The Cotswolds is a quintessentially English destination – with every road you turn down somehow more beautiful than the last. It’s home to some of my favourite hotels in the UK, quaint tearooms and cafés, breathtaking scenery, and an amazing food scene.
But undoubtedly the main reason most people visit The Cotswolds is because it’s full of charming chocolate-box villages that look straight out of a fairytale. But if you’ve not visited before, it can be quite overwhelming trying to decide which one’s to visit and in what order.
I grew up 30 minutes away from The Cotswolds, and it’s still one of my favourite destinations for a weekend away. I’ve visited so many times over the years I’ve lost count, so I’d call myself an expert in planning the perfect trip.
In this article, I cover the best villages in The Cotswolds and the reasons why I love them. At the end, I’ve included a map showing all the villages mentioned in the guide, and the route I’d recommend taking to see them.
I want to make sure you maximise the time you spend on your trip, so the itinerary is designed in a way that means you won’t be driving back on yourself.
Plus, I’ve added my recommendations on where to stay, and some tips and tricks that will really make a difference to your visit.
11 best villages in The Cotswolds you have to see
As The Cotswolds covers such a large area, it can be difficult to decide where to visit. But after visiting many times over the years, these are my 11 favourite villages, and the ones I go back to time and time again.
1. Lower Slaughter
Although the name is quite unappealing, in my opinion, Lower Slaughter is one of the best villages in The Cotswolds. It’s small, but incredibly beautiful. Its name comes from the Old English ‘slough’, meaning muddy place, and running through the middle is Little Eye Stream, which leads to Upper Slaughter.
You’ll often hear these two villages referred to as ‘The Slaughters’, and you can walk between them in about 20 minutes. I’d strongly advise doing this, not only because they’re both beautiful, but finding a parking space in either can be a nightmare. If you manage to grab one I wouldn’t risk losing it by driving between them!
Whilst you’re there you can’t miss the Old Mill at the bottom of the village – rumoured to have been recorded in the Doomsday book. These days it’s a museum with a riverside tea room and one of the most iconic spots to take pictures.
If you fancy a drink whilst you’re there, The Slaughters Country Inn has a beautiful garden overlooking the river. It’s not the cheapest place, but you’re paying for the setting and it really is lovely.
Don’t leave The Slaughters without paying a visit to the Manor House. You can stop off for a meal, stay the night, or just have a stroll through the gardens. A couple even got engaged whilst we were there, so that’s a testament to how beautiful it is!
2. Bibury
William Morris once described Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England” and it’s easy to see why. This picturesque village is everything you picture when you think of a Cotswolds village – honey-coloured cottages, a sleepy atmosphere, and a river running through the middle.
Bibury’s also home to two of the most photographed spots in The Cotswolds. First, is The Swan – a former coaching inn that dates back to the 18th century.
It’s the focal point of the village, located on the banks of the River Coln. If you’re standing on the bridge looking at the pub, it’s hard not to snap a picture. The ivy-coloured facade is absolutely beautiful, no matter the season.
Arlington Row is another must-see in Bibury. It even appears inside UK passports! The small street of cottages date back to the 14th century when they were used as wool stores, before being converted into weavers cottages in the late 1600s.
They’re now owned by The National Trust and rented out to select tenants. Unsurprisingly, this street gets VERY busy, so I’d recommend getting there early if you want to avoid crowds.
Bibury is also one of the most difficult villages to park in, there’s not many designated spots so you usually have to park on the side of the road.
Bibury Trout Farm is a great place to visit if you have children. It was founded in 1902, and is one of England’s oldest working trout farms. There’s a cafe, Crazy Golf, and of course, a chance to feed the fish.
Plus, there’s free parking if you’re visiting the farm, so you could wander into Bibury after. Bibury’s only a small village, so there’s not loads to see and do here, but it’s easily one of the most charming, so don’t miss it!
3. Painswick
Often referred to as the “Queen of The Cotswolds” Painswick is a village packed full of history. From the 15th-19th century, it was at the centre of the wool trade, using wool from the sheep kept in the area.
And when the wool trade flourished, lots of new houses were built in and around Painswick, and many old properties were enlarged.
Around 1428, New Street was constructed – and it contains the oldest building in England to hold a Post Office. The architecture has been well immaculately preserved over time, and there’s now plenty of beautiful listed buildings to see.
Painswick’s also home to the country’s oldest bowling green and one of the most iconic churchyards in the country – the church of St Mary. It’s most well-known for its 99 Yew Trees, which are definitely worth a visit.
Don’t miss the Rococo Garden – it was designed in 1740 by the owner of Painswick House, and these days makes a brilliant day out. Afterwards, grab afternoon tea at The Painswick, one of the most beautiful hotels in the area.
4. Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town that sits on top of an 800-foot hill at the point where 7 of the major roads in The Cotswolds meet. At one time, the town was known for huge fairs where over 20,000 sheep were sold for wool.
Nowadays, it’s famed for its antique shops and boutiques – it’s one of the larger towns and there’s plenty to see.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a great place to pick up local produce – don’t miss The Cotswolds Cheese Company and Roly’s Fudge Pantry. On the 2nd Thursday of every month, there’s a farmers market held in the town.
If you’re planning to visit on market day, make sure you get there early so you can find a parking space.
If you’re looking to have afternoon tea, Stow-on-the-Wold is the perfect place for it. Lucy’s tearoom is especially popular, well known for its beautiful exterior and equally lovely cakes.
Across the road is Huffkins, a family-run bakery and tea room that’s been serving pastries since 1890.
Whilst you’re here, make sure you visit St Edward’s Church. It was built in the middle ages and is now amongst the 98 Grade I listed buildings in The Cotswolds.
Try and find the ‘fairy door’, it’s said to have inspired J.R.R Tolkein’s writing and it’s pretty magical.
If you’re looking to spend the night here, The Kings Arms is a traditional pub with rooms or The Stag at Stow offers a more boutique experience.
5. Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water was the first Cotswolds village I visited, my parents took me when I was younger and it holds a special place in my heart. Although not as quaint as the other villages, there’s so much to so here, you definitely won’t get bored.
The River Windrush runs through the middle and in the summer you’ll often see children paddling in the water. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a few horses wandering through.
Along the river there’s plenty of cafes, shops and restaurants, and you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering down the high street.
One of the more popular attractions here is the model village. It’s a small replica of Bourton-on-the-Water and made from real Cotswolds stone. If you have children, you can’t miss Birdland – home to over 500 birds including flamingo’s, penguins, pelicans and parrots.
They even have a whole area with life-size dinosaurs hiding amongst the trees, and a chance to uncover fossils at the Dino Dig.
If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll love the Cotswolds Motoring Museum, it includes cars, motorcycles, bicycles and caravans from the 20th century.
90s kids might remember that the opening and closing scenes for Brum were filmed in Bourton-on-the-Water, and the car used in the series can be found inside the Motoring Museum.
6. Burford
A bit further along The River Windrush from Bourton-on-the-Water lies Burford. It’s often referred to as “the gateway to the Cotswolds”, thanks to its location just off the A40. It’s a common entry point to the area for a lot of people.
Burford began as an agricultural village, but earned the right to hold markets in the 12th century. This was a huge boost for the town, as traders began to visit, and the population grew.
The traders needed somewhere to stay on their visits, so lots of inns were built, some of which are still standing in Burford today.
One of the first things you’ll notice about Burford is the very steep hill at the top of the high street. This is Burford Hill – and it’s lined with beautiful Cotswolds cottages. Head to the top for a stunning view over the town.
Burford is packed full of independent shops, including The Oxford Brush Company, Mrs Bumbles Deli, Manfred Schotten Antiques and The Burford Farm Shop. If you’re in need of a drink after all that shopping, try The Cotswolds Arms or The Highway Inn, both lovely pubs on the high street.
Just outside the town is Burford Garden Centre – one of my favourite places to visit on a rainy day. It’s family-owned and packed full of plants, homeware, garden furniture and gifts.
It’s a great spot for lunch too – The Glasshouse Cafe serves food 7 days a week, and everything is made from scratch using local ingredients.
7. Kingham
Kingham’s only a small village, but records of it existing can be found in the Domesday book. There’s more than 40 listed buildings in the village, as well as a parish church dating back to at least the 13th century.
It also has its own station, and trains take about 1 hour and a half from London Paddington, so it’s a good place to start your trip.
Whilst there’s not much to see in the village itself, you definitely won’t want to miss it! It’s home to two brilliant pubs – The Wild Rabbit and The Kingham Plough.
The Wild Rabbit is especially difficult to get into, so make sure you book well in advance if you want to go.
Just outside Kingham, you’ll find Daylesford Farm – one of my favourite spots in The Cotswolds.
It’s essentially a very fancy garden centre full of beautiful pieces for your home and garden, a farm shop, 3 restaurants, a cookery school, and even a spa. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon, especially if the weather’s not very nice.
8. Great Tew
The sleepy village of Great Tew is often overlooked for neighbouring Chipping Norton, and even I only discovered it for the first time last year, after spending the day down the road at Soho Farmhouse. But its chocolate-box appearance makes it one of the best villages in The Cotswolds.
Great Tew has a really interesting history – there’s suggestions of people living there in pre-Roman times. But the first firm evidence of habitation is in the 3rd and 4th centuries, when there was an active farm – Beaconsfield Farm.
It was even rumoured that Prince Harry & Meghan moved to the farm shortly before their wedding.
Similarly to Kingham, it’s a small village, home to just one pub – The Falkland Arms. But it’s well worth visiting for this pub alone, it’s absolutely beautiful. Especially in winter when the fire’s roaring inside, it’s a quintessential country pub.
9. Broadway
Known as “the jewel of The Cotswolds”, Broadway sits at the bottom of Fish Hill (where its rumoured monks used to store their fish), and is one of the larger villages – with plenty to see and do.
There’s lots of shops to explore in the village – The Broadway Deli is one of my favourite stores in The Cotswolds. It’s packed full of food from independent suppliers, and there’s a small cafe serving hot food all day.
Across the road is The Lygon Arms – this historic hotel dates back to the 1300s and is a great spot for a drink.
Just round the corner, you’ll find the Farncombe Estate, home to The Fish, Dormy HouseandFoxhill Manor. They’re some of the best hotels in the area and the perfect place to spend the night.
If you enjoy art, don’t miss the Gordon Russell Design Museum. It celebrates the life and work of furniture designer Sir Gordon Russell, and is located in his original Grade II listed workshop.
His aim was to create furniture that would last for generations, and the work of his firm was recognised internationally as a huge contributor to 20th-century design.
Make sure you pay a visit to Broadway Tower – it’s the second highest viewpoint in The Cotswolds, and on a clear day you can see 14 counties from the top.
If you’re a keen walker, there’s a circular walk from the village to the tower. Or you can park just outside the entrance to the tower instead.
10. Bradford-on-Avon
The bustling market town of Bradford-on-Avon is about 25-minutes from Bath, and not far from the border of Somerset. Like many Cotswolds towns, it had a booming wool trade, and throughout the 18th century, many mills were constructed to help with production.
The mills and weavers cottages still exist in the town today, and are now home to independent shops, accommodation and restaurants.
The River Avon runs through the middle of Bradford-on-Avon, with The Town Bridge crossing over it. The town bridge is probably the most photographed spot in the village, consisting of 9 arches, 2 of which date back to the 13th or 14th centuries.
Take a wander down The Shambles, a cobbled shopping street where the market stalls would have once been.
Afterwards, stop for afternoon tea at The Bridge tea rooms, but keep an eye out for spooking goings on.
The building has been there for over 500 years and is rumoured to be haunted by a Victorian lady.
Pay a visit to the Tithe Barn – one of the largest medieval barns in England, dating back to the 14th century. And don’t miss Iford Manor Estate, home to the Cartwright-Hignett family who have worked to restore and conserve the estate.
There’s over 3 miles of footpath to explore, as well as a walled garden, restaurant, cafe, and even jazz lunches on a Sunday.
11. Castle Combe
I don’t think it’s possible to write a list of the best villages in The Cotswolds and not include Castle Combe. Although a castle did once exist in the area (built by the Normas), it was demolished a long time ago.
Castle Combe is one of the most charming places in The Cotswolds – it feels as though you’ve stepped into a fairytale, and it’s often referred to as ‘the prettiest village in England’.
Castle Combe was an important contributor to the wool industry, and the river, known as By Brook, provided power to run the mills.
Looking back into the village from the brook is one of the most iconic photo spots in the whole of The Cotswolds – and rightly so, it’s absolutely stunning.
There’s not a great deal to do here, but the sleepiness adds to its charm. After you’ve explored, grab a drink at The Castle Inn, a 12th century pub set in the heart of the village.
And pay a visit to The Manor House, the 14th-century retreat is the perfect backdrop for a photo.
My number one tip for visiting The Cotswolds
Something that I think is important to know before you visit The Cotswolds, is that it’s HUGE, and the villages on this list are actually quite far away from each other.
So if you’re expecting to see everywhere in one day, it’s probably not going to happen. Unless you don’t mind rushing around and not getting to spend much time in each village (which I don’t recommend).
For that reason, I’d strongly suggest renting a car. I use Discover Car whenever I’m hiring a car, in the UK or abroad.
You put in your dates and they’ll compare lots of different providers and find you the best price.
I often hear horror stories of dodgy car rental companies charging a huge deposit and not giving you the money back at the end, but I’ve never had that problem.
The process is always really simple and stress-free. Which is exactly what I want when I’m on holiday, thank you.
TOP TIP FOR HIRING A CAR
If you’re renting a car, you should always get additional insurance. The insurance that comes with a hire car is basic and hardly covers anything.
Even if you’re a really careful driver, you can’t predict what someone else might do. And the excess amounts are massive (basically, you’ll pay a lot of money if you have an accident).
But, NEVER purchase the insurance offered to you from the hire car company itself. It’s always ridiculously overpriced, and you don’t need it.
Instead, use a third-party insurer – I always use Insurance4carhire. It’s exactly the same level of cover, but for significantly less money. On our recent trip to The Lake District, we were quoted £70 by our car hire company, but we only paid £12.
Getting to The Cotswolds
train
A train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh takes 1 and a half hours.
From here, you’ll be within easy reach of most of the best villages in the Cotswolds. I book all of my train tickets through the Trainline – it quickly compares the cost, and sends the ticket straight to your phone.
DRIVING
From London, it’s a 2-hour drive to The Cotswolds.
Where is The Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is in the South-West of England, and is made up of 5 counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
In my opinion, the best villages in The Cotswolds are found in 4 of them – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.
Gloucestershire is a brilliant place to base yourself, as it’s home to the largest number of villages, including Lower and Upper Slaughter, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Painswick and Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Cotswolds villages in each county mentioned in this guide:
Oxfordshire: Burford, Great Tew and Kingham
Wiltshire: Bradford-Upon-Avon and Castle Combe
Worcestershire: Broadway
Gloucestershire: Lower & Upper Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Painswick, Stow-on-the-Wold
Best villages in The Cotswolds map
This map of the best villages in The Cotswolds shows the driving route from Great Tew in Gloucestershire, to Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire.
This route ensures you see all of the best villages in The Cotswolds, in the most efficient way – i.e. you’re not driving back on yourself, because there’s nothing I hate more than that.
The perfect Cotswolds itinerary
I’d recommend at least 3 full days in The Cotswolds, as there’s a lot to see. Here’s the route I’d suggest taking – it’s the exact route shown on the map, but I’ve written it out incase you find it easier to follow.
Days 1 & 2:
- Start at Great Tew
- Great Tew to Burford: 25-mins
- Burford to Bibury: 13-mins
- Bibury to Kingham: 32-mins
- Kingham to Stow-on-the-Wold: 13-mins
If you wanted to visit Broadway, this is where I’d suggest doing it. I’ve left it out because it is further out of the way.
It’d take you 20-minutes to drive there from Stow-on-the-Wold, and another 20-minutes to drive to Lower Slaughter from Broadway.
It’s one of my favourite villages in The Cotswolds, so I’d really recommend going, but it is a bit of a detour!
- Stow-on-the-Wold toLower Slaughter: 6 mins
- Lower to Upper Slaughter: 5-min drive/20-min walk*
- Upper Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water: 8-mins
*I’d recommend walking between Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. Firstly because it’s a really nice walk, and secondly because it’s can be difficult to find parking at peak times, so if you’ve got a space, it’s easier to leave the car there and walk back to it.
Day 3:
This is the point on the map where the really long line is, essentially, you’re driving to the other side of The Cotswolds.
I wouldn’t recommend doing this in one day. I’d suggest basing yourself in Gloucestershire for your first night, and then Wiltshire for the second.
Castle Combe and Bradford-on-Avon aren’t far from Bath, and I’d also recommend a visit to Bath whilst you’re in the area.
- Bourton-on-the-Water to Painswick: 40-mins
- Painswick to Castle Combe: 50-mins
- Castle Combe to Bradford-on-Avon: 30-mins
Obviously this list is just a guide, and you can move things around in a way that feels best for you. But hopefully this gives you a rough idea of where the best villages in The Cotswolds are.
Where to stay in The Cotswolds
From cosy pubs to luxury spa hotels, The Cotswolds is home to some of the best places to stay in the UK.
Gloucestershire
The Frogmill is one of the first hotels I ever stayed at in The Cotswolds, and it’s the perfect base for visiting the villages.
The bedrooms are beautifully designed, and some come with freestanding tubs and private terraces. As well as being a hotel, it’s an award-winning pub, and the food, drink and atmosphere here is all excellent.
If you like huge bathtubs,No.38 The Parkis the hotel for you. From the duo behindThe Lucky Oniongroup, expect flawless interiors, bathrooms bigger than most hotel rooms, and 24-hour service.
Sitting adjacent to Pittville Park in a classic Cheltenham townhouse, you’re perfectly located for exploring the town or heading further afield into nearby Cotswolds.
Oxfordshire
Mollie’s Motel is from the people at Soho House, and whilst you’re not paying Soho House prices to stay here, there’s no compromise on style.
The rooms are design-led; think Scandi-style furniture, statement Soho House Cowshed toiletries, pink accent chairs, and a rainforest shower.
There’s lots of choice when it comes to room types – doubles, twins, bunk rooms for children and even connecting rooms if you’re coming in a group. Rooms here start from just £60pn.
TheArtist Residencehotels are amongst my go-to for a weekend away. The food is excellent, they’re well-located, and all of the hotels feature beautiful pieces of art and exceptional design.
And their Oxfordshire branch is probably my favourite of them all. A traditional pub with rooms, grab a board game and curl up by the fireplace, before retiring to one of the 8 bedrooms above.
Graduate Hotels started life in America aiming to improve accommodation choices in university towns. After opening 30 hotels across the US, last year they launched their first UK locations in Oxford and Cambridge (where else?).
Their designs are quirky – each property takes inspiration from the university’s culture. Expect nods to the town’s history, most notably Alice in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll set the story there).
Worcestershire
The Fishsits on The Farncombe Estate, alongside neighbouring hotelsDormy HouseandFoxhill Manor. Choose from rooms, huts and treehouses spread across the grounds.
For special occasions, book Boaty McBoatface (yes, really). Complete with a roll-top bath, hot tub, and your own private lake and paddle boat, there’s no reason to leave. If you do want to head out and explore, nearby Broadway is one of the best villages in The Cotswolds.
The neighbouring hotel to The Fish,Dormy Houseis home to 38 bedrooms, a spa, two gyms and a 16-metre swimming pool. The House Spa spans several floors featuring a sauna, salt-infusion therapy room, flotation tank and outdoor hot tub.
There’s three restaurants to choose from, from The Back Garden’s local menu to MO’s chefs table experience. After dinner, help yourself to wine (literally) in The Shed, where you’ll find a wine dispenser – top up a card and drink away.
Bath had been crying out for a beautiful boutique hotel for a while, and The Yard fits the bill perfectly. Once a coaching inn, it’s been restored to an incredible hotel centred around a cosy courtyard in the heart of the city.
Boasting 14 king size bedrooms, breakfast hung on the door each morning and its very own wine bar, it’s an ideal base for a trip to The Cotswolds.
Tips for planning your trip
Hire a car
The Cotswolds covers a huge area, so having a car means you can explore in your own time, stopping wherever you like along the way. There is public transport, but it’s less reliable, and takes a lot longer.
Book your accommodation in advance
The Cotswolds is one of the most popular destinations in the UK, so I’d strongly recommend getting your hotel booked early. There’s plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury spa hotels to cosy pubs with rooms.
Consider visiting outside of peak times
As it’s such a popular destination for tourists and people living in the UK, The Cotswolds can get really busy in the summer.
In my opinion, it becomes quite unenjoyable, especially during the school holidays.
Consider visiting in the Spring or even in the Autumn, I promise this place is magical no matter what time of year you go. Even in the rain, it’s still beautiful.
Book restaurants in advance
The popular restaurants in The Cotswolds get booked up really far in advance, so if there’s somewhere you want to go, make sure you book it.
If you’re anything like me, when I’m hungry, I need to eat immediately. So there’s nothing worse than trying to find somewhere to eat only to continually be told “sorry, we don’t have a table”.
Of course, you’ll still be able to find somewhere that has walk-in availability, but there’s a reason everywhere else is booked up.
Be mindful when you take pictures
As beautiful as these villages are, people live there, so be mindful not to impact on anyone’s privacy. I’ve seen people actually go up to people’s windows and stare inside, or stand on font gardens to get a picture in front of their house. It’s weird, please don’t be that person.
Get to the villages early
If you want to experience the villages without crowds of people, consider getting there early. It’s a much more enjoyable experience, and things like parking will also be a lot easier.
Best villages in The Cotswolds – FAQ
Can you walk between villages in The Cotswolds?
No. The Cotswolds runs through 5 counties, and the villages are spread out across almost 800 square miles, so I definitely wouldn’t recommend walking between them. If you can, I’d strongly advise driving, that way you’re free to explore at your own pace.
Is it difficult to drive in The Cotswolds?
If you’re not used to country lanes, you might find it a bit difficult to drive in The Cotswolds. A lot of the roads will be single file, but just take it slowly and beep your horn before rounding corners where cars might not be able to see you.
Where should I base myself in the Cotswolds?
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to stay in The Cotswolds, there’s endless beautiful hotels for every budget. I’d recommend basing yourself in Gloucestershire, as that’s where the majority of the most popular villages are.
What’s the best month to go to The Cotswolds?
It sounds like a cop out, but The Cotswolds is one of the few places that’s beautiful year round. Christmas time in The Cotswolds is magical, but if it’s your first visit, I’d aim for Spring, when (hopefully) the sun will be shining, and the crowds won’t be too hectic.
How many days do you need in The Cotswolds?
To get a real feel for The Cotswolds, and have enough time to explore without being rushed, I’d recommend visiting for at least 3 full days.
What is the prettiest Cotswolds village?
It’s almost impossible to choose the prettiest Cotswolds village, as they’re all so beautiful. Castle Combe is often described as the ‘prettiest village in England’ and it definitely deserves that title. If you’re looking for picture perfect villages, I’d visit Bibury, Castle Combe and Lower Slaughter.
What are The Cotswolds famous for?
The Cotswolds are famous for being a quintessential English destination. It’s well known for the fairytale-like villages that make you feel as if you’ve just stepped back in time. Plus, it’s packed full of history, amazing restaurants, brilliant independent shops and plenty of attractions for all the family.
Does it rain a lot in The Cotswolds?
It’s England, so there’s always a chance of rain! Depending on when you visit, it might be raining when you go to The Cotswolds. But don’t let that put you off, it still looks beautiful in the rain, in fact, it almost adds to the charm.
Final thoughts on the best villages in The Cotswolds
I hope you found my guide to the best villages in The Cotswolds helpful. It really is one of the most magical places in the UK, and I know you’ll have an incredible time. If you end up visiting any villages from this list, I’d love to know which was your favourite, let me know in the comments.
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