Towns and Villages

Spartan Retreats is situated between the North Cotswold Escarpment and the picturesque market town of Evesham, with many pretty Cotswold villages and historic towns just a stones throw away. Here are a few of our favourites.

Broadway

Referred to by many as the 'Jewel in the Cotswolds' and few could dissagree. While The Lygon Arms dominates the high street, with it's long and interesting history of elite cliientelle, the many listed buildings and boutique shops add to the appeal.

Chipping Campden

An important wool trading centre in the Middle Ages, Chipping Campden enjoyed the patronage of wealthy wool merchants. Today it is a popular Cotswold tourist destination with old inns, hotels, specialist shops and restaurants and of course the historic Wool Market building.

Snowshill

A short climb up the hill from Broadway you will find the village of Snowshill, where John was born and bred (and where Bridget Jones parent's lived). The main tourist attraction is Snowshill Manor which houses an eclectic collection of artifacts. Cotswold Lavender is a mile's hop away.

Stow-On-The-Wold

Stow On The Wold, located on the Roman Fosse Way, is the highest town in the Cotswolds, standing 800 ft above sea level. The large Market Square highlights the town’s former importance and is surrounded by town houses, independent shops, antique centres, cafes and inns.

Bourton-On-The-Water

It isn't difficult to see why Bourton On The Water is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. Often referred to as The Venice of the Cotswolds, the River Windrush flows through it’s centre and hosts a soggy football match each summer.

Burford

Burford is further afield, but well worth a visit. It's sloped high street is another famous Cotswold landmark, flanked on both sides with historical shops and houses as it leads down to the medieval bridge crossing the Windrush River. Cotswold Safari Park is close by.

A cultural fix

Visit The Almonry Museum, to find out more about Evesham's historical past or explore Tewkesbury Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain. Step inside the iconic Broadway Tower or travel further afield where Castle's and Cathedral's abound.

Stratford-Upon-Avon

A market town with more than 800 years of history. The obvious starting point is a visit the birthplace and childhood homes of William Shakespear and his wife Anne Hathway. End your day with a performance at The Royal Shakespear Theatre.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, New Place and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. Only guide dogs are allowed in the theatre.

Worcester Cathedral

For those interested in architecture, a visit to Worcester Cathedral is a must. Containing the tombs of King John, Prince Arthur (Henry VIII elder brother) and Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, the Cathedral represents numerous styles of English architecture.

Worcester Cathedral has recently become a dog friendly venue.

Hailes Abbey

Founded in 1246, Hailes Abbey is set amid beautiful Cotswold countryside. Once one of the most spectacular ecclesiastical buildings in the country, the abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII on Christmas Eve 1539. Walk amongst the abbey ruins and visit the museum to learn how the monks used to live.

English Heritage cares for the abbey and is pet friendly.

Sudeley Castle

Sudeley Castle is rich in Tudor history. Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII lived and died in the castle and is buried in it's chapel. Henry, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I and Richard III have all played a part in Sudeley’s story. Soak up the atmosphere with a visit to the grounds or book a guided tour to find out more.

Only assistance dogs are allowed.

One adventure at a time.

Cheltenham Races

Sitting in a natural amphitheatre under the gaze of Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham is considered the home of national hunt racing. The focus of each season is the Cheltenham Festival, the shining jewel in jump racing's crown.

Only assistance dogs are allowed during race meetings, however it is free to walk your dog around the course at other times (vehicles need a permit).

The Cotswold Way

Over 100 miles of stunning scenery. Most guide books recommend walking from North to South, starting in Chipping Campden and ending in Bath. The entire route is within an AONB and takes in wild flower meadows, forests, a neolithic burial chamber, Hailes Abbey and Sudeley Castle.

Perfect for your partner in crime, while observing the countryside code.

The River Avon

What better way to experience the sights and sounds of the River Avon than by boat. Whatever your preference, be it motor boat, rowing boat, canoe or a self 'driven' punt, the river at Stratford Upon Avon is a beautiful area to explore.

Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept under control and are not allowed to swim from the boat.

Steam Train

In 2018, the golden age of steam returned to Broadway, 58 years after the last train pulled out of it's old station. Connecting Broadway to Cheltenham Racecourse, the railway runs scheduled train services from March to October and between Christmas & New Year.

Dogs can normally travel on trains although restrictions may apply for special events.

Cotswold Wildlife Park

Conceived in 1970 and now home to one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. The park supports a thriving education programme, endangered species breeding programmes and vital conservation projects. It relies totally on visitors and receives no outside funding.

Dogs are allowed in the park but cannot be taken indoors or into certain enclosures.

Model Village

The Model Village in Bourton On The Water is the only grade II listed model village in the country. Built of Cotswold stone it is a one-ninth scale model of the actual village, complete with model village within the model village!

Only service dogs are allowed in the model village.

Batsford Arboretum

Spread across 60 acres, Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of some of the world’s most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos. Batsford is a great day out for all the family, including your dog.

Cotswold Falconry Centre and Cotswold Archery are situated next to the arboretum, but for obvious reasons, are not pet friendly.

Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm, Stratford Upon Avon is described as 'The UK's largest butterfly paradise'. The perfect day out on a rainy day, but whatever the weather enjoy hundreds of the world’s most beautiful butterflies in an exotic tropical paradise with waterfalls and fish filled pools.

Due to the nature of the environment no dogs are allowed.

Rollright Stones

The Rollright Stones is an ancient site located on the edge of the Cotswold hills. The complex consists of three main elements and span nearly 2000 years of Neolithic and Bronze age development. The oldest element is early Neolithic, circa 3,800 - 3,500 BC.

Dogs are allowed on a lead (but not within the Stone Circle).