#A tour of a spectacular hidden cottage garden | Garden Design and Inspiration

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"A tour of a spectacular hidden cottage garden | Garden Design and Inspiration" from Gardening Australia

#A tour of a spectacular hidden cottage garden | Garden Design and Inspiration #Gardening Australia #Garden Tour

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Things to do in Asheville

Things to do in Asheville

Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountain ranges is the charming, relaxed and liberal community of Asheville. It is the largest city in Western North Carolina and is a popular place to visit, with many tourist attractions in the city and its picturesque surroundings.

Nicknamed the "Paris of the South" for its attractive architecture, it has a thriving arts and alternative scene, with studios and galleries scattered throughout the city. An abundance of craft breweries and street performers provide a vibrant atmosphere, and there are other things to do in Asheville with some fascinating monuments and museums. If that wasn't enough, Asheville has idyllic gardens and grounds for visitors to tour, while the magnificent mountains and verdant forests that surround it are just a short drive away.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway

Known for its breathtaking scenery and nature, the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches from Virginia to North Carolina. Known as "America's favorite road," the route winds along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with phenomenal views and panoramas to be enjoyed along the way.

In total, the scenic route runs an impressive 755 miles and connects Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, it passes through lush forests, with sparkling streams and fabulous waterfalls set amidst its pristine, untouched wilderness.

In addition to its many natural wonders, the scenic highway protects a number of important historic sites with charming towns and villages, as well as the Cherokee Indian Reservation, also along its route. Just outside Asheville, you'll find the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, which features lots of useful information and interactive exhibits about what is the most popular part of the U.S. National Park System.

2. North Carolina Arboretum

North Carolina Arboretum

Just south of the city is the charming North Carolina Arboretum, nestled among the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Sprawling in size, it is home to beautiful landscapes and magnificent gardens, with state-of-the-art greenhouses dotted here and there.

Wandering its picturesque trails is a pleasure, as the sprawling grounds are divided into picturesque sections. While some pretty flowerbeds mimic the patterns of the Blue Ridge Mountains, other areas sit alongside babbling brooks or are dotted with beautiful bonsai trees.

While its quiet trails, sprawling azaleas and fantastic flowerbeds are always gorgeous to explore, winter is an especially magical time to visit. That's when twinkling fairy lights hang among the towering trees, and the arboretum and botanical gardens take on an enchanted look.

3. Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate

At the heart of a sprawling estate is the Biltmore House, the largest privately owned home in the United States. Converted into a historic house museum, it is one of Asheville's most popular attractions, with large gardens, stunning architecture and beautiful rooms to explore.

Built between 1889 and 1895 for the incredibly wealthy George Washington Vanderbilt II, the massive mansion is inspired by the charming castles he had seen in the French Loire Valley. As such, many graceful arches and turrets can be seen along with attractive facades, magnificent sculptures and steeply pitched roofs.

The interior is just as dazzling. Decadently decorated rooms, halls and galleries stretch to infinity; in all, there are more than 250 to explore. On top of all this, there's wandering around the glorious grounds, with stables, wineries and hiking trails to be found here and there. To see the best of the Biltmore estate, it's worth a hike or an overnight stay at your hotel, inn or cottage.

4. Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest

One of the first national forests established in the eastern United States in 1916, Pisgah covers a vast portion of North Carolina, with large swaths around Asheville. Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, it boasts some truly breathtaking scenery, with enchanting nature everywhere you look.

Hidden among its majestic mountains and endless forests are roaring rivers and sparkling waterfalls for visitors to discover, with divine views to be enjoyed from its highest realms. Amidst its wonderful forests and wilderness areas, exquisite mountain biking and hiking trails make their way, with numerous picnic areas and campsites scattered here and there.

Due to its scenic nature, the Pisgah National Forest is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to hiking and biking, you can fish, climb and observe wildlife amidst its forests.

5. Basilica of San Lorenzo

St. Lawrence Basilica Asheville

One of the highlights of the city is the impressive Basilica of St. Lawrence, which is located in the center of the city. Built in 1905, this colossal Catholic church features magnificent Spanish Renaissance architecture and is reputed to have the largest free-standing elliptical dome in North America.

While its attractive facade and dazzling red brick are certainly a spectacular sight, entering its cavernous confines is the highlight. Here you'll find a host of sublime statues and stained glass windows, as well as fabulous altars and artwork, all beneath its imposing dome.

An important and impressive landmark, the beautiful basilica also has a couple of charming chapels to visit, as well as a lovely little garden to stroll around in the back.

6. Asheville Botanical Gardens

Asheville Botanical Gardens

Right next to the University of North Carolina at Asheville are some beautiful botanical gardens for you to explore. Popular with locals, students and tourists, they are home to picturesque landscapes, with tranquil paths weaving through the beautiful plants.

Established in 1961, the magnificent gardens cover a large area, with flower-filled meadows that sit alongside a sparkling stream and a wonderful wooded ridge. Dedicated to protecting and preserving the nature of the Southern Appalachians, it features more than 650 species of plants from the wondrous mountain range.

Strolling through the Asheville Botanical Garden is a delightful way to spend a few hours. April through August is the best time of year to visit, as there is an abundance of flowers and plants in bloom.

7. Grovewood Village

Grovewood Village

With numerous artist studios, galleries and museums, Grovewood Village is located right next to the famous Omni Grove Park Inn. Once home to Biltmore Industries, the complex now protects and promotes Asheville's history and artistic heritage, with plenty to see, do and shop for visitors.

In addition to taking tours of the former industrial complex to learn about Biltmore's past as a weaver and woodworker, visitors can stop by its magnificent museum, which features fascinating exhibits on crafts, textiles and looms. Also located here is the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum, which showcases some brilliant models of classic cars.

After learning all about the history, you can visit some attractive art and craft studios where you can see how jewelry, pottery and sculptures are made, as well as buy some souvenirs. Grovewood Village also has two galleries displaying the works and crafts of local artists.

8. Lexington Glassworks

Lexington Glassworks

Along one of Asheville's trendiest streets is Lexington Glassworks, where you can watch innovative works of art take shape before your eyes. Since opening downtown in 2015, the gallery has wowed visitors with its unique creations and hand-blown glass works.

Mixing traditional and timeless techniques with bold designs and imaginative shapes, the studio's artists skillfully sculpt molten glass, bringing their colorful creations to life. Watching them is truly a pleasure: they carefully hand-blow glass ornaments and chandeliers in front of you.

Because Lexington Glassworks offers visitors a unique combination of "art, community and beer," visitors can also enjoy a local Asheville brew while watching the glassblowers at work. With monthly musical events and concerts, the studio is much more than just a place to pick up some unique souvenirs.

9. Thomas Wolfe Memorial

Thomas Wolfe Memorial

The magnificent Thomas Wolfe Memorial is located in the center of downtown Asheville and is well worth a visit if you have the opportunity. The famed 20th century author spent much of his boyhood in this old home, which he even utilized as the scene for his novel Look Homeward, Angel.

The novel is mostly autobiographical and depicts his life in his mother's boarding house. Despite the fact that his writings gained him recognition and praise, the villagers were so outraged by them that he did not return to town for eight years, and the novel was even banned from the local library.

The writer's boyhood home is now a museum and monument, with many original antiques on display. There are also educational plaques and exhibitions concerning Thomas Wolfe's life, writings, and the house itself.

10. River Arts District.

River Arts District is a cultural district on the banks of the

The River Arts District in Asheville spans along the banks of the magnificent French Broad River. Its formerly derelict and rotting warehouses now accommodate over 200 artists in a diverse range of studios, galleries, and workshops.

It's a highly creative and eclectic space with an astonishing variety of artwork on exhibit, including pottery, photography, glassware, artwork, and furniture. Visitors can take classes from the painters in their workshops in addition to viewing their colorful and chaotic studios.

The River Arts District has transformed dramatically since artists began moving into abandoned buildings in the 1970s; B&Bs, hotels, and even huge hotels have sprung alongside cafes, restaurants, and breweries.

11. Craggy Gardens

Craggy Gardens is a place where you can go to relax and

The lovely Craggy Gardens, tucked in the Great Craggy Mountains, are located to the northeast of the city. They are noted for their amazing floral displays, with June being the most magical season to come. They are named for the craggy rocky outcroppings that dot their gorgeous bounds.

The exquisite gardens, which are made up of three equally spectacular areas and are located more than 1,600 meters above sea level, are mountainous and made up of three equally impressive sections. There are intriguing routes to wander along with amazing views of the Appalachians in its lovely meadows, flower-filled hillsides, and exposed rocky surfaces.

Although many people come to see the pink and purple rhododendrons in June, Craggy's gardens are always vibrant, with plants and flowers flowering all year.

12. Asheville's downtown area

Asheville's downtown area

Downtown Asheville is a bustling yet laid-back atmosphere with enough to see and do, and it's a joy to explore with something for everyone. For its magnificent variety of Art Deco structures, it's been dubbed the "Paris of the South," and it also offers a thriving artistic, cultural, and music scene for visitors to explore.

While walking the Asheville Urban Trail is a great opportunity to see the city's beautiful artwork and architecture-filled streets, there are also interesting historical landmarks and museums in the downtown area. Downtown also has excellent art galleries and craft breweries, as well as a dynamic ambiance thanks to its many street entertainers.

In addition, the city's large artist population has resulted in a plethora of interesting boutiques and beautiful studios to visit. Downtown Asheville is unquestionably one of the most lively and celebratory areas in North Carolina, with a plethora of clubs and music venues.

#asheville #things to do in asheville

[chriskarrtravelblog]

Keep Calm and Carry On: Britain’s stately homes on lockdown

Britain’s stately homes were forced to close their doors during the recent lockdown. These ancient walls are used to surviving against the odds – but how have they coped in the current crisis?

On 3 May 1950 Alnwick Castle opened its doors to visitors for the first time, and 100 eager tourists queued up to buy a ticket in the first hour. Britain’s second-largest privately inhabited castle (after Windsor), home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, it has come a long way since, with soaring visitor numbers boosted by appearances in the Harry Potter films. 

But this year on the 70th anniversary of Alnwick’s opening, the famous gardens lay quietly deserted and the castle’s 150 rooms were eerily empty of visitors. High above the historic battlements a blue NHS flag fluttered from the flagpole.

Alnwick has stood for over 900 years, witnessing wars, famine and disease. But like Britain’s other castles and stately homes it was abruptly forced to close its doors to the public this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland

Most of Britain’s best-known ‘statelies’ are owned and cared for independently, rather than by government or national charities. They are hugely expensive to run, and in most cases, visitor numbers are the key to survival. In response to the pandemic, tickets and tours were hastily cancelled, tearooms and gift shops closed. Income for these historic houses was reduced to zero overnight.

Day-to-day management was another complication. In bygone times, a vast team of ‘downstairs’ staff would have bustled upstairs at the ring of a bell to attend to their master’s and mistress’s every whim. Chambermaids and scullery girls are hard to come by these days, but modern-day stately homes still have an army of staff. Their job, by and large, is to look after the house rather than the family within – from gardeners that tend the prize roses and farmers working on the estate to the curators that look after precious art collections. 

The striking Knebworth House and its glorious gardens. Credit: Chris Orange

With staff sent home, in many cases owners found themselves managing vast estates single-handedly, and in sole charge of houses with hundreds of rooms. Despite the challenges, the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ spirit prevailed. The houses united to show their show support for NHS key workers: as the nation joined in with the weekly ‘clap for carers’ from their doorsteps, stately homes and castles lit up their facades in blue, hoisted NHS flags from historic battlements or planted avenues of blue lavender in their gardens.

Chatsworth House, in the Peak District, rose to the challenge by supporting local communities. Following the house’s closure in late March, the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire donated 240kg of chocolate eggs intended for the annual Easter egg hunt to local food banks. The house also offered holiday cottages on the estate to frontline NHS workers to stay in for free, while the chefs in the restaurant kitchens turned their hands to preparing meals for those in need in the community. 

Down in rural Berkshire, Highclere Castle – unmistakeable, of course, as Downton Abbey of the ever-popular TV series – serenely surveys 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland as it has done for centuries. Ordinarily, the arrival of warmer weather would see streams of visitors, but this spring, when the wildflower meadow and ornamental Monk’s Garden burst into bloom only the lord and lady of the manor were there to see it.

Lady Carnarvon, chatelaine of Highclere Castle in Berkshire

Hosting visitors being out of the question, technology gave Highclere other ways to connect. “We were 100 per cent not virtual,” says Lady Carnarvon. “We’ve tried to turn ourselves around.” Lady Carnarvon’s new podcast (with her husband the Earl as the first guest) is now available, while the Highclere Instagram account shared glimpses of lockdown life with its legion of fans; posts have included Lady Mary the lop-eared pig’s new litter of piglets, daily walks with the dogs, virtual cocktail parties and cookery lessons from Lady Carnarvon’s kitchen.

In Scotland, on the shores of Loch Fyne, romantic Inveraray Castle stands in spectacular isolation – a state shared, during lockdown, by the family that live there, the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their three children. Overnight, the Duchess tell us, she became “the cleaner, mender, teacher, gardener, tidy-er.. Same as most people but probably in a bigger house!” The castle is part of a small remote community, which pooled resources during lockdown. “I have been growing lettuce and herbs, someone else has chickens, someone wants flour…”

Inveraray, whose architecture mixes Baroque, Palladian and Gothic styles, is the seat of Clan Campbell. It is full of treasures, and the castle’s closure gave the family a chance to explore its hidden corners: “For the first time since we inherited the house we’ve had time to go into every nook and cranny. Find the damp patches and leaks for ourselves, clear attics and find some historical gems, from a piping banner that would have been carried into war to letters from various generations.”

Down in Hertfordshire, Knebworth is a lavish Tudor manor, home to the Lytton family for over 500 years. If it looks familiar, it may be because Knebworth appeared as Balmoral in The Crown – though its facade, covered with turrets, domes and gargoyles, may trump even the Queen’s Highland home for architectural splendour. 

Playwright and politician Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton – author of the ominous line “It was a dark and stormy night” – lived here in Victorian times; the pandemic has surely been Knebworth’s ‘darkest night’ of all. 

“Having to shut our House, Park and Gardens was devastating to us,” says Martha Lytton Cobbold, who lives at Knebworth with her husband Henry. The house is particularly in demand as a film location and is world-famous as a festival venue – a reputation cemented by the Rolling Stones’ iconic concert here in 1976. Most of this summer’s events had to be cancelled in light of the coronavirus crisis.

Happily, Knebworth and other historic houses, symbols of permanence and resilience in a topsy-turvy world, have weathered the storm, recently reopening their doors to the public. 

“It was very strange being closed,” says Martha. “It’s not what [the house] was designed and built for, and we felt much happier when visitors were able to come back.” For now, visitor numbers are capped and a one-way route has been devised around the house, in accordance with government guidelines.

“We have to adapt to survive,” she adds, “and this is what we have done for centuries.” 

All of the historic houses mentioned reopened after the UK’s first lockdown, though some may now have closed once again as the pandemic continues. You can check current details at the houses’ websites:

Alnwick Castle www.alnwickcastle.com

Chatsworth House www.chatsworth.org 

Highclere Castle www.highclerecastle.co.uk

Inveraray Castle www.inveraray-castle.com

Knebworth House www.knebworthhouse.com

The post Keep Calm and Carry On: Britain’s stately homes on lockdown appeared first on Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture.

Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/inspiration/stately-homes-lockdown/

source https://coragemonik.wordpress.com/2020/11/11/keep-calm-and-carry-on-britains-stately-homes-on-lockdown-2/

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Who doesn’t love Cornwall? Rugged coastlines, gorgeous beaches, pretty fishing villages, fantastic food…

But here’s something Christina Brion from holiday company Gorgeous Cottages thinks we really ought to consider; you can experience all of this a lot closer to home:

“I absolutely adore Cornwall, there’s no denying it has that something special. But what a lot of people don’t realise, particularly those in the South, is that you can experience the same wonderful things in Yorkshire. And what’s more, it’s easier to reach us!”

Not only is it easily accessible from air, road or plane but God’s Own County has plenty to offer even the most discerning traveller.

“We’ve long been advocates of the many wonderful experiences Yorkshire offers the discerning holiday maker, and now with the advent of Andrew Pern’s latest restaurant in Whitby, we feel 2017 is time to ask ‘Is Yorkshire is the new Cornwall?’”

Here are Christina’s top 10 reasons why Yorkshire should be top of your UK holiday bucket list this year…

The rugged coastline and wonderful wildlife

Staithes

Yorkshire has miles and miles of coastline to explore. From quaint fisherman’s coves to seaside towns that are steeped in history you certainly won’t be short of something to do.

Whale watch in Whitby, go rock pooling in Runswick Bay, then explore the meandering cobbled streets of Robin Hoods Bay (once a haven for smuggling)!

The 109 mile Cleveland Way runs along the Yorkshire Coast and can be broken into manageable walks to see some spectacular clifftop views (at the highest point in Staithes the cliffs are 200 metres high), rocky shores and sandy beaches.

On your bike!

The Tour de France in 2014 and subsequent Tour de Yorkshire races have certainly put Yorkshire on the cycling map and it isn’t hard to see why. Take a bike ride through the region and you’ll get dramatic climbs, peaceful country roads and some truly jaw-dropping scenery. Don’t worry if you aren’t quite up to the standard of Bradley Wiggins as there are lots of routes to try that range from gentle to challenging!

Darling dales and magical moors

North York Moors

They say the best things in life are free and in Yorkshire you can explore two National Parks to your heart’s content.

The North York Moors are home to heather-clad hills, Dalby Forest (one of the best places to go stargazing in the UK), and even a heritage steam railway (the NYMR). Stretching out to the coast there are lots of pretty villages to visit including Goathland (also known as Aidensfield in TV’s Heartbeat) and Thornton-le-Dale which looks like it has come straight from a chocolate box!

The Yorkshire Dales is a rugged landscape that encompasses some of the highest peaks in England and is home to lots of traditional stone built barns and cottages. You’ll find crags, caves and waterfalls amongst the landscape that is sometimes wild, sometimes peaceful but always breath-taking.

Stylish towns and pretty villages

Pately Bridge

It’s not all about the countryside though – oh no. As well as York and Harrogate (both heaven for anyone wanting a bit of retail therapy), towns such as Helmsley have injected some serious style into Yorkshire. Think micro-breweries, independent boutiques and restaurants that are embracing the latest food production techniques.

There are also lots of villages to visit with traditional 17th and 18th century inns, tea rooms, riverside walks and even a castle or two! We recommend:

Pateley Bridge

Named Village of the Year 2016 it has a lovely riverside location in Nidderdale plus a high street that’s brimming with tea rooms, independent shops, award-winning butchers and the Oldest Sweetshop in England.

Hutton-le-Hole

Set in a peaceful valley within the North York Moors, this is a classic English village, complete with babbling brook and local pub. It’s also the setting for the Ryedale Folk Museum which tells the story of rural life from the Iron Age to the 1950s.

Ripley

Home to a 700-year old castle complete with magnificent grounds and a World Famous Ice Cream.

Foodie heaven

With plenty of farmland and a long fishing heritage, you will never have to travel too far in Yorkshire to find the freshest fish, meat, fruit and vegetables. As well as famous Yorkshire products like Wensleydale Cheese, there is a whole range of artisan producers who are creating high quality items that are home-made rather than mass produced.

You’ll also find regular farmers’ markets in many Yorkshire towns. Malton in North Yorkshire has become a bit of a mecca for local foodies (recognised by Antonio Carluccio) and each month you’ll find lots of local suppliers congregating at their monthly food market.

Restaurant choices in Yorkshire range from rustic and hearty to seriously fancy and there are even some Michelin Star restaurants to try. There’s no need to head into the city to enjoy the finest food either as many Yorkshire restaurants have picturesque settings with stunning views. Provenance is key in the region so you’ll find lots of seasonal dishes using the freshest local ingredients.

Time for tea

We do love a nice cup of tea in Yorkshire and there are numerous tea-rooms and restaurants that will serve you a top-quality brew along with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and other tasty treats.

Betty’s is probably the most famous tea room around and no trip to Yorkshire is complete without sampling one of their Fat Rascals or treating yourself to a Lady Betty Afternoon Tea.

We also recommend the Black Swan at Helmsley which offers a traditional and luxurious afternoon tea in a characterful building that dates back 500 years.

Charming country pubs

Now I always think the best thing about a little break in the country is discovering a hidden gem of a pub, complete with original features and roaring log fires and there are plenty of charming pubs in Yorkshire. You won’t have far to walk to enjoy some real ale (or a G & T if your prefer) and some excellent home-cooked food as traditional inns are dotted around the various villages and hamlets throughout the Moors, Dales and Wolds. A growing number of pubs are now dog-friendly so you can even take your four-legged friend with you.

Historical houses

Castle Howard

Yorkshire is a bit of a haven for stately homes, castles, abbeys, and mansions so there are plenty of places where you can delve into some English history.

Stately homes include mansions and country houses from the Georgian, Elizabethan and Regency periods and you’ll find walled gardens, woodland walks and beautifully recreated rooms. Places to visit include Castle Howard, Sledmere House and Burton Agnes Hall.

Castles provide a fascinating insight into some of the bloody battles of the past and examples include Bolton Castle which is one of the UK’s best preserved medieval castles and Middleham Castle which was the childhood home of Richard III and has the largest castle keep in the country.

There are also several fine examples of Cisterian abbeys dating back to the 12th century including Fountains Abbey, Rievaulx Abbey and Jervaulx Abbey.

A literary history

It’s no surprise that the beautiful Yorkshire countryside has been the inspiration for some literary classics. The three Bronte sisters are arguably the most famous authors to have come from Yorkshire and were inspired by the moorland near their home in Haworth. Today the Bronte Parsonage Museum (the 19th century home of the Brontes) showcases their life and classic works such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

Another famous book with roots in Yorkshire is Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The gothic Whitby Abbey was one of the inspirations for this classic horror tale. The imposing remains are perched high on a cliff and though you’ll have to climb 199 steps to reach it, the views from the top are well worth the effort.

Beautiful cottages

Yorkshire has lots of gorgeous old Georgian townhouses, stone barns and traditional cottages that have been transformed into some truly stunning holiday lets.

As well as original features such as oak beams and fireplaces (complete with wood-burning stoves), you’ll find lots of design flare with sumptuous fabrics, monsoon showers, statement furniture and Farrow and Ball wall colours.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway for 2 or a celebration for 16, you will find some great choices of properties in Yorkshire:

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The Old Reading Room – Just over the road from a fab Yorkshire restaurant (The Wensleydale Heifer) and with a wood-fired hot tub in the garden.

Gilling Lodge – a sumptuous Georgian manor house with grand rooms and gorgeous gardens that sleeps up to 16 people.

Dugdales Barn – a stylish barn conversion in Settle with dramatic double height living space and 2 en-suite bedrooms.

Rosemary Cottage – a country cottage for two, complete with walled garden and pretty village location.

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If this has whetted your appetite for a holiday in Yorkshire, Gorgeous Cottages have 130 luxury properties throughout the Moors, Dales, Coast and Wolds.

Visit gorgeouscottages.com or call 01642 263249.

Top 10 reasons why Yorkshire should be top of your UK holiday bucket list this year Who doesn’t love Cornwall? Rugged coastlines, gorgeous beaches, pretty fishing villages, fantastic food… But here’s something Christina Brion from holiday company Gorgeous Cottages thinks we really ought to consider; you can experience all of this a lot closer to home:

#holidays #Yorkshire

[chriskarrtravelblog]

5 spots in the Cotswolds where you can avoid the crowds

Take the road less travelled and discover 5 of the Cotswolds hidden gems that the tourists haven’t yet discovered.

Defined by its sleepy honey-hued villages and bucolic rolling green hills grazed by sheep, the Cotswolds attracts many to its idyllic country setting, offering the perfect haven to get away from it all. Naturally, with some of the prettiest villages in the UK, the Cotswolds can get busy – especially during the school holidays and summer season.

For those who take the time to venture away from the well-travelled hotspots, there are some quiet places in the Cotswolds where you can enjoy a relaxing break. Treat yourself to a stay in one of our Cotswolds cottages and explore some of these lesser-known attractions.

A secret garden

While hordes of tourists tend to flock to the popular gardens of Hidcote Manor, many visitors are unaware that there is another secret garden located just across the road. The horticultural masterpiece of Kiftsgate Court Gardens is situated above the village of Mickleton and is every bit as colourful as its more famous neighbour, and a lot quieter.

Designed, planted and sustained by three generations of female gardeners, this hidden gem in the Cotswolds is a delight for all the senses with an ever-changing display of foliage throughout the year. An enchanting woodland garden steps down the hillside to a beautiful pool on the terrace where there are many peaceful spots to sit and read, draw, write or simply admire the inspiring views to the Malvern Hills and beyond.

Tulips are a highlight in the spring, followed by dazzling displays of peonies, geraniums and lilies in the summer, but the true showstopper is the Kiftsgate Rose. Planted in 1938, it is claimed to be the largest rose in Britain, measuring 24 meters wide and 15 meters high! Be sure to make time for a spot of afternoon tea before you leave – the homemade cakes are divine.

Where to stay: The Wool Store at Mickleton Hills Farm is set within acres of farmland, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring. Sleeping two, it is the perfect romantic retreat for couples looking to enjoy a quiet break away.

Romantic ruins

Set in the midst of rolling countryside, the atmospheric ruins of Hailes Abbey in Gloucestershire tend to attract smaller crowds and have many fascinating stories to tell. One of the lesser-known attractions of the Cotswolds, this 13th-century Cistercian abbey was founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall and was once the centre of monastic life.

Owned by the National Trust, but maintained and managed by English Heritage, there is a museum on site and an excellent audio tour which details the history of the abbey. Discover how a phial, allegedly of Christ’s own blood, attracted pilgrims from far and wide, and see displays of sculpture and other interesting site finds.

Hailes Abbey rests along the Cotswolds Way footpath, the perfect stop-off during a scenic hike. The tranquil open grounds are perfect for a relaxing picnic in a uniquely historic setting and afterwards, you can pop into the adjacent parish church to see its fine medieval wall paintings.

Where to stay: Robin Cottage is a beautifully converted barn in Winchcombe offering stylish accommodation for four guests. Follow the Cotswold Way National Trail to reach Hailes Abbey by foot, 2.5 miles away.

Magical journeys by steam

One of the most relaxing ways to admire some of the Cotswolds best-loved views is from the comfort of a steam or heritage diesel train on the seasonal Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Without the worry of jostling through crowds of tourists, you can experience some of the most beautiful villages and breathtaking landscapes on a 28-mile journey from Cheltenham Racecourse up to Broadway.

Some of the wonderful views you will encounter include the Malvern Hills, the Vale of Evesham, Hailes Abbey, Tewkesbury Abbey, the sleepy hamlets of Stanley Pontlarge and Far Stanley, and Cleeve Hill, the highest point of the Cotswolds.

Hop off at Winchcombe Station for a bite to eat in the 1950s themed café and have a browse of its Discovery Coach where you can learn more about the history of the railway, before jumping back on the train to continue your magical journey. Rover tickets give you unlimited travel all day.

Where to stay: With a free-standing copper bath and a glowing wood burner, Pineapple Spa is perfect for families of four looking for some rest and rejuvenation. Toddington Station is only 10 miles away from where you can catch the GWSR.

Awe-inspiring views

For a peaceful picnic on a sunny day accompanied by sweeping views over the Regency town of Cheltenham, climb to the top of Leckhampton Hill and find yourself a quiet spot. This tranquil nature reserve is home to an array of birdlife including buzzards, kestrels and red kites, as well as carpets of pretty wildflowers and delicate orchids.

There is a myriad of walking routes through enchanting woodland, limestone grassland and across an Iron Age hillfort and long barrow, along with a downhill mountain bike trail. And no visit is complete without discovering The Devil’s Chimney, an unusual limestone rock formation that peaks over the hill.

Pick up supplies for your picnic from one of the many delis and food shops in Cheltenham before you ascend the hill – if you time your visit right, it will coincide with the farmers’ market that is held every second and last Friday of the month where you will find an incredible selection of local treats.

Where to stay: Bredons Norton – The Forge is an idyllic country retreat for four and a haven for walkers and cyclists. A stunning Victorian conservatory offers the perfect spot to unfurl with a good book and soak up the views after your adventures.

A hidden village

Most visitors to the Cotswolds tend to head straight for the more iconic picture-postcard towns and villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway. However, this means that they can get very busy during peak times of the year. So, if you’re looking to avoid this tourist trail, then the unspoilt Cotswold village of Naunton is a great place to spend a day.

Relatively untouched by tourism, you won’t find stately homes, museums and tearooms here, just one welcoming pub and plenty of peace and quiet. It’s set in a lovely spot on the River Windrush where golden stone cottages wind their way along sleepy lanes.

The church of St Andrew is a wonderful place to sit for a while to admire its medieval sundial and gargoyles adorning the perpendicular tower windows. You can also follow one of the lanes up the hill, past the village’s famous 17th-century dovecote for some spectacular panoramas over the village and surrounding landscape.

Where to stay: Enjoy your own little hideaway at Naunton Little Barn which embodies the charming, peaceful features of the village. A tranquil oasis for two in the heart of the Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds is an idyllic destination for a quiet, relaxing escape, so why not take a look at the range of self-catering accommodation available at Holidays In The Cotswolds and start planning your next visit.

The post 5 spots in the Cotswolds where you can avoid the crowds appeared first on Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture.

Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/inspiration/5-spots-in-the-cotswolds-where-you-can-avoid-the-crowds/

source https://coragemonik.wordpress.com/2019/06/19/5-spots-in-the-cotswolds-where-you-can-avoid-the-crowds/