Car Hire Cowley

Nestled in the picturesque Churn Valley with a tiny population of 300, Cowley provides excellent access for exploring Cotswolds area, near both Cheltenham and Cirencester. We recommend planning your visit during the temperate summer months when temperatures reach a comfortable 18-22°C, though the region’s maritime climate means you should prepare for potential rainfall year-round, with October being the wettest month at 72mm and March the driest at 55mm. Cowley’s advantageous positioning provides seamless access via these major arterial routes, serving as an ideal gateway to explore the broader tapestry of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its honey-coloured limestone villages, rolling hills and ancient woodland that have captivated visitors for generations. between the A417 and A435 roads,

Attractions In Cowley

Enjoy peaceful village atmosphere and rural walking opportunities, offering traditional countryside architecture, local community centres and scenic access to surrounding agricultural landscapes and historic settlements.

Cotswolds AONB

This magnificent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompasses some of England’s most beloved countryside, earning its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 15,000 visitors. You’ll discover why the Cotswolds captivate so many as you explore charming villages like Blockley, where filming for the BBC’s Father Brown takes place. The area’s tranquil settings feature babbling brooks threading through typical Cotswold villages, complete with local shops and adjacent cafés offering both snacks and hearty meals alongside tempting homemade cakes.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Located on Gloucester Road, this exceptional garden opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, maintaining its stellar 4.5-star rating from nearly 2,000 reviews. We find this location particularly stunning during snowdrop season, when the gardens come alive with white carpets complemented by emerging daffodils and crocuses. The elegant Rococo design features numerous follies and fresh running water cascading through plunge pools into lakes, creating theatrical beauty enhanced by surrounding woodlands draped in seasonal splendour.

Colesbourne Gardens

These remarkable gardens at Colesbourne Park open weekend afternoons from 1 PM to 4:30 PM, offering visitors a peaceful escape amid incredible snowdrop displays that welcome lengthening spring days. You’ll encounter decent walks exploring the grounds, though some slopes prove fairly steep, while impressive cyclamen spreads provide additional seasonal interest. The tree-surrounded lake creates striking scenery and though facilities remain limited due to restricted opening periods, the local charity-run café serves delicious homemade cakes with considerably more variety than commercial establishments.

Cerney House Gardens

Opening daily from 10 in the morning until 7 in the evening at North Cerney, these extensive gardens operate on a self-service entrance system where you tap your preferred donation amount. The expansive grounds feature numerous plant varieties and areas to explore, with ample parking and open spaces perfect for picnics. Though signage can be limited and navigation initially challenging, you’ll find maps available at the entrance hut, while the dog-friendly environment welcomes four-legged companions, though wheelchair accessibility remains limited.

Cotswold Way

This renowned hiking area along the B4070 at Birdlip provides adventurous souls with challenging terrain open all hours. You’ll find the route particularly rewarding for those seeking vigorous exercise, with very hilly and muddy conditions that test even experienced walkers and runners. The landscape proves great fun for outdoor enthusiasts, though proper footwear becomes essential as the terrain can pull shoes from feet in muddy sections.

Navigate to nearby Cotswold treasures with our vehicle hire services:

• Cheltenham
• Bisley
• Southam
• Barrow
• Cirencester
• Longford
• Gloucester
• Barnsley

Crickley Hill Country Park

This gorgeous park is earning its excellent 4.5-star rating from over 1,000 visitors through beautiful walks offering amazing views and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. The well-maintained café serves quality refreshments with dedicated staff working efficiently during busy periods, while convenient toilet facilities enhance the visitor experience. We particularly appreciate the extensive walking trails that reward explorers with spectacular panoramic vistas across the surrounding countryside.

National Trust – Chedworth Roman Villa

Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, this remarkable Roman villa protected by the National Trust maintains its outstanding 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,500 reviews. The site showcases one of Britain’s largest and most complete Roman villas, discovered in 1864 and evolved from simple 2nd-century structures into luxurious 4th-century residences. You’ll witness the villa’s remarkable development reflecting the Cotswolds’ prosperity during Roman Britain, particularly following the Roman army’s departure, with peak wealth and grandeur achieved between 360-380 AD.

National Trust – Old Ebworth Centre

This terrific National Trust attraction at The Camp offers stunning scenery and peaceful woodland experiences with numerous trails winding through extensive woodlands. You could easily spend entire days exploring the various pathways, though proper navigation equipment proves essential to avoid getting lost in the expansive trail network. The diverse landscape features fascinating fungi, natural water features with tadpoles and intriguing mosaic installations, creating regular hiking destinations for those seeking different path experiences.

Devil’s Chimney

Located in Shurdington, this remarkable attraction rewards visitors with spectacular views after challenging uphill walks accessible at all hours. You’ll find excellent cycling tracks for those preferring two-wheeled adventures, though major uphill sections demand significant physical effort from both walkers and cyclists. The summit provides amazing vistas over Gloucester and Cheltenham, while observant visitors can spot crop marks indicating Iron Age round house settlements, alongside opportunities to discover interesting wildlife like notably large Roman snails.

Cotswold Alpacas

This delightful attraction at The Dutch Barn offers wonderful experiences walking with these gentle creatures, requiring visitors to approach respectfully at their eye level with almost bow-like greetings. The knowledgeable staff provide exceptional service and detailed information, though following precise directions and what3words locations becomes essential for a successful arrival. The soft and respectful nature of these animals creates memorable encounters that appeal to visitors of all ages seeking unique animal interaction experiences.

Painswick Beacon

This amazing historical landmark remains available for visits at all hours, providing beautiful panoramic views from the beacon summit after a short five-minute trail to the top. You’ll enjoy almost 360-degree perspectives extending toward Gloucester, enhanced by seasonal displays of amazing flora and fauna during spring and summer months. The ascending and descending paths offer delightful encounters with colourful wildflowers and occasional dandelions that create photogenic opportunities throughout your visit.

Seven Springs Well

This historically significant landmark near Coberley features a picturesque spring accessible from a useful layby, though the attraction requires brief visits under normal circumstances. The spring sits down a steep scramble, creating scenic but somewhat challenging access for visitors seeking this natural water source. While the location provides attractive stopping points for travellers, the limited facilities and brief viewing opportunities make it more suitable for quick roadside appreciation rather than extended exploration.