August 14, 2024
Destination: Cotswolds
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A Cotswold Reading List. 10 Books to Read
Although it isn’t one of England’s greatest literary hotspots, like the Lake District or Devon, many notable writers and poets have found inspiration amongst the rolling hills and stone cottages of the Cotswolds.
If you’re after a fiction book set in the Cotswolds or a non-fiction tome to get you under the skin of the area, we’ve put together a short reading list. These are our favourite books to inspire you to visit the Cotswolds.
1. Cider with Rosie - Laurie Lee
First up on our list and perhaps the book with the most publicised link to the Cotswolds – It’s Cider with Rosie, by Laurie Lee. This captivating memoir depicts his childhood and adolescence in the tiny yet beautiful Cotswold village of Slad, near the larger Cotswold town of Stroud.
The book beautifully captures the rural landscape, community life, and traditions of the Cotswolds in the early 20th century. Laurie Lee’s lyrical prose vividly portrays the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, the seasonal rhythms of village life, and the unique characters that populate the region.
The Cotswolds setting serves as an integral backdrop to the story, shaping the author’s experiences and memories. The novel immerses readers in the idyllic and timeless charm of the Cotswolds – a must-read before, during or after a trip to the area.
To get close to Lee and this autobiographical novel, it is possible to visit Slad, pay homage at his grave, sit in his favoured chair in The Woolpack Inn (supping a pint of Cotswold beer) and even walk in Laurie Lee Wood – a nature reserve which previously belonged to the Lee Family but is now open to public visits.
1. Cider with Rosie - Laurie Lee
2. Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie
2. Peter Pan - J.M. Barrie
Peter Pan is the classic tale about the boy who never grows up and his adventures in the magical world of Neverland, but did you know author J.M. Barrie used the village of Stanway in the North Cotswolds as inspiration for his story?
Barrie was a frequent visitor to Stanway during several summers in the 1920s and it doesn’t take a huge leap of imagination that the quiet wonder of the Cotswolds inspired Barrie to conjure up Neverland.
3. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death - M.C. Beaton
It’s time for something completely different now – Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death – a New York Times bestseller and a novel that was successful enough to develop into a silver screen adaptation.
The book goes something like this. Agatha Raisin, a retired public relations professional, moves from London to the Cotswolds and enters a baking contest with a quiche purchased from a London bakery. When she enters the quiche in the contest, it is met with disdain, and her hopes for a warm welcome to her new community are dashed. However, her quiche is selected as the winner, and after a judge dies from poisoning, an investigation ensues. Agatha becomes involved in solving the case and adjusts to her new rural life in the Cotswolds.
Whether that synopsis leaves you wanting more or has you running for the hills, the novel portrays the idyllic yet quirky nature of the Cotswolds and its influence on the development of the storyline and characters.
3. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death - M.C. Beaton
4. The Telephone Box Library - Rachael Lucas
4. The Telephone Box Library - Rachael Lucas
Our last fiction book based in the Cotswolds is The Telephone Box Library by Rachael Lucas. The book’s title is a nod to the popularity of turning redundant red telephone boxes into community libraries and other shared endeavours.
The story follows the protagonist, Ava, who moves to the Cotswolds for a fresh start after a difficult time in her life. She discovers a telephone box where residents leave and take books at their leisure. The library becomes a central part of Ava’s life, leading her to forge connections with the locals and find unexpected romance.
With its vivid descriptions and endearing characters, the novel immerses you in the beauty and warmth of the Cotswolds.
5. All Cheeses Great and Small: A Life Less Blurry - Alex James
All Cheeses Great and Small: A Life Less Blurry is a memoir by Alex James, the bassist of the English rock band Blur – a group popular in the 1980s and 1990s.
After moving on from his music career, James took a somewhat surprising jump into the world of artisanal cheese making. The book follows his purchase of a farm in the Cotswolds and the establishment of a successful cheese-making business. It illustrates the challenges and triumphs of rural life, whilst depicting the beauty of the Cotswolds countryside and its influence on his newfound passion for cheesemaking.
Arguably it was James’ investment in cheesemaking that has seen a resurgence in local Cotswold cheese making. Today, James’ farm enterprise lives on and he even hosts a large food and music festival on his land. The Big Feastival happens in August every year.
5. All Cheeses Great and Small: A Life Less Blurry - Alex James
6. Diddly Squat: A Year on the Farm: Jeremy Clarkson
6. Diddly Squat: A Year on the Farm: Jeremy Clarkson
“Diddly Squat: A Year on the Farm” is a captivating account by Jeremy Clarkson that offers a glimpse into his humorous and insightful experiences of running his farm near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds.
Delving into the challenges and triumphs of rural life, Clarkson’s book, which accompanies his hit Amazon Prime series, sheds light on the beauty of the Cotswolds countryside and its influence on his newfound venture.
With his classic blend of wit and sincerity, Clarkson’s narrative provides an engaging portrayal of his deep connection to the Cotswolds while managing a modern working farm.
7. Countryfile: Adam's Farm: My Life on the Land - Adam Henson
Stroud Brewery is a forward-thinking brewery business founded in 2006. Their classic ‘and then some’ beers are extremely moreish – we’ve tried them all over the years! But for this list of best Cotswold Beers, we’ve chosen their Pale Ale.
Hop Drop, like all beers from Stroud Brewery, is organic and as another plus point for this brew, it’s gluten-free too.
If you find yourself in Stroud, then the brewery’s taproom is well worth a visit. Much more than a bar or a run-of-the-mill pub, the Stroud Brewery taproom is a place to sip something delicious and mingle with the local community.
7. Countryfile: Adam's Farm: My Life on the Land - Adam Henson
8. A Cotswold Family Life - Clare Mackintosh
8. A Cotswold Family Life - Clare Mackintosh
A Cotswold Family Life by Clare Mackintosh is a heartwarming memoir that chronicles the author’s family’s relocation from city life to the picturesque Cotswolds – a route many families have taken in recent times – particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The book offers a delightful insight into the joys and challenges of rural living, with vivid descriptions of the beautiful countryside, endearing local characters, and the author’s personal experiences.
Through her engaging storytelling, Mackintosh captures the essence of family life and the unique wonders of the English countryside.
9. At Home in the Cotswolds: Secrets of English Country House Style
Celebrating English-style interiors, this coffee table book features many scenes you’ll find in person when visiting one of the Cotswold’s many castles and stately homes.
The book is an insider’s view of the timeless elegance and charm that defines the English country house style. The stunning photography and insightful commentary, it provides readers with inspiration of how they can achieve that “English country house style look” at home.
9. At Home in the Cotswolds: Secrets of English Country House Style
10. Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds
10. Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds
Featuring vibrant photographs and engaging descriptions, this book beautifully showcases the tranquillity and beauty of these secret (and typically English) gardens while sharing the stories and insights of the dedicated gardeners who have brought them to life.
Whilst many of the gardens featured in the book are strictly private, it’s possible to get a flavour of the region’s gardening heritage by visiting these Cotswold gardens.
