A selection of Cotswold Historic Houses & Sites

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Stunning Vanborough building and the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. The Palace and Gardens open early April, daily from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm, to the end of October. The park is open daily 9:00 am to 4:45 pm throughout the year.
Tel: 01993 811325. www.blenheimpalce.com

Chastleton House, Moreton-in-Marsh (National Trust)
One of England's finest and most complete Jacobean houses, occupied by the same family for 400 years. Elizabethan gardens with topiary and it was here in 1865 that the rules of modern day croquet were codified. Open 23rd March to 2nd November, daily except Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm April until September 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm October and November. Admission by timed ticket.
Tel: 01494 755585.

Chedworth Roman Villa
The remains of one of the largest Roman villas in Britain, set in woodland, and owned by the National Trust. Walls, mosaics, bathhouses and latrines survive. Discovered in 1864, relics are on show in the museum. Open end of February until 31st March, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Early April until end of October, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. End of October until mid-November, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. Daily except Monday.

Tel: 01242 890256

Ragley Hall, Alcester
Family home of the Hertford (Conway Seymour) family since it was built in 1680. Ragley is surrounded by 27 acres of gardens and the parkland contains a children's adventure wood, 3D-maze, tables, carriage collection, woodland walk and lakeside picnic area.
Open April to end of September: Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm and bank holiday Mondays. Park and gardens open daily during school holidays. Tel: 01789 762090. www.ragleyhall.com

Shakespeare's Stratford
Stratford warrants a full-day's visit. Jump on a tour bus, and take in all the birthplace properties, including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's House. Stroll along the river, take a ride on a boat, book tickets for a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and enjoy the excellent variety of shops www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk

Snowshill Manor, Snowshill, near Broadway
Charles Wade's fascinating collection of craftsmanship, toys, artefacts, armour from all over the world, now owned by the National Trust. Great for children and the young at heart. Note: The Manor is a five-minute walk (460 metres) along an undulating path from the Visitor Information Centre; a buggy is available for the elderly and visitors with disabilities.
Open from early April to October, subject to confirmation: Wednesday to Sunday, bank holiday Mondays and Mondays in July and August from 12:00 am - 5:00 pm. Entry is by timed ticket only. The grounds and visitor facilities are open as above, but from 11:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Tel: 01684 855376

Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
Beautiful castle and gardens, once the home of Henry VIII's Queen, Katherine Parr and housing the unique archives of Emma Dent. Now the home of the Ashcombe and Dent Brocklehurst family. Gardens open from 1st March and the house from 29th March until the end of October.
Tel: 01242 604357. www.sudeleycastle.co.uk

Warwick Castle, Warwick
One of the best and most popular tourist attractions in Britain. Climb Guy's Tower, see the haunted tower and dungeons, and wonderful reconstructions of the Kingmaker and Victorian houseparty with Madame Tussauds' waxworks. Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Tel: 0870 442 2000.www.warwick-castle.co.uk