Posted on July 26, 2024
We want to take you exploring across The Cotswolds, following the sites visited in various works of literature, from children’s books to real and imagined stories we've come to know in major film franchises. So pick out the perfect book and get ready to snuggle up with a cuppa and captivating read before setting out in the footsteps of your new favourite characters.
Fiction
The Rector's Wife by Joanna Trollope
Joanna Trollope is one of Britain’s most famous authors and she was born and raised in the village of Minchinhampton in The Cotswolds. Joanna uses her writing talents to share important social commentary on life in in the UK, and through her works of fiction she channels her Cotswolds heritage through the character’s backgrounds and settings. Some stories are even based within The Cotswolds, one which springs to mind is The Rector’s Wife, the story of a priest's wife who rebels and discovers new life and independence while working at a local supermarket.
To follow along the footsteps set in the book, Anna's involvement in a quaint life such as baking for the Brownies and other community activities highlights the close-knit nature of village life. Attending local events or visiting community centres in Cotswold villages like Stow-on-the-Wold could offer a similar experience.
For a more detailed dive into what to do and see when visiting Stow-on-the-Wold read our area guide here.
Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie
A much-loved story of the boy that never grew up, Peter Pan was born from the rolling hills of The Cotswolds. Its author, J.M.Barrie spent the majority of his time writing this book during his summers in the impressive Stanway House in the north of The Cotswolds.
Besides visiting the gorgeous Stanway house, it’s easy to see how many areas in The Cotswolds invoke a feeling of wonder and magic. Located in Cheltenham, Pittville Park is one of the largest parks in the area of natural beauty, the park's enchanting landscape with its bridges, lakeside paths, and picturesque gardens can invoke the magical essence of Neverland. There’s also a boat hire service on the lake which adds to the adventurous spirit, reminiscent of Peter Pan’s escapades on water.
Whilst in Cheltenham, why not spend the weekend exploring all the area has to offer? If you need more places to visit or where to stay, read our area guide here.
A Cotswolds Trilogy by Prue Leith
Prue Leith is better known for her cookbooks and starring on the Great British Bake Off. However she is also a keen fiction writer and channels her love of food into her characters, nearly all of whom are cooks or chefs. Her last three works of fiction, The Food of Love, The Prodigal Daughter and The Lost Son form a trilogy about two families living in The Cotswolds.
Although Eversleigh is a fictional village, it is inspired by real Cotswold villages such as Broadway. This charming village features traditional honey coloured stone buildings, independent shops, and beautiful countryside views just like those described in Prue’s writing. Whilst in Broadway, pop into The Lygon Arms to get a feel for the local establishments mentioned throughout the trilogy. It’s a great spot to experience local hospitality, delicious food, and a cosy atmosphere.
Broadway offers enough to fill a weekend with let alone a day trip, get to know the area in our guide here.
Cider With Rose by Laurie Lee
Nostalgic and a celebration of rural Enlish countryside living, Cider With Rosie is a classic that vividly recounts Lee's childhood and early adolescence in the rural village of Slad in Gloucestershire, England, during the years following World War I.
The book captures the essence of life in The Cotswolds, detailing the idyllic yet challenging existence of a close-knit community. Through rich, poetic prose, Lee dives into family life, local characters, village traditions, and the changing seasons in the countryside, portraying both the simplicity and hardship of rural life.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien's frequent travels and deep appreciation for The Cotswolds' landscape and history contributed significantly to the texture and depth of his legendary literary creations. We've highlighted a few specific spots that inspired the world of Middle-earth below if you're a big Lord of the Rings fan.
The Bell Inn in Moreton-in-Marsh
The Bell Inn is widely believed to have inspired the "Prancing Pony," an inn in Bree where Frodo and his companions encounter Aragorn. The historic ambiance and architecture of The Bell Inn mirror the welcoming yet slightly mysterious atmosphere portrayed in the book.
Rollright Stones
This ancient stone circle is thought to have influenced Tolkien's depiction of the Barrow-downs and the eerie barrow-wights that inhabit them. The mystical aura and history of the Rollright Stones provide a fitting backdrop for these haunting elements.
Four Shires Stone
The Four Shires Stone, marking the historic meeting point of four English counties, is said to have inspired the Three-Farthing Stone in the Shire. This significant marker conveys a sense of regional unity and ancient lore, much like its fictional counterpart.
Broadway Tower
Broadway Tower, with its panoramic views and striking presence, is reminiscent of some of the iconic towers in Middle-earth, such as Orthanc in Isengard or the Tower of Ecthelion in Minas Tirith. The tower's dramatic silhouette against the landscape evokes a sense of grandeur and timelessness prevalent in Tolkien's work.
Non Fiction
A Cotswold Family Life by Clare Mackintosh
Clare Mackintosh is an author known for both her fictional and non-fiction works. However for 8 years, Clare wrote for Cotswold Life about the ups and downs of life with a young family in the countryside and decided to bring these stories altogether to form A Cotswold Family Life.
From keeping chickens to longing for an Aga and dealing with nits, Clare opens the door to Cotswold family living with warmth, humour and heart.
Instead of literally following Clare’s outlined footsteps, you can seek to fill yourself with the same experiences she mentions. For example heading to, The Theatre Chipping Norton is a vibrant community theatre offering performances, workshops, and events that reflect the creative and cultural engagement found in Clare’s writings about community life.
Whilst out and about in ‘Chippy’ why not follow our area guide to ensure you visit the best food spots and must visit locations. You can read it here.
All Cheeses Great and Small by Alex James
Alex James shares his story of transitioning from a life in the limelight in the 1990s to his life as a farmer, artisan cheese-maker and father of five. After a pop star life of excess, Alex got married and fell in love with his new home, a huge farmhouse in The Cotswolds, set in 200 acres of beautiful countryside. The farm represents not just a new house but also a new career and way of life.
Kingham Village is the charming village that Alex James settles in and serves as a backdrop to much of his story. The village is known for its beautiful cottages, tranquil setting, and strong sense of community. Just outside Kingham is the amazing Daylesford Organic Farm, this farm shop offers organic produce, a café, and cookery school. A direct reflection of the sustainable living and culinary exploration that James embraces.
The Wild Other by Clover Stroud
Clover Stroud is an author based in The Cotswolds and her book, The Wild Other is her memoir of love, loss, motherhood, sex and danger.
Clover had a very happy childhood in Wiltshire, which ended violently when her mother fell from her horse and was left brain damaged. Clover shares how this early experience of loss and trauma has informed everything she's done since then. This story from Clover is a beautifully written account of a search for healing.
Despite Stroud's horrible experiences within the equestrian world, she remains stoutly in love with the field and there are numerous riding schools throughout the Cotswolds where visitors can experience horseback riding, aligning with Stroud’s equestrian experiences. Find our guide to them here.
Poo Poo Parenting, Poems and parodies for perturbed parents by Sarah Jarman
There’s no training or test to pass to be a parent, and the parenting manuals don’t really tell you the whole truth of what it will be like. That’s what this book from Sarah Jarman aims to do, share the truth. A clever collection of poems and parodies, this book was written for anyone going through the struggles of parenting so they know they’re not alone.
Whilst you may not be looking to explore how your parenting shapes up, we're certain you'll be looking to spend some quality time with your kids and there's few better places than Westonbirt Arboretum. Famous for its extensive collection of trees and beautiful landscapes. Offering trails, play areas, and seasonal events tailored for families. If you’re looking for other places to take your little ones this summer, we have some more suggestions here.
Children’s books
The Night I Met Father Christmas by Ben Miller
Ben Miller is an actor, author and comedian based in The Cotswolds and he brings the magic of The Cotswolds to life through his wonderful children’s books. The Night I Met Father Christmas is a gorgeous tale brimming with the magic of Christmas, this book will remind everyone of the true spirit of Christmas and prove that Santa really does exist!
Whilst it may not be Christmas just yet, there’s no harm in planning ahead. Cirencester Parish Church is known for its magnificent architecture, the church often hosts Christmas services and events that can mirror the story’s themes of wonder and tradition. Meanwhile the local Christmas Market provides a festive atmosphere with stalls offering seasonal goods, food, and gifts, enhancing the magical holiday spirit.
If you don’t want to wait till Christmas however, there’s still plenty of reason to visit Cirencester. We lay out what to do, where to eat, where to stay and more in our area guide here.
Dave and Darcy Go to the Beach by Lois Kingscott
Lois Kingscott has lived her whole life in Cheltenham, with the countryside on her doorstep to go horseback riding. It wasn’t until 2016 that Lois finally bought her first horse and best friend, Dave. Little did she know that Dave would become the inspiration for her series of children’s picture books, starting with the first, Dave and Darcy Go to the Beach, which was published in April 2020.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach is the closest thing to a beach in the Cotswolds, offering sandy shores, swimming areas, and water sports. It’s a perfect destination for families, much like the adventures of Dave and Darcy.
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
The Tailor of Gloucester tells the story of a poor tailor in Gloucester who is commissioned to make a coat for the Mayor's Christmas wedding and twists and turn lead to a group of helpful mice putting their tailoring skills to the test to help finish the coat.
Though the story is set in the city of Gloucester, on the edge of The Cotswolds, Beatrix Potter herself was deeply inspired by the English countryside, including The Cotswolds, in her work. The Cotswolds' picturesque villages and landscapes are reflective of the kind of quintessentially English settings that Potter often chose for her stories. If you're a Beatrix Potter fan, in Gloucester near the cathedral you can find The House of the Tailor of Gloucester, a charming museum and quaint shop which inspired the story itself, dedicated to the author's life and works.
Cookbooks
Kitchen Secrets by Raymond Blanc
Raymond Blanc is celebrated as a culinary legend, with a boundless love of delicious food. His book Kitchen Secrets shares more than 100 recipes from both series of Kitchen Secrets filmed at Belmont Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, The Cotswolds. This is a fantastic read that demystifies the skills of haute cuisine and is a must-have book for anybody with a love of French cuisine and finesse.
The Pig: Tales and Recipes from the Kitchen Garden and Beyond
The first book about all things PIG! from the swanky Pig hotels, it's packed full of simple recipes, kitchen garden tips and tricks, interior inspirations and home-grown how-to's.
Their hotel in Bath has the biggest kitchen garden out of all of their hotels, complete with a Smoke House, wild flower orchard, fruit cages, a greenhouse and beehives. It's renowned for its culinary treats such as crispy pork crackling and tobacco onions, both of which you can now make from home.
The VWH Cookbook
The VWH Hunt has created a new cookbook celebrating and sharing traditional recipes. To find out more, you can visit their website or to order the cookbook, you can email clementina@cjhoskins.co.uk