One of this year’s highlights will be an evening with noted pianist James Rhodes and Penguin Café’s Arthur Jeffes whose newest project, Sundog, demonstrates his talents with the electronic adaptions of the piano. Jeffes is a gifted pianist who has performed on big stages around the world.

Jeffes will be followed by the unique style of James Rhodes who plays whatever he feels on a given night. Festival attendees could hear Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninov or Bach. All Rhodes’ talents will be on full display with the Town Hall’s remarkable Steinway.

This night will be on July 4^th and will follow the opening night celebration featuring Jim Broadbent. Noted film critic Mark Kermode will host the entertaining night at the movies along with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Broadbent is the acclaimed actor who has won Emmy and Golden Globe notoriety along with his Academy Award and BAFTA accomplishments. Most recently, Broadbent earned a BAFTA nomination for his supporting role alongside Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady.

One of the exciting evenings will feature the new chamber work, Orchestrapedia, composed by Roxanna Panufnik. Roxanna’s composition is sure to thrill music lovers as she features each musical instrument by lending it human characteristics. Her work will be presented at the same time as work from her talented husband and noted artist Jem Panufnik, whose recent works will be displayed in stills during the music.

The Cheltenham Music Festival spans 11 days and nights and draws music enthusiasts from around the world, This is a celebration of music and its many dimensions.

The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival

This year’s Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will be held from October 4 through October 13, 2013. The Literature Festival concludes the summer series of Jazz, Music, Science and Literature festivals that attracts interested enthusiasts from around the globe.

As usual, Cheltenham will transform itself for the fourth time this year. The autumn festival features more than 600 of the world’s greatest writers and more than 500 debates, interviews and workshops for reading and writing enthusiasts.

The Cheltenham Literature, founded in 1949, is multi-dimensional, actually including many mini-festivals in one big event. This year’s events will feature Hollywood stars, political debaters and authors covering just about every conceivable genre.

James Harding, the Editor of The Times, describes the Cheltenham Literature festival as; “The best literary festival in Britain. It’s an amazing chance to hear people, meet people, learn new things – and I think that’s what brings me here.”

BOOK IT! – This is one of the mini-festivals within a festival and includes more than 100 events celebrating children’s literature. This is one of the festivals most popular venues. From toddlers to teens, Book It! has something for every youngster.

Party Time – Party Time is another mini-festival that emphasises some of the classical characters for children. In 2012, Spot, Peter Rabbit, Thomas Olivia and Maisy paid courtesy visits to attendees. Special treats include party bags and cakes.

Making and Doing – Lots of interaction and fun mark this mini-festival. Participants can learn to ice a cupcake, design a maze or do wonders with Legos. The idea of this platform is develop good hands-on skills along with using eyes and ears.

Write Away – This workshop concentrates on creative writing and has gained national recognition. These workshops welcome aspiring writers of all levels of ability. Write Away gives every participant the opportunity to work with proven and notable authors.

The Big Read – The Big Read gives participants one book to read, savor and debate. Book lovers from around the UK come to participate in this inspiring event. In most corners of the UK, The Big Read continues on long after the festival is closed.

The Cheltenham Jazz Festival

The recently concluded Cheltenham Jazz Festival ran from May 1 through May 6, 2013. More than  20,000 jazz lovers were in attendance. The festival always incorporates some of jazz’s greatest names along with many new, inspired jazz musicians.

Over the years, the festival has hosted the likes of Eartha Kit, Imelda May, Van Morrison, Jamie Cullum, an annual guest, Hugh Laurie, Stephanie Grappelli and Ornette Coleman. The jazz festival takes place at Montpelier Gardens, an ideal venue in the heart of Cheltenham.

The long Bank Holiday weekend is an ideal time to get away and relax to the distinct sounds of jazz. The music is free and all events are outdoors. The food is great and the drink stalls are always busy.

About the Jazz Festival, Jamie Cullum told the Times; “If someone doesn’t get jazz, how do you woo them towards enjoying it? The Cheltenham Jazz Festival, with 47 official concerts plus a lively fringe, is a good answer, offering the chance to dip into many different styles of jazz.”

The Science Festival

The Science Festival just concluded. The festival ran from June 4^th through June 9^th, 2013. The site for the festival is always the Cheltenham Town Hall and the Imperial Gardens. Like the Literature Festival, the Science Festival features many mini-festivals.

This year’s event included the following events, which give an overview of what to expect next year.

The Discover Zone – The Discover Zone is a daily event that features interaction for enthusiasts of all ages. Children and adults get hands-on experience with many pieces of scientific equipment and the newest technology.

The Talking Points – This venue is especially for aspiring scientists who want to debate the latest developments. The Talking Points features great guest speakers and interesting panels and encourages audience participation.

The GE Pavilion – This free pavilion featured insight into GE’s newest aircraft technology. Computer technology is used to simulate the control of various aircraft components. This year, the GE Pavilion featured a life-sized flight simulator.

There is something for everyone at the Cheltenham Festival. If you can fit it into your schedule, book your dates the summer events.

Harry Potter Series – Gloucester Cathedral

Producers of the Harry Potter series of films felt that Gloucester Cathedral was the perfect place to shoot many of the school’s interior scenes. J.K Rowling was born in Gloucestershire, so this is somewhat fitting! The Cathedral is often described as being Northern Europes sixth most beautiful building; it embodies a range of classic styles, including Norman and Roman influences.

Bridget Jones’s Diary – Snowshill

The famous snow filled winter scenes of the first Bridget Jones film were shot in the Gloucestershire village of Snowshill. The film featured several scenes featuring the incredibly picturesque village, including the village green and the house Bridget stayed in. It set the scene perfectly for a cosy Cotswold Christmas. Interestingly, the producers covered the whole village in fake snow (it was the middle of July!).

Pride and Prejudice – Cheltenham Town Hall

An incredibly popular film from the mid-nineties, featuring Hollywood A-List Colin Firth, Pride and Prejudice has scenes shot in Cheltenham’s Town Hall. The Town Hall is Gloucestershire’s largest entertainment venue; built in 1902 as a concert hall, it still remains the hub of the area. The Grand Main Hall is classic in appearance, featuring Corinthian Style Columns and covered ceiling. It contains a main hall (for large events), dining and drawing rooms, a bar and offices.

Braveheart – Cotswold Farm Park

The famous Cotswold Farm Park receives regular TV airtime, and interestingly, supplied the period-correct animals for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart film. Filmed in the mid-nineties, Braveheart is a historical drama about the 13^th century Scottish Warrior William Wallace. Cotswold Farm Park specialise in historical farm animals, including those from the Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman, Viking and Norman periods, and the Agricultural Revolution. Period dramas and films often feature the animals of Cotswold Farm Park.

Downton Abbey – Bampton

Set in 1912, most of Downton Abbey’s exterior shots were filmed in the Cotswold village of Bampton. Highly featured buildings include St Mary’s Church and the library. Bampton is on the edge of the Cotswolds and known as one of the areas prettiest villages; it is the perfect example of charming and unspoilt Cotswold development.

There are a number of beautiful areas of the Cotswolds to take your dog for a walk, and we’ve put together a list of 5 of the best pet-friendly areas in this exceptionally scenic part of the UK. The Cotswold Way, in particular, showcases the best that the Cotswold has to offer. It runs from Chipping Campden all the way to Bath, and provides a number of circular walks, ideal for lovers of the countryside, outdoors, and of the classic British pubs that yet more character to the area.

Here are some of the trails that we think you will love whether you’re visiting the Cotswolds on your holidays, or just for a day out:

Old Sodbury

This is a nice and easy circular walk, and is particularly pet-friendly as it only has moderate slopes and no stiles or fences whatsoever. There is some beautiful Cotswold architecture to behold on the route, with the Old Sodbury medieval church and the iron-age Hill Fort as the main features of this beautiful stroll. As ever, there’s a public house nearby to rest up and quench the thirst, so finish up with a tasty English ale at the Dog Inn, Old Sodbury.

Click here to visit National Trail and see a map of the route!

Stanton, Snowshill & the Edge

This trail takes you through two of the most beautiful little villages in the area; Snowshill and Stanton, with plenty of impressive views from hilltops, as well as some elements of the classic British woodlands. The full route is 6 miles long, but there is a shorter circular route of 2.5 miles if you want a more relaxed stroll. This walk does include some stiles, but with a bit of assistance, we’re sure your dog will hop right over.

Click here to visit National Trail and see a map of the route!

Chipping Campden

The longer version of this delightful walk is of moderate difficulty, but the 3 mile version avoids the steeper climbs, so may be more appropriate as a dog-friendly day out in the Cotswolds. There are a number of wonderful little pubs and cafes in Chipping Campden to refresh yourself after (or before!) the route. This is considered as the “entrance” to The Cotswold Way, so enjoy it and take in all the scenery!

Click here to visit National Trail and see a map of the route!

Leckhampton

This loop is roughly 4.5 miles long, and runs on the outskirts of the beautiful village of Leckhampton. Again, some ancient ruins add yet more interesting points to this route, as well as the classically impressive Cotswold scenery. Much of the trail is along charming woodland, with some nice shelter from the rain and wind, or even from the summer sun if you happen to be lucky enough! There are a number of classic Cotswold pubs nearby too, which are ideal to visit come rain or shine.

Click here to visit National Trail and see a map of the route!

Broadway & The Tower

This walk takes you from Broadway village (The “Jewel” of the Cotswolds) to Broadway Tower Country Park, and back. Start your walk on the High Street in the morning, then finish up at lunchtime in one of Broadway’s fine pubs. There are some stiles on this route, so it’s only really appropriate for pets (or owners!) that are agile enough to hop over. The hills provide wonderful views as far as Wales, yet another beautiful part of the UK.

Click here to visit National Trail and see a map of the route!

For more information about pet-friendly accommodation in the Cotswolds, take a browse through our range of cottages or call us on 01993 824 252

And there are plenty of great pubs in which to meet these great people!

So here’s our list of the top 5 pubs in the Cotswolds right now;

1. The Chequers Inn, Churchill

The Chequers in Churchill is one of the most popular pubs in the Cotswolds at the moment. With a reputation for great service and high quality food, it is gaining some brilliant reviews across the web and among the local residents. The Chequers Inn has a classic, rustic country feel, complete with stag heads, wood tables, and exposed stone walls. A good selection of locally & nationally produced real ales and ciders and an excellent wine list caters for all tastes. Children are welcome, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly – an ideal stop off for a Cotswold bike ride or scenic summer drive.

Website: The Chequers Inn
Address: The Chequers Inn, Church Road, Churchill, Oxfordshire, OX7 6NJ
Call: 01608 659393

2. The King’s Head Inn, Bledington

The King’s Head Inn, Bledington is a classically traditional 16th Century Inn. This pub has a good reputation, featuring in the Michelin Pub Guide, The Good Food Guide and are also on the front cover of The Good Pub Guide for 2012. The interior is full of character, having maintained many of the original historic features. The King’s Head stock three locally produced lagers, which are popular along with a continuously good variety of real ales and ciders. Wednesday night is Burger Night, with homemade burgers made from meat sourced at a local farm – the Roe Deer burger is a must-try!

Website: The King’s Head Inn
Address: The King’s Head Inn, The Green, Bledington, Oxfordshire, OX7 6XQ
Call: 01608 658365

3. The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach

The Wheatsheaf Inn at Northleach is sister pub to The Chequers Inn at Churchill, and shares many of its fine qualities. The Wheatsheaf is another traditional Cotswolds pub, and is an historic watering hole for coachmen and highwaymen, and still provides a great stop off for travellers and tourists visiting the Cotswolds for their holidays. At the Wheatsheaf, they offer high quality dining combined with great beers and seasonal locally-sourced food. They keep their Twitter updated with the beers that they have on tap at any given time, and always have a fine wine list on offer.

Website: The Wheatsheaf Inn
Address: The Wheatsheaf Inn, West End, Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3EZ
Call: 01451 860244

4. The Swan Inn, Swinbrook

The Swan Inn at Swinbrook is a hugely popular traditional English pub in the Cotswolds. Here, they stock local beers from the Cotswold Brewing Company, including the local favourite Hook Norton Best, and source their produce locally for their well-renowned and highly rated restaurant. This Inn is actually owned by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, and makes up part of the family estate. The traditional flagstone floor and oak tables provide traditional character, whilst the excellent menu provides both contemporary and classic dishes.

Website: The Swan Inn
Address: The Swan Inn, Swinbrook, Nr. Burford, Oxon, OX18 4DY
Call: 01993 823339

5. The Fox Inn, Lower Oddington

Last but not least, The Fox Inn at Lower Oddington is a beautiful Virginia-creeper-clad English pub in the heart of the Cotswolds. A superb beer garden means that visitors can enjoy the summer sun afternoons and a heated terraced area is perfect for evening al-fresco dining. Highly recommended for its pleasant family atmosphere, The Fox Inn is good value and popular with local residents and tourists.

Website: The Fox Inn
Address: The Fox Inn, Lower Oddington, Gloucestershire, GL56 0UR
Call: 01451 870555

If you’d like the perfect idyllic location to base yourself from when you visit the Cotswolds and these wonderful pubs & restaurants, take a look at our range of holiday cottages. At Manor Cottages, we pride ourselves in providing high quality holiday accommodation in the Cotswolds and across other picturesque rural areas of Britain.

Cotswold Cottage Kitchen

As a kitchen enthusiast you will not be disappointed with the facilities available in the various self catering cottages available in the Cotswolds. Depending on your budget and specifications, the Cotswolds has a plethora of cottages that offer fully equipped kitchens and kitchenettes where you can create and share your best work. Each property will have details on the facilities available in its kitchen and you can easily choose which of them best suits your holiday cooking.

In addition to the excellent cooking facilities, the Cotswold also offers a wide range of fresh local and imported produce. This gives you the liberty of choosing to prepare English and exotic cuisines as and when you feel like. Those who are keen on organic food will have a good supply of local organic produce and ingredients that are fresh. Suppliers of organic foods will also have a wide range of products that you can use to cook exotic meals.

As you can see, the Cotswold has everything you need to enjoy an exciting and fun filled kitchen holiday. Give a loved one or your entire family an unforgettable treat by taking them on a holiday where you cook them their favourite meals. You will not only get to enjoy yourself doing something you love, you will also make an intimate statement of affection while also providing a very good answer to anyone who wants to know what’s cooking at the Cotswold Cottages.

The Venice of the Cotswolds

Having been dubbed ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton sits on the banks of the River Windrush, and with its low arching stone bridges certainly mirrors the serene Italian city. An excellent array of coffee shops, restaurants, and local shops make it a charming day out in one of the most breathtaking areas of England.

Summer is traditionally when tourist visits go through the roof, but Spring time is when Bourton-on-the-Water really comes to life, with the riverbank blossoming and the sun beginning to poke through that post-winter cloud.

Attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water

There’s lots to do in Bourton, with excellent attractions such as the Cotswold Motoring Museum, home of the famous little car Brum. There’s also an exceptional model village, which took local craftsmen five years to build. Aside from admiring the craftsmanship, you can use this as a guide to getting around the village, and what to go and see during your visit. One of these places may be the Birdland Park and Gardens – 7 acres of woodland containing over 500 birds; of tropical, temperate and desert origins. Bourton is also the home of the Cotswold Brewing Company. If you like a relaxing beer on your Cotswold holiday, this is the place to be.

For your Cotswold holidays, Bourton-on-the-Water is the ideal location to base yourself from, with great transport links between Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Participation is open to all British residents and citizens who meet the participation criteria as well as terms and conditions as set out by the organisers, Manor Cottages. For your trouble, Manor Cottages is offering a long weekend break for two at a cottage in the Cotswolds. This will be yet another excellent opportunity for you to enjoy the best of British countryside.

Participation begins by liking the Manor Cottages Facebook Page and reading the instructions as well as T&Cs to see if you qualify for the competition. Those who meet the required criteria will then submit their best photos of any areas that qualify as British countryside. The 10 photos that receive the highest votes will then make it to a final list where a winner will be picked and notified through email.

This is another great opportunity to have lots of fun as you try and win a weekend away at one of the top destinations in the country. For a little trouble, you and a loved one could be the lucky winners who get to enjoy a long weekend away at one of the finest Cotswolds Cottages. We wish you luck as you get ready to put your best shot forward and rally your family and friends to vote for it.

Festival organisers are always aiming to bring added value to their festivals and hosting said festivals in the cotswolds countryside is a truly stunning accomplishment.

If you are looking to enjoy the cotswolds this summer, why not consider a holiday cottage & festival combo?

Cornbury Festival

Locally dubbed “Posh Stock” for it’s middle class target audience and wealth of glamping options, Cornbury Festival is hosted in the glorious setting of The Great Tew Estate. Headliners for 2013 include Keane, Van Morrison & Squeeze with weekend tickets starting at £160.

Wilderness Festival

Hosted in the breathtaking surroundings of Cornbury Park, Wilderness is quickly becoming one of the UK’s most recognised independent music festivals. Fine dining, swimming and curated music attract a young and alternative demographic. Headliners and ticket information is not yet available for 2013, but if last year’s lineup is anything to go by then visitors are in for a treat!

If you would like to know more about music festivals in the Cotswolds, get in touch with Manor Cottages and discuss your musical tastes – we’ll do our best to find the right festival for you!

One of the unique and outstanding features of the Cotswolds Cottages is that there is an almost constant list of special offers that are available from different properties. These special offers are for cottages that accommodate singles, couples, families and large groups. As expected, you can enjoy significant savings by taking your holiday during the low seasons. However, you are almost guaranteed to find special offers from a number of properties even during high seasons.

You simply need to constantly check on the special offers available on the Cotswolds Cottages website and you will be surprised at the savings you could make while getting to enjoy one of the most memorable holidays you ever had.

It is however important to point out that Cotswold Cottages is not a cheap holiday destination. The quality of services, accommodation and other facilities is excellent. The trick is to get these quality services and facilities on discounted rates when they are on special offer. Those take advantage of the special offers will fully understand why the Cotswolds Cottages are described as having holidays you can truly and fully afford to enjoy.

The Cotswold Cottages are located in the western part of Central England deep in the country side. The natural vegetation, fresh air, panoramic views, clean and unspoilt environment, forest areas and beautiful terrain are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway. You and your partner can take romantic walks through the green fields of the Cotswolds or go on an adventure in the Wye Valley where you could take on some challenging caving and climbing. You could also enjoy some canoeing and other water activities on the River Wye.

There are a good number of dining places and pubs where you and your love can enjoy delicious meals and drinks. They offer great ambiance and will definitely set the mood for some very romantic moments. This combination of good food, quality drinks and a great atmosphere at the Cotswolds has been described by some honeymooners and lovers as a true mental aphrodisiac. This is because it often gets people in the mood for some very sensual loving.

The natural beauty, exciting activities and quality facilities available at the Cotswold Cottages make it a near perfect destination for those who are looking to enjoy a romantic getaway. You are guaranteed to have some of the most memorable moments of your relationship at the Cotswolds. This is a great place for couples of all ages with lots of different activities and facilities to enjoy. The Cotswold Cottages is a great gift to your lover and one of the best ways to say I love you in one of the most memorable ways possible.