The Cotswolds are full of charm, history and beauty. These unusual facts might inspire you to visit some of the spots in this beautiful part of England. We hope you enjoy your holiday exploring Cotswolds, whether it is to visit the former home of one of England’s greatest writers or to participate in some of the strangest events you’ve heard about.

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• The Great Wall of China is shorter than the length of the Cotswold Stone Walls.
• The annual Cheese Rolling at Cooper’s Hill in Birdlip involves chasing down a 7lb round of double Gloucester cheese down a steep slope. The cheese is given to the first person who reaches it.
• The Cotswolds are the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK. For Cotswold Tours, visit Cotswold Tour.
• Cirencester has the tallest hedges in the UK. The 300-year old yew fence surrounding the Bathurst Estate measures over 40 feet tall. The annual cutting of the hedge takes a team of two around 80 hours. The clippings can be used to create a drug that fights cancer!
• During popular events like the annual river football match, the village of Bourton on the Water can have more visitors than local residents. Book Cotswold Tours today.
• Cirencester is the second largest Roman town in Britain.

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• The ancient English word “wolds” means “gentle hills”.
• The Romans built many straight roads when they arrived in AD47. Fosse Way is still the most visible. They made them straight supposedly to avoid ambush at corners!
• The Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford-Upon-Avon is the most popular church in England, as this is where Shakespeare is buried.
• Cotswold stone is the source of the unique, beautiful glow of some properties here. The Cotswold stone from the North Cotswolds has a honey colour, while the stone in the South is more golden.