Nestled in the rolling hills of England, the Cotswolds is a region that seems lifted from a storybook.
Stretching across parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire, the Cotswolds is like a scene from a classic British postcard. Rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming villages make up its landscape, making it a favourite for those seeking serene, rural England.
What sets the Cotswolds apart is the unmistakable honey-coloured Cotswold stone used in the buildings, giving the towns and villages a warm, golden glow, especially when the sun hits just right. It’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and once you’re there, surrounded by its idyllic countryside, you’ll understand why. It’s not just the scenery that’s striking, but also the history woven into every town and village.
From bustling market towns like Cirencester and Chipping Norton to sleepy hamlets that seem untouched by time, the Cotswolds has a pace and charm all its own. Whether strolling through one of its many picturesque villages, exploring historic castles and churches, or enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea in a quaint cafe, the Cotswolds offers a taste of quintessential British country life.
Where to Stay in The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds region offers various accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels to cosy inns and self-catering cottages, you can choose a stay that enhances your experience of this picturesque area. Some popular options are as follows:
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park is a luxurious 5-star hotel in Cheltenham, famed for its rich history and splendid manor house, offering guests a sublime mix of elegance and contemporary comforts.
Lords Of The Manor, Upper Slaughter
Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter is a quintessential Cotswolds retreat, set in a historic 17th-century rectory and renowned for its award-winning cuisine and idyllic parkland setting.
The Manor House Hotel, Castle Combe
The Manor House in Castle Combe, a 14th-century gem nestled in the Cotswolds, offers a luxury escape with its Michelin-starred dining and picturesque parkland setting.
Tours of the Cotswolds
If you’re short on time, a guided tour is absolutely the best way to discover the Cotswolds. Not only will you learn from a local, but you’ll also get all your transport sorted for you – ideal in a place not famed for its public transport!
Here are a few highly recommended tours:
- From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour – Join this Cotswolds day tour from London and spend a relaxed day exploring charming scenery, travelling along narrow country lanes, and visiting historic towns and villages.
- From Oxford: Cotswolds Towns and Villages Small Group Tour – Venture off the beaten path on a 7-hour tour of the Cotswolds and discover some of the hidden gems and charming villages far from the tourist crowds.
- From Bristol: Stonehenge and Cotswold Villages Day Tour – Explore the ancient and mysterious Stonehenge on a day trip from Bristol. Stroll around the quintessential villages of the Cotswolds, where you can visit Lacock Abbey Cloisters and Castle Combe.
Best Villages in the Cotswolds
Here are 5 fairy-tale villages in and around the Cotswolds that you can’t miss:
Castle Combe
Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often hailed as England’s most beautiful village, and it’s not hard to see why. Picture yourself wandering through its quaint stone cottages and winding time-worn streets – like stepping straight into a film set. Highlights include the 14th-century Market Cross and the historic St. Andrew’s Church, famous for its ancient clock. Take a leisurely walk around the village, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and ideal spots for capturing memorable photos. And what better way to wind down than in one of the village’s welcoming pubs, serving up classic English dishes?
Read more on things to do in Castle Combe
Burford
Burford, tucked away in Oxfordshire, is your quintessential Cotswold gateway, famed for its old-world charm. Picture this: a medieval bridge arching over the River Windrush, streets lined with ancient stone houses, and a striking church spire piercing the skyline. Stroll down the High Street, which gently meanders towards the river, offering a peaceful walk peppered with scenic views that look like they’re straight out of a storybook. And when you’re ready to take a break, Burford welcomes you with its cosy tea rooms and inns, serving up scrumptious local food and a pint or two of something refreshing. It’s a place that effortlessly blends historical richness with the laid-back charm of country life.
Lower Slaughter
Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, Lower Slaughter is a picture-perfect example of the English countryside at its best. It’s a place where time seems to have stood still, with its traditional stone cottages and the gentle River Eye flowing through. The old mill, now a quaint museum and tea room, is a must-visit for a peek into the village’s past and a delightful spot for a riverside bite. If you’re up for a leisurely walk, the paths around the village offer tranquil views of the lush countryside.
Bibury
Bibury in Gloucestershire fights Castle Combe for the “most beautiful village in England” award. It’s famed for Arlington Row, a captivating street lined with 17th-century weavers’ cottages, whose honey-coloured stone walls and steeply pitched roofs are a photographer’s dream. The River Coln, meandering gently through the village, adds a tranquil melody to the serene landscape. Walking around Bibury, you can’t help but feel enchanted by its quaint cottages, lush greenery, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, take a leisurely stroll, and lose yourself in its timeless beauty.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water, often fondly dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. This charming village is a real treat, with its quaint, low-arched stone bridges that crisscross the gently flowing River Windrush. Picture yourself strolling along the serene waterways, each turn offering a view more picturesque than the last. The village is lined with traditional Cotswold buildings, their stone facades glowing in the sunlight, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bourton-on-the-Water isn’t just about pretty views, though. It’s a village that’s alive with cosy cafes, unique shops, and delightful attractions. Whether you’re feeding the ducks by the river, exploring the intriguing miniatures at The Model Village, or delving into the history of motoring at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, there’s something here for everyone.
Bonus: Stow-on-the-Wold
While technically a market town and not a village, Stow-on-the-Wold deserves a mention.
Stow-on-the-Wold, often affectionately called the heart of the Cotswolds, is a place that feels like stepping into a different era. This charming market town, perched on a hilltop, is steeped in rich history and exudes an almost tangible old-world charm. Imagine wandering through its historic market square, where centuries of stories are etched into the ancient buildings that line it. These buildings, many of which date back to the medieval and Tudor times, now house an array of delightful shops, cosy cafes, and inviting pubs, each with a unique story.
Suggested Itinerary: One Day in The Cotswolds
If you’ve just got the one day to explore the Cotswolds, it can be tough to figure out where to go, I’d recommend renting a car and visiting the following (all of which are geographically close):
Morning: Start your day by exploring Burford, there are plenty of cute cafes to choose from for breakfast and don’t forget to bring some bread to feed the ducks in the car park!
Next up, head to Lower Slaughter, this place is really small, so it won’t take long to explore at all, but it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Lunch: For lunchtime, make your way to nearby Bournton-on-the-Water. There are tonnes of cute shops, pubs and cafes here, so spend a couple of hours wandering around and soaking in the scenery
Afternoon: Finally, head to Stow-on-the-Wold for an afternoon cuppa – don’t forget to see the famous Tolkien door of St Edwards church!
Wrapping up our journey through the prettiest Cotswolds villages, it’s hard not to feel a bit like we’ve stepped through the pages of a fairytale. From the sleepy streets of Lower Slaughter to the timeless elegance of Castle Combe, each village is a snapshot of a simpler, more magical time. Places like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water aren’t just spots on a map; they’re invitations to wander, dream, and escape the everyday. If you’re planning your next getaway, keep these fairytale villages in mind. Each one has its own secrets and stories waiting to be discovered. And who knows? Your next visit to the Cotswolds might just be the chapter in your own story you didn’t know you were missing.
