There is so much to pick and choose from in the south and east Cotswolds that a specific itinerary is difficult. Check at your hotel or tourist board for a good road map of the area if you don't already have one. You can pull from the suggestions, below, or create your own path.

Museums

Bourton-on-the-Water has the following exhibits and museums:

*The Model Village: An exact model of Bourton in 1937 built to 1/9th scale. Fun for the whole family.

*Bourton Model Railway: A must for train lovers!

*Cotswold Motor Museum and Toy Collection: Great for antique and car lovers.

*Perfumery Exhibition: Probably the only one in Europe, includes a garden with plants selected just for their scents.

*Folly Farm Waterfowl: Europe's largest private collection of rare domestic waterfowl.

*Cotswold Farm Park: Typical Cotswold farm. 5 miles from Bourton.

Prinknash Abbey Pottery. This Benedictine abbey welcomes visitors and offers tours of the pottery gallery. Items for sale in the shop. 10:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Saturday and Sunday afternoon except holidays. Located near Cranham off the A46.

Winchcombe Railway Museum and Gardens. Open daily Easter-end October 1:30pm-6pm. Open weekends and holidays in winter 1:30-dusk. Closed Christmas. Located in Winchcombe on the B4632 near Cheltenham.

Arlington Mill, Bibury: This 17th century corn mill is picture-perfect, as is the entire hamlet of Bibury. The weaver's cottages still line the ancient path by the gentle stream that wanders through the village. There is a charming walk around the village to enjoy on a warm day with your picnic lunch.

House and Gardens

Stanway House: Magnificent Cotswold Stone manor house with extensive grounds. Open June-September on Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-5pm. Located in Stanway.

Stanway House: Magnificent Cotswold Stone manor house with extensive grounds. Open June-September on Tuesday and Thursday 2pm-5pm. Located in Stanway.

Kelmscott Manor (pro: Kemscott): Rented by William Morris, the famous artist, designer and craftsman. This is a lovely 18th century home with many of Morris's works. Open April through September on Wednesdays, 11 am ­ 5 pm, closed 1-2 pm for lunch. Also open the 3rd Saturday of these months, plus the first Saturday of July and August. Located at the edge of the village of Kelmscott.

Hidcote Manor Garden: Another of the magnificent gardens of England. Nearby is Kiftsgate Court with its superb collection of roses and rare plants. Located off the A46, 4 miles north-east of Chipping Campden. Open April-October (excluding Tuesdays and Fridays), 11-7 pm.

Westonbirt Arboretum. Well known gardens with large collection of trees. There are 17 miles of footpaths through which to meander. Open 10am-8pm or dusk. Located at Westonbirt, south of Tetbury on A433.

Batsford Arboretum: With a variety of unusual trees covering 50 manicured acres. Open March 1st-mid November. Located at Moreton-in-Marsh on the A429.

Family Activities

Cotswold Water Park. When the kids need a break from sightseeing! Waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, power boats, picnic areas and walks. Located at Shorncote near Cirencester, open all year. Tel: (0)1285 861459.

Cotswold Wild Life Park. Great for families. Open daily, 10am-6pm or dusk except Christmas. By Burford on the A40.

The National Birds of Prey Center: Open February 1st-November 30th. Located at Newent on the B4215 west of Gloucester.

Prinknash Bird Park: Open daily, 10am-5pm except holidays. Located near Cranham off the A46.

In addition to all of the above there are dozens of towns, villages and hamlets hidden throughout the Cotswold's. Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cirencester are three of the largest towns. But spend a day just driving, taking that one-lane road off the busy thoroughfares; stopping for lunch at a village pub, taking a peaceful walk across the valleys, or going to church at a village parish on Sunday. Relax and enjoy!