Culture in the Cotswolds: Art and Theatre Beyond the Luxury Cottages
The Cotswolds are truly a mystical setting. With the serene culture, beautiful scenery, and distance from the rushed pace of major cities, you can take the time to really appreciate everything around you. The historical background has provided inspiration for writers, artists, and thespians alike, all of which you can find near Bruern’s luxury cottages.
While we could list many different examples of the culture spots the Cotswolds has to offer, here are just our top picks of places to experience the culture in this inspirational region.
Victoria Art Gallery
The Victoria Art Gallery has been a staple of the Bath community since its founding in 1897. Their main gallery is free to the public, and during the year, they have a number of rotating exhibits. In addition to the vast collection of art, there are events for the entire family, including behind-the-scenes tours of the art stores and family exhibits during the summer. (This summer, the family events revolve around dragons and even feature a dragon egg hunt from July-October.)
The small but elaborately decorated gallery is a treasured spot in Bath with many return visitors, as there is always something new to see and it is great for a quick visit when walking around town.
Kelmscott Manor
It is safe to say that there would not have been an arts and crafts movement in the United Kingdom without the influence of William Morris. Morris was a writer, craftsman, and a political activist. He drew inspiration from Medieval literature, visits to Iceland, and was primarily known for his poetry. His studies of architecture at university led to a great appreciation for older buildings, and in 1877, he formed the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. He became well-known for his artistic and literary prowess, but despised the spotlight and preferred living away from the pollution of the city and out of the public eye.
Enter Kelmscott Manor in Kelmscott, Oxfordshire. The manor was built in 1570, and Morris lived there from 1871-1896, and his daughter left it to Oxford University upon her death. It was then handed over to the Society of Antiquaries of London, who maintain the organic beauty of this stately manor to this day.
You can visit Kelmscott Manor, its lovely gardens, collections, and exhibits, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to October. If you wish to escape from an afternoon of luxury self-catering at Bruern’s cottages, you can attend the highly-rated tearoom at the manor for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea.
The Theatre Chipping Norton
In a strange twist of irony, the Theatre Chipping Norton did not begin as a theatre when it was built in the 19th century, but as a citadel for the Salvation Army. The design ended up working out well as a set-up for theatrical performances. When the grounds were discovered by two members of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1968, they began fundraising and rebuilding the Citadel into the performance venue it is today.
The Theatre Chipping Norton was officially opened in 1975 by Tom Baker (the then-current Doctor Who), and since then, has been opening year-round live shows, films, and concerts. The Theatre also hosts school performances, National Theatre Live broadcasts, film screenings, and live shows with comedians, magicians, and more. When planning a trip and looking for ideas for an evening out, The Theatre Chipping Norton is a great place to start.
New Brewery Arts
Located in two of the buildings of the old Cirencester Brewery in Gloucestershire, New Brewery Arts provides space for local artists to show and sell their work. In addition to galleries and rotating exhibits, there are regular courses and workshops to learn new and advanced techniques.
New Brewery Arts is open every day to the public and there is always something new to see on display. While the crafts makers are not always in their studios, visitors are welcome to look around and see the new creations in process.
Fashion Museum Bath
The Fashion Museum in Bath offers more than just your standard collection of wardrobe. With a collection of outfits spanning the last 300 years, from the Georgian Era to the modern period, this once private collection is now run by the National Trust. Current exhibits include A History of Fashion in 100 Objects, Lace in Fashion, and a Victorian and Georgian era dress-up room for both children and adults.
Along with the exhibits, stop by on a Saturday for a sketching session, attend a meeting of the Bath Knitting and Crochet Guild, or bring the kids to one of the many themed fashion design events during the summer where young ones can design their own outfits. If anyone in your party enjoys fashion, this is a must-visit attraction for them.
The Creative Side of Coming to Bruern’s Luxury Cottages
From Georgian to Medieval, Victorian to Modern, the Cotswolds are rich in displays of art and culture. The venues listed here are only a few of the many offerings for arts in this already beautiful area. Even our luxury cottages offer their own artistic touches through our Country House style. The modern comfort of our luxury holiday rentals is complemented with antique décor that reflects the vast history of these cottages.
The presence of arts and culture-both old and new-permeates the grounds and the towns surrounding Bruern and their lovely luxury cottages. Just visiting the Cotswolds can take you back in time to a world of delicate artistic décor or into the future through the minds of the modern artists. When it comes to culture, there is no better place for a holiday than Bruern’s luxury cottages in the Cotswolds.