The villages of honey-coloured stone and the breathtaking landscapes make the Cotswolds an area of outstanding natural beauty and a fantastic touring destination. A good place to start your trip is Cirencester - the junction of five Roman roads. Many of the town's structures date back to the 15th century, including the St John Baptist 'wool' church, which dominates the market square.
Elsewhere, don't miss Bourton-on-the-Water with its splendid, traditional Cotswold stone buildings, pubs, fine shops and tea houses. It is also known as 'Venice of the Cotswolds' due to its series of little bridges crossing the river Windrush, which runs through the centre of the village. Visit during the low season and you'll miss the hordes of tourists who invade each year.
Chipping Norton, with its many atmospheric pubs, cafés and shops, is also a great place to explore. The town derived its name from the medieval English word chepynge, meaning 'market'.
In the Middle Ages, people came to the town to trade goods at the markets and fairs - nowadays the market is held on Wednesdays. Broadway, a few miles away, has a fine high street lined with shops, tearooms and 18th-century buildings. Don't miss a visit to Broadway Tower, which sits atop the Cotswolds escarpment, about a mile outside town. For a small fee, visitors can climb the tower and enjoy far-reaching views over as many as 13 counties. Incredible scenery, traditional villages, fascinating history and great food - the Cotswolds is a wonderful region to explore in your motorhome.

Batsford Arboretum
This is one of the jewels in the Cotswolds' crown and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. The arboretum consists of a variety of habitats with a huge and fascinating collection of plants from around the world.
Tel 01386 701441 Web www.batsarb.co.uk

Berkeley Castle
Take a leisurely tour of the castle, which was completed in 1153 by Lord Maurice de Berkeley, and then relax with a spot of lunch at The Castle Tea Rooms.
Tel 01453 810332 Web www.berkeley-castle.com

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum
Galleries at the museum include an Arts & Crafts Movement collection, furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, archaeology and local history, as well as special exhibitions.
Tel 01242 237431 Web www.cheltenham-artgallery.museum

Birdland Park and Gardens, Cheltenham
This park is home to over 500 birds, including king penguins. There's also a café, gift shop, children's play area and picnic area, too. A family ticket costs £15.50.
Tel 01451 820480 Web www.birdland.co.uk.

What's NEW
The Corinium Museum, Cirencester
This fantastic museum offers visitors the chance to trace the story of the Cotswolds from prehistory to the late 19th century, focussing on Cirencester's Roman heritage. Admission is £3.50. It is open 10am-5pm Mon-Sat and 2-5pm Sun.
Tel 01285 655611 Web www.coriniummuseum.co.uk

The Tewkesbury Winter Ales Festival
If you're a fan of traditional English tipples then this might be the festival for you. The festival will feature ales, stouts and porters from around Britain along with local ciders and perries. The next event will be 1-2 February 2008 at Watson Hall in Tewkesbury town centre. Admission is free on Friday lunchtime and costs £1 on the Friday and Saturday evenings.
Web www.tewksburycamra.org.uk

Secret Snail
Travel tips and local info

Parking Update
Motorhome-friendly carparks

What's On
Local shows and events

Discount pitches
Money off coupon for selected parks