Cotswold sheep - 'The Cotswold Lion'

The Cotswold sheep, often referred to as the Cotswold Lion was introduced to the UK by the Romans. Their wool known as the Golden Fleece was a major export and not only played a major role in the development of the Cotswold towns and villages but also the finances of the nation.

Birdland in Bourton on the Water. Birdland is a natural setting inhabited by over 500 birds from around the world, including the only King Penguins in England and over 50 aviaries of parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, toucans, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. Tropical, Desert and Toucan Houses are home to the more delicate species. www.birdland.co.uk Cotswold Farm Park is not far away too. This Park has an unrivalled collection of rare breeds of British farm animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, poultry and waterfowl. The farm succeeds in combining its serious aims of conservation and education with entertaining the many visitors. www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk

Batsford Arboretum near Moreton in Marsh. Batsford Arboretum, one of the jewels of the Cotswolds and one of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country. Situated one and a quarter miles west of Moreton-in-Marsh, Batsford Arboretum is tucked away on a south facing escarpment of the famous Cotswold Hills. Find out about the history of the arboretum and the treasure of rare and unusual plants and trees it contains. www.batsarb.co.uk Cotswold Falconry at Batsford, near Moreton in Marsh. Cotswold Falconry has spectacular demonstrations with a large variety of birds of prey. It's an unforgettable experience to see falcons stoop and hawks, eagles and owls flying majestically around you. The display demonstrates this deeply historical practice and keeps alive this wonderful tradition. www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk

The Cotswold Perfumery in Bourton on the Water. The Cotswold Perfumery has been blending perfumes now for over thirty years. John Stephen is the perfumer and owner. Perfumes are made on the premises behind a beautiful eighteenth century shop selling his perfumes and other gifts. They also run courses and visitor trips (book in advance). www.cotswold-perfumery.co.uk

The Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton on the Water. The Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fascinating journey through the 20th Century. Though the main focus is on motoring, the Museum is full of the everyday paraphernalia that made motoring so popular including picnic sets from the 1920s, alongside caravans, radio sets, gramophones and knitted swimsuits.You can visit Brum at his home and see where he was filmed. www.cotswold-motor-museum.co.uk

The Dragonfly Maze in Bourton on the Water. The Dragonfly Maze was inspired by a long line dating back to the year 2500 BC and was begun in 1995. The creator's ambition was realised by combining a traditional Yew Hedge Maze with a Rebus Puzzle. Find your way to the centre of the maze, picking up clues on the way. Once you reach the ornate central pavilion which houses the mysterious 'Minotoad', see if you can discover the secret hiding place of the Golden Dragonfly.

Dalesford Dairy in Kingham, near Stow on the Wold. Specialising in what is organic, fresh, seasonal and local: vegetables, fresh from our kitchen gardens; award-winning handmade cheeses from our organic Creamery; breads, pastries, cakes and biscuits from our organic Bakery; foods from the chefs in our kitchens; fresh meat from our organic estate in Staffordshire; and, of course, you can dine at our restaurant and Café at the Farmshop, where you will find everything under one award-winning roof. www.daylesfordorganic.com/icat/dairy