The Cotswolds

Hi everybody,

I have a question about the Cotswolds. It is not clear to me if this is a county. And if it is, to what region does it belongs? I cannot find it on the map of this site when I choose a county/region. I hope you can explain this to me!

Thank you!

Hi Fleursauvage----since 1966, the Cotswolds have been designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, covering 6 Counties.

Since 2006, AONB's have the same status as National Parks. 

The Cotswolds are exceptionally beautiful, but high tourist season in the Cotswolds can be a frustrating experience (contending with tour buses and the like). There are many other less traveled but equally beautiful areas to visit in the region. For instance, you might want to also consider doing a "black and white" tour of some of the Herefordshire towns and villages, like Leominster (pronounced "lem-ster"), Weobley (one of my 10 favorite towns in England) and others in the area, which is full of beautiful countryside. Here is an interesting site that might make for a nice side trip:

http://www.royalforestofdean.info/herefordshire/black-and-whites.shtml

Picture by Roger Baker

Of course, I'm not saying that you shouldn't go to the Cotswolds (heavens, no!), just that off-season may be a better time to visit (in my opinion, at least).

Thank you Paul and Rob, I understand completely now!

@Rob, I not considering going to the Cotswolds right now. I was looking over some areas in England, exploring the counties, to learn about it. Then I read about the Cotswolds, but I could not place it as a county. Thats why my question!

Ah. It is a lovely area.

So is Holland from what I understand--at least that's what my son tells me. In southwest Michigan, the state in which I live, much of the population is of Dutch descent. In Holland, Michigan, there is a yearly tulip festival and celebration by the area's population of its Dutch ancestry. And yes, there are a number of windmills in the area, but more for aesthetic effect than practical use!