The Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle: Sudeley Castle's gardens are transformed into a magical light display, providing a captivating evening experience.
Winter Walks: Numerous guided walks are available through the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (OANB) service as well as local guides. Take your pick from ghost tours, winter wildlife walks, and stargazing events.
Pantomimes and Theatre: Enjoy traditional British pantomimes and theatre performances in venues such as the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham.
Winter Walks
Bourton on the Water to Lower Slaughter: A scenic winter walk that meanders along the River Windrush, taking you through idyllic villages and over charming stone bridges.
Broadway Tower: Take a bracing winter walk to the iconic Broadway Tower for panoramic views of the Cotswolds countryside.
Cotswold Way: Explore parts of this long-distance footpath, many of which have circular route sections perfect for a wintry walk. Our favourites are the Broadway Tower route and, a little further away, the Painswick Valley section, which offers stunning winter views.
Cotswold River Walks: Stroll along beside slow-flowing rivers beautiful such River Eye in Upper and Lower Slaughter, the Coln at Bibury or the beautiful Windrush near Burford.
Winter Nature
Winter Wildlife: The Cotswolds is home to diverse wildlife. Winter is an excellent time for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot red kites, peregrine falcons, and waterfowl.
Frosty Woodlands: The ancient woodlands in the region take on an ethereal beauty with frost-dusted trees and misty mornings.
Snowdrops and Hellebores: Many gardens and parks feature snowdrop and hellebore displays in late winter, signalling the approach of spring.
Stargazing: The clear winter nights in the Cotswolds provide excellent conditions for stargazing. The Cotswold Astronomical Society often hosts events for both novices and experts.
Food and Drink
Cozy Pubs: If you’re out and about, warm up in one of the Cotswolds' traditional pubs with a roaring fire and enjoy traditional dishes such as fish and chips, hearty stews or beautiful Cotswold cheeses such as Rollright, Double Gloucester and Stinking Bishop. Locally brewed ales, such as our own Broadway ales complete the picture.
Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a classic English afternoon tea, complete with scones, clotted cream, and finger sandwiches, in charming tearooms. The Broadway Afternoon Tea is a thing of beauty.
Cotswold Distillery: Sample the region's artisanal gins and whiskies at distilleries such as the Cotswolds Distillery, which offers an award-winning tour and tastings.
For food, look out for WI sales around the area, always excellent places for jam and cakes or some home-grown produce. The busy calendar of Farmers Markets adds some much-needed colour and variety to the season. Broadway’s own market is on the first Thursday of the month.
Wet Weather Plans
If you’re visiting in winter, it’s always as well to have a wet weather plan up your sleeve. Fortunately, Broadway is within an easy drive of Stratford-upon-Avon or Cheltenham for some time exploring with plenty of indoor options. Stratford’s attractions are world-famous, from Shakespeare’s Birthplace to The Shakespeare Theatre (their costume depart tour is a colourful diversion on a rainy day). Regency Cheltenham is even closer, perfect for some shopping time.
Why Visit in Winter?
The Cotswolds in winter is a time of enchantment, where ancient landscapes and charming villages take on a special allure under a blanket of snow. With seasonal events, serene winter walks, an abundance of wildlife, and delicious food and drink offerings.
It’s always good to have a cheerful and hospitable place to return home and the end of the day. The Broadway Hotel is standing by to offer you a perfect winter experience. Don’t forget that a winter break is considered ‘off-peak’, so you’ll find some great offers on our website . Our ‘Winter Sparkle’ package, for example, includes a bottle of Prosecco in your room on arrival, a three-course dinner from our table d'hôte menu and a terrific Cotswold breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring the Cotswolds. All from £108 per person, per night. Our early New Year offers are amongst the most popular!
If you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, the Cotswolds in winter offer something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of an English winter wonderland. So, pack your warmest coats and prepare to be enchanted by the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds in winter.
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