Discover the Cotswolds: Five Day Trips from Our Luxury Cotswold Cottages in Bruern
We wouldn’t be surprised if our guests spend most of their visit on the grounds or within walking distance from Bruern’s luxury Cotswold cottages. With an amazing spa and gym on the grounds, plenty of things to do for children and some of the best pubs and restaurants around, there is virtually no need to look elsewhere.
However, the Cotswolds has much to offer to satisfy your passion for travel and discovering new places. We’ve chosen five fascinating day trips within an hour’s drive from Bruern that will be enjoyable for all ages and interests.
Filming Locations of Downton Abbey
The Cotswolds locations were featured in the popular award-winning period drama Downton Abbey. The village of Bampton that doubled as the eponymous fictional village of Downton is a mere 30 minutes away.
For any fan of the TV drama, the village will instantly feel familiar, as it was the main filming location. You will recognise the old school building that ‘played’ a village hospital; and St. Mary’s Church (St. Michael and All Angels in Downton) housed many key events from the show, such as weddings, funerals and other religious ceremonies.
Drive several miles to the north, and you will find the beautiful village of Swinbrook. The Swan Inn in Swinbrook welcomed Lady Sybil and (spoiler alert) Branson while they were planning to elope.
Halfway between Swinbrook and Bampton lies Shilton, whose Old Forge beside Shill Brook was turned into the Red Lion Pub from Series 2. To the northeast from Bampton you will find Cogges, whose farm buildings were featured as Yew Tree Farms in Downton Abbey.
It’s always a good idea to plan your trip in advance, as parking space can be as limited at the “real” Downton Abbey, as there is no shortage of fans making a pilgrimage to visit the former home of their beloved show.
Blenheim Palace
Discover splendid Blenheim Palace, the UNESCO-protected country house and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Built in the 1700s, Blenheim Palace is a true national treasure. It serves as the principle residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and it is the only non-royal and non-Episcopal country house in England that holds the title of palace.
Enjoy the magnificent State Rooms with their carefully preserved interiors and learn about some of the most dramatic episodes in British history connected with the palace.
The formal gardens that surround the grounds are a classic example of the English landscape garden style.
The Blenheim Palace is only a 30-minute drive away from Bruern, which makes it easily accessible. It’s a good idea to check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary due to live concerts and festivals that take place on the grounds.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Get close to wildlife only 20 minutes away from Bruern’s luxury cottages. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens boasts over 250 different animal species in 160 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. Meet giraffes, rhinos, and zebras; watch cute lemurs and pet goats living on the grounds.
Enjoy a ride around the park on Bella the Train and watch the penguins being fed, or watch meerkats, prairie dogs, and other animals play in the walled garden.
For lunch, visit a restaurant located within the park, or pack a basket with the essentials available at our luxury Cotswold cottages and picnic on the lawn.
National Waterways Museum in Gloucester
Gloucester, an ancient city located an hour away from Bruern, boasts amazing architecture, including its stunning medieval cathedral with beautiful stained glasses. The cathedral was used for filming corridor scenes in the beloved Harry Potter saga, while its crypt was featured in the Sherlock Christmas special.
The city is also the home to the award-winning National Waterways Museum located in Gloucester Docks. Explore two quaysides of historic craft and hop on a “Journey Through Britain” that tells the 200-year story of the country’s inland waterways.
Jet Age Museum in Gloucester
Your visit to Gloucester would be incomplete without this little jewel of a museum. A must-see for any aviation enthusiast, this all-volunteer-run museum aims to preserve the history of the Gloucester Aircraft company, focussing on the first Allied jet flight.
Visitors can sit in the cockpit of a Hunter jet or on a Vulcan Bomber flight deck and enjoy the free Trident tour. The true treasure of this museum is the volunteers who work here, and make a visit to this museum unforgettable for children and adults alike.
Admission is free, although small donations are encouraged.
Relax in Our Luxury Cotswold Cottages After a Day Trip
Coming back home after a busy day out is a pleasure of its own. Bruern provides endless opportunities for luxury self-catering to make your stay both comfortable and enjoyable. Our state of the art kitchens equipped with all the necessary appliances to cook a hearty meal or light refreshments will help you end your day on a high note.
And don’t forget the welcome basket that awaits you upon arrival, with essentials like milk, butter, eggs and sausages along with a few little luxuries like champagne and local artisan cheese. Luxury self-catering is the perfect way to end the day with friends and family after exploring this beautiful region.