Springtime in the Cotswolds: Bluebells, Blossoms and Beautiful Days Out.

Lower Slaughter-Ride here on horseback to play in the river

With Winter well and truly over, we have turned our attention to the TOP 5 attractions and experiences in the Cotswolds this Spring. If you're an outdoor enthusiast and are craving a post January adventure, read on.

1: We start by shouting out about the abundance of beautiful National Trust sites on our doorstep. Set aside a minimum of 2 days to get round as many of them as you can. Make sure you include Bibury and Arlington Row - the most photographed scene in England but on a crisp, mid week February morning you will only have to share your selfies with the resident swans floating gracefully up and down the River Coln. Drop into The Twig for refreshments, the coffees are chalked up on the tiled service area while the aroma of grilled cheese and mushroom toasties is irresistible (Open Mon-Sun 8.30am-4pm).

For those in need of a brisk hike and a passion for scenic back drops, pay a visit to Dovers Hill near Chipping Campden. This grassy summit is the ideal hilltop to take a picnic and absorb the stunning views of the Severn Vale. If a cucumber sandwich can't satisfy a true foodies appetite make a reservation at Michaels Mediterranean https://michaelsmediterranean.co.uk ask for a table in their heated courtyard and feel transported into a Greek hidden gem.

Chedworth Roman Villa near Northleach requires a few hours to fully appreciate the perseverance and skill required to uncover and maintain the beautiful mosaics left behind by our Roman ancestors. Discover how we lived 2000 years ago through guided tours and interactive displays. An interesting learning opportunity for children and adults. @stumppub is an excellent stop off for gourmet pizza and a round of pool by the open fire.

2: Wood Brothers Distillery Gin School. The experience takes you through the secrets of the Brothers field to glass approach with a tour around the family run distillery, before giving you the chance to put that knowledge to the test in the Gin School. Participants are poured a drink - a gin and tonic of course, to kick off the session. You will distill your blend of hand picked botanicals in miniature copper pot stills, fuelled by another hand poured, generous measure of gin you can personalise your concoction with your own name and label. 'Gin and Dare It' is our favourite name to date. The experience last roughly 2.5 hours and starts from £90 per person. Book here: https://woodbrosdistilling.com.

Wood Brothers Distillery - The First Pour

3: Cheltenham Gold Cup. The Cotswolds is home to 'The Greatest Show on Turf'. The National Horse Racing Festival takes place each year in March and promises to be an exhilarating day out filled with fresh air, fast horses and fine champagne. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most prestigious race in British jump racing, thousands of passionate racegoers descend to the track and create an electric sporting atmosphere. To get involved, Book you tickets here https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/the-festival/tickets/#tab=day4

4: A trip to feed the lambs at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park is an experience for all the family. During the Spring months you can get up close and personal to the baby animals with special seasonal experiences. With interactive exhibits, playgrounds and plenty of space to run around, it's a great day out for the kids during the holidays.

Spring is particularly beautiful as the farm's trails and fields are in bloom with snowdrops, daffodils and wild flowers while the fruit trees don pretty pink blossom. For more information visit the site https://cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk/seasonal-events/bottle-feeding/

5: Visit the local Farmers' Markets. My absolute favourite is Stroud Farmers Market, held every Saturday from around 9am-2pm. There are over 50 stalls but what makes this market so special is the opportunity to speak with the farmers and stall holders about their fresh, artisan products. You'll often find street food, flowers, spring greens and fresh herbs, all kinds of seasonal fruits and berries, local cheeses and charcuteries and of course lots of sweet, delicious treats to take home.

Head to the Cornhill Market Place GL5 2JT.