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Things to See and Do
The Lower Mill Estate lies just a few miles from “The Capital of the Cotswolds”, Cirencester. Designated an AONB the Cotswolds covers 787 square miles of beautiful English countryside with idyllic villages and historic towns in abundance. Below are some of our favourite towns to visit, days out to experience and pubs and restaurants just waiting to be explored.
We are always keen to hear feedback from our guests as to other gems they may have found during their time in this the most ‘quintessentially English’ and unspoiled region of the country.
Local Towns
Bibury
Bibury is a charming, typically Cotswold village set in the beautiful surroundings of the Coln valley, just a short drive north from Cirencester. The River Coln flows alongside the Main Street, which contains a row of former weavers’ cottages called Arlington Row. It surprises no-one who visits Bibury to hear that it features on many lists of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages.
Bourton-On-The-Water
Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England, Bourton-on-the-Water is a beautiful place to visit at any time of year. The clear, shallow waters of the River Windrush flow through the centre of the village, spanned by a number of 18th century bridges, which has led to the village being named the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.
Cirencester
Dating back to the first century AD, the market town of Cirencester lies only a few miles from the estate. It has a large parish Church with a tall, imposing tower that has impressive views over Cirencester Park and the surrounding countryside. The town has a mix of shops that should cater for most people’s needs and the town’s large Market Square still features lovely markets each week.
Malmesbury
Situated to the south of Cirencester on the edge of the Cotswolds is the town of Malmesbury. Set on a hill with the River Avon running around it, Malmesbury Abbey is an impressive 12th Century Norman Abbey that intrudes on the skyline. Alongside the Abbey you will find the beautiful Abbey House Gardens. Over 2,000 different roses, 100,000 tulips and 10,000 different plants can be found here offering visitors constant colour from March to November.
Tetbury
Located in the southern Cotswolds, Tetbury is just a few miles from Prince Charles’ home at Highgrove. Antique shops line the Main Street in charming 17th and 18th century townhouses. The Market House in the centre of town dates back to 1655 and is built on stone pillars under which the sale of wool took place. Quaint shops and fabulous places to eat.
Broadway
The pretty high street of Broadway is lined with horse chestnut trees featuring a mix of period houses and picturesque honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages which have lured visitors to the town for centuries. Visit the Lygon Arms Hotel, where Oliver Cromwell spent the night during the Civil War and King Charles I used the building to meet and rally his royalist supporters.
Days Out
Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Located just minutes from the Lower Mill Estate this offers a wonderful day out for all to enjoy. With an inflatable Water Park, sandy inland beach and lagoon and a lake with pedalos, rowing boats, kayaks and SUP’s for hire there is plenty to do. Plenty of food options too. Booking in advance is essential.
Cotswold Farm Park
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation for a fun-filled day out. Visitors can get up close to many British farm rare breeds including sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, horses, poultry and waterfowl. With an adventure playground, Farm Safari, Maze, Tractor School, Sand pits and Jumping pillows, there’s lots to entertain children of all ages. There is a great on-site restaurant, serving seasonal food and Adam’s own beer.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to a fascinating and varied collection of mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world. It is one of the UK’s largest zoological collections and is a fabulous day out for all the family.
The Source of The River Thames
A couple of miles from Lower Mill Estate lies a solitary stone bearing the following inscription:
THE CONSERVATORS OF THE RIVER THAMES 1857-1974
THIS STONE WAS PLACED HERE TO MARK THE SOURCE OF THE RIVER THAMES
A lovely circular walk starting and ending at The Thames Head, a traditional English Cotswold pub serving excellent food. Well behaved dogs welcome.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Home to 2,500 different species of tree from around the world and 5 national tree collections, Westonbirt is a lovely day out at anytime of the year. Dogs are welcome.
Birdland Park & Gardens
Set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, Birdland has over 150 trees which create a picturesque canopy over the winding River Windrush in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. You can discover over 500 exotic and rare birds from around the world in naturally themed aviaries and waterside habitats.
Pubs & Restaurants
The Wheatsheaf Inn
A friendly and cosy Cotswold pub in the pretty village of Oaksey, offering great food and a friendly atmosphere.
Oaksey – 2 miles
The Potting Shed
Cotswold dining at its best, a top country dining pub situated in the beautiful Cotswolds triangle of Tetbury, Malmesbury and Cirencester.
Crudwell – 5 miles
The Wild Rabbit
A modern British Inn set in the heart of the Cotswolds, serving locally sourced, seasonal food in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Kingham – 32 miles
The Bell
A family owned, beautiful country pub. Roaring log fires and cosy corners in the winter and a beautifully landscaped garden for summer.
Sapperton – 10 miles
The Village Pub
A true ‘destination pub‘ that reflects the heart and soul of the Cotswolds. First class food and a good choice of drinks.
Barnsley – 11 miles
The Swan Inn
An idyllic Cotswolds Inn on the banks of the river Windrush near Burford boasting effortless decor, charming personality and a unique setting.
Swinbrook – 27 miles