25 Things to See, Do and Photograph in The Cotswolds in Spring
- Lisa Thorn
- Mar 16
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 31
The days are becoming longer and warmer, spring flowers are blooming, birds are busy nest building and the first butterflies and bees are collecting nectar from early spring flowers. The Cotswolds National Landscape is bursting with new life and colour during Spring.
From March to May, The Cotswold's beautiful gardens, woodland, towns and villages are at their best but are generally quieter than in the busy summer months.
In this guide, I will highlight 25 unique things to do, see and photograph in this picturesque region in Spring.
Animals and Wildlife
See over 500 birds at Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire
Set in nine acres of pretty gardens and woodland next to the River Windrush, Birdland is home to owls, penguins, flamingos, pelicans, cranes, macaws and parrots in a variety of aviaries and enclosures.
Dozens of chicks will be born over the Easter period and the park is home to many rare species and the only breeding group of King Penguins.
Discover Cogges Manor Farm in Witney in Oxfordshire
Cogges Manor Farm is a charming 18 acre heritage farmstead with 1000 years of history in the heart of the market town of Witney. It is a popular visitor attraction and working farm and also hosts hundreds of events, workshops and festivals every year.
There is a 13th Century Manor House and Dairy, 18th Century farm buildings and a farmyard with plenty of animals to meet. You can explore the walled garden and grounds and go on the Ancient Meadow Walk which is near the River Windrush.
Cogges Kitchen Cafe is open to everyone daily and fans will recognise Cogges as home to Yew Tree Farm and Mr Drewe from the TV Show Downton Abbey.
See over 60 species of Birds of Prey at the Cotswold Falconry Centre near Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire
Opened in 1988, the Cotswold Falconry Centre has become one of the leading Bird of Prey centres in the UK.
There are around 130 buzzards, eagles, falcons, harriers, hawks, kites, owls and vultures to appreciate, learn about and photograph.
Enjoy and admire their flying skills in daily flying displays and book individual experiences that let you get up close to owls and fly birds of prey.
See cute Spring lambs and 50 rare animal breeds at Cotswold Farm Park in Guiting Power in Gloucestershire
Adam Henson is best known as a Countryfile presenter but his family have owned the Cotswold Farm Park since it opened in 1971 and he now runs it with his friend Duncan Andrews.
The Farm Park offers a range of activities throughout the year and visitors can learn about farming past and present and meet many animals. Over 600 lambs and kids are expected to be born between 14 February - 27 April in 2025.
Visit the award-winning Cotswolds Wildlife Park near Burford in Oxfordshire
Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the UK's largest zoological collections and is set in over 160 acres of stunning Cotswolds parklands.
The diverse collection of species includes large mammals such as rhino, giraffe, zebra and Asiatic lions, primates and small mammals including lemur and meerkats, birds and waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians and bats and insects.
The wildlife areas, habitats and buildings are laid out in the open parkland, in specialised houses and enclosures and in the walled garden with the beautiful gardens and manor house close by.
The opportunities for photography are limitless and there is so much to see and learn. I have been visiting since I was a small child and I never tire of spending a day with the wildlife in this beautiful location.
Cotswold Wildlife Park ©Lisa Thorn Photography
Arboretums and Nature Reserves
Enjoy cherry blossom and bamboo at Batsford Arboretum in Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire
Batsford Arboretum is set in 60 acres of the Cotswolds countryside and is home to a collection of beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos.
In Spring there are masses of daffodils and stunning Japanese cherry blossom along with pretty spring flowering bulbs and delicate Magnolias.
Experience nature and tranquility at Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve near Bampton in Oxfordshire
Chimney Meadows is the Bucks, Berks and Oxon Wildlife Trust's largest nature reserve in Oxfordshire. It is an ancient landscape created by the Thames river and is home to wildflower meadows, wading birds and butterflies and moths.
There is a designated car park where you can begin your walk around the nature reserve. You will need wellies as there are boggy areas and fords to cross at Great Brook and Duxford which can sometimes be impassable when water levels are high.
There are bird hides suitable for viewing and photographing the wetland birds and wildlife.
Discover walks and wildlife at the Cotswold Lakes in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
The Cotswold Lakes is a stunning wetland landscape featuring over 180 lakes spread across 42 miles of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. It is a haven for wildlife photography and a unique natural setting for many activities such as nature walks, cycling, birdwatching and outdoor sports and it even has an inland beach!
There are plenty of local country pubs, restaurants, cafes and accommodation in the area and the website has plenty of guides and information to help plan your visit.
Experience the Magnolias, Maples and Rhododendrons at Westonbirt Arboretum in Tetbury in Gloucestershire
Westonbirt Arboretum is home to 2,500 different native and exotic species and comes alive in the Spring with colourful trees, spring flowers and young wildlife.
An essential part of a Spring visit is the Old Arboretum with its collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias and the Silk Wood for English bluebells and woodland wildflowers.
See Spring's spectacular show at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire
The Wildfowl and Wetland's Trust reserve near Slimbridge is on the eastern side of the River Severn Estuary and consists of 2,000 acres of pasture, reed bed, lagoon and salt marsh.
Slimbridge has the world's largest collection of captive wildfowl and wild birds mingle with the captive birds in the enclosures. Many species migrate and over-winter at the reserve and other visiting birds arrive in greater numbers in the Spring.
There are 13 hides to view the arriving wildlife, an estuary tower hide, a living wetland theatre and walkthrough aviary.
Historical Sites
Go inside Belas Knap Long Barrow near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire
A restored example of a Neolithic long barrow, Belas Knap was first excavated in 1863 and is now in the care of English Heritage.
It is on the Cotswold Way National Trail and is a good place to stop and explore and refresh with a picnic if you are completing a walk in this area..
Admire the views and go inside Broadway Tower in Gloucestershire
Broadway Tower is a very recognisable Cotswolds landmark and was the idea of the famous landscaper Lancelot 'Capability' Brown and was built by architect James Wyatt in 1794.
William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement, lived occasionally in Broadway Tower which was rented at the time by Cormell Price, a friend of William Morris and other artists.
The tower is set within a 200 acre estate of parkland with circular walks, a deer park and a cafe/shop.
The roof viewing platform is the highest point on the Cotswolds and has views spanning 16 counties and 42 miles in each direction.
Step back in time at Hailes Abbey near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire
Hailes Abbey was a Cistercian abbey founded in 1246 by the Earl of Cornwall and is set in beautiful Cotswolds countryside. It was financed by pilgrims visiting its renowned relic 'the Holy Blood of Hailes' which was allegedly a phial of Christ's blood.
The extensive, tranquil ruins are the perfect place to explore, photograph and relax with a picnic and there is also a museum and shop to visit.
Explore the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall in Oxfordshire
The village of Minster Lovell in West Oxfordshire is well known locally as being the site of the ancient ruins of Minster Lovell Hall. Minster Lovell Hall was built next to the River Windrush by WIlliam Lovell around 1440 and was an impressive manor house. The manor remained the main residence of the Lovell family until after the Battle of Bosworth in 1845 and the estates were declared forfeit and given to Jasper Tudor, uncle of Henry VII.
Over the next two centuries the manor changed hands several times and then was bought in 1603 by Sir Edward Coke. The manor then remained in the Coke family until 1747 when it was abandoned and large parts of it were dismantled. Today it is a Grade I listed building and scheduled monument and a wonderful place to visit and photograph.
Spend a day out at Sudeley Castle and Gardens near Winchcombe in Gloucestershire
Sudeley Castle is a Grade 1 listed Tudor castle surrounded by a 1,200 acre estate near the Medieval market town of Winchcombe. It is the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds in the 15th Century St Mary's Church. Katherine Parr was the last of Henry VIII's six wives.
There are ten award-winning gardens to explore as well as the castle rooms and exhibits, romantic ruins, a Tithe Barn, dungeons and a willow maze. There is a Visitor Centre, Shop and two Cafes along with an adventure playground for children to enjoy.
Manor Houses and Gardens
Hidcote Manor House and Gardens in Gloucestershire
Hidcote is an Arts and Crafts-inspired garden created by Major Lawrence Johnston and covers an area of 10.5 acres. Major Johnston designed the garden in phases between 1907 and 1938 and was a member of the Garden Society and the Royal Horticultural Society. Hidcote was gifted to the National Trust in 1948.
The Manor House and Gardens are absolutely stunning through the seasons and particularly in Spring when there are plenty of daffodils, spring flowers and colourful borders.
There are many paths and routes through all the areas of the garden and plenty to see and discover.
Tour the enchanting Highgrove Gardens in Tetbury in Gloucestershire
King Charles III and Queen Camilla call Highgrove their private residence but Highgrove Gardens have been open to the public since 1996. They open in April each year.
The series of interlinked gardens have been created over the last 40 years and are managed organically and sustainably.
The collection of landscapes include a Kitchen Garden, Lily Pool Garden, Arboretum, Cottage Garden, Sundial Garden and Wildflower Meadow.
Tours need to be booked online and all profits go t0 charity.
Explore William Morris's Kelmscott Manor near Lechlade in in Gloucestershire
Kelmscott Manor was the country home of the writer and designer William Morris from 1871 until his death in 1896. It is now owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London and is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from April to October each year.
The house contains many of William Morris's most iconic designs inspired by the scenery and plants at Kelmscott. The small cottage garden is very pretty and there is also a small orchard and large meadow. The River Thames is only a few minutes walk from the Manor Gates.
You can book tickets for the House and Gardens or you can visit the Gardens and Shop only for free with donations welcome.
Go back to the 1700's and explore the Painswick Rococo Garden in Gloucestershire
Painswick Rococo Garden is the UK's only complete, surviving Rococo Garden and was designed as a fancy pleasure garden for the owner of Painswick House.
The garden is open for most of the year except for December and is famous for it's millions of snowdrops that carpet the steep banks and woodland glades in white and for the magical follies.
In March masses of daffodils replace the snowdrops along with crocus, fritillaries, hellebores, cyclamen and hyacinth. April sees over 9,000 spring bulbs flowering and cowslips and bluebells fill the wooded areas and meadows. In May the wisteria is at its best and wild garlic blooms in the woodland.
Explore the beautiful gardens and discover the collection of curious objects at Snowshill Manor and Garden in Gloucestershire
Snowshill Manor is a 16th century house known for its owner, Charles Paget Wade, who amassed an enormous collection of objects he found fascinating. Snowshill has been in the care of the National Trust since 1952.
The terraced hillside garden was designed by his friend Mackay Hugh Bailie Scott in the Arts and Crafts-style and overlooks the Cotswolds countryside.
The pretty village of Snowshill with its very photogenic church is a few minutes walk away.
Scenic Walks and Trails
Follow the Evesham Blossom Trail through the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire
The Evesham Blossom Trail takes you along a 50-mile signposted route through the Vale of Evesham which is lined with white pear, plum, orange, cherry and almond blossom and pink apple, peach and cherry blossom between mid-March and mid-May.
The trail can be enjoyed as part of a day out or on different visits to locations on the route and also incorporates parks, garden centres, nurseries and farm shops as well as the numerous towns and villages in the area, including the lovely village of Broadway.
All the details and the map can be found here: https://valeandspa.co.uk/blossom/
Admire and photograph beautiful Bluebells in the Cotswolds
Nothing quite says spring like a carpet of fresh Bluebells under beech trees with new, green leaves. There are beautful displays to be found in many Cotswolds woodlands in April and May.
One of my favourite locations to see and photograph bluebells is the National Trust owned Badbury Woodland near Coleshill in Faringdon; the site of an iron age hill-fort where the woodland paths and trails are perfect for exploring:
Other top locations are:
Foxholes Nature Reserve near Chipping Norton, owned by Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust; where you can follow a 1.75 circular walk through stunning ancient woodland:
Dover's Hill near Chipping Campden; a natural ampitheatre with views over the Vale Of Evesham which is owned by the National Trust:
Leckhampton Hill near Cheltenham; wild countryside with views of Cheltenham, the Severn Valley and the Malvern Hills:
Please take care to avoid trampling on the flowers when exploring bluebell woods as they are a protected flower and can take years to recover if damaged. Please also keep dogs on leads and follow the Countryside Code by using marked paths, gates and stiles, leave gates as you find them, don't litter and respect the environment.
Walk around Castle Combe in Wiltshire for the quintessential Cotswolds picture postcard scenes
Castle Combe is undoubtedly one of the prettiest and most photographed places in the Cotswolds due to its honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages leading down to By Brook and the Avon Bridge.
There are no modern buildings in the village and there are strict planning rules to preserve the beauty and character of the village.
There are plenty of picturesque walks and lovely village streets to be explored and the church and market cross are also very photogenic.
Enjoy the Cotswold Way, a picturesque trail ideal for ramblers and photographers with stunning views of rolling hills.
The Cotswold Way is a 102 mile trail that begins in the stunning market town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire and ends in the Roman city of Bath.
The route follows the Cotswold Hills and journeys through patchwork farmland and pastures, ancient beech woodland and towns and villages built from honey-coloured Cotswold stone.
The Cotswold Way is easy to follow and well-marked and can be walked through all the seasons. You can choose to complete the whole trail in stages, visit and walk small sections of the trail or follow it on longer hikes.
Whichever you choose to do, there is a diverse mix of places to visit and photograph along the route such as the historic sites of the City of Bath, Sudeley Castle, Hailes Abbey; the pretty English towns and villages of Chipping Campden, Broadway, Winchcombe and Painswick; and the Cotswold countryside of Dover's Hill, Cotswold Lavender, Cleeve Common and Dryham Woods to name but a few!
Visit the famous Winchcombe town and the surrounding area for a memorable walking experience.
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, Winchcombe is a timeless, walled town with picturesque streets of Cotswold stone cottages and pretty, hidden courtyard gardens.
It has an award-winning annual Cotswold Walking Festival, which focusses on different areas each year with guided walks of for all abilities and activities offering an insight into the fauna, flora and history of the Cotswolds.
You can find information on both Winchcombe and the Walking Festival here:
So many beautiful places!
Lovely read. Hope to visit a few of these places.