Believe what you want about mainstream news’ portrayal of London’s dodginess nowadays, but I can attest it’s an incredible city to visit.
It’s dual-filled with the exciting attractions you’ve seen on TV and some underrated regions that will leave you gobsmacked.
One thing about London is undeniable, however – the place is constantly buzzing!
From riding the “tube”, walking the pretty streets, or enjoying a fresh batch of fish & chips at a local pub, you’ll be just another face in the constantly shifting crowd.
London may be the U.K.’s world-renowned shining star, but there’s far more to explore beyond the quintessential double-decker busses and Buckingham Palace.
That’s why it’s time to put your London plans aside, opting to relax and recharge in the U.K.’s sprawling region of storybook towns.
Welcome To The Cotswolds: The Vast British Countryside
Don’t know where your next U.K. adventure will take you? Your best bet is The Cotswolds!
Spanning 5 counties in total (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire), this vast region is larger than Delaware.
Unfortunately, you’ll still have to pay taxes…
Somewhat like London, once you escape the touristy areas, every street is a surprise.
That goes for The Cotswolds too as every town has its own unique vibe and charm, yet everywhere feels stuck in time.
You’ll discover an array of quintessential English villages seemingly out of a storybook, and once you hear locals’ lovely accent, you’ll feel like you’re an extra in a Bridgerton episode.
Beyond the thatched-roofed honey-kissed cottages and picturesque stone streets lie immaculate palaces and castles dotted throughout the Cotswolds, such as Blenheim Palace and Warwick Castle.
Many would say this is real England, a whole other world from bright red double-deckers and towering high-rises.
The region’s old-world charm draws you in like a moth to a flame, where you can peruse artisan markets, stay in historic inns, and grab a pint from a true traditional pub, unlike some of London’s tourist traps.
Whether you notice it or not, when you visit a massive city like London, you tend to go at their pace. The Cotswolds are so much more relaxed, where, if anything, slow and steady wins the non-existent race.
Absolutely Stunning In The Fall
There are too many stunning villages to name across 800 square miles of this timeless playground for travelers.
But, one town takes the (sponge) cake for being the most Instagramable. – that would be Castle Combe of Wiltshire, where not a single new building has been constructed since the 17th century.
This town may not produce many future architects, but whoever built this place has the ultimate bragging rights, even being featured in the popular TV show Downton Abbey.
You would be hard pressed to find someone say a bad word about The Cotswolds…well…other than it can be a bit pricey.
If you visit in fall, however, this is arguably the best time to feel the biggest reward.
As if this massive cluster of fairytale towns weren’t gorgeous enough, fall takes them all to another stratosphere with vibrant reds, golds, and rustic oranges and browns.
The perfect photo-ops await as you stroll through serene, ageless streets and even scenic rural hiking trails.
Plus, is there any better season for afternoon tea?
Tip: Don’t skip Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the ‘Venice of The Cotswolds’, becoming even prettier in fall if you can believe it!
A Surprising Haven For Solo Travelers
Despite hotels amounting in the hundreds per night, The Cotswolds were just named as a top 3 destination in the world for solo travelers by AFAR.
The gist behind it being The Cotswolds are perfect for recharging and embracing solitude as every town is tranquil and idyllic.
Some offer quiet cafes perfect for catching up on a book while you digital detox and others provide phenomenal escapes deep into nature, such as the 102-mile long Cotswold Way, venturing through rolling hills, numerous villages, and dense forestry.
Pack your bag, hop aboard a train from London, and discover the U.K.’s timeless sprawl of peacefulness over the urban sprawl of chaos.
Tip: St. Christopher’s Inn of Bath is the most budget-friendly stay in The Cotswolds
Credit: Source link
