Planning a trip to the Cotswolds this year? Check out these things you must know before you visit.
The villages are residential areas
This may seem obvious, but many visitors forget that people genuinely live and work here, causing locals to complain of disrespectful behaviour. It’s important to remember these are real homes and avoid peering through windows or leaving rubbish.
Shops close early
This is a far cry from London; you’ll not find a 24-hour service industry here. Most local shops close around 5pm, while most pubs serve last orders at 11pm and close for the afternoons.
You can visit year-round
The Cotswolds can be enjoyed any time of year, and smart people prefer to visit in the colder months when there are fewer crowds. Whether you want to visit in spring when the flowers are blooming or in autumn when the leaves turn, or perhaps visit for a cosy winter break, the Cotswolds are stunning whenever you go. Cotswolds private tours from operators such as https://cotswoldtour.co.uk/cotswolds-private-tours are available year-round.
Limited parking
The small villages of the Cotswolds were built for local people to live in and not for streams of cars to visit in. This means car parks can fill up very quickly, especially in peak seasons. Consider using public transport, walking, or visiting in quieter months.
Everyone should visit the Cotswolds at one time in their life, as this is arguably the prettiest part of the UK, but try to avoid the crowds and be respectful of the local community.
