ABOUT COTSWOLD INSIDER
Your Inside Guide to Unforgettable Cotswold Experiences
Local Insights from a Resident and Tour Guide
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful and visited regions in the UK — but planning a trip here can easily feel overwhelming. There’s so much information online, and not all of it comes from people who actually know the area.
That’s why I created Cotswold Insider — to share the Cotswolds as I know it from years of living and guiding here. My goal is to help you experience it properly: not just where to go, but how to plan your route, get around easily, choose great places to eat and stay, and understand what each season really feels like.
At the same time, I want to shine a light on the local businesses that make this region special — the independent cafés, family-run shops, boutique hotels, and unique experiences that define the Cotswolds’ character.
This guide is built on first-hand knowledge, real experience, and a genuine love for helping people discover the best of this incredible area.
The story behind Cotswold Insider
By founder, James Long
Cotswold Insider began with a simple idea: to help people experience the Cotswolds the right way.
As a local resident and private tour guide, I’ve seen first-hand how much difference the right plan can make — choosing the best base, visiting places at the right time of day, and taking those small detours that reveal the real Cotswolds beyond the usual routes.
I wanted to build something that goes beyond the typical “top places to visit” lists — a guide that helps you plan a trip that actually works for you. Whether that means finding a perfect road trip route, picking a great local pub for lunch, or avoiding the common first-time mistakes, this site is designed to make exploring here easier and more rewarding.
Just as importantly, I want to shine a light on the small, independent businesses that make this region so special — the cafés, inns, family-run hotels, and one-of-a-kind experiences that give the Cotswolds its real character.
Cotswold Insider brings all of that together: local knowledge, genuine experience, and a love of sharing amazing places with others.
About our guides and how to get involved
Cotswold Insider isn’t just a website — it’s a growing Cotswold travel guide and community for visitors and local businesses alike. My aim is to connect people who love exploring the Cotswolds with those who live and work here, helping everyone experience the region at its best.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or you’re a Cotswold local looking to share what you do, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
How you can get involved
For Visitors
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Follow me on social media for the latest Cotswold travel tips, hidden villages, walking routes, and seasonal recommendations.
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Join our community (coming soon!) to swap advice, share your experiences, and get insights from people who really know the area.
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And if you post photos from your trip, tag @CotswoldInsider — I love seeing your favourite spots and discoveries.
For Local Businesses
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If you run a hotel, restaurant, tour, shop, or attraction in the Cotswolds, I’d love to feature you on Cotswold Insider.
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There are opportunities to collaborate through reviews, interviews, and guest content — all designed to showcase local Cotswold businesses and the independent places that give this region its charm.
By working together, we can help visitors find authentic experiences while supporting the people and places that make the Cotswolds so special.
