From castle makeovers to royal anniversaries, eco-friendly cycling to brand new foodie trails, the Cotswolds has it all in 2021.

 2021 looks like being the year of new experiences in the Cotswolds – making it the perfect place to shake off the 2020 blues.

 As well as key historic dates like the 550th anniversary of the Battle of Tewkesbury, to the transformation of Tudor Thornbury Castle which was once owned by Henry VIII, 2021 is shaping up to be the perfect year to visit the Cotswolds.

 But it's not all history.  New foodie trails have been unveiled in Bath and Stow-on-the-Wold savouring the best of local produce and producers, there are wonderful new cycling and quadbiking experiences to enjoy and a whole host of fantastic new courses – from bushcraft to flower arranging, crafting to falconry.

 Throw in the 50th anniversary of the Cotswold Way, a couple of amazing Heritage Lottery Fund projects – including makeovers for William Morris's country home, Kelmscott Manor, and the Corinium Museum, and 2021 offers a hugely diverse and exciting array of things to do and places to stay.

 Thornbury Castle refurbishment.  Channel your inner royal with a luxurious and sophisticated castle hotel experience.  This Tudor marvel has been given a full makeover, with each of the 27 bedchambers beautifully redesigned using traditional materials and artisan design. 

https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/news/its-2020-and-a-new-era-for-thornbury-castle

 Launching in 2021, Savouring Bath will be offering a new range of tours connecting visitors with agricultural producers including visits to dairies, fruit, veg, herb and oil farms as well as cider presses and vineyards.  Meanwhile in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn offer wonderful foodie trails featuring local artisans – highlighting the Cotswolds as the food-lovers dream it is.   www.savouringbath.com   www.oldstocksinn.com/blog/cotswolds-with-our-new-foodie-trails

 Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2021, The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile long walking trail from Bath to Chipping Campden – and the perfect way to see the dramatic Cotswold landscape as well as beautiful towns and villages.  www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/

 Committed to sustainable eco-tourism, Wild Carrot offers bell tent or shepherds hut accommodation– and the chance to have a go at one of their amazing cycling trails.  Enjoy extraordinary experiences and unique stays in the grounds of the glorious Chavenage House. www.wildcarrot.co.uk

 Immerse yourself in the wonderful surroundings of Notgrove on an electric quadbiking adventure with Quadquest.  Or have a go at one of the range of new activities including bushcraft, foraging, falconry and fitness on offer there.  www.quadquest.co.uk.    www.notgroveholidays.com/activities

 Marking the 550th anniversary of the historic Battle of Tewkesbury and the 900th anniversary of the consecration of Tewkesbury Abbey, 2021 will be a big year – with celebrations from May to October and a range of events including a Medieval Festival and Son et Lumiere!  www.tewkesburyabbey.org.uk

Larkswold - an exciting new crafting destination is offering new experiences in a marquee overlooking a stunning wildflower meadow – with coffee and homemade cakes all part of the experience.  www.larkswold.com

 Explore new pathways on The Sherborne Park Estate in 2021 – the perfect place to see local insect and birdlife as well as voles and otters.   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lodge-park-and-sherborne-park-estate

 2021 will see the unveiling of newly transformed Kelmscott Manor – the home of the father of the arts and crafts movement William Morris.  The makeover includes improved facilities, vital conservation work and a reinterpretation of the house and wider estate.  www.sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor 

Press enquiries.

For more information about what's new for 2021 in the Cotswolds please click here or email cotswoldstourism@cotswold.gov.uk.  Help can be given with digital images and press trips as well as more bespoke packages including accommodation and sightseeing for journalists with commissions.

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 NOTES

About Cotswolds Tourism.

 Cotswolds Tourism is the official Destination Management Organisation promoting and marketing tourism across the Cotswolds. A public-private sector organisation, Cotswolds Tourism is a partnership of tourism businesses, supported by local authorities. Hosted in Cotswold District Council, Cotswolds Tourism is supported with resources by West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council and includes strategic partners of Cotswolds National Landscape, Cheltenham Borough Council & Marketing Cheltenham, Tewkesbury Borough Council, and Stroud District Council.  Cotswolds Tourism's priority is to grow the area's visitor economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism spend, especially in the towns and villages.