Cotswolds has surge in holiday demand from global visitors

Data from tourism company Holiday Lodges reveals that each month, there are more than 4.2m global Google searches for Cotswolds-related terms. 

Kate Atkin, Holiday Lodge’s regional expert for the Cotswolds, said: “While the UK naturally tops the list, with 375 Google searches per 10,000 people, Ireland ranks second when it comes to overseas interest, generating 82 searches per 10,000 people.

“The appeal of the Cotswolds is also reaching the other side of the world with Australians showing the third-highest level of interest globally.

The Oxford Lodge in Chipping Norton (Image: Holiday Lodges)

“Australia recorded 37 searches per 10,000 people, highlighting the destination’s growing international popularity.”

She added: “The Cotswolds have long been a beloved staycation spot among Brits, and it’s understandable that people from around the globe are now wanting to visit. 

“With its rolling green hills, honey-stone cottages and cobbled high streets, it matches the storybook charm that most tourists picture when booking a holiday to the English countryside. 

“The region is also getting more attention than ever due to its growing celebrity status.

“The area has recently been visited by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton, while also being home to numerous celebrities, including the Beckhams. 

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“When combining this with globally famous attractions such as Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmers Dog pub and Diddly Squat Farm, as well as the luxury Daylesford Farm Shop, the region has so much to offer to both national and international tourists looking for that perfect combination of countryside tranquillity, modern luxury, and a vibrant social scene.”

Chipping Norton is highlighted as an ideal place to stay when visiting the region, with attractions such as Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm and its historic high street very close by.

It’s also just a short drive from other Cotswolds villages such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Great Tew, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Broadway.

The Romeo Lodge in Chipping Norton (Image: Holiday Lodges)

Holiday Lodges also revealed its top staycation destinations with Romeo Lodge, Oxford Lodge, and Churchill Lodge all in Chipping Norton topping the list.

This comes amid demands for restrictions on overtourism in some picturesque villages.

Parishes like Bourton-on-the-Water are demanding restrictions on tourist coaches to stop the “Disneyfication” of the area.

Local leaders are requesting Gloucestershire County Council approve traffic orders to ban large vehicles from funnelling through narrow village streets.

About 92 per cent of residents in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, reported traffic and parking issues.

The village attracts 300,000 visitors every year, while only 4,000 people live there.

Cotswolds Tourism is attempting to promote lesser-known areas of the region to prevent ‘over-tourism’ in traditional destinations, known as ‘honeypot’ areas, such as the West Oxfordshire town.