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If you’re lucky enough to be within easy reach of the Cotswolds, you’ll already know that the area is prettier than a Christmas card during the cold season. With delicately frosted landscapes, twinkling Christmas lights and breathtaking views for as far as the eye can see, Christmas in the Cotswolds is truly picture perfect.
As well as simply being a gorgeous place to immerse yourself, the Cotswolds is also full of family-friendly events this year to get the whole family in high Christmas spirits. Take a look at our 5 reasons why you should visit the Cotswolds this Christmas.
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Christmas Markets that will Take Your Breath Away
No one else does Christmas markets quite like the Cotswolds! Countless couples, families and groups of friends every year find themselves travelling hours just to visit one of our famous markets.
Filled once again with Yuletide cheer, Bath Christmas Market will be in full swing until 10th December. Stalls will be overflowing with delicious food and drink and unique special gifts including hand-crafted items with a backdrop of Christmas Carols and festive entertainment.
Discover more Christmas markets around the Cotswolds here.
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Cosy Pubs to Snuggle Up In
If you could be transported to your happy place right now, where would it be? We’re certainly not surprised to find that a ‘pub lunch in the Cotswolds’ was voted as the top happy place for British people!
A Cotswold pub is something everyone should experience. Rumour has it that you’re never less than 10 minutes away from an open fire and a pint.
The place is littered with cosy pubs offering everything from live entertainment, to 3-course meals suitable for groups of all sizes, to snacks over an open fire perfect for catching up. However, the one thing they all do have in common is the warm family atmosphere that you’ll feel as soon as you set foot in the door.
A lot of the pubs around the Cotswolds are also pet-friendly so even the four-legged members of the family don’t have to miss out.
Discover the top 8 pubs according to Cotswold Life here.
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Magical Christmas Lights
The individual towns and venues in the Cotswolds aren’t short on Christmas lights and certainly love creating a drum roll to turn them on every year. See the Cotswolds illuminate right before you in a whole range of Christmas events, light shows and switch-ons.
Christmas at Blenheim – See the formal gardens at Blenheim Palace burst with light and colour in their 2nd spectacular Christmas event following on from the popularity of the first. See the lake dancing with colour through brightly lit boats and fountain jets. The trail will be adorned with lanterns and fire that oozes magic under the night sky.
Westonbirt – Along this 45-minute trail, you can expect to find a beautiful array of light displays scattered amongst the trees. After the magical walk suitable for all ages, you can head over to the Christmas village where you can meet Santa, ride on the carousel, listen to the choir and enjoy a warming meal in their restaurant.
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Meet The Jolly Man in his Red Coat
We’ve had a little word with Santa and found out that he is going to be all over the Cotswolds this year in the run-up to Christmas!
Off-roading adventures, steam trains and safaris are just some of the magical ways you can get to meet the jolly man himself in Gloucestershire this year. From quiet readings and lunches to full Santa’s grotto experiences, they’ll be something for everyone to get stuck into and enjoy the festive fun.
Discover over 20 places to visit Santa in the Cotswolds this year including the Westonbirt Arboretum who have other magical plans of their own (take a look under the Christmas Lights section).
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Hauntingly Beautiful Winter Walks
As the trees change their coloured garments for white sleeves, we highly recommend taking a Winter walk to see the truly beautiful and undisturbed Cotswold beauty. With pre-planned walks varying in length, difficulty and accessibility, you won’t find yourself struggling to find one that suits all those attending.
If you ask Google, you will be overwhelmed by the amount of choice you have – from routes starting and finishing at a pub, to ones that lead you up hills to breath-taking views, to guided walks where you can meet new people with similar interests.
Need Somewhere to Stay during the festive season?
Based in the heart of Cotswolds, our properties are conveniently located to allow you to get the most of this beautiful area that we call home. You can enjoy all the events the area has to offer and then come back to one of our stunning properties with your loved ones to enjoy your own little Christmas haven.
We still have properties available for Christmas but they are booking up fast! Head over to our website to check the availability or give us a call on 01285 861839.
