places to visit north cotswolds

BEA ADVENTUROUS

The 10 Best Places to visit in North Cotswolds

There is something magical about the Cotswolds. Maybe it is the rolling hills, or perhaps the fairy-tale villages. One thing is for sure though, when you visit the Cotswolds you are guaranteed to be transported back in time. Most “Must See Places in the Cotswolds” or similar articles always focus on the same main attractions: Bourton on the Water, Burford and Bibury . There is good reason for this: they are beautiful villages! However, they are also overrun with tourists and extortionately overpriced. Although “My Top 10 Places to Visit to in North Cotswolds” do feature them as well, I also wanted to bring you the little gems that surround these villages, that get significantly less visitors and where you will be able to sample a real taste of Cotswold life.

A lot of the Cotswolds’ villages date back to the 17 th century, which means the roads are narrow and the infrastructure isn’t designed to cope with copious amounts of cars. If you can, I would highly recommend exploring the Cotswolds on foot or by bike. You will be able to take in so much more and access places that are simply not visible from a vehicle.

Before we get stuck in to the must-see places in the North Cotswolds though, here is a little bit of history about the place.

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Cotswolds History

It is not known exactly where the name Cotswolds derived from and there are different schools of thought. Because it makes the most sense to me, I’m going with the fact that “Cots” meant sheep pens and “Wolds” meant high land. Since the Cotswolds was built off the back of the sheep wool industry and it is very hilly (in a rolling hill sense) I think it is very believable.

During the middle ages the Cotswolds were one of the most important sources of wool in Europe making the merchants incredibly rich. Riches, that were then spent on lavish houses and churches that still remain to this day. I share these woolly facts as they will become relevant as I discuss some of the villages that have made it into my top 10 places for you to visit in North Cotswolds.

The most noticeable feature of the Cotswolds is without a doubt the cute cream coloured buildings. The Cotswolds are rich in Limestone and therefore it was not only the cheapest but also the most natural resource to use for building. Cotswold stone is still being extracted for repairs and to make new buildings that are in keeping with those from the 17 th century and beyond.

Listed Building Galore

Due to the history associated with them many of the old Cotswolds houses and cottages are “Listed Buildings” and therefore protected. In fact, the Cotswolds has the largest number of Listed buildings in the UK. So if stately homes, manor houses and period buildings are your thing, you won’t be disappointed!

The colour of these “chocolate box” villages varies by region depending on where the limestone was mined from. In the north they tend to be “honey-golden brown” whilst in the south they tend to be creamier in colour.

Due to the connection between affluence and the cream coloured homes of the Cotswolds, the white stone mined in the area became a popular choice for other upmarket buildings, such as the Universities of Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Eton College and even Windsor Castle.

The Cotswolds is now designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), surpassed only in size by the Lake District. It is made up of 80% farmland and has the largest conservation area of anywhere in the UK. It is truly a glorious part of the British Countryside that deserves to be visited, but don’t rush it. Take your time, make the most of the myriad of footpaths and explore the tiny hamlets best accessed on foot or bike.

Here are my Top 10 Places to visit in North Cotswolds. For the purpose of this article I am classing anything north of Cirencester as North Cotswolds.

Top 10 Places to visit in North Cotswolds

1 . broadway.

Broadway is in my mind one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. It is not a hidden gem since many refer it to it as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds” but even so, it is worth a visit. The name Broadway derives from the fact that it has a wide high street which is lined with horse chestnut trees and has a mixture of period houses and honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages. 

What I love about the high streets around the Cotswolds is the pride that all the local businesses take in the upkeep of their frontages with brilliant flower displays that really help bring these towns to life, and which also make for great photos! Broadway is no exception. It isn’t just the shops though; the house owners also go above and beyond to make their little patch that extra special.

Broadway Tower

You can read more about “ How to spend a day in Broadway ” on my Broadway specific post, however, if there is one thing you shouldn’t miss it is Broadway Tower . Rather than going up and down the same path I highly recommend making it a circular route which I describe in detail in the article “ Broadway Tower Circular Route ”. It is a steep hill but it is short, and the views are fantastic. There is even a café and facilities so you can refuel and get comfortable before you head back down!

If you really can’t face the hike you can always drive there, but make sure you explore more than just the immediate Tower as the views of the Tower from the North are spectacular and always free of people! Broadway Tower is also great at sunset and you will often get a nice pink hue to compliment this 18 th century monument.

Beacons Hill, where Broadway Tower sits, also has a herd of resident red deer which sometimes like to position themselves perfectly for a photoshoot!

Where to stay in Broadway

Pamper yourself at – The Lygon Arms

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Stadllestones Broadway

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Box Cottage

On a budget? – Northwick Farm

Dog friendly – The Lygon Arms

2 . Chipping Campden

A visit to Chipping Campden is a step back in time. There is no question about it, Chipping Campden is as charming as they come. It is also steeped in history with the now protected honey coloured terraced high street dating back from the 14 th to the 17 th century. During the middle ages Chipping Campden was at the centre of the British wool industry, with remnants from this era still standing today. In fact, considering its relatively small size, Chipping Campden boasts 256 historically Listed buildings and is the town with the 2 nd highest density in the country!   

One of the most iconic buildings, without a doubt, is the Grade I Listed Market Hall which dates back to 1627. Built as a shelter for tradesmen and farmers selling their wares, this impressive building now stands in the centre of town and is at the start of the 102-mile Cotswold Way route . Having run this route in 2020 I’d highly recommend it to everyone, whether you do it in 5 days like me, or at a more leisurely pace. Exploring the Cotswolds on foot is by far the most enjoyable way.

You can read all about Chipping Campden’s history and buildings in my post “ How to spend a day in Chipping Campden ”. If you only have time for one thing though, I recommend Hidcote Manor Gardens.

Hidcote Manor Gardens

Although not strictly in Chipping Campden, it is only a short drive away, or even a pleasant 5 km walk each way. The garden is a maze of narrow paved pathways that lead you to secret gardens, magnificent vistas and plants that burst with colour. Although gardens feature a lot on my Cotswolds posts (because we have lots of wonderful gardens), truth is, they aren’t really my thing. I’d much rather be out biking, running or hiking, but Hidcote Manor Gardens was special somehow. There is a sense of adventure as you walk through the grounds; a surprise round every corner. It has the right mix of manicured and wild which means it blends seamlessly into the countryside. I highly recommend it. In fact, bring a picnic!

Where to stay in Chipping Campden

Pamper yourself at – Woolmarket House

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Campden Mews

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Hook Cottage

On a budget? – Three Ways House

Dog friendly – Singer House

3. Blockley

Whether you visit Blockley because of its Father Brown links, or because it looks different to the rest of the chocolate box Cotswold villages, one thing is certain, you will be forever charmed. Hidden in the valley, unless you are purposefully exploring the Cotswolds, you won’t just stumble across Blockley which is one of the things I love most about it. It remains a gem that hasn’t been overrun by touristy shops and cafes!

Blockley blossomed in the 19 th century. As wool started to decline Blockley turned its hand to silk with 6 mills taking advantage of the fast-flowing brook to bring prosperity to the village. Although the mills have long closed and been converted in to houses, the stream still cuts through the valley floor adding an extra layer of charm.

St Peter and St Paul’s Church

If you are a fan of the Father Brown TV series then you won’t want to miss St Peter and St Paul’s Church. Beautiful in its own right, this Norman church featured regularly on the TV program.

Where to stay in Blockley

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Sage Cottage

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Red Lion Cottage

Dog friendly – Middle Rose

4. Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold , or Stow as I will refer to it from now on, is a lovely market town which has recently become incredibly popular with Instagrammers due to the famous Doors of Durin! There is a great reel on Instagram that I highly recommend you watch!

But Stow has been enchanting visitors long before “Lord of the Ring” fans discovered the now famous door! Stow has a rich history thanks to its strategical position as the highest town in the Cotswolds. First as an Iron Fort and then the location of the final battle in the English Civil War. One thing is for sure, history buffs will relish in the tales of old!

Stow has a more sheepish history too. In fact, as the very large market square suggests, Stow-on-the-Wold was once a very important market town holding a large annual sheep sale. It is assumed that up to 20,000 sheep would be sold at any one time. The square is now lined with picturesque Cotswold town houses and shops, with the cross at one end and the stocks at the other.

You can read all about where to eat and what to do in my blog post dedicate to Stow on the Wold, however if there is one thing you should do is visit St Edwards Church.

St Edwards Church

Whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not, you are guaranteed to be enchanted by the beautiful door of St Edwards Church. Locked between two trees it feels as if you are in some fairy-tale movie set. In fact, rumour has it that J.R.R. Tolkien got his inspiration from this door for the Doors of Durin in Lord of the Rings. This isn’t the only part of the Cotswolds that inspired Tolkien though. It is believed that the Bell Inn in Moreton-in-the-Marsh was the inspiration behind the “Prancing Pony” pub whilst the Four Shires stone, on the outskirts of Moreton, is thought to have inspired the Three Farthings Stone in Tolkien’s novel!

Where to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold

Pamper yourself at – Old Stocks Inn

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – 4 bedroom home with a hot tub!

Cute Cotswold Cottage – St Antony’s Cottage

On a budget? – Victoria House

Dog friendly – Scandi Chic

Stanton is quite possibly my favourite Cotswolds Village. It really is postcard perfect, and the best thing about it is that very few people know it exists! The village itself doesn’t have much in the form of amenities, but I wouldn’t let that put you off. It sits at the base of Shenberrow Hill from where you can see up to 16 different counties on a clear day. In really good weather you can even see as far the Brecon Beacons!

The village itself is also picture perfect, with Cotswold cottages that look as though they have been directly plucked from a fairy-tale book. There is a free car park in the village. The village is so small that everything is easily accessible by foot. I would highly recommend exploring the footpaths before settling down for a refreshing drink and a hearty meal at the Mount Inn which offers exceptional views over the valley.

Stanton on Horseback

But if there is one thing I recommend above all else is to explore Stanton and the surrounding hills on horseback. There is a yard in Stanton that caters for all abilities. If you have never sat on a horse before you will be guided up at a sedate pace so that you can take in all the views. If you know what you are doing, then enjoy a blast up the gallops before turning around to admire the vistas! Without a doubt the number 1 best way to explore the Cotswolds is on one of Jill Carenza’s trusty steeds !

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6. Bourton-on-the-Water

If you type in Cotswolds in Google and go to images I guarantee the first photos that come up will be of the Arlington Row in Bibury and the canals of Bourton-on-the-Water , so not exactly a hidden gem. However, I just could not leave it out. After all, it is popular for a reason! Many consider it one of the prettiest towns in the UK and due to the Windrush river that flows through it’s centre it is often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.

If you want to experience Bourton-on-the-Water I highly recommend avoiding the summer and weekends! In fact, using Bourton as your base is one of the best ways to experience its charm. Enjoy a morning stroll before the day trippers arrive, and make the most of the setting sun in the evening once everyone has gone home.

If you decide to stay in town there is plenty to do with a great variety of historic pubs, restaurants and eclectic shops. In addition, there is a model village, some fantastic country walks and even an exotic bird park! You can read more about it in this Bourton-on-the-Water guide .

Ghostly Stories

If you like history then there is one thing I would definitely recommend you do, and that is one of Edward’s Ghost Tours . Don’t go expecting to be scared or have some form of other worldly experience, we certainly saw no ghosts. But we did learn a lot about the local history, including some great facts that will come in handy on a pub quiz one day (like where the saying Tom, Dick and Harry came from!). Edward was a great character and we thoroughly enjoyed our 2 hours of wandering around Bourton on a sunny Friday evening.

Where to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water

Pamper yourself at – The Landsowne Guest House

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Japonica Cottage

On a budget? – Duke of Wellington

Dog friendly – Oakley Cottage

7. The Slaughters

Not far from Bourton-on-the-Water and easily accessible on foot (recommended since parking is at a premium) are the two villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. There is nothing sinister about the name, it actually derives from the old word for mud! And that is one thing I can testify too, if taking a walk around here in winter bring wellies!

The Slaughters are incredibly picturesque, in fact, Lower Slaughter was recently voted the most romantic village in England as well as the prettiest village in the UK! Although I’m sure that depending on the publication many villages have won those accolades there is no denying it’s beauty.

Upper Slaughter is less well known than its sister, Lower Slaughter, however, in my opinion, it is nicer. It has a meandering stream running through the village and is a photographer’s paradise as the ford offers a perfect foreground. It is particularly nice in Autumn when all the trees turn fiery orange!

Lower Slaughter is best known for its 15 th century mill, which is now a café, shop and museum. More importantly though, it sells delicious ice cream! Lower Slaughter has a few more amenities such as Slaughters Inn , which serves delicious food.

Whether you walk here from Bourton-on-the-Water, or decide to stay here for a bit more solitude, they are two villages I definitely wouldn’t miss out!

Where to stay in Lower and Upper Slaughter

Pamper yourself at – The Slaughters Country Inn

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Alderley House

Dog friendly – Alderley House

8. Snowshill

This tiny little village has little in terms of tourist attractions, yet it is one of the most picturesque villages I have come across. I discovered Snowshill whilst out walking from Stanton, and have since had to return a number of times just to admire the village and church during golden hour. Snowshill somehow transports me back in time. I can’t help but feel as though I am in some form of movie set as I walk down the lane towards the beautiful St Barnabas Church, surrounded with the Cotswold stone wall, a red phone box sitting proudly by the main gate.

If like me you reach Snowshill on foot then the Snowshill Arms is a great place to quench your thirst. I haven’t eaten there yet but I hear the food is good too. The main tourist attraction of Snowshill is the National Trust’s Snowshill Manor and Gardens . The Manor belonged to the eccentric Charles Wade who used Snowshill Manor to create a stage for his life possessions. Walking through the Manor is like going on a treasure hunt. Just beware, you might find a ghost or two too!

Cotswold Lavender Fields

The main attraction in my opinion though, which is just outside the village, is the Cotswold Lavender Farm . As well as using their 90 acres of Lavender to make essential oils, soaps and other lavender products, they are also open to the public . Whether you want to set up your own Instagram shoot, or simply take a stroll through the 140 miles of Lavender rows whilst listening to the buzzing of bees, I guarantee you will love it.

9. Winchcombe

I haven’t spent very much time in Winchcombe but it has always held a special place in my heart as the perfect refuelling stop during our Cotswold Way challenge . As we walked up the timbered high street, half a marathon of running under our belts, we stumbled across North Bakery and their most amazing Shortbread Millionaire. We sat in the shade of the church and enjoyed our indulgent treat. With sugar pumping through our veins how could we not fall in love with this charming market town.

The history of Winchcombe dates back to the Neolithic period when people settled in the nearby hills leaving behind the long barrow burial chambers of Belas Knap . It’s the best preserved long barrow in the UK and definitely worth the walk up the (somewhat steep) hill! In fact, there are so many beautiful walks to do from Winchcombe that you won’t be short for places to explore.

Winchcombe strikes me as a great place from which base yourself from which to go exploring with plenty to do nearby. You can read all about Winchcombe in my Winchcombe Guide !

Sudeley Castle

If you don’t have long though, then I recommend a visit to Sudeley Castle, with its beautiful gardens and full event calendar. They recently had a herd of (wood) elephants in the grounds and often host open air cinema viewings, animal encounters, and Tudor Saturdays, all of which make the perfect destination if you are travelling with kids.

You don’t need to be joined by little ones though to enjoy the only privately owned castle in the UK to have a queen buried in it’s grounds! With 10 gardens to explore and a rich history dating back over 1,000 years there will be plenty to keep you entertained! 

Where to stay in Winchcombe

Pamper yourself at – Castle Guesthouse

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – 2 Bedroom Cottage

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Charles I

On a budget? – The White Heart Inn

Dog friendly – The Lion Inn

10. Guiting Power

Guiting Power first came to my attention as I was walking the Diamond Way. I had just spent my first ever night wild camping and had woken up at the crack of dawn. It was a beautiful summer’s day and it seemed I was not alone in making the most of the early morning to get out and explore the Cotswolds. I arrived in the village after around 5 hours of walking to find a gathering of cyclists, all huddled around the Old Post Office Café. They were serving the most delicious cakes and I simply couldn’t resist indulging in one. Highly recommend it!

Guiting Power also has a wonderful pub, The Hollow Bottom , which serves great food and which also has a great selection of cakes!

Aside from these two eateries though, there isn’t much more to Guiting Power other than pure charm. To me it epitomises what the Cotswolds looks like in my mind. Villages that appear to have been carved directly out of the ground, every building in complete harmony with it’s surroundings.

Cotswold Farm Park

If you are looking for something to do in the area, and especially if you are visiting with little ones, then I highly recommend the Cotswold Farm Park , Adam Henson’s farm. If you don’t know who Adam Henson is, then I suggest you watch an episode of BBC’s Countryfile where he presents a section on farming and conservation every Sunday.

The farm is home to a number of rare breeds and offers ample opportunities to interact with the animals and learn about farming. I haven’t been with little ones so didn’t pay much attention to the kids’ activities, however, I have heard that they have a lot to keep young ones entertained, including a farm safari, an adventure playground and even a maze!

You can even stay at the Cotswolds Farm Park. They offer both camping and glamping options, and you get the added bonus of free entry into the park!

Where to stay in Guiting Power

Pamper yourself at – Guiting Guest House

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – The Cotswolds Lady

Budget – Camp at Cotswolds Farm Park

Dog friendly – The Cotswolds Lady

Bonus must visit places in North Cotswolds

As the two most visited town in the Cotswolds I didn’t really want to include them in my list of hidden gems. At the same time though, I didn’t feel it would be right to write an article about the top 10 places to visit in North Cotswolds and not include Bibury and Burford . I do have an individual guide for each of those towns which I recommend you read if you are interested in visiting them.

If you are just looking for some quick facts however then here is all you need to know!

You have most likely have seen a photo of those houses before. They are synonymous not only with the Cotswolds but also with the UK. In fact, you might not know this, but they actually feature in the British Passport! Don’t believe me? Open your passport and see!

The famous Arlington Row of cottages was originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store before then being converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17 th century. They are the most photographed cottages in the UK! It also featured in the romcom “Stardust”, adding yet another Cotswold location to the long list of filming sets in the Cotswolds.

Aside from taking photos of Arlington Row the other two main attractions in Bibury are the Trout Farm and the Saxon Church.

Visiting Bibury comes with a warning. It will be busy! If you want to enjoy it in relative peace without a twirling Instagrammer taking up every possible shot and without the risk of selfie stick induced eye removal, I recommend you get there early or late! If you are planning a visit to Bibury then make sure to read the Complete Guide to Visiting Bibury post .

Where to stay in Bibury

Pamper yourself at – The Swan Hotel

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Sycamore House

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Riverside Cottage

Dog friendly – The Roost at Coln (2 miles away)

Burford’s sloped high street is another famous landmark of the Cotswolds and a regular feature in most Cotswold related photographs. Both sides of the street is flanked by a long row of historical shops and houses leading down to the medieval bridge crossing the Windrush River. It also boasts an impressive church and the oldest pharmacy in England !  

Burford is popular for it’s shopping, especially for those looking to buy or peruse antiques. It also has a wide array of restaurants and coffee shops. Huffkins comes highly recommended by friends who live in Burford.

Close to Burford you will also find the Cotswolds Safari Park , a very well run spacious park where you will be able to see everything from rhinos to zebras, wolves, monkeys and everything in between. The highlight though is always the giraffes as you get to stand up high where they will often wander over to say hello!

Where to stay in Burford

Pamper yourself at – Burford House

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Lime Tree

Cute Cotswold Cottage – 10 George Yard

On a budget? – Priory Tearooms

Dog friendly – Mill Race

But in my opinion, the best place to base yourself to explore North Cotswolds

Moreton in marsh.

As you will know from my “ How to visit the Cotswolds by train ” I live in Moreton and therefore I can hardly leave it out. Moreton has played a significant strategical role for centuries and as such enjoys a number of eateries and inns dating back to the 1700s. It has a lively market every Tuesday morning and is the perfect place from where to base yourself to explore everything the North Cotswolds has to offer.

All the towns and villages I mention in my top 10 are easily accessible from Moreton in Marsh. Furthermore, you have plenty of choices for places to stay as well as places to eat! In addition, the great thing about Moreton is that it isn’t as expensive as the likes of Bourton-on-the-Water or Burford which exist solely to cater for tourists these days. 

Where to stay in Moreton in Marsh

Pamper yourself at – The Manor House Hotel

Fit for a King! – The Hart Royal – King Charles I stayed here

It is said to have a ghost! – The Bell Inn – But the ghost sticks to the bar, so it won’t disturb your sleep.

Enjoy the freedom of a Holiday Rental – Cotswold Grey

Cute Cotswold Cottage – Walnut Cottage

On a budget? – Camp at Woolford Wood

Dog friendly – Magnolia Cottage

Don’t miss out the small villages

A couple of little villages that are worth visiting from Moreton, but that aren’t quite big enough to make it into my top 10, are Chastleton, Batsford, Evenlode and Bourton on the Hill . Even better they are all accessible by bike or on foot. OK, on foot will depend how far you like to walk! Batsford and Bourton on the Hill are part of an easy 6 km loop and Evenlode 10 km. If walking to Chastleton then it is 20 km roundtrip of beautiful rolling countryside (although it does pass through Evenlode so you can tick them both off!).

So why take the time to hike/bike to these three little villages?

Considering Batsford’s population is less than 100, this tiny little hamlet packs a punch! On your stroll to Batsford you can expect to see a herd of deer grazing in front of the impressive Batsford House, a neo-Tudor mansion. Walk a little further and you will be able to marvel at the Batsford Stud foals chasing butterflies as their mothers’ graze greedily on the lush green grass. In autumn the road to Batsford village turns into an auburn tunnel as the tree lined lane comes alive in all shades of fiery red and orange.  Even a little stroll through the village will leave you enchanted, like stepping straight out of a fairytale.

Batsford Arboretum is also worth a visit, as is the falconry centre , however, you won’t be able to access them from Batsford village itself, but they are easily accessible from the walk.

Bourton on the Hill

I find Bourton on the Hill incredibly charming. You are guaranteed to drive past it, but it’s likely you won’t get a chance to take it in since you will be too focused on the narrow lane. Instead, I recommend extending the Batsford loop to walk up the hill to the Horse and Groom pub where you will always be able to guarantee a warm welcome.

The grounds of the St Lawrence’s Church are a great spot from which to capture this lovely village.

Stay – The Horse and Groom

There is something so special about Evenload. It really is postcard perfect with its spring blossoms, red phone box and wisteria covered honey brown thatched roof cottages. Whether you bike or walk here I am sure you will be charmed. If you have decided to walk to Chastleton then you will pass Evenlode following the Diamond Way. This path will take you through the most picturesque parts of the village before you start crossing farmland. You will eventually be presented with my dream home with its own little brook and helipad!

Consisting of not much more than a couple of houses it is the English Heritage property that steals the show in Chastleton: Chastleton House . Built in the 1600s this Jacobean house is a real treat. I have never been inside as it isn’t really my thing, but I do love walking up towards it or on one of the many paths that will lead you past it. One of my favourite routes involves following the Diamond Way there before then walking on toward the Greedy Goose pub where I always enjoy a nice drink and a bite to eat.

Are you ready to visit?

As you can see the Cotswold has so much to offer, and I haven’t even started talking about South Cotswolds! Most people only come for a weekend, but that really isn’t anywhere near long enough to do this beautiful area justice.

So please, if you are visiting, come for a week, bring your walking shoes, and really take the time to celebrate the beautiful countryside! If you are travelling to the area and want any advice then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Have a wonderful time exploring the place I call home.

12 Comments

There are definitely a lot of beautiful places to explore in the North Cotswolds. This is one area of England I haven’t made it down to yet, but hopefully I can in the summer!

I hope you do and please feel free to reach out if you are in the area, would be great to meet up!

These places in the Cotswolds all look so enchanting! I’m not a Lords of the Rings fan, but that church looks adorable!

To be honest neither I am. Didn’t even know what the Doors of Durin were! But nonetheless it is super enchanting!

There are so many picturesque spots in the Cotswolds! I have never been, but I would love to visit these places in the future. I am saving your post for future trips in the UK 🙂

I hope you get to visit, it is such a beautiful area.

What beautiful places! The combination of the natural beauty and the architecture is top notch. I have only visited England once for a couple of days, so I will have to add these to my list for next time.

Definitely worth exploring whenever you return to the Cotswolds. Rick Steve’s describe them as the place where time stood still, which is kind of true as so many of the houses in the towns date back to the 15th century so it is super charming!

So much enchanting places in the North Cotswolds. It all looks so beautiful.

It is such a beautiful area to call home!

This is a fantastic pick of places to visit. I think it covers most of our days out during our last stay! We’ve not been to Stanton yet, so will have to go there next time!

Sounds like you made the most of the North Cotswolds if you managed all of them. If you head to Stanton highly recommend going for a horse ride at Jill Carenza’s. They’ll take you through the village and up the hill where you will be able to enjoy the most amazing views!

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10 of the best things to do in the Cotswolds

Dec 12, 2023 • 7 min read

Explore the Cotswolds, a region filled with natural beauty, quaint villages and quintessentially English charm © Imgorthand / Getty Images

Say “English countryside” and the Cotswolds might come to mind immediately. And with good reason.

Stretching from Stratford-upon-Avon in the north to Bath in the south, the Cotswolds features landscapes you'd see in Romantic paintings, quaint towns and villages built from honey-colored stone, world-class dining and amazing produce (that is to say, lots of cheese). 

Add in landscaped gardens and pretty canals, and it’s no wonder the Cotswolds is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England . Here is our list of the best things to do in the Cotswolds.

1. Explore old towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury

The many villages in the Cotswolds might best express the region’s beauty and charm.

Once a bustling center of the wool trade, Stow-on-the-Wold is now a treasure trove of antique shops, trendy galleries and independent retailers. When you’re done perusing these offerings, go on the hunt for the mystical door at St Edwards Church. This portal is nestled between two ancient yew trees, with a lantern hanging above: no wonder that many say it was this that inspired Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin” in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. 

For the pinnacle of Cotswolds cottages, head to the village of Bibury’s Arlington Row . The rustic two-story limestone buildings here were built in the 14th century, and it's a very popular spot for snapping a photograph. Get your shots from a respectful distance, as the quaint buildings are privately owned homes.

Detour: Hungering for more lovely backdrops? Bourton-on-the-Water sits on the River Windrush on the way to Bibury from Stow-on-the-Wold, and it offers ample opportunities for waterside selfies. Nature lovers can detour to Birdland Park and Gardens just down the road.

2. Wander around Abbey House Gardens

As you might expect in England’s oldest town, the privately owned Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury brims with charm. Stroll past the house itself (as beautiful as it is) to enter an almost Alice in Wonderland –esque backyard.

Carefully trimmed hedges, grass-carpeted walkways and colorful rose bushes make for a delightful afternoon stroll. Refresh at Coy Carp Café, where tea and lunch are served next to a peaceful koi carp pond. The annual British Naturism “Clothing Optional” day, when nudists flock to the gardens, might be one to mark on your calendar – or avoid altogether.

3. Tour the Roman Baths in Bath

Receiving over 1.3 million visitors annually, the stunning Roman Baths in the city of Bath are a must-do in this region. They consist of four main preserved features – the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and a museum holding objects from Aquae Sulis, the Roman settlement – with the latter two open for tours. While taking a dip in the thermal waters is unfortunately prohibited, you can take a sip from the springs – although the mineral-y water is definitely an acquired taste.

If you do want to take Bath’s curative waters, visit the famous Thermae Bath Spa  around the corner, which is known for its rooftop pool and beauty treatments. Or consider splurging on a stay at the stunning Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel , which has its own thermal spa and treatment rooms on site. 

Planning tip: Plan on spending 1–2 hours visiting the Roman Baths, longer if you're an audio guide completionist (we recommend the "Bryson at the Baths" audio tour for writer Bill Bryson's humorous take on Roman life). To avoid crowds, skip weekends and July and August.

4. Pick your own at Hayles Fruit Farm

Near the market town of Winchcombe you’ll find Hayles Fruit Farm , a family-owned affair that dates to 1880. What was once a simple apple and cobnut (hazelnut) orchard now abounds with colorful riots of plums, raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, pears and more.

Planning tip: Depending on the season, the farm lets you pick your own fruit: come May to September for fresh strawberries, or August to October for apples. Camping and fishing are also offered onsite.

5. Walk the paths of Westonbirt, the National Arboretum

Strollers delight in Westonbirt Arboretum , a magical estate with over 15,000 specimens, including 2500 different tree species and five national tree collections. Look out for the Gruffalo and other characters from the children’s book scattered throughout the grounds.

This 19th-century garden occupies some 600 acres adjacent to Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate (the princely manor is, alas, obscured by trees). Westonbirt Arboretum has two parts: the Old Arboretum is a meticulous composition of avenues lined by exotic trees, while Silk Wood remains mostly traditional woodland. If the winding trails through all the trees and shrubbery don’t give you enough of a thrill, try the 300m (984ft) treetop walkway instead.

Planning tip: The grounds are open for tours and afternoon teas from April to October: combine the two for a wonderfully full day. 

6. Enjoy tea at a traditional tearoom

Care for a cuppa? The Cotswolds is the perfect place to find a traditional English tearoom. Slow down the weekend with a classic combination of scones, jam and heart-warming teas.

The picturesque 17th-century Tisanes Tea Room in Broadway is the ideal setting to enjoy a traditional menu of ham sandwiches and over 30 varieties of tea.  Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House , in Bath’s oldest house (c. 1483), is another famous tearoom. Here, you shouldn’t miss the famous Sally Lunn Bun, a large golden bun similar to French brioche.

7. Browse local independent shops

Chain stores are happily rare in the Cotswolds, and you’re more likely to run into a boutique shop than a Marks & Spencer. 

Located between Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton, the  Daylesford Organic  farm shop is famous for its super-fresh farm-to-fork produce, especially dairy products. An onsite cooking school and craft workshop, plus a wellness spa, is sure to be enough to fill a day on the farm.

With a menu of over 50 varieties, the aromatic  Cotswold Cheese Company is well worth a visit. Three locations (Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold) ensure there’s ample opportunity to fit a stop for cheese into any busy travel itinerary. 

Curated by the former fashion director of Barneys New York, Cutter Brooks in Stow-on-the-Wold stocks a well-curated array of dresses, linens and homeware by independent designers, all chosen with impeccable taste.

8. Start your engine at the Cotswold Motoring Museum

Their engines may not purr anymore, but the cars of the Cotswold Motoring Museum  gleam with vintage glory. Visit for a fascinating look at motoring history through an irresistible collection of vehicles, toys and memorabilia.

The collection is housed in a converted 17th-century water mill, and features several showrooms across 7500 sq ft of exhibition space. Check out the “Windrush Alley” exhibit, a chance to see how boneshakers and penny-farthing bikes once shared the roads with horse-drawn carriages and cars in the late 19th century, a transitional era of transport.

At “Jack Lake’s Garage,” you can interact with an interpreter playing a working mechanic and garage proprietor from the Cotswolds in the early 1900s. Learn how the car industry grew from nothing to over 20 million cars on the road in his lifetime, and how this affected him. 

9. Encounter exotic animals at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Giraffes, baby rhinos, cheetahs and a family of raccoons are just some inhabitants of the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens , where lawns and green areas have been turned into a habitat for 260 species of animals. The result is sure to be a hit with families.

You can easily spend hours at this Cotswolds stop, starting with a cozy train ride around the park. Follow up by acting as a keeper for a day (age 17 years or older), then maybe even "adopting" your own animal. You can also wander the glorious landscaped gardens that surround the Victorian Manor House – perfect for a romantic stroll, or for the kids to let off some steam.

10. Soak up the history of Blenheim Palace

The only non-royal country house in England with the title of palace, Blenheim Palace is another of the Cotswolds’ unique attractions.

The current home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, this extravagant  Oxfordshire property is where Winston Churchill was born. Backing onto a lake and surrounded with verdant, trimmed lawns, it’s a wonderful place to stroll and explore.

Events, such as the Salon Privé auto show are often hosted at the estate. When Christmas lights illuminate the festively decorated trails, you can see just why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

This article was first published Aug 8, 2022 and updated Dec 12, 2023.

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The Cotswolds: The 20 Best Places To Visit

The Cotswolds epitomise the very best of the English countryside: gorgeous villages of honey-coloured stone nestling in the hills, surrounded by green fields that have been farmed for centuries.

Covering over 2,000 square kilometres and the second largest protected landscape in England, visitors to the Cotswolds will be spoilt for choice with things to see and do.

Here’s our list of twenty of the best places to enjoy if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in this beautiful part of the country.

Table of Contents

One of the principal towns in the Cotswolds, Burford sits on the River Windrush eighteen miles to the west of Oxford.

Its high street of golden stone buildings is typical of the area. Notable landmarks include the Grade I listed parish church of St John the Baptist, the beautiful Burford Priory and the 16th century Tolsey building, once a meeting place for medieval merchants and now home to a museum charting the town’s history.

Burford is a great location for shoppers, with a treasure trove of antiques shops and up-market boutiques. After flexing your credit card, why not take a break in one of its excellent restaurants and spend the night at a historic inn.

2. Castle Coombe

Not one of the more famous Cotswolds villages – which reduces the number of tourists – but one of the prettiest.

Castle Coombe is one of several Wiltshire villages in this list. It is divided into two main areas: the By Brook next to the river, and Upper Castle Coombe, on higher ground to the east.

The village has a collection of picturesque landmarks including a market cross, two water pumps and a parish church with what is reputed to be one of the oldest working clocks in England. There is also a luxury hotel and a golf course, and on the edge of the village something a little different – the Castle Combe racing circuit, where you can try out different vehicles or test the limits of your own.

3. Cirencester

Lying on the lower slopes of the Cotswold Hills, Cirencester is sometimes referred to as the “Capital of the Cotswolds”.  It has been an important town for centuries and the local Corinium museum traces its long history through artefacts including Anglo-Saxon gold, Roman mosaics and medieval sculptures.

Visitors with some time to spare should head west to Cirencester Park, the country house of Earl Bathurst, to view its collections of art and spectacular gardens. As well as the pleasant walks and grottoes, the park contains the tallest yew hedge in England. The million tons of clippings produced by its annual pruning are used in the manufacture of drugs to treat cancer.

4. Upper and Lower Slaughter

As well as having the most interesting names in the Cotswolds (Slaughter is actually derived from the ancient English word for muddy), Upper and Lower Slaughter are amongst the area’s most beautiful villages. They are also extremely old: they were mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086.

Both Slaughters lie on the banks of the tiny river Eye, a tributary of the Windrush. A ford crosses the water at its widest point and several stone footbridges connect the two sides of the communities. Amongst the historic buildings are the Old Mill at Lower Slaughter, now open to the public and housing a museum, tea room and gift shop. There is limited parking  in the villages, but they are easily reached on foot via a pleasant stroll from Bourton-on-the-Water.

5. Bourton-On-The-Water

As its name suggests, Bourton lies on a river, the Windrush, which meanders its way through the heart of the village flanked by long, wide greens. The several bridges which arch across the water have given Bourton its nickname of “The Venice of the Cotswolds”.

The river is at the heart of village life and provides the unlikely venue for an annual game of medieval football. Both the goals are placed in the river itself, making this the wettest  football match you’re ever likely to see. Year-round attractions include a one-ninth scale model of the village (complete with its own model village), the Cotswold Motoring Museum, and Birdland Park and Gardens, home to avian life from penguins through to parrots.

6. Chipping Norton

Fondly known as “Chippy” to the locals, Chipping Norton still runs much as it has since the 13th century. Unlike some of its neighbours it remains a ‘real’ town, not yet overshadowed by the demands of tourism.

There has been a market here since the 13th century, while the 15th century saw the town thrive with the profits of the wool trade. The great church of St Mary, with its richly decorated interiors, provides evidence of its former wealth and status.

Even older than the church and market are the Rollright Stones, an ancient megalithic stone circle just to the north of the village. The circle is comprised of three monuments known as the King’s Stone, the King’s Men and the Whispering Knights. Legend has it that a local witch petrified the king and his men when the king failed a challenge, and that the King’s Stone comes to life when the church clock strikes midnight.

7. Winchcombe

A haven for walkers, Winchcombe sits on no fewer than seven different long-distance footpaths: the Cotswold Way, Gloucestershire Way, Wychavon Way, Windrush Way, Warden’s Way, St Kenelm’s Way and St Kenelm’s Trail. Keen ramblers should visit in May when the town holds its annual walking festival.

For lovers of locomotives, Winchcombe also has a station on the restored heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. Nearby Sudeley Castle (shown above) with its nine beautiful gardens is well worth a visit, but check the website before you go: it remains a private residence and is only open to visitors at particular times of the year.

8. Broadway

Sometimes referred to as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds”, Broadway’s pretty high street is lined with a variety of shops and cafés and is known as a centre for arts and antiques. Visitors planning to stay in the town will find a variety of accommodation, including the grand Lygon Arms, a historic inn dating back to the 17th century.

As well as plenty of places to eat and shop, Broadway offers two museums, the Ashmoleon and the Gordon Russell Museum, dedicated to the twentieth century furniture maker. Just outside the village the imposing Broadway Tower has a long and fascinating history. Used in its time as a beacon, a residence for famous artists, and a wartime look-out point, it is today open to visitors. Climb to the top to enjoy stunning views of the Cotswold scenery.

9. Moreton-in-Marsh

One of the Cotswold towns to be served by its own railway station, pretty Moreton-in-Marsh has a small high street lined with golden-coloured buildings. A handful of antiques, craft and gift shops are supplemented by several good cafés and hotels.

The nearby Batsford Arboretum houses England’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs, as well as glass and woodturning studios where visitors can observe the craftspeople at work. The venue hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including photography workshops and treasure hunts.

10. Stow-on-the-Wold

The small market town of Stow-on-the-Wold is thought to have originated as an Iron Age fort. In later centuries several fairs were established there and the large market square that still stands at its centre testifies to its former importance to regional trading.

Today, Stow has many fine antique shops, art galleries and crafts shops. A farmer’s market is held in the town square on the second Thursday of every month, and May and October see hundreds of visitors arrive for the Gypsy Horse Fair, held in open fields just ten minutes’ walk from the town centre.

The picture postcard village of Bibury lies on the banks of the river Coln in Gloucestershire. Named “the most beautiful village in England” by the famous designer and artist William Morris, perhaps Bibury’s most photographed cottages are those found at Arlington Row.  These were once the homes of weavers and wool was washed there before being taken to nearby Arlington Mill. In recent times they have been used as locations for television series and films including  Stardust and  Bridget Jones’s Diary.

This is a village to look at and enjoy. There is little in the way of amenities, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a prettier spot to while away a quiet afternoon.

12. Cricklade

Everything you need to know about Cricklade can be summed up by the town’s Latin motto, i n loco delicioso -“in a pleasant place”.

Founded in the ninth century, today its main claim to fame is its large nature reserve, North Meadow. Here, the unique habitat formed by the regular winter flooding of the rivers Thames and Churn provides a home for eighty per cent of England’s snake’s head fritillaries – a pretty, purple flower which blooms in late April to early May.

In June, the annual Cricklade Festival welcomes thousands of visitors from across the region to enjoy a day of free entertainment including live music, dancers, magicians and puppet shows.

13. Tetbury

Tetbury’s history as an important market for the Cotswold wool and yarn trade has shaped one of those eccentric traditions beloved of English provincial life – the annual Tetbury Woolsack Races. Participants carry a 60 pound sack of wool up and down the steeply sloping Gumstool Hill to raise money for good causes. Visit on the last Monday of May to join the thousands of spectators cheering them on.

Both Charles, the Prince of Wales and Anne, the Princess Royal have estates near Tetbury. You can sample some of the produce from the former in the town’s own Highgrove Shop. Whilst in the town centre be sure to check out the historic market hall and the “Chipping Steps”, once home to a medieval jobs fair.

14. Malmesbury

The market of Malmesbury in Wiltshire lies in the southern reaches of the Cotswolds. It is perhaps best known for its ancient abbey which provides the resting place for Athelstan, grandson of Alfred the Great and the first king to rule the whole of England. The abbey guest house was constructed in 1220 and now houses The Old Bell, which claims to be the oldest hotel in the country.

The last two weeks of August see the Malmesbury carnival come to town, with the finale procession held on the first Saturday in September. Over thirty events take part around the carnival itself, including a recent attempt to break the world record for the largest pillow fight.

15. Stanton

Built almost completely of golden Cotswold stone, Stanton is considered to have some of the most distinguished architecture of any of the Cotswold villages. Its parish church, St Michael’s and All Angels, is a Grade I listed building with the oldest parts dating back to 1200. Other notable buildings include the Elizabethan Old Manor Farmhouse and Stanton Court, a manor house built early in the seventeenth century.

The 102 mile footpath, the Cotswold Way, runs through Stanton. Visitors climbing the steep hill from the village to the Mount Inn will be rewarded with a real fire in winter and spectacular views from the terrace in summer.

16. Cheltenham

Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham has been a spa resort ever since its mineral springs were discovered in 1716.

The town is a great destination for culture vultures. Its main museum and art gallery, the Wilson, hosts regular exhibitions and events throughout the year, while music lovers can sample from three regular festivals – the Cheltenham Music Festival, Jazz Festival and the somewhat more niche Ukelele Festival of Great Britain.

For sports lovers, the Cheltenham Cricket Festival features Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, whilst March sees Cheltenham Racecourse host yet another Cheltenham Festival, the National Hunt horseracing meeting.

17. Chipping Campden

Another of the Cotswold towns to have a rich history in the wool trade, today Chipping Campden is a popular destination for tourists looking to sample its independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Cultural attractions include a literary and music festival, while there are many pleasant walks through the town and surrounding countryside.

Chipping Campden has hosted the annual Olimpick Games since 1612, with sports including the painful skin-kicking, the destructive piano smashing, and the inexplicable “dwile flonking”, involving two teams of dancers and a wet rag. Fireworks, a torch-lit procession and dancing mark the end of the festivities, which take place on the Friday after the Spring Bank Holiday.

18. Northleach

Founded in the eighth century, the small market town of Northleach near Cheltenham has  a population of fewer than 2,000 people. The compact town centre has changed little in over 500 years: small alleys lined with half-timbered houses lead off the marketplace, and it is rumoured that a maze of tunnels and vaults lie beneath the streets.

Most of the shops in Northleach are independently owned and offer everything from bread and cakes to dolls houses and music boxes. Visitors looking to extend their stay will find a good selection of accommodation, pubs and restaurants.

19. Snowshill

The tiny village of Snowshill, with its fewer than 200 inhabitants, makes up for in beauty what it lacks in size. It is also one of the most fragrant of the Cotswold villages, home to 35 acres of lavender fields at Snowshill Lavender. Visitors to the farm can purchase lavender products, plants and local crafts.

Just outside the village lies Snowshill Manor, built in the 16th century and now owned by the National Trust. Built in Cotswold stone, it is notable for housing the collection of one of  its former owners, Charles Paget Wade. Wade’s tastes were nothing if not eclectic, and visitors can view objects including alarm clocks, toys, musical instruments and 26 sets of Japanese samurai armour.

Our list closes with something a little different…

The otherwise unassuming town of Bladon is notable for one reason: it is the resting place of probably the most famous Englishman of the past 100 years, wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Generations of Churchills lie in the small churchyard of St Martin’s. Winston’s wife, Clementine, who died twelve years after her husband is buried in the same grave.

Now that we’ve whet your appetite for the Cotswolds, why not take a look at our gallery of ten stunning Cotswolds cottages.

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The 13 best things to do in the Cotswolds

From cosy pubs to fruit picking, here's our full guide to a perfect weekend in the Cotswolds

If you find yourself dreaming of a UK staycation with cobbled streets, wide open fields and cosy little pubs, then you’re probably dreaming of somewhere in the Cotswolds. The whole thing is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, and it’s huge, covering everywhere from Stratford-upon-Avon to southern Bath, so there’s plenty of spots to get down on your bucket list. 

Here you’ll find the likes of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Warwickshire, so it’s worth considering what you want to get out of your trip when choosing where to go. Fancy a long, arduous hike and a night in a B&B? Or do you fancy spending your days popping into shops and cafés in town? Our list of the best things to do in the Cotswolds lists everything from antique shopping to lavish retreats, and exactly where to go for them. Here are the best things to do in the Cotswolds. 

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Best things to do in the Cotswolds

1.  Get all the chocolate box village feels at Arlington Row

What is it?  Possibly the prettiest village in the whole of England. 

Why go?  When visiting the Cotswolds, a trip to Arlington Row in Bibury is a must. William Morris described Bibury as ‘The most beautiful village in England’, and it is most definitely one of the most photographed. Constructed in the 14th century, this quaint row of stone cottages is as typically ‘Cotswolds’ as you can get.

2.  Visit Cirencester - the Cotswolds largest town

What is it? A town often considered t he ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’

Why go?  Like many of its neighbours, Cirencester is often stupidly pretty. But it’s also very inhabited, and there’s tons of activities to get stuck into. For one thing, it was actually once a Roman settlement (and even has one of the largest amphitheatres in Britain). This is the largest town in the whole of the Cotswolds. If you want to upgrade your stay? Sleep at Barnsley House , which has its own private cinema, a spa and banging food. If that wasn’t enough food, round the corner is uber-posh  Made by Bob . But if you’re not quite hankering for a full meal, just grab some bits to go from its deli counter and snack on cheese, meats and cakes in your room later. 

3.  Pick up organic treats at Daylesford farm shop

What is it?  Nestled between Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton, Daylesford is probably the most famous organic farm shop in Britain. 

Why go?  Founded in 2002 by Lady Carole Bamford, Daylesford is now one of the most sustainable farms in the UK. You may have grabbed a coffee or salad at one of their few London outlets, but the 2350-acre Cotswolds Farm is something else entirely. This is real farm to fork eating – meat and poultry, fruit and veg, homemade bread. Even their cheese, milk and yoghurt are made onsite at the creamery. If you want to really get stuck in, book a Daylesford cookery course. Learn nose-to-tail butchery or how to forage for your dinner. Afterwards, unwind at the onsite Bamford Haybarn Spa. 

4.  Stroll around Abbey House Gardens

Temporarily closed for refurbishment. 

What is it?  Abbey House is a privately owned country house garden in England’s oldest town – Malmesbury.

Why go?  Open daily from April through to September, Abbey House Gardens is one of the main attractions in Malmesbury – a town with Iron Age origins. A Grade I listed building, it was extensively renovated during Tudor times. However, public admission (£12.50) is to the gardens rather than the house itself. The owners are both keen gardeners and keen naturists, and they hold ‘Clothing Optional’ days throughout the year. Check this before you go, or you might see more than you bargained for on the grounds of Abbey House. Refreshments are provided at Coy Carp Cafe, so-called because diners can watch and feed a great number of the fish while enjoying a cup of tea.

5.  Go antique shopping in Stow-on-the-wold

What is it?  Stow-on-the-Wold is a quintessentially English, historic town. 

Why go?  With a reputation for having some of Britain’s best antique shops, Stow-on-the-Wold pretty much encompasses everything you might be after in a picture-perfect Cotswolds town. Small, cute and abundantly characterful, Stow-on-the-Wold was once known for its wool trade – its large Market Square once saw up to 20,000 sheep being sold at one time. Check out St Edwards Church, famous for the gorgeous north door, flanked by two ancient yew trees. It’s not hard to believe the rumour that this Fairytale-esque feature inspired Tolkien’s ‘Doors of Durin’ in Lord of the Rings. With a surprising number of superb delis and restaurants for such a small town,  The Old Butchers  is the local favourite. As the name suggests, it’s a former butchers and now restaurant, serving meat and seafood in equal measure.

6.  Get a waterside selfie at Bourton-on-the-Water

What is it?  Bourton-on-the-Water is a large village lying within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Beauty.

Why go?  Often voted one of the prettiest villages in Britain, Bourton-on-the-Water is worth the detour to see its lovely high street, which the River Windrush runs through. Little arched stone bridges run across the water, and in December, a lit Christmas tree is erected in the middle of the river. Get those waterside selfies in and check out the nearby Dragonfly Maze (an elaborate hedge maze). Birdland Park and Gardens is down the road, for any penguin or parrot fans, and the village holds a cute farmer’s market on the fourth Sunday of each month.

7.  Explore Westonbirt Arboretum’s rare and exotic foliage

What is it?  One of the most well-known and important arboretums in the country.

Why go?  Just three miles from Tetbury, Westonbirt Arboretum forms part of a Grade I listed site on the register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest. Established in Victorian times, it actually backs right onto Prince Charles’s Highgrove Estate. Spread over 600 acres and with 18,000 trees and shrubs, it’s divided into ‘The Old Arboretum’ and ‘Silk Wood’. The latter is essentially traditional woodland, whereas The Old Arboretum is meticulously designed with stately avenues and rare and exotic trees. Beautiful in spring, summer, autumn and winter (an illuminated trail runs throughout the Old Arboretum every December), this is a year-round treat. 

8.  Sink a drink at The Wild Rabbit

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What is it?  A super fancy Chipping Norton pub with rooms and a lush menu. 

Why go?  Just down the road from Daylesford is (also Bamford-owned) cosy inn The Wild Rabbit. Intended to be a home away from home, the rooms are luxuriously decked out, and the popular restaurant serves Daylesford-farmed produce. Roaring fires, Egyptian cotton bedlinen and an organic menu – it's the quintessential posh English pub.

9.  Have a cuppa at trad Tisanes Tea Room

What is it? A traditional tearoom in a pretty 17th century stone building.   Why go? Traditional English tearooms are few and far between these days, and this Cotswolds establishment will transport you straight back to the 1940s. The Broadway setting is as picturesque as one might expect, and the menu is comfortingly classic – and well-priced, too. Pick up a cured ham sandwich, a scone and jam and choose from an extensive array of over 30 different teas. While in the area, pop into The Gordon Russell Museum . Celebrating the work of the renowned furniture designer, the museum was opened in 2008 by Sir Terence Conran and is housed in the original Grade II listed drawing office and workshop. The shop stocks a tempting array of work by local craftsmen and women, including stylish home furnishings.

10.  PYO at Hayles Fruit Farm

What is it?  A fruit farm covering roughly 100 acres of glorious Cotswolds countryside.

Why go?  Hayles Fruit Farm has a history dating back to 1880 and kept in the same family since the 1950s. It started out growing apples and Cob nuts, and these things continue to thrive - but now the repertoire has increased to include pears, plums, strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries. Aside from being able to hit the PYO fields with a punnet, visitors can camp and fish on site and enjoy a (very) freshly sourced meal at their cute cafe. Try their homemade apple juicer and cider before leaving.

11.  Visit Kelmscott Manor, William Morris's countryside retreat

What is it?  The Cotswold retreat of William Morris and his friends and family.

Why go?  If it’s good enough for William Morris, it’s good enough for us. William Morris loved Kelmscott Manor so much that after his death in 1896, his wife Jane purchased the house. His daughter May spent much of her adult life there, and the entire family are buried on the grounds of nearby St George’s Church. Morris drew inspiration from Kelmscott Manor for many of his most significant designs and writings. With its beautiful gardens, barns, meadow and stream, it’s not difficult to understand Morris’s attachment to the house, which is filled with furniture, original textiles, pictures and paintings, ceramics and metalwork. Fans of Morris’s distinctive textile designs will love the gift shop (pick up a cushion or throw) and there’s an onsite tearoom, too. A must for Pre-Raphaelite aficionados.

12.  Wander around the pretty village of Whichford

What is it?  A village and its surrounding area, home to a pottery workshop, salvage yard and loads of neat spirits.  

Why go?  Head to family-run  Whichford Pottery  to see their cosy café and pick up a hand-thrown, frost-proof flower pot. Round off with a trip to local  Cotswolds Distillery  for a tour, a tasting, or to pick up a bottle of gin, whisky or - if you dare - absinthe.

13.  Get the member’s club treatment at Soho Farmhouse

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What is it?  Soho Farmhouse is a member’s club in 100 acres of scenic Oxfordshire countryside.

Why go?  Fortunately, you don’t have to be a Soho House member to stay at this glorious farmhouse. ‘Farmhouse’ probably gives the wrong idea – with a Cowshed spa, onsite country pub, boathouse (with indoor and outdoor pools on a lake), multiple restaurants, cookery school, farm shop, kitchen garden, and cinema, this is more of a resort. Weather permitting, go horse riding, play tennis, or go rowing. If it’s raining, huddle up by the log fire in the main barn with a stiff drink. The hotel accommodation ranges from studio cabins (complete with little wood burners and porches) to bell tents or even an entire farmhouse.

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Things to see and do in the North Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding beauty for a reason – it is packed full of picturesque villages, bustling market towns and jaw droppingly beautiful buildings made from the local Cotswold stone, and the North Cotswolds area is no exception.

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The medieval town of Burford is nestled in the Windrush Valley making it an ideal destination for visitors who enjoy a good walk. The River Windrush flows through the North of the town and from here you can set off on many a delightful walking route.

In nearby Witney you can pop in for a tour of the UK largest Organic brewery, Wychwood, before sampling the produce in the on-site Tap room and brewery shop. The town is also home to plenty of family run cafes and wonderful pubs and restaurants, such as the Hollybush, serving local produce.

Travel north and you will come to Chipping Norton, the highest town in Oxfordshire means you will never be short of a stunning view or walk or two. During the summer months the local lido is open to swimmers of all ages. For younger families, the nearby Fairytale Farm mixes classic fairy tales with animals, an adventure play area, and prides itself on being accessible to all.

Families should also not miss a visit to the Cotswold Farm Park made famous by its owner – Countryfile’s Adam Henson. A full day’s adventure is to be had with everything from spotting new born piglets, alongside calves and goat kids, to petting the rabbits, guinea pigs and lambs in the discovery barn. For the younger visitors the adventure barn features a soft play area with plenty of ride on toys, whilst outdoors you will find a rare breeds trail, a wildlife walk and adventure play area. Dare devils will love the giant inflatable pillows, whilst grown ups may prefer a coffee or a spot of lunch from the Ox Shed.

No trip to the North Cotswolds would be complete without spending some time in Stow-on-the-Wold. Many people visit, not only because it is one of the most well-known market towns in the region, but because it is famed for its antique shops and art galleries. Visitors are also spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat, but a must try is The Old Stocks Inn, the oldest Inn in England, where the traditional British food uses locally sourced produce meaning the menu regularly changes to reflect what’s available. Plus, their charming Little Stocks Coffee Shop serves very indulgent cream teas!

The North Cotswolds is also home to the award-winning Daylesford Organics Farm where you can choose between their three restaurants. The Trough Café is situated in a converted barn and serves the most delicious breakfasts, lunch and dinner from its open kitchen. Or you may prefer to try out the Legbar where you can enjoy drinks, nibbles and small plates. The Old Spot restaurant features a wood-fired pizza oven and is renowned for its cocktails, expertly served by their mixologists. Whilst there you are free to wander through their organic gardens, or attend one of their garden and floristry workshops or up your cookery skills with a choice of courses at the on-site cookery school. But if a workshop sounds too energetic then book yourself in to their Bamford Wellness Spa right next door and enjoy a calming day retreat.

The North Cotswolds makes for a truly outstanding holiday with all ages catered for and activities to be found for all energy levels.

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North Cotswolds Villages To Visit In A Day

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There aren’t many places more in line with the notion of quintessential English villages than the absolutely gorgeous Cotswolds. This Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) is perfectly summed up by two of those words: outstanding and beautiful . But what can you do here? And how do you spend a day exploring the beautiful Cotswolds villages ?

Where are the Cotswolds?

Located mostly in the West Midlands, basically the middle of England, the Cotswolds are found in six counties including Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. Some of the more northern villages are only a half hour away from Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon . That can make it the perfect day trip while visiting the Bard’s former home.

From London, the Cotswolds are about 2 hours northwest of the nation’s capital. Because most of the villages are in more remote areas, it’s unfortunately necessary to have a car. That, or you risk A LOT of time on public transport.

The Costwolds are made up of numerous tiny villages and towns so you might not be spending too much time in each one. Therefore having access to a car means you’ll be able to explore more of them and at your own leisure.

How long do your need to visit the Cotswolds?

While many of the villages are small, there are a lot of fantastic places – both well known and hidden gems. So you could end up spending more time than you think hopping from one village to the next. For that reason I would say a day trip might be a good way to get a taster of the beautiful Cotswolds, but spending longer would be better.

Ideally find one of the villages to make as your base. Preferably one with a nice country pub and a couple of little shops. Then plan different days in different areas of the Cotswolds so really get to see as much as you can. A long weekend would be the perfect amount of time.

A day visiting these beautiful Cotswolds villages

If you don’t find the Cotswolds utterly charming then England may not be the place for you. Sauntering the cobble-stoned streets of these Lilliputian villages will make you feel as if you’ve gone back in time. That or you’re about to enter some murder mystery TV drama.

But which villages should you visit? With limited time, here are a few northern Cotswolds villages that you can easily visit in one day. For this itinerary I recommend making nearby Tewkesbury or Stratford-upon-Avon your base.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Maybe one of the most idyllic villages you can find is the picturesque and peaceful Bourton-on-the-Water . The centerpiece is the River Windrush which is just as magical as it sounds. Multiple bridges cross the water connecting one side of the village with the other, leaving you unsure of which is the better side. The answer is both.

The river is really shallow and ducks gracefully paddle along, interrupted only by the inevitable dog that finds them too enticing to keep walking. Benches and trees line the river and impossibly charming buildings are at every turn.

If ambling around this pretty village isn’t enough for you, there’s the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection . As well as classic cars you can also see 90s TV star Brum the car.

As if Bourton-on-the-Water couldn’t get any more adorable but they even have a miniature village you can visit. See every inch of the actual village in miniature. Also make time to walk around many of the one-of-a-kind shops in this little corner of the Cotswolds.

As for food, there are numerous cute cafes and tearooms and old English local pubs. But a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water isn’t complete without visiting Bakery on the Water . Their cakes are delicious, their sandwiches scrumptious and their bread is divine. Bring Tupperware, you’ll want to take everything home!

Upper Slaughter

Don’t let the name confuse you, there’s nothing sinister about this tiny village. Interesting name aside though, Upper Slaughter is only a short drive from Bourton-on-the-Water. Therefore although there’s not much action in the village itself, you’ll want to check it out for the storybook scenes that will await you there.

If shops and services are what you’re interested in, plan somewhere before or after Upper Slaughter as this village has a population of less than 200 and there’s not much here except exceptionally quaint buildings. So what do you even do here?

Upper Slaughter has a lovely little 12th Century church, St. Peter’s at the top of the hill in the village. There are a few parking free parking spots outside, so you can get out and wander around the church. My favorite part: the local produce and fresh dried lavender that you can help yourself to for a church donation.

Take a saunter through the Slaughter perusing some idyllic homes and cottages. Continue behind the church down the hill to the River Eye and stroll along the river trail. Despite the fact that upper Slaughter is so small, it still should not be missed.

Lower Slaughter

Further down the River Eye is the equally charming sister village, Lower Slaughter . A little larger than Upper Slaughter, but still definitively diminutive, park up and make your way along one side of the river, then down the other. There are a couple of crossings over the river, and some picture perfect backdrops you’ll absolutely love.

There’s a museum centered around the 19th Century mill which is unfortunately no longer in operation. However you can get up close and personal with the mill and learn all about bread-making and the history behind it and Lower Slaughter .

Take a peek at St. Mary’s church or pop into the Village Hall which often has local art exhibits – and a nice reminder of your trip to the Cotswolds to take home. Feeling fancy? Stay for afternoon tea at one of the gorgeous country hotels in the village. The Slaughters Manor House in particular could be a divine afternoon tea stop.

Stow-on-the-Wold

While Stow-on-the-Wold might not have the sleepy nature that the Slaughters do, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, find some really nice local shops, and enjoy a little history lesson.

The Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold was basically the end of the first Civil War in England in the mid-1600s. The market cross is an understated commemoration of the bloody event that happened in this small town. If it wasn’t for the plaque on this monument you’d never think of such an event occurring in such a seemingly quiet place.

Also in the village square are the old stocks, once perfect for humiliating those accused of wrongdoings in the town and now just an interesting local sight. The market area of Stow-on-the-Wold is filled with old pubs and buildings, and there are so many tiny alleys all leading into the square. These were once used for herding sheep to market.

Market day (minus the sheep) is now Thursday – bi-weekly during the summer and monthly during the winter. So if you can visit then, you’ll get to try some wonderful local food delights and crafts. When you need a rest stop try one of the tearooms in the town. Lucy’s Tearoom has some nice light lunches and snacks.

It might be easy to overlook Stow-on-the-Wold for its smaller neighboring villages, but this town is a great place to stop on your Cotswolds villages day trip.

Enchanting Cotswolds villages you’ll love

Any time spent in the spectacular Cotswolds is time well spent. The almost surreally perfect little towns and villages are heartbreakingly adorable. There’s a lot more to the Cotswolds villages than just some pretty buildings, but that’s a good start. Everything else is a bonus wrapped up so beautifully that you’ll definitely wish you had more time here.

A day is certainly not enough, but it’s a great start, and the ideal taster for future Cotswolds trips. Because if you’re anything like me, you know you’ll be back the minute you step food into these idyllic countryside villages.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you been to any of these or other Cotswolds villages? What do you love most about small towns and villages like this?

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12 thoughts on “North Cotswolds Villages To Visit In A Day”

The village looks so charming. A perfect place to spend your life after you retire.

These Cotswold villages are indeed charming and worth visiting. I can see myself exploring them on foot & at leisure.

I was in the Cotswolds last week & it’s such a beautiful part of the world. And you’re right, you really can’t beat having a car & just taking your time to explore these pretty little villages. It’s made me want to return already!

I love the Cotswolds! I haven’t been to many of these villages but I hope to explore more soon 🙂

I am seriously obsessed with these villages! I love that it’s totally doable to see them in a day, too (although I’d love to dedicate more time). Thanks for the inspiration!

The Cotswolds look absolutely adorable and so picturesque! They seem like filming locations and not villages where people actually live I think 😀

I loved this post! I grew up close to the Cotswolds so this gave me some serious nostalgia, lol! I’m so glad you included Bourton-on-the-water as that has always been one of my favourite places to visit 🙂 If you get the chance I would also recommend visiting Bibury and Lacock, which are another two gorgeous Cotswolds villages.

These villages are all so charming! I love the Cotswolds! I’m actually staying in the Cotswolds in December fir my birthday and I’ve never visited Bourton-on-the-Water before so I’ll definitely check that one out. Thanks for the great guide!

I’m in love! I adore those charming villages of Cotswolds and this area has long been on my list. It doesn’t get anymore idyllic than here. Bourton-on-the-water is so pretty with its river and bridges. Such a lovely post.

This is a great introduction to the Nortern Cotswolds. I live right on the Cotswold borders so often drive through these villages every week, though I am more near to the Southern part of the Cotswolds. It feels strange to see something I take as normal ie the beautiful villages and scenes, talked about in a blog post. I have to remind myself I am lucky to live here, just as a Londoner wonders why everyone is fascinated by their city. Lovely pics – they bring out that creamy beige colour of the stonework wondefully

The Cotswolds look absolutely adorable and so picturesque! Would love to visit them one day and explore the area!

I’ve heard many wonderful things about the Cotswolds and I can definitely see why! This is definitely on my list of places to visit in the UK, great post!

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22 of The Cotswolds Best Villages You Must Visit [Plus Things to Do & Map]

The Cotswolds best villages are full of honey-coloured limestone buildings with deep-pitched roofs, topped with heavy stone tiles. All this nestled in gently undulating countryside, with shallow streams running through the valley filled with trout hunted by egrets and kingfishers. 

To see the Cotswolds best villages, get off the main roads and away from the towns. The most adorable villages are found on the quiet country roads that fill the gaps on the map. This comprehensive guide of hand-picked villages provides you with everything you need to know about the best villages in the Cotswolds. I’ve even included individual guides for many of these charming villages so you’ll know the best things to do and places to visit in the Cotswolds.

Here are the best villages in the Cotswolds you need to visit.

Map of the Cotswolds Best Villages and Top Things to Do

Don’t miss my cotswolds travel guide for more tips.

1.  Stow-on-the-Wold

Before you leave, make sure to experience the best Afternoon Tea in town. Pop into Lucy’s Tearoom and savour their exquisite scones and decadent cakes. You won’t regret it.

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold .

2. Moreton-in-Marsh

Highlights include the Curfew Tower which is the oldest building in the village. Then there’s The Bell Inn which is considered to be the inspiration for the ‘Prancing Pony’, Middle Earth’s most famous pub in J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

Don’t be fooled by the bustling High Street, head towards St. David’s Church where you’ll see a lovely collection of cosy cottages covered with wisteria and other colourful flora. 

Located a few minutes from the town centre are other must-see attractions including the elegant Chastleton House, Batsford Arboretum for its 56 acres of beautiful parkland, Bourton House Garden for its award-winning gardens, and Sezincote House for a taste of Hindu and Muslim inspired architecture in this elaborate home. 

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Moreton-in-Marsh .

3. Bourton-on-the-Hill

4. Bourton-on-the-Water

There’s a lot to see and do in Bourton-on-the-Water, from getting lost in The Dragon Maze, to enjoying warm scones for Cream Tea at Bakery-on-the Water. The village’s main attractions include the Model Village, a one-ninth scale and perfect replica of Bourton-on-the-Water at the time it was built between 1936-1940. There’s the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection home to the famous sentient vintage car, Brum. 

Last but not least, there’s the Birdland Park and Gardens covering 9 acre and home to over 500 birds including flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, and waterfowl all in a natural water habitat.

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water .

5. Lower Slaughter

You won’t need more than a couple of hours to explore Lower Slaughter. Start your visit with a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Eye which hug the village. Visit the Old Mill which is home to the Lower Slaughter Museum and where you’ll learn about the village’s history through the art of breadmaking. 

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Lower Slaughter .

6. Upper Slaughter

The main attraction here is Lords of the Manor hotel which dates from 1649. Wander the extensive grounds before enjoying their Afternoon Tea either in the lounge or in the garden.

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Upper Slaughter .

7. Broadway

For the best fish ‘n chips around, head to go Russell’s Fish & Chips and order ANYthing. Their batter is so light, fresh and crisp. Then head to Tisanes Tea Room for a wonderful traditional Afternoon or Cream tea. This place is so loved that there is usually a queue out the door!

Located just 25-minutes from Stratford-Upon-Avon , Broadway is home to one of the Cotswold famous icons, Broadway Tower. Set within a 50-acre estate of parkland with wild deer roaming the ground, the spiral staircase for a whopping 360-degree view of the surrounding 16 counties.

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Broadway.

8. Snowshill

While you’re here, visit the 16th-century country house Snowshill Manor to see the treasure-trove of tiny toys, Samurai armour, musical instruments all collected by its previous owner, Charles Paget Wade.

If you’re visiting during summer, be sure to head over to the Cotswold Lavender farm to wander the fields and pick up your favourite lavender-based gifts, soaps, toiletries and body products.

Located half-way down the High Street is the Tolsey, where medieval merchants had to pay their tolls. Hence the name Tolsey. At the opposite end of the village is the elaborate St. John the Baptist Church. Inside is the impressive mausoleum of Lawrence Tanfield, James I’s Chancellor of the Exchequer with his wife and the funerary plaque of Edmund Harman who was Henry VIII’s barber and surgeon. The plaque depicts four Amazonian figures, considered the earliest of its kind of native Americans in Britain.

Hungry? Not to be missed are the delicious homepage pies at The Royal Oak or the award-winning meals The Angel at Burford. It’s a hard choice!

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Burford.

10. Castle Combe

There are plenty of signature Cotswold stone cottages here which were once weavers’ cottages. As you enter the village from the north, look out for the striking yellow Grade II listed Dower House which appeared as the fictional Puddleby-on-the Marsh in the 1967 film Dr. Dolittle. Continue to the centre of town to see the old Market Cross, remnants of the Buttercross and the 15-century ‘wool church’, St. Andrew’s Church.

The most famous vantage point of Castle Combe is from Water Lane looking back towards town. Castle Combe really is a photographer’s dream.

Plan your visit with my guide to the best things to do in Castle Combe .

Just opposite Arlington Row is The Swan Hotel, a former coaching inn that overlooks the banks of the River Coln. Stop here for lunch in The Swan Brasserie or enjoy afternoon tea by the river. The chef’s freshly baked fruit scones topped with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam are to die for.

12. Blockley

The village is best explored on foot, with several enjoyable walks leading from the village to the beautiful surrounding countryside.

13. Woodstock

There are several gardens, temples, monuments and other points of interest to explore within the palace’s extensive grounds. Not to be missed is the majestic 300-year-old Cedar of Lebanon tree known as the Harry Potter Tree, which featured in ‘Order of the Phoenix’.

In town, you can also visit Sir Winston Churchill grave at St Martin’s Church who rests alongside other family members.

14. Chipping Campden

At the heart of this delightful village is the impressive 17th-century market hall which provided merchants and farmers of the time shelter as they sold goods like cheese, butter, and poultry.

From here it’s just a short walk to the majestic wool church of St James. As you pass the almshouses you’ll see a sunken cartwheel wash just opposite. From St James’ graveyard, you can see the remains of Old Campden House and Gateway. In 1613 Sir Baptist Hicks began building a new home in the very latest style, unfortunately, it was burnt to the ground by retreating Royalist soldiers, only this single fragment remains.

For a relaxing lunch or the best afternoon tea in town, head to Badgers Hall Tea Room located on the High Street. From here head to the Court Barn Museum to learn how the Arts and Crafts movement shaped life in the north Cotswolds.

If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to stretch your legs, Chipping Campden marks the start of The Cotswold Way, a 102 mile (164Km) long National Trail running between this small market town to the city of Bath in the south. 

Just north of Chipping Campden village is Hidcote Manor Garden. This not-to-be-missed garden is one of the best-known and most influential Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain.  Also located nearby is Kiftsgate Court Gardens famed for its roses, the creation of three generations of women gardeners. 

15. Naunton

The village has two churches, St Andrew’s Church, which dates from the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, when a tower was added and Naunton Baptist Chapel. 

If you visit the local tourism board website, they mention that you can ‘climb the hill for a really good view of church and village’. When I visited I tried to find this mysterious vantage point but was on;y met with private land. The best view I got was from the main road B4068, which isn’t a safe place to stop. If you find a better route, please let me know! 🙂

If you have time, definitely visit the famous Cotswold Farm Park which has been helping protect rare breeds of farm animals since 1971. Specialising in historical farm animals, including those from the Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman, Viking and Norman periods, Cotswold Farm Park even supplied period-correct animals for Mel Gibson’s film, Braveheart.

16. Painswick

While you’re here, don’t miss taking a wander down Bisley Street, flanked by mostly fourteenth-century buildings and St Mary’s Church with a spire that dominates the village. Take your time to wander through the churchyard, where 99 yew trees, surround a collection of 17th and 18th-century table tombs. As the legend goes, there are exactly 99 trees, and the Devil himself brings death every time someone has tried to plant a hundredth.

Other places to visit in Painswick include the Painswick Rococo Garden, a short walk from the centre. Designed as a flamboyant garden in the mid-1700s, it also features a world-renowned collection of snowdrops.

17. Tetbury

Tetbury is a historic wool town which prospered from the wool trade. Many of the wool merchants’ houses remain largely untouched since the 16th and 17th century. Tetbury’s Grade I listed 17th-century Market House has been the heart of the town for centuries. Still today,  markets are held here every Wednesday and Saturday. 

Dominating the skyline is The Parish Church of St Mary’s with one of the tallest and most elegant spires in the UK.

The Chipping (which is now a car park) means ‘market’ and for centuries was the site of the mop fairs, where local farmhands, labourers and domestic staff offered themselves for employment.  The cobbled Chipping Steps are flanked by weavers’ cottages and where you’ll get some of the most iconic views of the town. 

Also worth visiting is The Police Museum in the Old Court House which houses the world-renowned Alex Nicols collection of handcuffs and restraints, together with Gloucester policing memorabilia.

A short 12-minute drive south of Tetbury village is Westonbirt, the National Arboretum with a staggering collection of plants and trees from all over the world. From towering Champion trees to rare and threatened trees, Westonbirt has it all.

18. Great Tew 

Set behind a marvellous stone gateway, don’t miss visiting St. Michael and All Angels for its beautiful blend of different architectural styles. Much of it from the 13th and 14th century.

19. Stanway

Stanway is a small crossroads village centred around Stanway House, a superb Jacobean manor and home to the tallest gravity fed fountain in the world at just over 300 feet. 

From its baroque gatehouse, 18th-century water garden, 14th-century Tithe Barn, Stanway is an absolute delight.  Even St Peter’s Church, which was rebuilt in the 12th century and restored in 1896 makes up part of Stanway estate. 

20. Winchcombe

Dent’s Terrace

Winchcombe, which literally means ‘valley with a bend’ is one of the Cotswolds best villages to visit. Winchcombe has several drawcards, from its long main thoroughfare lined with a stunning medley of mellow yellow limestone and half-timbered buildings, Dent’s Terrace with ten Grade 2 listed charming cottages, to the magnificent Sudeley Castle with its award-winning gardens and where the last of King Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine Parr, lived and is buried. 

Once the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia, Winchcombe has a long and interesting history which reaches as far back as the Stone Age when people settled in the hills leaving a stone-lined, burial chamber known as the Belas Knap long barrow which you can visit. 

During the Middle Ages Winchcombe became a thriving wool town and centre for pilgrims who travelled to Hailes Abbey. Visitors travelled far and wide to see a phial that was said to contain the Blood of Christ – known as the Holy Blood of Hailes. It was so famous that Geoffrey Chaucer mentions it in The Canterbury Tales. Today, you can visit the tranquil ruins of Hailes Abbey and explore the beautiful surviving stonework. 

Just west of Wincombe is St. Kenelm’s Well, named after the son of a Mercian king Kenwulph. At only 7 years old, Kenelm became an Anglo-Saxon saint after being murdered by his foster-father Asceberht and sister Quendryth in their plot to gain power. 

As you leave Winchcombe, stop by Hayles Fruit farm to pick up some apples and pears or have afternoon tea before heading south to Cleeve Common to see the wild, windswept countryside from the highest point in the Cotswolds.

21. Kingham

Take a stroll around the village greens, bordered by elegant cottages from the 17th and 18th centuries before visiting St. Andrew’s Church, a Norman church with a fine old rectory built in the 17th century.

With two highly-rated pubs, the Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit, Kingham is great for foodies. If that wasn’t enough, each year Jamie Oliver and Alex James host The Big Feastival on August Bank Holiday.

Less than 2 miles from the village is the fantastic Daylesford Organic Farm selling premium deli items of all kinds and delicious, award-winning organic food in its village shop.

Despite its modest size, Kingham has its own train station with services from London taking just 90 minutes, making it the ideal destination for a day trip.

22. Chipping Norton

Start your visit in the Market Square where many of the original houses were rebuilt in the more fashionable Georgian style. Browse the antique shops, visit the medieval Guildhall, St Mary’s Church and a row of handsome almshouses, before heading to the Chipping Norton Museum to learn more about the history of the town dating back to the time of the Romans.

Chipping Norton offers a good choice of places to eat too. Located next to the theatre is The Chequers, an atmospheric pub with three softly lit beamed rooms with low ochre ceilings and log fires and an airy conservatory. Then there’s The Red Lion, the smallest pub in town and still a local favourite. Dating from 1684, The Red Lion serves local Hook Norton ales you can enjoy while playing on darts.

If you have time, I highly recommend visiting The Rollright Stones, located just 4 miles from Chipping Norton. This complex of three Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments provide a fascinating look at the region’s past. Each monument was erected during a period where there was a continuous tradition of ritual behaviour on sacred ground, from the 4th to the 2nd millennium BCE.

So, there you have it, the Cotswold best villages and what to do and places to visit in each of them. To help you plan your trip, check out my guide on how to get to the Cotswolds  and the most unique Cotswold cottages on Airbnb.

Want to see more of the Cotswolds? Join one of these top-rated tours.

• Cotswolds & Downton Abbey Locations
• Small-Group Tour of Cotswold Villages
• Private Cotswold Village Tour (for your group only)
• Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
• Lunch in the Cotswolds Tour from London
• Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London
• Small-Group Day Trip to Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon from London
• Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath Full Day Trip from London

Visiting the UK? Check out my other posts

• Adorable Cotswolds Airbnbs: 26 Most Unique Airbnb Cottages in the Cotswolds
• 6 Unmissable Things to Do in Castle Combe [The Cotswolds Prettiest Village]
• 7 Wonderful Things to Do in Burford in The Cotswolds
• 14 Unique Things to Do in Broadway [The Jewel of the Cotswolds]
• 16 Best Things to do in Moreton-in-Marsh, The Cotswolds
• Top 12 Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold, The Cotswolds
• 12 Best Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, The Cotswolds
• 11 Lovely Things to Do in Lower Slaughter & Upper Slaughter, The Cotswolds
• How to Get to The Cotswolds from London, around the UK & Beyond!
• 16 Lovely Things to Do in Stratford-upon-Avon: A Detailed Guide to Shakespeare’s Birthplace
• 10 Unusual Things to do in London You Never Knew About
• B Bakery Bus Tour: The Best Afternoon Tea Tour in London
• 31 Fascinating Origins of London Street Names Revealed
• 25 Wonderful Phrases Shakespeare Invented that You Use Every day
• 30 Incredible Stories Behind English Idioms and Phrases You Use Every Day
• 20 Hidden Meanings of English Place-Names You Probably Didn’t Know
• Self-Guided Banksy Walking Tour in Bristol: Where to See 10 Original Banksy Art
• 29 Best Things to do in Bristol | The Ultimate City Guide

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How to Get to The Cotswolds from London, around the UK & Beyond!

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The Cotswolds

Uncover everything the Cotswolds has to offer….

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With endless views, excellent food and natural beauty, if you’re thinking about visiting the Cotswolds, you’ve come to the right place.

There is simply so much to explore and learn about the Cotswolds, from Cotswolds museums to great historic houses, or simply a walk through the streets and back lanes within the beautiful stone towns and villages.

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The Cotswolds is an absolute must-visit for all travellers, whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for new avenues to explore during your fifth (or even tenth!) visit to the Cotswolds. Often considered the “most beautiful street in England,” Arlington Row, Bibury is easily one of the most iconic sights (and most photographed) in the Cotswolds and a hot favourite for those seeking a UK getaway.

With picture-perfect little cottages, Bibury is a charming, typically Cotswold, village just a short drive from Cirencester.

Beyond Bibury’s iconic cottages, there are so many awe-inspiring views to wake up to and capture during your visit – here are just a few of our favourite suggestions:

Walk The Cotswold Way

This National Trail is a famous walk, offering 100+ miles of scenic strolls and panoramic views of the countryside.

The Most Romantic Street in Britain

Lower Slaughter, a popular postcard-worthy Cotswolds village, is home to ‘the most romantic street in Britain’.

Check out Lavender Season

A total sight for sore eyes, if you’re visiting late April/early May to August, get your camera at the ready for the Cotswolds’ local lavender in bloom.

Warwick Castle

This medieval castle is located on the bend of the River Avon, in the town of Warwick – first built by William the Conqueror in 1068.

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20 Stunning, Drool-Worthy Places to Visit in the Cotswolds!

Last Updated: August 11, 2022

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Looking for a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds ? Look no further… Below you’ll find a detailed roundup of my favourite Cotswolds towns, villages, and attractions. Enjoy!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with the little part of England we know as the Cotswolds.

With its buttery limestone buildings wedged into rolling green hills, the Cotswolds are an irritatingly wonderful piece of the world with  everything this silly Canadian girl dreamt England would be – charming cottages, adorable pubs, and enough ahh-worthy sights to keep you drooling for weeks on end.

I’ve had the pleasure of road tripping around the Cotswolds twice now, along the way adding many new spots to my ‘retire here with 15 dogs’ list.

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And so, I figured it was finally time to round up some of my most delightful finds around the Cotswolds for you! You know, in case you, too, want ideas on where to retire with 15 dogs.

There really are countless incredible places to visit and fun things to do in the Cotswolds, whether you’re after a quiet escape in the countryside or a more vibrant getaway with fun attractions and activities. The question of “which Cotswold village is best” really depends on a lot of factors, so I’ve decided to cover all the bases.

Below, you’ll find my favourite places to visit in the Cotswolds –a Cotswold bucket list with everything from vibrant and exciting hot spots to sleepy and picturesque escapes. Enjoy!

PS: Click here for a full list of beautiful places to visit around England !

The Best Places in the Cotswolds for a Vibrant and Lively Escape

I’m a bit of a restless traveller, so my preferred getaway is a place that not only offers swoonworthy landscapes and sights, but also opportunities for fun and interesting things to do .

The following places in the Cotswolds are ones I felt had the best of both worlds: scenic views along with plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and more.

1. Cirencester

Confusingly pronounced as Siren-sester, this beautiful Cotswold town is known as the Cotswolds’ capital, and one of my favourite places to visit (and eat) in the area.

Despite its status as capital, Cirencester feels far less crowded than some of the smaller villages in the Cotswolds, which get congested with coach tours throughout the day.

This means that you’re able to explore more or less in peace, with plenty to see around its warm colourful streets as you gallivant and salivate.

One of the best things to do in the Cotswolds is to simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere, so eager explorers will also be happy to know that the town is filled with hidden courtyards crammed with adorable boutiques, cafes, and independent retailers, along with The Church of St John the Baptist, by far the most beautiful church I’ve visited in the Cotswolds.

Don’t miss its wide range of interesting artifacts on display, like a golden goblet crafted for Anne Bolelyn.

Of course, I have to mention that Cirencester harbours a special little secret too: a rich Roman history which you can trace at the Corinium Museum, through special plaques scattered around town, and even a quick visit to the former Roman amphitheatre (once a seating space for 8000+ people, now a leafy green space ideal for strolling).

2. Bourton on the Water

While undoubtedly one of the busiest towns in the Cotswolds in terms of tourism, I can’t omit the adorable Bourton on the Water, affectionately dubbed the Venice of the Cotswolds thanks to the scenic River Windrush which cuts through town.

Besides offering the classic Cotswold charm with beautiful houses and peaceful green spaces, Bourton on the Water wins for me in terms of delightful, surprising and quirky attractions.

The Miniature Village for instance is a wonderfully detailed recreation of the village, built to a 1:9 scale with the local Cotswold limestone, complete with miniature trees, miniature displays in the shop windows and a (very meta) miniature version of the Miniature Village which, upon close inspection, has its OWN miniature village. I’ll give you a second to process that.

If you’re travelling with kids (or are a kid at heart), this is probably one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds!

Another fun attraction is the deceptively challenging Dragonfly Maze, which mixes a traditional maze with a scavenger hunt/riddle of sorts. It’s really good fun, even for a pair of adults.

Combined, all these things make Bourton on the Water one of my favourite villages in the Cotswolds, certainly for those travelling with kids (or still feel about 5 on the inside, like me).

Last but not least, visit during the August Bank Holiday weekend and you’ll get to witness the annual Football in the River match, which yes, is exactly as it sounds….. they play football in the river. Click here for a video!

The charming town of Tetbury is (in my mind) one of the loveliest places in the Cotswolds, and if you don’t trust my peasant opinion, know that the town has some royal backing too, as Tetbury is the swanky homebase of none other than Prince Charles, future king of England.

So…. *puts on crown* you know, it’s a pretty nice place.

And while Tetbury is the second largest town in the Cotswolds, its size has done nothing to erode its charm.

A quick stroll through the beautiful streets of Tetbury and you’ll find an endless stream of lovely boutiques, including a flagship shop for Prince Charles’ luxury brand, Highgrove, and even a quirky and free police museum, complete with eerily lifelike figures that snore.

Another highlight of course are the medieval Chipping Steps, one of the oldest parts of Tetbury, which consist of a steep set of stairs lined with centuries-old cottages. If you’re lucky (and unfathomably rich), I even saw a few up for sale…

4. Broadway

As its name hints, Broadway’s starring attraction is its High Street, a spacious wide road filled with wonderful boutiques, restaurants and antique shops to rummage through and throw money at. No doubt, this is one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds if you’re looking to do a bit of shopping!

During my first Cotswolds road trip, this was the first “busy” town we visited and while I was initially deterred by the bustle of it compared to the sleepy villages we had been hopping through…

However, I was soon won over with Broadways’ wonderful assortment of cute shops, like Blandford Books, where I picked up a new summer read, and Broadway Deli, with its fully stocked shelves of enticing local goods.

After a quick bite at the ridiculously adorable Crown & Trumpet, I was won over: Broadway is a busy Cotswold town, but one with a lot of vibrant hub bub – perfect for a getaway that’s a bit more fast-paced.

PS: Broadway Tower is located nearby, and it’s well known as one of the most scenic places in the Cotswolds to nab an excellent view!

5. Wotton under Edge

Wotton under Edge was another wonderful surprise on my recent trip.

Frequently missed by travellers, this small off-the-radar Cotswold town is one with plenty of surprises to offer those who stop by.

Not only does Wotton under Edge have a delightful High Street studded with lovely shops, but it also has the unexpected bonuses of charming pink-washed buildings, hidden almshouses, a heritage center with a free museum, and a fascinating 13th century inn, “The Ancient Ram Inn”, beloved by ghosthunters for its connections with the paranormal . Oooooh. If you’re looking for something a little less terrifying, the nearby Wotton Hill supposedly offers stunning green views.

Random fact: Wotton under Edge was the first market town in Gloucestershire to install CCTV. So… now you know.

6. Chipping Camden

As one of the best preserved towns in the Cotswolds, Chipping Camden is a must-add for any Cotswold bucket list.

There’s a little something for everyone here: history lovers can geek out over the sprawling history of this quaint market town, which still has its original 17th century market hall in tact for nosy perusal.

Shoppers will be delighted to find an elegantly curved High Street with a lovely assortment of shops…

And sports lovers can even make a trip for the annual “Cotswold Olimpicks” (not a typo) which happen every spring, with delightful sporting events including “shinkicking”.

PS: For those of you keen to explore the Cotswolds on foot…….. very far on foot…. Chipping Camden is also the starting point of the Cotswold Way, a walking route that spans 100 miles all the way down to Bath.

7. Stow-on-the-Wold

The delightful Stow-on-the-Wold was one of my favourite Cotswold towns we visited during my 1st trip!

No lie – this town is everything you want the Cotswolds to be – quaint cottages charmingly stacked along narrow streets, yet with an ample selection of restaurants, pubs, and shops for some additional things to do.

Especially noteworthy is the sprawling market square, once the hotspot for buying/selling sheep, and the nearby Gypsy Horse Fair which comes to town twice a year.

If you have the time, make sure you don’t miss the St Edward’s Church, which is home to a magical little door flanked by yew trees. I didn’t find out about it until after my visit, and I pretty much kicked myself twenty times.

8. Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton is another market town famous in the Cotswolds for its lively atmosphere and picture-perfect facades.

Historic buildings like beautiful Almshouses and centuries-old pubs fill the town, all sprinkled with delightful pops of colour and life in the form of fun independent shops.

Amusingly, Chipping Norton has a few ties to the pop culture world too. For instance, one of my favourite actors, Wentworth Miller (yes from Prison Break!) was born here, and Jeremy Clarkson (of Top Gear fame) also calls the town home.

And if the name itself doesn’t sound familiar, odds are you would at least know some of the music created in Chipping Norton. That’s because once upon a time (in the 90s), the Chipping Norton Recording Studios were a bustling hub for music recording at their humble location on New Street. Famous hits like “I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight” by Cutting Crew were recorded here!

Sorry if that song is now forever stuck in your head again for the next decade.

Beautiful Burford has a lot going for it: for instance, it has an elegant sloped High Street that is lined with some of the prettiest stone houses and storefronts in the Cotswolds.

But make no mistake: Burford is more than just a pretty face – this town also has an abundance of historical gems scattered throughout town, like Reavley Chemist – England’s oldest pharmacy, a medieval stone bridge that dates back centuries, and little pops of half-timbered whimsy.

We arrived during golden hour for a quick stop in Burford, but I was lucky enough to catch the town in its prime: late Spring, when wisteria season meant plenty of elegant purple and white wisteria draped across those honey-coloured cottages we love so much.

Does it get any prettier than this?  Not tough to see why I consider the Cotswolds one of the best Spring destinations in Europe.

The Best Sleepy and Picturesque Villages in the Cotswolds

If it’s a relaxed and peaceful getaway you’re looking for, then the following Cotswold villages will likely be of interest. These photogenic gems are the definition of lovely, although a bit lacking in excitement/things to do. Regardless, I still consider them some of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds for a quick escape. So, here are some of the best quiet places in the Cotswolds (in no particular order)…

If you’ve heard of the Cotswolds, odds are you’ve heard of Bibury, perhaps one of the most photographed villages in the entire country.

The scenic houses of Arlington Row are a sight synonymous with the Cotswolds name, and for good reason – they embody all the charm of the Cotswolds in a single frame.

For that reason, it has become a tourist magnet for visitors from all around the world: the Japanese Emperor Hirohito once stayed here during his grand European tour, and it is even said that Henry Ford even once tried to buy a row of these houses to ship back to Michigan because he loved them that much.

… But anyways, for those of us without the funds to um, transplant an entire village across continents, a quick visit and photograph will have to suffice. Or a few thousand photographs even… I swear Cotswolds pictures take up 90% of my hard drive.

I do think Bibury is one of the prettiest corners of the Cotswolds, but be warned that there isn’t a ton to do here besides scenic strolls, photo opps and eating/drinking at one of the local pubs. If it’s a relaxing escape you’re after though, perhaps that’s all you need!

11. Castle Combe

Nestled in a picturesque valley in Wiltshire, you’ll find the achingly perfect Castle Combe (pronounced Coom, like coom to this village), one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswolds.

With its photogenic array of classic Cotswold stone houses and bridge, it may lay claim to one of the most picture-perfect photo opps in the entirety of the Cotswolds.

And if the village looks familiar, that might be because it has featured in numerous films, including Stardust and War Horse. So, while it may not be the most exciting place to visit in the Cotswolds, I’d say it’s indisputably one of the prettiest.

PS: If you fancy a… fancy place to stay, Castle Combe is home to one of the most luxurious hotels in the entirety of the Cotswolds. We had a quick walk around the Manor House grounds and let me just say, it would be a dream to stay here. Click here for photos to see what I mean.

12. Snowshill

I still remember driving into Snowshill for the first time. The grass was so green, it looked photoshopped.

And as we glided past the honey-coloured stone houses lined with radioactively green grass, a classic red phone booth caught my eye and I was just about ready to hurl myself out the car.

Which I did, for photos’ sake… of course.

While there isn’t a ton to do in Snowshill, this picturesque village does have one main attraction going for it: the nearby Snowshill Manor and Garden, which stores the bizarre and eclectic treasures of Charles Wade, a man who sought to turn his manor into an extraordinary world away from the monotonous lull of regular life.

To be fair though, if my regular life looked like this, I would be pretty okay with that…

13. Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter

Just before my 1st Cotswolds road trip, a friend of mine told me “you HAVE to visit the Slaughters”, and for a second I thought that was her way of telling me, not so subtly, that she wanted me to die.

This is not the case. Against all odds, the Cotswold Slaughters (Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter) are both exceedingly lovely little villages that frequently rank among the cutest villages in the Cotswolds.

And while they really have no made-for-tourist attractions like some other Cotswold villages and towns in the area, what they offer up is a simple and quiet idyllic charm.

Both hugging the banks of the River Eye, Lower Slaughter is home to a restored flour mill and a beautiful bridge that makes the ideal backdrop for scenic photos.

And Upper Slaughter, which is home to lovely almshouses and a unique ford crossing, has the unique distinction of being one of only a handful of “Doubly Thankful Villages”, having lost no men during either of the world wars.

In fact, George Collett, the village’s local handyman, was part of select few who served in both.

And as for the name?  Well, they’re said to come from the old English word ‘Slohtre’, which simply means “Muddy place”, rather than… “murder”.

14. Adlestrop

Adlestrop doesn’t often make top lists of places to visit in the Cotswolds, but to me, it was one of the quaintest and most adorable villages I’ve been.

From classic cottages crowded with green ivy and colourful flower beds to the friendliest village cat named Buster, who apparently sadistically loves attending funerals so he can get cuddles, this tiny rural village (with, admittedly, no attractions for tourists at all), is a lovely little spot to admire the quiet charm that makes the Cotswolds so special.

Fun fact: Jane Austen spent some time in Adlestrop and it’s said that the village inspired her when writing ‘Mansfield Park’.

Cotswolds Attractions to Check Out

Besides adorable towns and villages, there are also several wonderful attractions nestled in the Cotswolds as well. Here are some I’d recommend visiting.

15. Berkeley Castle and Butterfly House

What’s a list of pretty places in the Cotswolds without a castle thrown in?

Well, if you’re a princess wannabe/castle junkie like me, the Cotswolds is home to the world-famous Berkeley Castle, a must for your Cotswolds attractions bucket list.

This Norman Castle has been inhabited by the same family for over 9 centuries, which is (by the way) a longer time than any fortress in England can brag about. History creeps through every brick of this beautiful property, where King Edward II was supposedly murdered, so if you want your dose of morbidity, there you go.

Free guided tours are available to all visitors, along with a tropical butterfly house and beautiful walled garden.

Plus, a visit here also means a visit to filming sites for various famous productions, including The Other Boleyn Girl and Poldark.

Last but not least, the Edward Jenner Museum is a short walk away from the castle and is dedicated to Berkeley’s most famous resident: Edward Jenner, who pioneered the smallpox vaccine that would go on to save millions of people from the deathly disease.

16. Chedworth Roman Villa

I know that Roman ruins aren’t what you typically think of when you imagine the Cotswolds, but nonetheless, the Chedworth Roman Villa is here for you if you want to get a little nerdy with Roman history!

This property (owned by the National Trust) is one of the largest of its kind in Britain, with a lengthy history going all the way back to the 2nd century. A visit here means getting to check out ancient mosaics, sophisticated underfloor heating systems, and artifacts that have remained here for over a thousand years.

17. Highgrove Royal Gardens

Just outside of Tetbury is the royal residence of the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles… and while “stopping by” sounds like a great recipe for getting stopped by security (trust me, we actually tried), we normals can actually explore the beautiful gardens of the property through pre-arranged tours!

Tours have been running at Highgrove for 24 years now, and as you might expect, the grounds of this palace are immaculately stunning. Click here for more details!

18. Sudeley Castle

Not far from Winchcombe is where you’ll find the historic Sudeley Castle, which, throughout the past thousand years, has acted as the backdrop to stories from some of the most prominent people in history, including Henry VIII, Anne Bolelyn, and Queen Elizabeth I.

Katherine Parr, AKA Henry VIII’s wifey number 6 is even buried here.

And while Sudeley Castle has the unique distinction of being one of the few castles left in England that is still a residence, it is nonetheless open to the public most days of the year, so you can come see the 10 unique gardens and beautiful rooms of the castle for yourself.

PS: a random but wonderful fact: Sudeley Castle is where you’ll find the world’s largest collection of rare breed pheasants – 16! Click here for more details on how to visit.

19. Blenheim Palace

Grand architecture, stunning grounds and history come together at Blenheim Palace, known best as the birthplace of Winston Churchill (and actually, a little known filming location from Harry Potter! ). This makes it probably one of the most exciting attractions you can visit in the Cotswolds.

As the only non-royal home in the country to have the title of “palace”, it also happens to be one of the biggest houses in all of England. The estate is in fact so expansive that it even has its own miniature railway… It’s a busy place, so it would be a good idea to get a ticket in advance here.

You can also book a variety of tours to Blenheim that combine your day with other Cotswold villages! Here’s a Downtown Abbey themed one.

20. Broadway Tower

Last but not least, at 312 metres above sea level, Broadway Tower is the second highest point in the Cotswolds, which of course means it’s a wonderful place for views.

That said, this tower is far more than just a scenic viewpoint. Beyond just a pretty spot for photos, Broadway Tower actually houses a 3-story museum, a nuclear bunker from the Cold War, a stylish visitor center, and a cozy cafe.

Other Cities to Visit in/Near the Cotswolds

Alright, now onto the final section! I want to conclude with some cities and towns on the fringes of the Cotswolds that, while often lumped together with the rest of the spots on this list, aren’t part of the actual Cotswolds proper. It would be a shame to leave them out of this roundup though, so here they are!

I had always known Gloucester for its cathedral, but as I discovered on my recent visit, this city has a lot more than just that to offer.

Gloucester Cathedral is, naturally, a highlight, and reason enough to visit on its own, but all around town, you’ll find beautiful half-timbered buildings and pretty historical streets, a legacy of the city’s 2000+ years of history.

Itching for something a little cooler? Gloucester has seen a vibrant revival in the past few years, with over a dozen Victorian warehouses near the city’s docks converted into space for a variety of shops, museums and bars. Needless to say, Gloucester is a must-see.

I adore Lacock.

*brief pause for snickering*

Okay, but really. Lacock is the best. This little village just outside of the Cotswolds feels like stepping back in time, so much that it’s a favourite among TV and film productions, including two of the Harry Potter films .

Lacock Abbey is of course a beautiful must-see, but for me, wandering around the streets, perusing the fun honesty shops in front of local homes and just soaking in the atmosphere is more than reason enough to visit again and again.

Last but not least, we have Bath.

…. I…. LOVE this city.

Sentimentally, Bath was one of the first places in England I ever visited outside of London, and I fell in love with it almost right away.

This historic city is filled to the brim with scenic streets to prance through, and wonderful viewpoints for days… not to mention some truly lovely spa hotels nearby. Add to that amazing knockout attractions like the Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths and you have a winning recipe for a weekend break. Click here for a guide to spending 2 days in Bath!

Did I miss any of your favourite places in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds are definitely one part of the world I’d never tire of visiting. I know there are plenty more Cotswold towns, villages and more to visit, so let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any of your favourites!

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14 thoughts on “20 Stunning, Drool-Worthy Places to Visit in the Cotswolds!”

I went to a few of these when I was 12 or 13 (I remember Bath for sure), but I have been obsessing over the Cotswalds lately thanks to Pinterest showing me pins from blog posts there. I’m hoping to go one day soon – it looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing – saving this for when I go back!

So many great spots to check out around the Cotswolds. Top of my list are all of those forts, castles, and villas!

This is a great list, Thanks for sharing such an useful Information 🙂

I have been 4 times but haven’t been to all of these so I’m saving this for my next visit, thanks!

I loved Bibury and Castle Combe when I went to the Cotswolds! I actually stayed in a cottage in Bibury, and it was amazing! Unfortunately it rained on all the days I visited other villages, so I want to go back and visit again when the weather is nicer.

Hi, Lovely photos of the Cotswolds… I have made some notes for future visits. I have been to Cheltenham, Gouchester , Bath, Staveley, Churchdown, and Chipping Norton before (where Michael Palin fell off his bicycle as bicycle repairman). I too am an avid traveller from Canada… older than you perhaps, from Vancouver BC. I’ve been to over 30 countries. I did count them up once, but have forgotten the exact #. I will weigh in on that later. I am tracing my family tree with a thought to going back to the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. I got to your site by typing in Google “prettiest places in England” and got stuck on #1, the Cotswolds because I remember how lovely it was. I did do a tour of some of the Cotswolds, but it was a too quick. It was my first trip out of North America with my Aunt for my cousin’s wedding in Churchdown. We hit Gloucester and Cheltenham because Churchdown is a tiny town with nothing but farms around. We walked out to find a 7-11 to pick up some supplies only to find all we could get was eggs from the local farmers! LOL. There was a pub in the B&B we stayed in so all was fine. I jotted down some of the villages/cities you mentioned that look so cool. I am also interested in Ashton Under Lyne where my Nana was born, Manchester where my great great Grandfather was born and Sussex where my Maternal Great Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandfather were born… Roscommon Ireland where my paternal great great great Grandmother was born and Tietsjerkstradiel Friesland in the Netherlands where my Maternal Grandfather’s mother was born. So confusing, I know. Also my cousins are half Italian because my Dad’s sister married an Italian. He was born in Montreal, but his parents were both born in Campo Basso Italy. Have you been to any of these places? The Sussex ties were Uckfield & Blackboys, with relatives in Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. The Manchester end mentioned Salford, Bolton and Oldham… there were mentions of trips to Liverpool, Blackpool, and the Yorkshire Dales as well as “the Moors” . For Ireland… my Mum’s Dad was half Irish, the consensus was Cork, but on having my DNA tested, it’s more likely Donegal. I have been both places, but need to go armed with dates etc I’ve collected from ancestry. Sorry… I am running on. I just love your site so much. I am going back in to explore more! Keep up the good work! Susan 🙂

I’ve lived in The Cotswolds are my entire life, so I love seeing it pop up on bucket lists. You’ve picked two of my favourite places – Cirencester, my home town, and Bourton-on-the-Water. But I’d also add nearby Cheltenham to this list, it’s just on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, and one of my favourite towns.

I live in the Cotswolds so I’m always happy to see posts about it! Bourton-on-the-Water is my favourite village to visit here. Followed by Bibury. Cirencester is actually my home town and I’m happy to hear you like it as much as I do. Especially all the back streets and eateries.

As someone who lives in the Cotswolds I love reading up on what others think of this gorgeous areas. Love that you included Broadway and Broadway Tower, such a great spot to watch the sunset.

Wow wow WOW! What a fantastic article! As a resident of the Cotswolds, it’s so great to see other people adoring this beautiful place in the world!

Your Brunch as Jacks looks to die for! super jealous of that, I may have to pop in one day soon!

You’ve given really great info which is super helpful, and your photographs are so gorgeous! Even though I live here, there’s still more and more to explore!

Wow this is such a wonderful read! The cotswolds is jam packed of beautiful places to visit and you’ve really shown that here, and gone the extra mile to explain each one to help anyone toying with the idea of visiting this amazing area!

There is much More to explore. Lavenham, bornplace from Harry Potter, Kelsey, A fine small community, Much Wenlock, the locks in the canals like the one in Devizes. And much More as you Can see on my website http://www.engelse.jouwweb.nl

Thank you for this amazing piece on Places to Visit in the Cotswolds; I love your writing style and feel every line of your writing.

Hi there We are a group of retired Aussies presently staying in Bourton on the Water, using it as a base to tour the Cotswold over 3 days (I know hardly enough time – but you know places to go things to do ….) I have found your blog most informative and I will go out on a limb here and say the best of mannny! A very unseasonable hot September in 2023.

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30 Best Places in the Cotswolds To Visit – Don’t Miss No. 9!

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Wondering where to go in the C otswolds ? With its scenic walks, picturesque villages, quaint tea shops and bags of history, it’s little wonder travellers flock from far and wide to soak up this little patch of heaven in Southern England . In this guide, I’m going to share all the best places to visit in the Cotswold to help you plan the perfect trip.

COTSWOLDS ESSENTIALS Rough Guides The Cotswolds Accommodation:  Booking.com Car hire – Rentalcars.com

Cotswolds places to visit – handy map

The Cotswolds is an area surrounded by the Cotswolds Hills. It spans Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, South Warwickshire and Somerset. It reaches Bath , Cheltenham and almost to Oxford . Driving from one end to the other would take two hours but you could spend weeks spotting all the famous attractions along the way. Driving from London to the Cotswolds takes around two hours.

To get a better idea, see this map of the best Cotswold destinations:

This post is designed to give you inspo about some of the beautiful places to go in the Cotswolds but if you’re looking for itineraries and how to plan a trip, head over to my Cotswold weekend itinerary . If you’re on a tight schedule check out my Cotswold day trip itinerary . For the most idyllic locations, read my guide to the 20 most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds !

Best places to go in the Cotswolds

With no further ado, here are the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds including towns, villages, stately houses, gardens, landmarks and other points of interest. From hidden UK gems to major tourist attractions, here are the highlights…

1. Arlington Row

This adorable row of Cotswold cottages dates back to the 1300s. They were originally built for the storage of wool belonging to the nearby monastery but, several centuries later, were converted into homes for the weavers. They’re still lived in by locals today (who I doubt still work in weaving) apart from Number 9 which can be booked as a holiday cottage. You can book on the National trust website from £800pn (ouch!). Fun facts about Arlington Row :

• The Arlington Row houses feature in British passports alongside Big Ben and the White Cliffs of Dover. Weirdly, they’re painted blue in the image. As you can see here, they’re definitely not blue.
• Apparently, a resident with a bright yellow sports car was pressured into getting rid of it because it was spoiling peoples’ photos!

Arlington Row puts Bibury on the map but don’t just snap the pretty cottages and leave. Quaint Bibury is a beautiful Cotswold destination in its own right, described by William Morris as the most beautiful village in all of England.

When in Bibury, make a stop at William Morris Tea Room filled with quirky clutter and homemade cakes. Other things to do in Bibury include crossing the River Coln by footbridge, seeing wildlife in the National Trust Wildfowl Reserve and sampling local delicacy, trout, at Bibury Trout Farm.

Another of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds is Tetbury, a civil parish with 1,300 years of history built on the site of an ancient hill fort. Tetbury is known for its antique shops and bizarre emblem of a dolphin (apparently – it looks more like an evil sea monster to me!). These quirky decorations can be found dotted around the town.

Tetbury is a short drive from Highgrove House & Gardens, the official residence of Princes Charles.

Read next: Things to do in Tetbury

4. Moreton-in-Marsh

Pretty Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the best places to go in the Cotswolds because you can experience all the charm of the region yet it’s never as crowded as Bourton-on-the-Water. With over 1,000 years of history dating back to Saxon times, Moreton is brimming with history: you can still see the building where King Charles I hid during the Civil War. Don’t miss the Curfew Tower with its original clock and bell as well as Redesdale Hall holding regular antique markets. After a couple of hours on your feet, stop at cute tea shops including The Marshmallow .  You won’t find anywhere more picturesque than this cafe, or anywhere with better cakes! For a luxurious place to stay, check out the White Heart Royal for £200pn . This 4* star hotel is inside an old 17th-century coaching inn. For the best place to stay on a budget, the Swan Inn has rooms from £80 .

Tip – if you don’t want to drive, Moreton is one of the easiest places to reach by train. From there, you can book on a Cotswolds day tour .

5. Chipping Campden

Between Moreton-in-Marsh and Broadway is Chipping Campden , a quaint market town in the Cotswolds with buckets of history and buildings made of golden Cotswold stone. Nearby is Hidcote Manor Gardens, known as one of the UK’s best ‘arts and crafts gardens’ with rooms of manicured hedges and landscaped gardens. In Chipping Campden, you can learn about the history of the region through crafts and paintings at The Court Barn , and silk goods at the Silk Mill . There are plenty of places to stay in Chipping Campden .

6. Broad Campden

En route to Chipping Campden, you’ll likely drive through Broad Campden. Although there’s not much to do in this tiny settlement, it’s one of the prettiest places in the Cotswolds, in my humble opinion. Pay a visit to St Michael & All Angels Church and admire what the locals have done with their gardens. The topiary is something else!

7. Chastleton House

This Grade I listed building is just 10 minutes from popular Moreton-in-Marsh. You can go inside the 400-year-old house, wander the gardens or just view it from outside (which I did as I’m cheap). It’s one of the best places in the Cotswolds for a combination of grandeur and rolling countryside. House and garden entry costs £10.50 per adult.

8. Cirencester

Although it’s not as idyllic as some Cotswolds spots, don’t overlook Cirencester. With 20,000 residents, it’s known as the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’. You could consider basing here for the varied, affordable accommodation options. Visit the many Cirencester pubs, boutique shops, galleries, the Corinium Museum, take a walk along the Thames Path, and try your hand at watersports at Cotswold Waterpark.

9. Cotswold Lavender

How stunning are these lavender fields? This is THE most beautiful place in the Cotswolds between June and August! Entry to the lavender fields is £7 and you can visit between June and early August. The very best time to visit Cotswolds Lavender is early to mid-July when the lavender stretches as far as the eye can see. There’s also a cafe on-site and a gift shop where you can purchase every lavender-related product under the sun. Afterwards, pop in at Snowshill, another gorgeous village known for Snowshill Manor and Gardens.

10. Winchcombe

This small settlement six miles from Cheltenham has a long history and several points of interest. It’s thought that the body of Saxon King Offa’s murdered son was hidden here, and that a note from heaven was received by the Pope alerting him to its whereabouts. As a result, the body was enshrined in the Winchcombe Abbey which became a pilgrimage site, bringing money and notoriety to the area. Today, you can learn about the history at Winchcombe Museum and tour the churches (St Peter’s and Saint Nicholas). For food and drink, don’t miss The Corner Cupboard and Food Fanatics , a luxury groceries and cafe. Finally, stroll along Vineyard Street, one of the prettiest areas of Winchcombe. The name dates back to when tobacco plants were grown here after the decline in the wool trade.

11. Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is probably the   most popular place to visit in the Cotswolds. I haven’t personally been here in a while as it’s SO crowded at weekends. Still, it’s a must-see place in the Cotswolds so take my advice: swing by early then escape to quieter corners of the Cotswolds. Walk the tiny bridges over the shallow rivers that trickle through town, then indulge in the trinket shops and cafes. I like  Bakery on the Water where you can grab a tasty lunch for a fraction of the gastropub prices. Other things to do include admiring Bourton in miniature format at the Model Village, seeing more than 500 species of bird at Birdland and having a pint at the Cotswolds Brewing Company. For a luxurious place to stay in the centre of town, choose the  Dialhouse (£250pn ) . For a budget option, stay at Old Manse Hotel (£70pn) .

12. Burford

Towards the Oxfordshire side of the Cotswolds (east), pretty Burford is a real gem. A busy road runs through the main street of Burford so it isn’t the most beautiful Cotswold town in terms of location – but the attractive buildings more than make up for it. You can easily escape the traffic in the cosy cafes or go walking in the surrounding countryside. There are some fantastic walks in Oxfordshire which aren’t too far from the Cotswolds. Tip for visiting Burford: get your fill of English tea and cake at Huffkins !

Read next: things to do in Burford

13. Minster Lovell ruins

Right on the edge of the Cotswolds beside large town, Witney, is this impressive set of 15th-century ruins. Belonging to the seventh Lord Lovell, these ancient ruins have an ominous history. Francis Lovell seemed to disappear without trace, puzzling historians, but in the 18th century, it was rumoured that an underground vault was discovered below the ruins. Word has it that in the room was found a skeleton sat at a desk surrounded by paper and pens. No one has found the vault since it was mentioned in 18th-century documents, so his fate remains a mystery! The ruins are free to visit. There’s parking at the end of the lane leading to the ruins. Pretty Minster Lovell village is also worth a wander.

The tiny village of Lacock in the southern Cotswolds is regularly used as a filming location for period dramas because it’s so quaint and picturesque with almost nothing pointing to the modern-day. Clear away the cars and you really could be in the 1800s! Lacock has a few Cotswold must-sees for TV and movie buffs. Spot scenes from Downtown Abbey and the Other Boleyn Girl , as well as Harry Potter’s parent’s house from a flashback scene in The Philosopher’s Stone .

15. Lacock Abbey

While Lacock village is indeed beautiful, it’s Lacock Abbey that draws the crowds. With more than 800 years of history, it’s a fantastic place in the Cotswolds for history buffs. Founded in the 13th century by the Countess of Salisbury as a nunnery, it was also once the home of William Henry Fox Talbot who helped invent parts of the photography process. Now you can visit an exhibition on photography and its history or simply stroll the grand grounds. If you’re into Harry Potter, there’s an extra reason to visit Lacock Abbey. There are several Harry Potter filming locations at Lacock Abbey . Don’t miss the grand cloisters (shaded corridors with large windows looking onto grassy quads) and enclave rooms that served as Snape’s Potions classroom and Quirrell’s Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Entry to Lacock Abbey is £10 or free for National Trust members.

16. Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is another Cotswold town with gorgeous tearooms and country pubs. This medieval settlement has an atmospheric Market Square with original stocks and an ancient cross, while St Edward’s Church has become quite the photo spot due to the tree roots growing around the doors. While visiting Stow, don’t miss the many tearooms. The Old Bakery Tearoom and Lucy’s Tearoom are both known for their freshly-baked cakes and traditional English dishes. While in Stow, you can also browse the many antique shops as well as Fosse Gallery. Stay in the Porch House, the oldest inn in Britain, for £130pn .

17. Broadway

Broadway is one of the bigger villages in the Cotswolds, located within Worcestershire. It has 2,500 residents and plenty of pubs, shops and cafes. Browse the art galleries, visit a few antique shops and stop for a decadent meal at Russels of Broadway. If you’re travelling Britain on a budget and fancy hearty local cuisine, grab lunch at Russell’s Fish & Chips instead. Check out the Lodge Broadway , one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds.

18. Broadway Tower

Just five minutes’ drive from Broadway lies Broadway Tower. The bird’s-eye view from the top is unrivalled at 312 metres above sea level. There’s also a cosy cafe once you’ve climbed the tower and explored the surrounding countryside. Another thing to do is discover the past during a bunker tour of Broadway Tower.

19. Upper Slaughter

Not far from Stow-on-the-Wold is a village called Upper Slaughter. For the ultimate picnic spot, nab the bench at the top of the hill. It’s one of the quieter places to go in the Cotswolds, perfect for escaping the weekend crowds. For me, it brings back childhood memories of paddling in the brook at the bottom.

Read next: things to do in Upper Sla ughter

20. Lower Slaughter

Down the hill from Upper Slaughter is creatively named Lower Slaughter. Both the slaughters names’ originate from the word slough which means ‘muddy place’. Luckily on a sunny day, there’s no mud to be seen, just a picturesque Cotswold village with pretty bridges crossing the steam. There’s more to do in Lower Slaughter than Upper including drinking in the garden of the Slaughters Country Inn . The streams and bridges create a Bourton-on-the-Water vibe but with fewer crowds – phew!

21. Kingham

If you visit the Cotswolds by public transport, Kingham is one of your best points of interest. The train from Paddington takes just 1.5 hours. Kingham is a pretty village surrounded by lovely countryside. One of the highlights for foodies is the White Rabbit , a Michelin-starred pub serving gourmet European cuisine.

22. Daylesford Organic

Just outside of Kingham is this garden centre and organic kitchen. Even though spending a day at a garden centre wouldn’t usually be my cup of tea, visiting Daylesford is a real experience. Not only are there various fancy shops to browse, but there’s a coffee and Prosecco bar, a dining area, cookery school and floristry events. Even though the prices may make you wince (£7 yoghurt, anyone?), it’s an entertaining place to visit. Locals come dressed to the nines to sip Prosecco and browse the goods on offer.

23. Castle Combe

Down in the county of Wiltshire, you’ll find another of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds. Castle Combe is so picturesque it hardly looks real. The old-fashioned houses and little bridges built for horses and carts have hardly changed in centuries. There are just over 300 locals so during summer weekends the tourists outnumber them. Aside from wandering the peaceful streets, other things to do in Castle Combe include eating and drinking at the country pubs and cafes. Visit Michelin-starred restaurant, the Bybrook, enjoy tea and cake at the Old Stables or go for decadent afternoon tea at Rectory Tearoom .

24. Painswick (the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’)

Located on the west side of the Cotswolds near Stroud is Painswick, often called ‘the Queen of the Cotswolds’ due to its traditional architecture and picturesque scenery. Visit St Mary’s Church and wander the paths lined with yew trees. Rumour has it that 99 yew trees were planted but the locals believed the devil would destroy the 100th if ever it was planted. The church officials went ahead and – indeed – a few years later, one tree toppled due to floods. Whether it was down to the curse or a coincidence, we can’t be sure! There’s not a huge amount to do in Painswick but wandering the streets and admiring the scenery is enough. Check out the Loovre Gallery inside a refurbished public toilet! Hikers visiting the Cotswolds can make the most of the many walks near Painswick , one of which I’ll mention in a moment.

25. Rococo Gardens

Fans of historical gardens will enjoy visiting the Rococo Garden near Painswick, an impressive 18th-century garden with distinctive ornamental buildings. The surroundings are so visually appealing, it’s even been voted one of the best 50 wedding venues in the UK… If you have a small fortune to splash, of course! Seasonal events take place at the Rococo Gardens including art exhibitions for adults and discovery trails for children. There’s a fancy gift shop selling all kinds of flower-themed bath products and goodies, and a cafe with a huge range of teas and cakes. Entrance is £9.30 for adults and £4.25 for children.

26. Slad Valley

After visiting Painswick, take a 10-minute drive to the majestic Slad Valley. Of all the places in the Cotswolds I’ve visited, it boasts the most impressive scenery. This area in the west Cotswolds is intertwined with local author, Laurie Lee, who set his famous novel, Cider with Rosie in the region. Take a hike in the sweeping valley between Painswick and Stroud, along the Laurie Lee trail. Follow signposts engraved with chapters of his book. Finally, stop in Slad village for a pint at the Woolpack Inn . There’s a stained glass window dedicated to Lee and you can even see the chair where he used to sit.

27. Sheepscombe

It may not be the biggest or most exciting place in the Cotswolds but if you visit the Slad Valley, take a quick drive through Sheepscombe before heading home. This hilly village set on several levels is full of beautiful Cotswold cottages. At the heart of the village is St. John the Apostle Church and a small war memorial. As well as being only 1.5 miles from Painswick, it’s 6 miles from both Stroud and Gloucester.

27. Gloucester

Although the city of Gloucester is just outside of the Cotswolds, many parts of Gloucestershire fall within the region so you may pass through as a pitstop. By far the most impressive feature of Gloucester is the majestic Gloucester Cathedral. With 1,300 years of history and some impressive Harry Potter filming locations , it’ll blow you away. Gloucester city centre isn’t so impressive and parts feel quite rundown. I prefer nearby Cheltenham. However, one worthwhile area to visit is Gloucester Docks where there are lots of restaurants and cafes with impressive views.

At the meeting point of the Five Valleys lies Stroud, a pleasant market town surrounded by quaint Cotswold villages. Alongside scenery and walking opportunities, there are a few fun things to do in Stroud. Follow the historical trail spotting monuments around the town, purchase fresh produce at the Shambles Market, or take a 3.5-mile walk in nearby Woodchester Park (run by the National Trust).

30. Cotswolds walks and hikes

If you’re looking for gorgeous places to visit in the Cotswolds, don’t overlook the rolling countryside. There are plenty of walking trails in the Cotswolds , a few of the best being:

• The Cotswold Way – this 100-mile route from Bath to Chipping Campden takes 10 days. Maybe it’s not the one for a weekend trip but I hear it’s glorious with countless tearooms and country pubs along the way.
• Rollright Stones Walk – this 8km hike along a section of the Shakespeare Way departs Chipping Norton and arrives at these mysterious stones within a sweeping valley.
• Windrush Way – this 13.5 mile circular trail can be done in a day if you’re feeling energetic. Pass Sudeley Castle and Westfield House on your journey from Winchcombe to Bourton-on-the-Water.

Don’t miss my pretty Cotswold villages blog and my tried-and-tested Cotswolds weekend itinerary !

Thanks for checking out these Cotswolds places to visit!

I hope these beautiful places in the Cotswolds have provided you with some travel inspo! They’re all gorgeous spots so whichever you pick, you’re going to have a fantastic time. If you have any questions, shoot me them in the comments.

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

If you’re looking for England inspo, check out some of my other posts:

• Backpacking the UK and budget tips
• How to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds
• How to spend a weekend in Oxford
• The best walks in Oxfordshire
• Wittenham Clumps walk in Oxfordshire
• My London archives
• How to spend a weekend in Bristol
• How to spend a weekend in Norfolk
• The ultimate day trip to Brighton
• How to spend a weekend in Manchester
• The perfect weekend in Dorset
• 2 day Lake District itinerary
• The perfect Margate day trip from London
• Things to do in Liverpool in winter

See you next time for more adventures,

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE UK Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices with other modes of transport. For buses , I use busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . Pack the latest copy of Lonely Planet UK . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . See all my suggestions on my resources page .

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

9 thoughts on “ 30 Best Places in the Cotswolds To Visit – Don’t Miss No. 9! ”

I always love posts like these. It’s usually hard to find top destinations for places in Europe. Especially places that would be suitable for a weekend trip. I didn’t know much about the Cotswolds, but if I ever visit I know which post to consult. Thanks!

Your post brought back so many memories. I lived in England for 3 years and the Cotswolds was one of our favourite places. We loved Bourton-on-the-water and my hubby deems the fish and chips there the best he’s had in all of the UK! We also LOVED Bibury and the Broadway tower 🙂 I would love to go back and enjoy another afternoon tea among the charming buildings 🙂

Great photos – they make me home sick after emigrating from the UK for 6 years. I have fond memories of visiting the Cotswolds to stay with family as a child.

The Cotswolds has been on staycation list forever but still haven’t made time to visit. This post is seriously making me want to road trip there soon (and also re-watch Bridget Jones’ Diary – haha).

OMG! I’ve been wanting to visit the Cotswolds for a while now and this is pushing me even more! Love the view of Castle Combe, the photographer in me got chills. And the cozy little Inn with the fireplace, ugh, love it all!

Completely agree that we rarely explore what’s on our doostep in favour of further afield! 25 countries later and I’ve still not seen any of the Scottish Islands despite being Scottish! Your photos are like something from a fairytale and everything you imagine English countryside to be – definitely adding to the bucketlist!

Thank you for featuring Chipping Campden in your review, we are so lucky to live and work here.

lovely write up. I want to take a ay tour for photo stops only at these places. Can you guide me as to which travels can cover these. I only have a day in London. 1.Burford . 2, burton on water. 3.Lower slaughters.4. Arlington row, 5. casle combe is a must. 6. if possible St Edwards & the yew trees.

Hi Banumathi! Thanks for reading and commenting; i hope you get all your pics! I am not sure off the top of my head but if you are short of time, I would recommend a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator. Their itineraries should give you the info!

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10 Places to Visit in the Cotswolds

Picture-perfect villages, chocolate-box houses, and a pastoral landscape dissected by dry stone walls, ancient churches, and the occasional herd of sheep: the Cotswolds is the quintessential English countryside. Peppered with market towns and quaint villages, there’s lots to love about this region. If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds , here are the best places to visit during your stay.

Bourton-on-the-Water

One of the most famous locations in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is genuinely idyllic. Its old, golden sandstone homes are set beside the River Windrush, and the town has a real variety of activities for visitors. Whether it’s scones with jam and cream in the tea rooms or a pint of English ale in the pubs, there’s plenty to please hungry travelers here.

Families will love the Model Village, where a Bourton-in-miniature is open year-round, and the Dragonfly hedge maze is a beautiful place to get lost with the kids. Birdland Park and Gardens has flamingos, penguins, parrots, and owls, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection has a vast collection of rare 20th-century cars and nostalgic toys.

Thanks to its position on a vital ridgeway between London and Worcester, Broadway became a bustling village during the 1600s as stagecoaches would stop here overnight on their travels. Today, thousands of tourists stay here overnight to see its pretty Cotswold stone houses, browse its antique shops or attend the races at Cheltenham.

Rub shoulders with historical figures at the Lygon Arms Hotel, a former manor house that hosted the likes of Charles I and Oliver Cromwell, and hike up to Broadway Tower for a view. The castle-like tower is the second-highest point in the region, offering glorious views over the surrounding countryside and even out to the Welsh mountains, and was designed by famous landscape gardener Capability Brown.

Charming Bibury attracts snap-happy visitors from all over the world to take pictures of one thing: Arlington Row. Now owned by the National Trust, this row of terraced cottages is one of the most photographed spots in all of the Cotswolds, as the honey-hued stone and gabled facades set against the rustic backdrop make for a beautiful scene. The homes were initially built in the 1300s as a wool store, but were later converted into weavers’ cottages and are still lived in by locals today. 

Beyond these private homes (be respectful with your camera if you do decide to visit), there’s the historic St Mary’s Church where you can see a Saxon gravestone, Norman doorway, and medieval window. Plus, Bibury Trout Farm offers the chance to catch your dinner and cook it.

This market town on the edge of the Cotswolds, near Oxford, is a little-visited highlight. Its center is all honey-colored houses and shops, with excellent old pubs and hotels set inside ancient coaching inns, and surrounding the town is a host of brilliant attractions. For "Downton Abbey" fans, Cogges Manor Farm will feel familiar—it was used as Mr. Mason's small-holding during seasons four and five, and Keira Knightley visited to film "Colette" here, too. 

The Witney Blanket Hall is a fascinating museum to the town’s major trade—hand-woven blankets—and the 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell Hall are a pleasant 2.5-mile walk away, along the River Windrush.

Another famous "Downton Abbey" filming location, there's a lot more to Bampton than the church and village green that featured in Julian Fellows' period drama. This gorgeous little village, also known rather quaintly as Bampton-in-the-Bush, has beautiful, historic architecture, some great traditional pubs, and the brilliant West Oxfordshire Arts gallery where you can see and buy works from local creatives. Don't miss afternoon tea at The Cake Element Bakery.

If the aforementioned show is your focus, though, head to Bampton Library where there’s an exhibition on the filming that took place here, and nearby you’ll spot Lady Grantham’s home and the church where Mary and Matthew were married. There are often volunteers inside who appeared as extras in the show.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Perfect for a family day out, the Cotswold Wildlife Park offers 160-acres of land to explore. Roaming its pastures and enclosures are big mammals and brilliant birds, from giraffes, lions, and rhino to colorful parrots, flamingos, and penguins. 

The highlight for kids will be a stroll through the Madagascan Walkthrough, where cheeky ring-tailed lemurs hop about the trees and rope swings freely as you walk among them. Don’t miss their feeding time at midday, or the penguin feeding displays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A majestic Georgian town, Woodstock is a hub for many visitors to the Cotswolds. Here you’ll find the splendid, historic St Mary Magdalene Church, with its intriguing zig-zag patterned doorway and a musical clock that chimes four times a day (9 a.m., 1 p,m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.). Local history can be learned at the Oxfordshire Museum, and compelling tales from the wars are told in the Soldiers of Oxfordshire exhibit. 

But the ultimate highlight in Woodstock is Blenheim Palace—the spectacular stately home of the Duke of Marlborough. Get a feel for how the English upper classes once lived inside the palace’s exquisite rooms, then spend an afternoon strolling the verdant grounds.

Sudeley Castle

This self-proclaimed “hidden gem of the Cotswolds” is a genuine delight. Its manicured gardens and the impressive castle make a beautiful setting, but moreover, its history is fascinating. The castle was home to Henry VIII’s last surviving wife, Queen Katherine Parr, and Henry himself, as well as Queen Elizabeth I, Richard III, and Anne Boleyn have all owned, lived in, or stayed at the castle. 

Today, it’s the home of Lady Ashcombe and her children, who are restoring the castle and its grounds to their former glory. Its architecture is a classic example of Tudor building, and inside there are fascinating exhibitions, royal paintings, and exquisite antiques. Queen Katherine Parr is now buried in St. Mary’s Church on the grounds of the castle—the only English queen to be buried on private property.

Cirencester

Considered the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester was the second-largest city (after London) during Roman times. That means there’s some fascinating history to behold, including the remains of an old Roman amphitheater that once held 8,000 spectators at a time. Today, the town is a thriving little market town with plenty of independent boutiques and restaurants to keep you busy for days.

Get Roman history lessons at the Corinium Museum, visit a craft center and gallery set inside a Victorian brewery at New Brewery Arts, and don’t miss visiting the imposing, Gothic-style Parish Church of St. John Baptist. For walkers, there are 3,000 acres of green space to enjoy at Cirencester Park.

If food is on your agenda, Kingham is the place to go. This tiny, picturesque village doesn’t look like much to write home about on the surface, but spend some time in the local pubs and shops and you’ll come home a convert. The Kingham Plough is the best spot for dinner, with legendary local producers on the menu and carefully crafted dishes. There are rooms for overnight if you opt to base yourselves here, too—it’s the ultimate retreat after a day of walking in the gorgeous countryside nearby. 

But the highlight around Kingham is Daylesford Organic Farm, just 1.5 miles north of the Plough. Here you’ll find absolutely sensational produce for sale, from ciders to cheese to freshly-baked breads—all made locally. They even have their own skincare range, so come with your credit card and be prepared to stock up on souvenirs.

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Highlights of the north Cotswolds

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If you’re after a more sedate getaway to this part of the world, here are the best places to visit in the north Cotswolds.

The striking, golden-hued stone that characterises the Cotswolds is plentiful in the northern half of this English AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Tiny, quaint villages and pretty market towns dot the landscape here, and gently rolling hills with farmland and walking trails make up the space in between. Put simply, this section of the Cotswolds is beguiling. But that golden allure typically brings in the crowds, and in summer it can get incredibly busy with buses, group tours and hundreds of hikers tackling the Cotswold Way. There’s no need to follow the crowds, though – you just need to know how to escape them.

READ MORE:  Your guide to the glorious Cotswolds

Best for history buffs: Woodstock

The vast majority of tourists in this area are here for one thing only: Blenheim Palace . The enormous English Baroque building, home of the Dukes of Marlborough for hundreds of years, draws serious crowds. But just beyond the gates to its mile-long driveway is a little town that really doesn’t get the love it deserves. 

Woodstock is as picturesque as any other Cotswolds town, with that famous sandstone making it look like the entire place has been dipped in honey. It’s more than a pretty façade, though. There’s the fantastic Oxfordshire Museum , which explores the region’s history, from real dinosaur footprints to Saxon brooches and 20th-century artefacts. The Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum is also a compelling exhibition about two of the local regiments, including the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars in which Churchill served.

Nearby, Rousham House & Garden  is a gorgeous place for a stroll outdoors with its William Kent landscapes while the Water Meadows right in the centre of Woodstock make a pretty morning walk. Look out for grey wagtails and pretty butterflies in summer and visit local artist Rod Craig’s studio to see his paintings of the landscape .

Where to stay: The Feathers , right in the town centre. Made up of three delightfully rickety old townhouses, this independent boutique hotel is a beautifully bright retreat in the centre of Woodstock. Stick around here for dinner, too – their restaurant is a favourite with locals looking for something special. 

Best for a family holiday: Notgrove Estate

The Cotswolds is often misrepresented as a destination only for those interested in history and architecture. But there’s lots of appeal for families too, and there’s no better place in the north Cotswolds than Notgrove Estate . 

This vast, 1500-acre estate is a wild adventure playground for kids and adults alike, with its deep valleys, swathes of untouched pasture and beautiful hilly views. Activities like foraging and falconry in the woods are among the highlights, but most thrilling is the electric quad bike tours run by  Quad Quest . Visitors learn to drive the bikes before going on- and off-road around the farm to meet the goats, alpacas and highland cows. Fine scenery and soaring buzzards are mesmerising, but for serious adrenaline junkies, an hour racing around the on-site quarry is a must. 

Where to stay: Sleep on site – Notgrove has its own accommodation in the form of modern self-catering barns, glamping pods or spacious safari tents with enclosed decking perfect for bringing the dog. 

Best for a small-town escape: Witney

Right on the edge of the Cotswolds, between the rural villages and Oxford’s city centre, Witney is a brilliant base if you’re keen to hit both city and countryside. The market town doesn’t draw many crowds at all, but that’s not to say there’s nothing here. Witney has a high street and shopping area packed with independent stores and boutiques, there’s the Wychwood Brewery and its taproom just a five-minute walk from the centre, and there are some excellent bars and restaurants too – try  Red Lion Smokehouse for its home-smoked meats.

The two major cultural highlights in Witney are Cogges Manor Farm , where parts of Downton Abbey were shot and where kids will love feeding the animals or learning to bake cakes in the main 13th-century house, and the Blanket Hall . This town was a centre for weaving, and it was here that artisans brought their wares to be approved by the Company of Blanket Makers. It’s now a museum, store and pie shop with a lovely garden that backs onto the River Windrush.

Where to stay: The Blue Boar is a lovely pub with rooms right on the high street with cosy but contemporary decor. 

Best for tranquillity: Minster Lovell

To really escape the crowds in the Cotswolds you’ve got to go a bit off-piste, and Minster Lovell is just that. This tiny village doesn’t seem to have much on offer on first look, but a stroll along its pretty main street, where thatched cottages are draped with climbing ivy and gorgeous flowers, comes highly recommended. It takes you to the local church, and just beyond the graveyard sitting on the riverside is the ruins of an impressive manor house. 

The 12th-century  Minster Lovell Hall  is steeped in mystery, as its last baron is said to have gone missing while staying there after returning from battle. Regardless of what really happened to him, the location is now a beautiful place for a walk or picnic and you can climb in and around the ruins freely. The 15th-century St Kenelm's is well worth a look in too. 

Where to stay: Minster Mill , a contemporary hotel inside an old-style building with pretty landscaped gardens, a great restaurant for dinner and an excellent little spa that’s well worth spending an afternoon in. 

READ MORE:  51 brilliant British staycations to book in 2021

Lead image: Jo Jones/Shutterstock

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12 of the prettiest Cotswolds villages to visit

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 26.03.2024

If asked to picture a quintessential rural England , chances are your mind’s eye will conjure a  Cotswolds  landscape. Covering a stretch of south-central and southwest England and the West Midlands, the region is strewn with handsome hamlets nestled in river valleys, and elegant history-rich towns that radiate English country charm. Read on to discover the 12 prettiest Cotswolds villages to visit.

1. Blockley — a picturesque village with glorious gardens

2. bourton on the water — the venice of the cotswolds villages, 3. burford - gateway to the cotswolds, 4. castle combe — one the prettiest cotswolds villages in england.

• 5. Chipping Campden — one of the best Cotswolds villages

6. Cirencester — the capital of the Cotswolds

• 7.  Stanton — thatched fabulousness

8. Stow-on-the-Wold — scenic shopping

9. the slaughters — pastoral perfection.

• 10. Stratford-Upon-Avon - Beauty and the Bard

11. Broadway - quaint Cotswolds village allure

12. bibury - timeless english architectural charm, free online resources with our staycations cotswolds guidebook.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Cotswolds , your essential guide for visiting Cotswolds .

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Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

Built on a series of terraces above the valley of the Knee Brook, beautiful Blockley offers a window into England’s medieval landscape. Speckled with grazing sheep, the open pastures on the hill opposite the village look pretty much as they did back then when sheep were brought to Blockley to be sheared before their wool was woven in mills at the bottom of the valley.

In time, the woollen mills were converted to process silk, a legacy you’ll see today during a scenic stroll around the village’s maze of paths. Look out for the Old Silk Mill and the Ribbon Mill buildings.

Row after row of Cotswold quaintness in Blockley © Andrew Roland/Shutterstock

Testifying its idyllic English charm, Blockley’s Vicarage and St Peter Church were used as locations in the  Father Brown  TV series. As for other sights, Blockley is known for its elegant English country gardens.  Mill Dene Garden is a must-visit for romantics and horticulturists. This is an especially great place to visit in the spring,

With a beautiful stream, and a garden terraced into the steep valley, the panoramas offer awe-inspiring views across the rolling Cotswold landscape. There’s also a Fruit Garden and herb potager, plus an enchanting grotto to relax in.

Where to stay in Blockley

• For a relaxing family break: Pearl Cottage
• For a charming atmosphere: Middle Rose

Find more accommodation options to stay in Blockley

Thanks to the elegant 18th-century bridges that cross the River Windrush that flows through its heart, Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds and one of the most romantic places in the UK .

While it’s definitely one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages to visit ( and England as a whole , for that matter), it’s also home to attractions that will keep the whole family happy. Among them is the Old New Inn's fun Model Village  that depicts Bourton as it was in 1937. You can also book a stay at the inn — the rooms ooze warm and welcoming country elegance.

No bridge is too far in Bourton on the Water - the Venice of the Cotswolds villages © Reimar/Shutterstock

Set in nine acres of woodland,  Birdland  is another child-pleasing Bourton highlight. Home to over 500 birds - from owls and pelicans to flamingos and ibis - it also boasts England’s only King Penguin breeding group.

With an area devoted to parrots (the Pandemonium of Parrots), a Jurassic Journey woodland experience replete with life-sized dinosaur models, plus the indoor Discovery Zone it’s easy to spend an entire day here without hearing a single “I’m bored!” complaint.

Where to stay in Bourton on the Water

• For location: The Lansdowne Guest House
• For couples: Chester House Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Bourton on the Water

Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds (it’s part of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds region),  Burford  boasts an outstandingly beautiful high street, with attractive 17th- and 18th-century houses descending to a packhorse bridge over the River Windrush.

Halfway down the hill, the 16th-century Tolsey building houses the  Tolsey Museum . As you descend, look out for the oldest pharmacy in England -  Reavley's . This establishment has operated as a chemist since 1734 and dispenses tried-and-tested traditional remedies to this day.

Burford high street in the Cotswolds © Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

The vista around the river is dominated by a huge cathedral-like church, considered so important that its substandard 19th-century restoration prompted William Morris to found the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. If you fancy basing yourself in Burford,  Burford House comes highly recommended. Here you'll find a 17th-century Cotswold stone inn with exposed beams, leaded windows, cosy log fires and four-poster beds.

Where to stay in Burford

• For stylish stays: The Fox at Barrington
• For price and quality: The Royal Oak Burford

Find more accommodation options to stay in Burford

Tucked in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in northwest Wiltshire, Castle Combe is often called “the prettiest village in England." It's certainly one of the best Cotswolds villages to visit. With no new houses built here since the 1600s, Castle Combe has a decidedly fairy-tale feel - honey-hued houses, a faceless 13th-century clock, and a picture-perfect bridge over a babbling river.

Little wonder, then, that it's long been used as a home base for all manner of movies and TV shows, from  Bridgerton  and  The Wolf Man to  Stardust  and  War Horse . It also featured in the original Dr Doolittle film.

Quaint Castle Combe village - one of the best Cotswolds villages to visit in England © Shutterstock

As for what to do in crazily quaint Castle Combe, after snapping an obligatory shot of the bridge, head up The Street from Market Place and follow the footpath onto the woodland trail - a lovely 5.5-mile loop along which you might spy woodpeckers, owls and buzzards.

Then head back to Market Place to enjoy a well-earned pint in the most picturesque of surroundings. Take your pick from  The White Hart  or  The Castle Inn , both of which also serve great grub, and have stylish rooms to overnight in.

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5. Chipping Campden — one of the best Cotswolds villages

Situated at the start of the national  Cotswold Way Trail, Chipping Campden is the quintessential Cotswold town, with its buildings and old-time ambience having been preserved by the fastidious Campden Trust since 1929. No messy telegraph and power cables sully the attractiveness of the high street here — all wires are buried underground or else brought into the backs of houses. Intrusive shop fronts are banned too.

The ancient market hall of historic Chipping Campden © Peter Nadolski/Shutterstock

Another of  Chipping Campden’s  quirks (and attractions) is the huge variety of architectural styles that have endured through the centuries. Here many architectural pleasures await from the 1627  National Trust Market Hall  that looks like an Italian Renaissance loggia (but with Cotswold-style gables) to the dramatic Jacobean gatehouse to Campden Manor House, also known as  Old Campden House .

The town is also dappled with boutiques devoted to exquisitely-made crafts, in part a legacy of the  Guild and School of Handicrafts , which was established in East London in 1888 before moving here in 1902. Head to  Robert Welch’s  on the Lower High Street to see contemporary incarnations of the Guild’s design excellence ethos.

Otherwise, visit the  Court Barn Museum of Craft and Design  to learn about the Guild and buy beautifully-made pottery, textiles and jewellery. As might be expected of Chipping Campden, this makes for an exceptionally scenic shopping experience.

Where to stay in Chipping Campden

• For delicious English breakfast: Badgers Hall
• For unique character: Eight Bells Inn

Find more accommodation options to stay in Chipping Campden

Back in the day, when it was founded in the 1st century AD, Cirencester was the second largest city in Roman Britain — only surpassed by London in size. Today it’s a thriving market town in which locals are well-used to unearthing Roman pottery in their gardens.

Talking of which, visit the  Corinium Museum  to marvel at incredible archaeological finds representing Cotswold life over the course of 12,000 years - it’s an enthralling experience for all ages, kids included.

The mega-pretty Cirencester Park Mansion © KayRansom/Shutterstock

Other Cirencester sights include  Cirencester Park . Known locally as The Mansion, and set in a 3000-acre woodland and pasture park, it's screened from the town by the tallest yew hedge in the world, no less.

Cirencester is also a great place to shop, not least for craft lovers.  New Brewery Arts , for example, is one of the finest centres of contemporary craft in southern England, with a gallery and studio shops to peruse, and a coffee house to kick back in.

Where to stay in Cirencester

• For B&B: The Old Brewhouse
• For an ambient atmosphere: Wild Thyme & Honey

Find more accommodation options to stay in Cirencester

7.  Stanton — thatched fabulousness

Could a village  be  more perfect?  Stanton  is definitely one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages to visit and (you know the drill by now) that’s really saying something. A parish in Gloucestershire’s Tewkesbury Borough, Stanton sits sleepily on the slopes of Shenbarrow Hill, its narrow streets framed by impossibly attractive thatched stone cottages.

Head to the 17th-century  Mount Inn  to enjoy a post-walk, locally-brewed pint, and stirring views towards the Malvern Hills and Welsh mountains. Arty types might want to check out the summer schools held in  Stanton Guildhouse , with expert-led courses on everything from making stained glass and pottery to woodturning and watercolour painting.

Picture book perfection - an impossibly pretty thatched cottage in Stanton © PJ photography/Shutterstock

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After exploring Stanton, head to  Snowshill Manor and Garden . Stanton and Snowshill are connected by a wonderful walking trail  that will make you feel like you've stepped into the pages of a picture book. This charming - and unique - National Trust property was designed by eccentric Charles Wade, who was hugely influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement.

His playful passion for hand-crafted objects is clear to see from the curios on display - everything from unusual musical instruments to flamboyant masks.

The highest and one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages, Stow-on-the-Wold is also a high point for visitors seeking a spot for retail therapy. And it was ever thus here - the town has been an important trading centre since Roman times. 

Stow-on-the-Wold's famous Market Square before traders and shoppers descend © Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

With a huge market square showing the scale of sheep trading that took place between 1107 and the 1980s, Stow is rich in classy antique shops, galleries, delis and independent boutiques peddling country style products. Check out the wooden stocks that once served as a warning to wrong-doers while here.

A lively Farmers Market is held on the square on the second Thursday of the month. Stow is also within easy reach of  Batsford Arboretum  and the  Cotswold Falconry Centre , both of which delight kids and adults alike.

Where to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold

• For a central but quiet location: Stow Lodge Hotel
• For lovely cosy stays: Lucy's Tearoom

Find more accommodation options to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold

If compelled forced to pick  the  prettiest Cotswolds villages, The Slaughters (Lower and Upper) might just nab the number one slot. Connected by the tiny River Eye stream, a tributary to the river Windrush, both villages boast traditional Cotswold limestone cottages, with the Eye flowing and tinkling beneath a series of stone bridges.

Fascinating fact - while the name might conjure images of a bloody historic battle, Slaughter actually derives from the Old English word for a miry, muddy place - a “slough” or “slothre” - which describes the land on which the villages lie.

Lower Slaughter’s Old Mill  is a must-visit beacon of loveliness, with a long history to boot - the 1086 Doomsday Book records a mill on this very site. Today it houses a museum, craft shop and tearooms, plus a parlour famed far and wide for its homemade ice cream. 

Lower Slaughter - one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages. Probably. © Andrew Roland/Shutterstock

To reach Upper Slaughter, follow the lane that follows the Eye upstream, looking out for the Elizabethan manor house on your right as you approach the village. Set in 8 acres of gardens and parkland with a river meandering through its gorgeous grounds, this 17th-century former rectory is now  Lords of the Manor Hotel  - well worth staying in if you fancy living it large, aristo-style.

10. Stratford-Upon-Avon - Beauty and the Bard

If you’re visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, chances are you’ll want to take in all (or at least some) of its many Shakespearean sights. We’ll begin at the beginning by suggesting a visit to the  Bard’s Birthplace  on Henley Street.

Next up, put Shakespeare’s life in context by exploring the award-winning  Tudor World Museum , before heading to the site of his  New Place  home. Demolished in 1759, it’s been reimagined so visitors can walk in Willy’s footsteps, with artefacts relating to his life here exhibited in neighbouring  Nash’s House .

Lost for words - Bard's beautiful birthplace building in Stratford upon Avon © Alicia G. Monedero/Shutterstock

To see where Shakespeare first put quill to paper, you could join an informative, interactive tour of his schoolroom. Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, nothing beats the convenience (and fun) of an  open-bus tour around Stratford-upon-Avon. Several other Shakespearean attractions can be enjoyed close to town, among them  Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and  Mary Arden’s Farm .

Home to Shakespeare’s grandparents and the childhood home of his mother, Mary Arden, the farm has plenty to entertain the whole family - from falconry displays and nature trails, to “meet the animals” experiences and 16th-century-style entertainers.

• For historic charm: The White Swan Hotel
• For modern stays: Baraset Barn Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Wedged into an outlying corner of Worcestershire five miles west of Chipping Campden Broadway is a handsome medieval village at the foot of the steep escarpment that rolls along the western edge of the Cotswolds. It seems likely that the Romans were the first to settle here, but Broadway’s zenith was a stop for stagecoaches plying between London and Worcester.

This has defined much of the village’s present appearance – its long, broad main street framed by honey-stone cottages and former coaching inns shaded beneath chestnut trees. It’s undeniably attractive and, like Campden, can attract more visitors than is comfortable – but unlike its neighbour, Broadway feels less able to absorb them.

Pretty cottages along High Street, Broadway, Cotswolds © Shutterstock

Ordinary, everyday life exists here somewhere, away from the tearooms, souvenir shops and neatly mown roadside lawns, but in truth, there’s not much sign of it. Visit the two outstanding museums, and enjoy an early morning stroll while the streets are empty.

Then move on great walks leading up to the iconic hilltop Broadway Tower and around peaceful Stanton village, there are interesting stately homes at Snowshill and Stanway, and ruins of a medieval abbey at Hailes.

Where to stay in Broadway

• For luxury: Abbots Grange Manor House
• For couples: Russell's

Find more accommodation options to stay in Broadway

Hidden away on the B4425 between Cirencester and Burford, at the point where the road crosses the River Coln, the village of Bibury – like Broadway, Burford and Bourton-on the-Water – is a hugely popular Cotswolds tourism honeypot. Winningly attractive (and famously dubbed among the prettiest Cotswolds villages), it draws crowds by the coachload.

Set back from Bibury’s main road is the focus of every photographer’s attention. Arlington Row , originally built around 1380 as a wool store, was converted in the seventeenth century into a line of cottages to house weavers working at nearby Arlington Mill. It was this glimpse of hound’s-tooth gables, warm yellow stone and wonky windows which is now immortalized in the UK passport as an image of England.

Cotswold cottages in Bibury © Shutterstock

By a tiny bridge over the River Coln stands the Bibury Trout Farm . Unsurprisingly popular, since it’s the only paying attraction in a heavily touristed village, the fishery has footpaths leading out across a network of ponds to scenic picnic spots.

Outside of London, England is known for its idyllic countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with our tailor-made Refreshing English Countryside Break .

Where to stay in Bibury

• For stunning surroundings: The Swan Hotel
• For the attention to detail: Sycamore

Check out the maps listed below to discover the highlights and best places to visit while walking and driving in picturesque Cotswolds locations. You'll find full descriptions of the routes, plus much more, in the Rough Guide Staycations Cotswolds guidebook.

• South Cotswolds full-day excursion
• Cirencester to the Churn Valley tour
• Towns and Gardens around the North Cotswolds

Ready for a trip to the Cotswolds? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Cotswolds or The Rough Guide to England .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to England without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Header image: it's not for nothing that Castle Combe in the Cotswolds is known as “the prettiest village in England” © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Discover Cotswolds

Your ultimate guide to the Cotswolds

Places To Visit In The Cotswolds

February 23, 2023 By DiscoverCots Leave a Comment

Declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds, in southern England are famed for many things. The green rolling hills, charming towns and quaint little villages, all associated with a typical English landscape.

Most of the elaborate, well-preserved buildings have a fascinating history and were a result of the affluence stemming from the wool trade that developed after the industrial revolution.

If you are looking for a break, to experience life at the slower pace of country retreats, sampling afternoon tea treats next to a roaring fire , horse riding across breath taking vistas or taking in the atmosphere of country pubs then you should be heading to the Cotswolds.

Here are some places to visit in the Cotswolds to fully appreciate this magnificent place, steeped in beauty and history.

Cotswold Wildlife Park And Gardens

Set in 160 acres and boasting over 200 different species of animals, the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, near Burford, is a must-see for any visitor to the Cotswolds. It is famed for housing one of the largest snake species, the green anaconda. With a variety of animal exhibits representing species from all over the world, exotic planting in the parks and gardens and a park train with its railway, this is an experience you should not miss. 

Bourton-on-the-Water

The River Windrush, spanned by low-arched bridges, runs through the main street of this gorgeous village, often voted as one of the prettiest in England.  Referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. A large number of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and general shops offer relaxation and shopping options. 

There is also Birdland Park, which is a must-see for penguin lovers. It is an incredible place if you enjoy bird watching. The kids will especially enjoy The Jurassic Journey-themed landscape.

For those who love Christmas, make a point of witnessing the transformation of this beautiful village into a scene from Christmas Card Art with the annual lighting of a Christmas tree on the River Windrush. The reflections of the lights on the River Windrush is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see. The tree lighting is a project of the Chamber of Commerce and the tree stays lit all of December.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Located on the Fosse Way at the point where several roads meet, this historic town is the centre of the Cotswolds. Visit this beautiful town where you will find some of Britain’s best antique shops in the large Market Square along with a large number of the cosiest cafes, restaurants and English-style inns.

One of its best attractions is St Edward’s church whose famous north door is flanked by two ancient yew trees . The door is a hidden gem of the Cotswolds. The ‘Doors of Durin’ from J R R Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings is rumoured to have been inspired by it. The Porch House , dating back to the 10th Century is believed to be Britain’s oldest pub and is also found in Stow-on-the-Wold . Pop in for a break from antique shopping for modern dining in a historic setting.

Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Farm Park has been a sanctuary for rare breeds of farm animals for half a century. Visit especially if you are in the Cotswolds with your family. Activities include kid-friendly activities and educational activities like feeding the animals and farm tours to view and learn about the various protected livestock at the farm.

Cotswold Lavender Farm

Located in the Cotswold countryside at the Hill Barn Farm, these 70 acres holding hundreds of thousands of lavender plants is a sight any lavender lover must see. The limestone-drained soils of the Cotswolds offer the best growing environment for lavender plants.

Activities include going through the vast fields to learn about lavender farming whilst wandering through areas with aromatic air and enjoying delicacies flavoured with lavender in the tea room situated in a restored barn. Souvenirs made with lavender right on the farm are available at the gift shop. The plants bloom between May and August so that would be a great time to visit.

Always a popular spot for visitors, during the summer months you will see plenty of Cotswold lavender photos on social media such as Instagram.

You can buy your very own Cotswold lavender travel poster in our shop.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace , with its impressive Baroque architecture has a fascinating history.  Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Blenheim is the only non-royal country house in England that holds the title of palace. Wander around the formal gardens, a park, a lake and grand buildings of this historical gem. 

The palace sits on seven acres of land and is a wonder to behold from the air. Included in the over 2000 acres surrounding it is the famous Marlborough Maze set within the Walled Garden. Covering two miles, the maze will take you a few hours to figure out.

The palace has a long history and also happens to be the birthplace and ancestral home of the late Sir Winston Churchill.

Cotswold Water Park

The leisure activities at Cotswold Water Park are unique in the sense that, unlike other water parks, there are no slides or large man-made tunnels to tumble through – everything is based on nature.  The park is a large nature reserve featuring 150 lakes spread out over 40 miles. 

The lakes which provide great water-sports and fishing opportunities were created by gravel extraction. If you are looking to enjoy boating, water skiing and windsurfing as well as some cycling and wildlife spotting, you must include Cotswold Water Park in your places to visit in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way is a treat for all who enjoy walking in the great outdoors and for fitness enthusiasts who love a challenge. The 164km long National Trail runs from the town of Chipping Campden in the north and the City of Bath in the south. Challenge yourself to walk the entire Cotswold Way and enjoy the breathtaking views that include historic sites and picturesque villages dotted along the way. 

The common walking route is broken into several sections so you can choose to do a section or sections at a time or try the entire trail. Take in the natural beauty of the Cotswolds countryside as you walk the Cotswold Way and you can include having conquered one of the ‘Great Walks of The World’ in your list of achievements.

Most Romantic Street

Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter is known as the most romantic street in England. Lower Slaughter in general is a picturesque village that many agree belongs on a postcard. Copse Hill Road takes the charm of this village a notch higher with its natural beauty which is enhanced by a beautiful tinkling stream and limestone cottages surrounded by beautiful trees. A stroll along this street belongs at the top of your itinerary when you visit the Cotswolds.

Gloucester Cathedral

Are you a mediaeval building enthusiast? When in the Cotswolds you owe yourself a visit to Gloucester Cathedral to see one of the best buildings in that architectural style in England.  You could choose to marvel in the fantastic architecture, climb the tower to enjoy the breath taking views or visit the hidden library. Make sure to spend a few moments of peaceful reflection in the cathedral for an unparalleled experience of tranquillity.  Take a break at the Monk’s Kitchen to relax and enjoy the delicacies on offer.

Part of the Harry Potter movies were shot in this magnificent building so you can also get an idea of what it feels like to be in Hogwarts!

Arlington Row

Is Bibury the prettiest village in the whole of England? William Morris certainly thought so and declared it the most stunning village he had seen when he visited in the 19th Century. You have a chance to decide for yourself when you are in the Cotswolds and are looking for a place of interest to visit. Arlington Row also takes pride of place amongst the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. The cottages appeared on the inside cover of all UK passports between 2015 and 2020 and are considered as much an English symbol as Big Ben or other famous landmarks.

The Row comprises stone cottages converted for use by weavers as far back as the 17th century. They worked in the nearby Arlington Mill. If you find yourself wondering what feels so familiar about this charming village, chances are you will have spotted something from a film that you might have seen. It is the site chosen by many movie makers as a location for their work.

Bibury Trout Farm

Set apart a day to spend in Bibury, another of the prettiest villages in England. Fish lovers will enjoy the Trout Farm which is not only Britain’s oldest but also the best-preserved trout farm. Catch your lunch and hire a barbecue. You can then visit the wine and deli shop to gather ingredients to cook up a great meal. You can also opt to watch and feed the fish, play some golf or enjoy a leisurely walk on the beautiful grounds. There is an on-site cafe where visitors can partake in the delicious offerings of the seasonal menu as they relax.

Daylesford Organic Farm and The Wild Rabbit at Kingham

Kingham bears the signature limestone cottages and beautiful village greens that give the Cotswolds villages their stunning look. Inside this village lies two gems of the Cotswolds that are worth a visit.

Renowned for being one of the UK farms that practice sustainable organic farming, Daylesford is an experience worth adding to your Cotswold tour. On the over 2000-acre farm, you will find fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, a cookery course and even a spa! The on site creamery offers quality dairy products and from the farm shop, you will find preserves and fresh produce to take away as souvenirs of your visit.

The owners of Daylesford Organic Farm are also responsible for another must-see feature of the Cotswolds – The Wild Rabbit .  Described as a ‘modern British inn’ the Wild Rabbit serves superb food made with fresh produce from the Daylesford Farm and features luxurious accommodation with a choice of rooms or cottages. You will want to add a visit here to enrich your English pub experience.

Warwick castle

Grab a slice of history at Warwick Castle . Built by William the Conqueror, it has a history dating back to 1068 and is located next to the River Avon, it is a historical landmark that you should make a point of seeing. You can take tours of the grounds and interior where you can learn more history through the interactive shows.;

Although it’s not actually in the Cotswolds, Warwick is sufficiently Cotswolds adjacent that you can include it as part of your visit, if you are in the North Cotswolds.

Rollright Stones

Found on the outskirts of Chipping Norton, not far from Long Compton , these stones are shrouded in mystery.  Visit the site to see first-hand the prehistoric megalithic monuments believed to be an ancient stone circle.

Westonbirt, National Arboretum

Westonbirt, which has been declared one of England’s Historic Parks and Gardens is an adventure you must have when you are in the Cotswolds.  It is home to an estimated 15,000 trees spread over 600 acres. It makes for a beautiful walking site where one can get to see a variety of trees from all around the world. There is also the option of a treetop walkway that will give you a birds-eye view of the lush magical forest below.  The Arboretum has kid-friendly activities so you can plan a family outing and enjoy a wonderful day in this beautiful park together.

Kelmscott Manor House

This limestone manor is on the Heritage List of England and it was one of the favourite places of famed textile craftsman and poet William Morris.  He drew inspiration for his work from the Manor and the Cotswolds in general.  Visit this historic site for the beautiful grounds surrounding it and the stream and get inspired by its charm as the great William Morris did. Get to see the well-preserved contents of the estate that include original textiles.  There is a gift shop that features Morris’ designs so you can take some home with you.  A tea room offers you a chance to relax and enjoy some delicious treats.

Shopping in Cirencester and Cheltenham

Fancy a spot of shopping while in the Cotswolds? You could head to Cheltenham for some of the best shopping experiences in the big shopping centres available. Not to be missed are the variety of activities at The Brewery Quarter such as cinema and bowling.

Browse through the designer boutique shops and take in the wonderful atmosphere at one of the fabulous cafes with outside sitting. Cheltenham is also famous for its festivals so grab a schedule while shopping and plan to attend one of these unforgettable events.

Cirencester offers a wide array of antiques and should be included in your schedule. If in need of a more unique shopping experience you should also try the Corn Hall indoor market.

Broadway Tower

Visit this unique folly tower which is the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. It forms part of the Cotswold Way and offers exhibitions as well as a cafe and gift shop. It is one of the foremost tourist attractions in England.

Of course there are plenty more places to go in the Cotswolds, so if you haven’t found something of interest here then keep exploring our site for more inspiration.

Otherwise, the only thing that’s left to say is, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get out there and start discovering the Cotswolds.

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13 of the best walks in the Cotswolds

By Oliver Smith

For better or for worse, the Cotswolds is regarded as an English heartland. On summer weekends, its most famous villages throng with daytrippers craving their fix of antique shops and cream teas: in peak season, its market towns are soundtracked by the beeps of reversing coaches.

The way to give the crowds the slip is to pack a pair of walking boots and strike out into the hills. The Cotswolds happens to offer some of England ’s finest walking country – defined by a long, wooded escarpment, where modest summits command magnificent views. Away from settlements, you might catch echoes of the distant past in Neolithic burial chambers and Roman villas, glimpse traces of vanished canals and long-lost railway lines, wander under the battlements of mediaeval castles and amble the long drives of stately homes. Nature lovers will find respite on orchid-dotted commons and in the glades of Britain’s greatest arboretum. And, this being the Cotswolds, you are never far from civilization – nor, more pertinently, from a cosy old coaching inn built of honey-hued Cotswold stone.

The Cotswold walks featured below are mostly based on long-distance trails, with many following the 102-mile Cotswold Way. Walking here generally isn't challenging, but wear sturdy boots and always carry a map.

Chipping Campden to Broadway Tower

6 miles one way, Map OL45

Ever-popular Chipping Campden stands at the northern end of the Cotswold Way. The crowds dwindle as you follow it southwest among copses, crossing the Gloucestershire-Worcestershire border under the turrets of Broadway Tower (pictured) . A retreat for William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, this folly commands a stirring vista over Southern England : on a clear day you can count 16 counties (when it’s cloudy you can at least see the resident red deer grazing under the battlements). Continue along the Way to the village of Broadway. From here, circle back to Chipping Campden on footpaths that run parallel to the north, or else board the 608 bus.

For more information on Broadway Tower, its exhibitions and tea shop, visit broadwaytower.co.uk

Broadway to Toddington with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

6 miles on foot, Map OL45

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire steam train (pictured) is an attraction in its own right, chuffing merrily under the lower slopes of the Cotswold escarpment. With some advance planning, it also doubles as a way for walkers to access the landscape. Buy a ticket on a northbound service from Toddington, rattling across viaducts and watching the steam disperse over the hills, before disembarking at Broadway and striking south on the Cotswold Way. This section passes Stanton and Stanway – some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds with Jacobean manor houses, thatched cricket pavilions and roses flowering by the roadside. Then turn west off the Way to return to Toddington station.

Toddington-Broadway on the GWSR from £8 single; gwsr.com

Bredon Hill on the Wychavon Way

10 miles one way, Map OS190

The black sheep of the Cotswolds – its lonely 980ft summit separate from the bulk of the range – Bredon Hill *(pictured)*also gets much less footfall than many other high points in the region. Beginning in Pershore, follow the Wychavon Way beside the sluggish current of the River Avon before making the steep slog to the top of Bredon Hill. Here, you can picnic among mysterious standing stones, look at red kites circling above and spot the Malvern Hills on the horizon. The Wychavon Way then descends southeast to Ashton under Hill – from here you can catch the 540 bus on to Evesham, followed by a very short train ride back to Pershore.

For more information on the Wychavon Way, visit worcestershire.gov.uk

Winchcombe to Cleeve Hill

5.5 miles one way, Map OL45 & 179

This walk is one of superlatives, encompassing the Cotswolds’ highest point, its grandest castle and one of its most ancient monuments. Starting in the former Saxon capital of Winchcombe, trace the Cotswold Way south, pausing to admire the gardens of 15th-century Sudeley Castle (pictured) , then venturing even further back in time as you pass the 5,000-year-old Belas Knap burial ground. The grand finale is the blustery rise of Cleeve Hill: part of a vast upland common, where you can look down on Cheltenham's racecourse and out to Gloucester's cathedral. Descend to the village of Cleeve Hill, where buses run in both directions, to Winchcombe and Cheltenham.

Sudeley Castle and Gardens will re-open for the season on 4th March 2024, Sudeleycastle.co.uk ; to learn more about Belas Knap, visit english-heritage.org.uk .

Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold

11-mile-circuit via the Gloucestershire Way and Oxfordshire Way, Map OL45

Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold – the Cotswolds excel at long, rambling place names, and it's possible to take in both of these destinations in a long day's ramble. From the market town of Stow, trace the Gloucestershire Way southwest to the watermill and stone footbridges at Lower Slaughter (pictured) , before turning towards handsome Bourton – resting weary legs beside the course of the River Windrush. From here, briefly join the Oxfordshire Way on its march to Wyck Rissington, then head north among hedgerows and country lanes, until Stow reappears past the crest of Maugersbury Hill.

For more information on Bourton, visit bourtoninfo.com

Adlestrop on the Diamond Way

4-mile-circuit, Map OL45

Edward Thomas's ‘Adlestrop’ is one of the nation's best-loved poems, a lyrical depiction of the stillness of a Cotswold train station in high summer. The bad news: it closed in the 1960s. But at least the village is still there – the station sign now helpfully relocated to the bus stop. In lieu of any passing steam trains, arrive on foot instead: begin your walk at the National Trust's 17th-century Chastleton House before following the Diamond Way southwest over the fields to the thatched cottages of Adlestrop (pictured) . It's easy to return to Chastleton on a slightly revised route, passing its Iron Age barrow.

For Chastleton House open dates and times visit nationaltrust.org.uk/chastleton-house . To learn more about Edward Thomas, visit edward-thomas-fellowship.org.uk

Painswick to the Slad Valley via the Wysis Way

5 miles one way, Map OS179

On a map, Stroud looks a bit like a starfish, with five verdant valleys radiating out from the centre of town. Perhaps the loveliest is the Slad Valley (pictured) – the setting for Laurie Lee's Cider with Rosie . An enclosed world of tangled woods, tall grasses and terraced gardens, it's still half-recognisable from the memoir of his youth. Starting at the yew-shaded churchyard of Painswick, make for the tiny hamlet of Paradise, then follow the little-trodden Wysis Way over farmland to Slad. Waste no time hunting down The Woolpack – a three-centuries-old inn clinging to a hillside that was Lee's local until he passed away aged 82. Both Slad and Painswick valleys can be reached from Stroud on local bus services.

The Woolpack is now taking bookings; thewoolpackslad.com

Dursley to Wotton-under-Edge

7 miles one way, Map OS167

Unlike the tourist honeypots of Broadway and Chipping Camden, the market town of Dursley gets few visitors: all the same, it's tucked away in one of the loveliest nooks of the Cotswolds, among an amphitheatre of forested hills. From the town centre, follow the Cotswold Way up Stinchcombe Hill (pictured) , where you might glimpse the sunshine glittering on the Severn Estuary through the trees. Continuing south, you eventually come to the foot of the Tyndale Monument – a tower named for William Tyndale, who is credited with the first translation of the New Testament into English – with heavenly views of Welsh hills rising over the sea. Come back down to earth in Wotton-under-Edge from where the 60 bus runs back to Dursley.

To find out more about the Tyndale Monument and the southern Cotswolds, go to visitthecotswolds.org.uk

Lauren Burvill

Cass Farrar

Sarah James

Chedworth Roman Villa on the Monarch's Way

In 1864, a Chedworth gamekeeper digging for a ferret stumbled upon one of the UK 's most remarkable Roman remains. Today, Chedworth Villa (pictured) is one of the Cotswolds' best-known historical sites. Not quite so famous are the surrounding woodlands – among the most pristine in the region – where you might imagine Roman nobles strolling beneath English oaks, hazel and beech. From Chedworth village, follow the Monarch's Way north to the villa, then trace it eastwards along the banks of the River Coln. Don't follow the path over the bridge: instead loop back through the woods to the village.

For Chedworth Roman Villa open dates and times visit nationaltrust.org.uk/chedworth-roman-villa

Trails of Westonbirt

The National Arboretum at Westonbirt lays claim to 2,500 tree species from all corners of the world: you might pretend you're in Japan among blazing red maples, or the American West under soaring redwoods – all while deep in the Cotswolds. Within its gates are 17 miles of trails, but the grounds are perfectly suited to short and lazy afternoon strolls, too. Start out in the Old Arboretum – a legacy of Victorian plant hunting – before making for the Silk Wood: a more traditional British woodland, where fungi sprout among fallen leaves and butterflies flit about the glades.

Check the website before you go as visitors may need to pre-book tickets to Westonbirt. Tickets, £11; forestryengland.uk

The Thames and Severn Way

13 miles one way, Map OS168

The Thames and Severn Canal was built in the late 18th century to connect two of Britain’s mightiest rivers – by the mid-20th century, much of it had been abandoned, silted up or filled in. The 21st century has seen efforts to make it navigable for boats once again – in the meantime, however, walkers can follow the towpath through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Cotswolds. Starting in Stroud, follow the Thames and Severn Way eastward – passing by historic mills that line the aptly named Golden Valley. Look out for the source of the River Thames at Kemble – where London’s mighty river begins life as a babbling brook – before returning from Kemble to Stroud on the railway line that put the canal out of business long ago.

For more on canal history and modern restoration efforts, see cotswoldcanals.org

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons

4 miles one way, Map OS168

Minchinhampton Common and Rodborough Common are unlike the cosy landscapes often associated with the Cotswolds: both blustery, wide open expanses, offering far-reaching views out to the estuary, and lonely miles where – on the right day – walkers can find themselves alone. Combine the two on a walk from the pretty market town of Nailsworth – first comes Minchinhampton Common, whose summertime grasslands stir with butterflies and are dotted with orchids (look out too for Tom Long’s Post, named after a local highwayman). Stop for a pint or sustenance at Bear in Rodborough – a 17th-century coaching inn – before continuing north on to Rodborough Common proper – its northern flank guarded by a little folly-cum-castle. It’s a very easy return trip from Stroud to Nailsworth on the 63 bus.

For more on the two commons, see nationaltrust.org.uk

Newark Park Woods

3 mile circuit, Map OS167

Perched precariously on the lip of the Cotswold escarpment, Newark Park began life as a Tudor hunting lodge, was rescued from decline in the 20th century and is now in the care of the National Trust. The lodge is small but splendid – equally beguiling are the grounds through which Tudor hunters once merrily charged. Follow the designated ‘pink route’ – passing a tumbledown folly and catching views of an ornamental lake far below – before entering woodlands of oak and ash. The route continues on to the bottom of the Ozleworth Valley before returning uphill to its starting point. Here, on a lawn patrolled by friendly peacocks, you’ll find a tea pavilion providing refreshments for weary walkers.

For more on Newark Park, see nationaltrust.org.uk

Cotswolds Travel Guide (Best Tips, Itineraries & Map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: July 26, 2023

Our Cotswolds Travel Guide includes recommended places to go and things to do, accommodation options, tips and photos from one of the most beautiful regions of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to the region!

LET’S PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE COTSWOLDS!

The Cotswolds are one of the most popular destinations in the south of England for both UK residents and visitors from abroad.

Spread across an area of 2000+ kilometres and several English counties including Gloucestershire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire the Cotswolds region was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966.

Famous for its English market towns and villages with quaint honey-coloured houses, the Cotswolds are the perfect destination for walkers, cyclists and those simply wishing to explore a quintessentially English destination.

In this guide, you will find links to all our articles about the Cotswolds to help you plan your visit to the Cotswolds and have the best time possible in this beautiful area of England.

Good to know – If you are visiting the UK and are located in London the Cotswolds are perfect for a day trip (though I highly recommend exploring the area for a few days if you can) You can find out more below.

Map of the Cotswolds

When is the best time to visit the cotswolds, what to see and do in the cotswolds, cotswolds podcast episodes, how to get to the cotswolds, best tours to the cotswolds from london, where to stay in the cotswolds, best experiences in the cotswolds, best travel books about the cotswolds, common questions when planning your visit.

The Cotswolds are a popular destination to visit in England at any time of the year . High season is from June to August and the area is crowded with visitors. If you are planning to visit Oxford this is the time of year when students are on holiday and a great time to wander the different colleges.

During the winter months (December to February) the Cotswolds are at their quietest. Expect cooler temperatures with the possibility of snow! If you are planning a winter trip check the weather and visit on cold, crisp days when the sun is out and the skies are blue. The days are shorter in winter so plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of daylight hours.

Spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November) are ideal times of year to visit the Cotswolds. Enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves on the trees or the spring flowers as you explore the villages and countryside.

There are so many beautiful towns and villages to visit in the Cotswolds that one is really spoilt for choice.

If you are planning a Cotswolds visit the best way to organise your trip is to decide which villages and towns you want to see in the different areas.

The Cotswolds can be divided into northern (Gloucestershire) eastern (Oxfordshire) and southern areas (Gloucestershire and Wiltshire) each with its own must-see villages and towns.

Let’s not forget that some of the towns and villages that border the Cotswold region are also worth including in your itinerary.

The beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon is located on the edge of the northern Cotswolds region.

Blenheim Palace a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the historic university city of Oxford are both located to the east of the Cotswolds.

And the stunning city of Bath is located to the south of the Cotswolds.

Read more about these attractions below:

BEST VILLAGES TO VISIT IN THE COTSWOLDS

BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS

7 BEST COTSWOLDS TOURS FROM LONDON

BATH TRAVEL GUIDE

GUIDE TO VISITING BLENHEIM PALACE

OXFORD TRAVEL GUIDE

FAQs – Cotswolds Travel Guide

Option 1 – cotswolds by car.

The Cotswolds are in (my opinion) best explored by car (though parking can be an issue during the summer) as public transport options are limited.

There are excellent links to the area via the national motorway network and the M4, M5 and M40. 

The Cotswolds are located about 100 miles outside of London. Allow around 2 hours depending on traffic.

Option 2 – By train

London to Cotswolds

If you wish to take public transport it is possible to catch a train from London’s Paddington Station to Moreton in the Marsh in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Alternatively travel from Paddington on the Gloucester line alighting at Kemble Station in the southern Cotswolds region. Here you can pick up a bus outside the station to Morton in the Marsh, Stow on the Wold, Bourton on the Water and Tetbury. 

Check timetables and train prices at the trainline .

Option 3 – Take a tour

There are many day tours to the Cotswolds from London and other English cities . You will find more information below.

Read more – How to get from London to the Cotswolds (detailed guide)

If you prefer to take a tour of the Cotswolds and avoid the hassle of driving or public transport there are a few options to choose from.

We highly recommend booking a private driver tour guide to show you around the Cotswolds – our partner Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Tours can tailor-make your private tour around your interests. She can meet you in the Cotswolds or at Oxford train station and start your tour from there.

Unfortunately with a group day tour from London you will only scratch the surface of the area but if you are pushed for time or can’t push the budget for a private tour this may be your best option .

Often the tours combine visits to other popular destinations too. I have curated a selection of the best group day tours to the Cotswolds below from Get Your Guide who is our tour operator of choice.

We book the majority of our day tours and organised activities through Get Your Guide when we travel. Their cancellation policy is very good and customer service exceptional and we have only ever had positive experiences when we book tours with them.

• Full-day tour of the Cotswolds from London – Visit 4 of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages during this 9-hour tour from London. There is plenty of free time to explore and even to enjoy a traditional pub lunch at Stow-on-the-Wold!
• Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds – A must for Downton Abbey fans this full-day tour includes visits to 2 Cotswolds villages as well as Blenheim Palace the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
• Oxford, Stratford Upon Avon, Cotswolds, and Warwick – Another full day trip with lots to see. This tour is perfect for those with limited time as it includes a number of the top sights in the Cotswolds.

Click for our guide to the 7 best tours to the Cotswolds from London

There are many wonderful accommodation options in the Cotswolds from quaint cottages, glamping and B&Bs to luxury 5-star hotels with spas.

Budget £75 – 130 for a double room in a B&B and £130+ per night for a boutique hotel.

Click the link below to book the perfect Cotswolds accommodation for your trip.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE COTSWOLDS

⭐️ UK TRAVEL PLANNING QUICK PICKS

• Most romantic hotel in the Cotswolds – The Painswick or Mad Molly’s Cottage
• Best hotel with hot tub in the Cotswolds – The Manor House Hotel
• Best hotel with spa –  The Lygo n Arms
• Best Country House Hotel –  Ellenborough Park
• Best pub with rooms in the Cotswolds – The Swan Hotel
• Best thatched cottage in the Cotswolds – Bells Cottage
• Best pet-friendly hotel – The Old Stocks Inn
• Best Cotswolds hotel for foodies – The Slaughters Country Inn

For other stays in England click here for my England Accommodation Guide

There are lots of fabulous experiences to have during your visit to the Cotswolds. These are my top choices:

• Explore Downton Abbey Filming Locations & Highclere Castle on a day tour from London.
• Join a walking tour through some of the prettiest villages of the famous Cotswolds, including Minster Lovell and Burford
• Take part in a Geo scavenger hunt of the Cotswolds Using a smartphone app and GPS technology follow a series of map pins that guide you to secret destinations and challenges.
• Tour of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh – Showcasing the must-see villages that can be tricky to find on your own, the excursion visits Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Camden along with some lesser-known hamlets that many Cotswolds tourists miss. Start from an easy-to-find location at Moreton-in-Marsh train station!

If you are looking for more information to plan your trip to the Cotswolds there are a number of books which you may find helpful.

For walkers

• Short walks in the Cotswolds – All the walks are five miles or under in length and can easily be completed in less than three hours. 20 walks are included and use clear maps to show the route plus easy to follow walk descriptions.
• Cotswold Way: Chipping Campden to Bath – All-in-one hiking route guide and maps to the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile National Trail that runs from Chipping Campden to Bath, following the beautiful Cotswold escarpment for most of its course.

For those who love discovering hidden gems

• Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds – A captivating portrait of 20 of the greatest British gardens and the lords, ladies and gardeners who own and manage them.
• Secret Houses of the Cotswolds  – A personal tour of twenty of the UK’s most beguiling houses in this much loved area of western England.

Best travel guide books

• Lonely Planet Pocket Oxford & the Cotswolds – Get to the heart of Oxford & the Cotswolds and begin your journey with Lonely Planet’s guide!
• The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Oxford – Discover this exquisite region of England with the help of this rough guide!

• What should you not miss in the Cotswolds?

Check out my guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds which has all of the top things to do and places to visit.

• Which is the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds?

There are so many pretty villages to visit in the Cotswolds that it is impossible to choose just one! My favourites are Bibury, Bourton on the water and Lower Slaughter.

Read more in my guide to the most beautiful villages and towns in the Cotswolds.

• How many days do you need in the Cotswolds?

You can see some of the Cotswolds in a day but I recommend at least 2/3 days to explore the area.

• When is the best time of year to visit the Cotswolds?

As mentioned above if possible try to avoid visiting during the summer school holidays (July/August) as the Cotswolds can be extremely busy.

Parking can be even more difficult at this time of year too. I recommend booking your accommodation as much in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

Also, book restaurants ahead of time or you may struggle to get a table at popular pubs and eateries.

• What other places are there to visit near the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds are located in the South West of England. Read more about the best things to do in this area of the UK here.

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

15 Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds (with maps)

The Cotswolds are England’s most beautiful area. Rolling hills hide tiny quaint villages with houses made from the local yellowish color stone. Small, peaceful streams flow thorough these idyllic places creating unbelievably quaint settings. I believe that everyone coming to visit London should plan on taking time to visit the Cotswolds. Come along with me as we explore the best places to see in the Cotswolds .

In this article:

The Cotswolds span a large area of rolling hills and villages in the West of England. This beautiful area spreads from Bath in the south to Stratford-upon-Avon in the north, with Oxford midway to the east. Let’s find the best places to visit in the Cotswolds by taking a trip from Bath to Stratford upon Avon through this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as the English officially call it.

Southern Cotswolds: Between Bath and Oxford

Driving north east from Bath, you will start encountering the famous beautiful and quaint villages of the Cotswolds. Tucked among rolling hills, these tiny places take you far away from the busy nearby cities into a world of peaceful streams and fairies. Let’s start exploring the Southern part of the Cotswolds first.

Start in Bath

Bath is my favorite starting place for exploring the Cotswolds. However, Bath in itself is a beautiful city to visit, so make sure you don’t skip it. Spend time visiting Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths as well as the beautiful Royal Crescent. My Walking Tour of Bath

1. Bradford-on-Avon

There are many beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds, and Bradford-on-Avon is the perfect place to begin your journey! After a short car ride from Bath, you’ll love all the opportunities to explore outdoor nature activities in this small town. Hire a bike to cycle around the glorious countryside, or a canoe to paddle through the town’s maze of sparkling canals. To stock up on souvenirs and road trip snacks, visit The Shambles , a historic street of shops that dates back to the middle ages.

Stop for a quick visit at the Bradford-on-Avon Museum . You will get great views of the Town Bridge and River Avon.

There is no shortage of things to do in the Cotswolds for film buffs. Especially, if you are a fan of Harry Potter, the beautiful and magical Lacock Abbey (click for map location) is the must-see place. The small village Lacock is the filming location for countless well-known movies and television shows, including Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey, and the Harry Potter series. The historic atmosphere of the village is so perfectly preserved that a substantial part of its income comes from hiring out filming locations like the Lackock Abbey and Cloisters.

Stop at the King John Hunting Lodge Tea Room  for some sustenance and enjoy the historically significant location. King John was the original signer of the Magna Carta, a momentous civil rights document.

3. Castle Combe

In Castle Combe you arrive in a dreamy village of honey colored stone cottages, the place you have adored from many famous movies like War Horse and Stardust. Old world charm abounds in Castle Combe, a tiny village along our driving tour. At the central market cross you may be lucky enough to stumble upon the village’s weekly market, where you can treat yourself to local delights. Have a pint in one of the village’s classic English pubs, or splurge on a Michelin-starred meal at The Bybrook , a restaurant in the luxury hotel Manor House.

You’ll never spend too long wondering what to do in the Cotswolds because beautiful villages like Castle Combe appear around every corner.

4. Fairford

While you can find impressive architecture all over the Cotswolds, you won’t want to miss Saint Mary’s Church in Fairford. This church boasts massive, colorful windows that are some of the most well-preserved medieval stained glass in the entire country. For more recent history of the area, you can visit RAF Fairford, an airfield that served the British pilots who were instrumental in the success of D-Day at the beaches of Normandy during World War II.

Northern Cotswolds: Between Oxford and Stratford

As we’re approaching Oxford on the east, we come into the Northern section of the Cotswolds. While this separation is purely artificial, the Northern Cotswolds area is filled with fairy tale villages. Let’s continue our trip north towards Stratford upon Avon through the Cotswolds.

Bibury transports you into the past at the first sight of the historic row houses that line every street. Artist and revolutionary socialist William Morris called Bibury, “The most beautiful village in England”. You must keep it on your list of things to do in the Cotswolds! You may recognize the picturesque Arlington Row , a line of gorgeous stone houses, from the movies Stardust or Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Burford, the gateway to the Cotswolds, features medieval limestone buildings that line rolling green hills. If have children traveling with you and you’re planning what to do in the Cotswolds, this area will be especially attractive to you – nearby sites include the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and the Crocodiles of the World Zoo . Here, you can see 17 of the world’s 24 species of crocodiles, as well as a variety of other reptiles and mammals.

If you are spending more days in the Cotswolds, you may also want to plan a stop at Blenheim Palace. This is a huge English Baroque-style mansion that was constructed for the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough by Queen Anne. 10 Beautiful English Manor Houses

7. Burton-on-the-Water

Burton-on-the-Water,  known as “Venice of the Cotswolds” has lots of attractions to discover. The Cotswolds Motoring Museum & Toy Collection is perfect for entertaining children while the Smiths of Bourton offers a quaint tearoom experience. You can also stop for a fresh pint at the Cotswold Brewing Company and explore fine fragrances at the Cotswold Perfumery. Our favorite experience was the pretty waterside views, bridges and walks along the peaceful River Windrush.

8. Lower Slaughter

The village Lower Slaughter has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, making it one of the most historic places to visit in the Cotswolds. The name of this village may sound a little ominous, owing to its Old English meaning, but the village is actually beautiful and charming, with the sight of the Old Mill and the sleepy River Eye.

There are many gorgeous nature walks adjacent to the village that you can explore, as well as the old mill which now houses a museum and a cafe.

9. Upper Slaughter

Upper Slaughter is one of very few Doubly Thankful Villages – villages which lost no soldiers during World War I or II. While you’re in the area and have planned to spend a few days, consider visiting Sudeley Castle , a stately building that is surrounded by the expansive green hills which make it one of the loveliest places to visit in the Cotswolds.

10. Blockley

Blockley is one of the larger villages in the Cotswolds, and it was once the center of the silk industry in England. There are more things to do in the Cotswolds for the outdoorsy types on your trip near Blockley. Visit the Cotswold Falconry Center to learn about many different types of birds, or Cotswold Archery to practice your aim.

11. Stow on the Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town that was once the epicenter of sheep sales at the peak of the Cotswolds’ wool industry. Today, it is known for its proliferation of antique shops and the Cricket Museum. During your visit you can pay your respects to John Entwhistle, the bass guitarist of The Who, who is buried at St. Edward’s Church.

12. Snowshill

Snowshill is one of the smallest places to visit in the Cotswolds, with a population of under 200 people. Archaeologists discovered evidence of settlements in Snowshill as early as the Bronze Age. Discover the nearby lavender fields, which are overrun with fragrant purple blooms, and pay a visit to Snowshill Manor , an eccentric home-turned-museum with a unique collection of art, furniture, and toys.

13. Stanton

Almost all of the buildings in Stanton are made of Cotswold stone, a type of limestone that you will see everywhere you visit in the Cotswolds. Some buildings still have thatched roofs, and there is a winding high street with many old homes and shops along it. Make your way to the Mount Inn , an inn and restaurant at the top of a hill in this village that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

14. Broadway

The historical origins of Broadway are uncertain, but it is now one of the largest and most bustling places to visit in the Cotswolds. The village is associated with the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century, and appears in paintings by many artists of the time, including John Singer Sargent. Explore the Gordon Russell Museum to see some artisanal furniture, or climb Broadway hill to take in the views from the highest point in the northern Cotswolds. Broadway is also home to one of the longest High Streets in England, with plenty of shops and restaurants.

15. Chipping Campden

Famous author Graham Greene chose Chipping Campden as his home for a time during the 1930’s, likely because it is one of the most rich and charming places to visit in the Cotswolds. Packed with historical architecture and community events, you will always find something exciting to do or see in Chipping Campden. The town has hosted its own Olimpick Games since the 1600’s, which are still held every summer. There are hundreds of historic buildings in the relatively small village, which you can explore on foot or in your car.

End in Stratford upon Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful place to visit and it is an amazing spot to end our trip through the Cotswolds. The birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford is one of my favorite English towns to visit. Historical walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon

Plan Your Trip Through the Cotswolds

Stay in the Cotswolds . Find budget hotels in the Cotswolds . There are lots of choices, but it all depends on your itinerary.  Make sure you use the map to locate each property so it fits your travel plans.

Tour the Cotswolds from Oxford . From Oxford: Cotswolds Towns and Villages Small Group Tour . Tour the scenic towns and villages of the Cotswolds. Explore the 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell Hall and visit Bourton-on-the-Water, regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England.

Tour the Cotswolds from London . From London: Tour the Cotswolds . This will take you to the central part of the Cotswolds.

Is it Worth Visiting the Cotswolds?

Absolutely yes! In fact, the Cotswolds have become one of my favorite day trips from London . We have made it to the end of our road trip from Bath to Stratford upon Avon through the Cotswolds. Even though we have rushed through some of the best places to see in the Cotswolds, we were able to get a beautiful glimpse into this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Thank you so much for sharing all these great spots in the Cotswolds, although you did miss out Moreton in Marsh (my home town!). I do like that the list deviates a little from the normal suspects showcasing a few of the lesser known villages such as Stanton. Great read!

Bea…yes, I did miss on Moreton in Marsh indeed. Next time we’re visiting the Cotswolds we’ll definitely visit. I do agree with you about Stanton…just gorgeous.

Hello. Some great choices there, although you can’t go far wrong anywhere in the Cotswolds. You may wish to correct one spelling, in number 7. The village is Bourton-on-the-Water, not Burton. My credentials? I’m a Tourist Guide and the Cotswolds are part of my itinerary. Best wishes, Graham

Graham…thank you! Yes that is the full name of the village…I will correct it and add the hyphens. I also agree that the Cotswolds are beautiful anywhere you go pretty much…even though some places are more “famous” than others.

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