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Eight of the prettiest towns and villages in the Cotswolds

5 min read

You’ll struggle to find towns or villages more charming than the ones tucked away in the Cotswolds. The third largest protected landscape in England, it has all the beauty of quintessential Britain. Think honey hued stone cottages, medieval market towns, and sheep dotted across miles of pristine countryside. Stretching across five counties, some of the winding lanes and well-preserved buildings haven’t changed much since Jane Austen’s day (except maybe the addition of a few posh delis). Whether you’re here to hike the Cotswold Way, eat your way through farm shops, or just to pet a few dogs outside a country pub, these are eight of our favourite Cotswold spots, plus some lovely places to stay while you’re there.

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The Cotswolds

Castle Combe

Frequently voted England’s prettiest village, it’s not hard to see why. No streetlights, no TV aerials, not even a phone mast in sight. Just cobbled lanes, wildflowers spilling from windowsills, and a medieval market cross in the square. History buffs can spot the old water pump, which still works.

Try to visit on a sunny day so you can place an order from The Little Picnic Shop in the heart of the village. They provide a hamper of fresh produce along with a picnic blanket and will direct you to the best spots to spread out and enjoy it.

Stay at: The Gates, a gorgeous self-catering cottage that sleeps six. This ancient home sits next to the church and is packed with historical interest.

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Painswick

Nicknamed the Queen of the Cotswolds, Painswick is known for its cobbled streets and its lovely artsy feel. If you enjoy a good local legend, visit the ninety-nine perfectly trimmed yew trees in St Mary’s churchyard. It’s said the devil won’t let the 100th grow.

The scenic 18th century Rococo Garden is a hidden gem, where you can book onto gardening workshops or just stroll through the only surviving complete rococo garden in the UK, hop on the bus to Cheltenham for some day shopping, or follow the towns heritage trail that passes by a set of rare 19th-century spectacle stocks.

Stay at: The Falcon, a Georgian inn with fantastic locally sourced food. The location is a perfect spot for accessing numerous National Trust attractions and neighbouring Cotswold villages and towns.

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Broadway

With its elegant High Street flanked by linden trees and golden cottages, Broadway feels like a film set in the best way. It was once a major stop on the stagecoach route from Worcester to London, and its refined good looks remain. You won’t be lost for things to explore, from art galleries and old inns to shops selling everything from tweed to truffles.

Climb up to Broadway Tower, a folly on the edge of a deer park, with views stretching to Wales on a clear day. Then reward yourself with tea and a slice of something at Tisanes Tearooms or something stronger at The Swan.

Stay at: The Fish Hotel, set on the side of a peaceful Cotswold hill with big views, well-priced rooms and a 400-acre estate to explore.

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Bibury

Tucked into the folds of the Coln Valley, Bibury is so photogenic that Arlington Row, its line of 14th-century weavers’ cottages, made it as the inside cover for British passports. But beyond the famous view, Bibury is full of quiet charm, with a gentle river, the sound of ducks paddling past, and a timeless stillness that seems to slow your heart rate just by being there.

You can visit Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest in the country, and even catch your own dinner. Stroll along the riverbanks, cross little stone footbridges, and explore St Mary’s Church, with its ancient yew trees and Saxon gravestones.

Stay at: Wild Thyme & Honey, a 16th century boutique inn just a 12-minute drive away from Bibury, with comfortable rooms overlooking a babbling brook.

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Cirencester

Once one of the most important Roman towns in Britain (called Corinium Dobunnorum back then), Cirencester’s streets still hint at ancient grandeur.

Start with a wander around the Corinium Museum, which houses some of the best Roman mosaics outside London, then stroll through the Abbey Grounds where monks once roamed. Cirencester Park offers stately strolls past towering trees and open fields, while the town centre is packed with independent boutiques, cafés, and a brilliant twice-weekly market.

Stay at: The Lodge Cotswolds, a beautiful, secluded house with a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, cinema room, games room and plenty of space for a grand gathering.

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Bourton-on-the-Water

It’s popular and can get busy, but there’s a reason Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most visited villages in the Cotswolds. It’s downright delightful. Nicknamed ‘the Venice of the Cotswolds’ thanks to the River Windrush winding through the centre, it has five picturesque bridges, rows of charming shops, and plenty of riverside cafés perfect for people watching.

Don’t miss the Model Village, a 1:9 scale replica of the actual village that’s weirdly satisfying to wander around, or the Cotswold Motoring Museum, where Brum from the telly lives. Families will love Birdland, where penguins waddle around like they own the place.

Stay at: Clapton Manor, a lovely bed and breakfast run in a manor house, just 7-minutes away.

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Burford

Burford is the sort of town where you can spend hours meandering. Its steep medieval high street is lined with crooked old buildings now housing cosy pubs, delis, and antique shops that seem to stretch back forever. Known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, it’s an easy introduction to the region with plenty to explore nearby too.

Drop by The Tolsey Museum to get a sense of local history or browse Huffkins Bakery for picnic essentials. Just outside town, Cotswold Wildlife Park is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

Stay at: The Lamb Inn on Sheep Street, with rooms full of character and a secret garden that’s heaven in summer. Your breakfast ingredients are sourced from a neighbouring farm.

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Chipping Campden

Once at the heart of the medieval wool trade, Chipping Campden is now a mecca for heritage lovers and countryside romantics. Its High Street is one of the loveliest you can visit, gently curving, flanked by historic buildings, and home to the beautiful 17th-century Market Hall.

It was also a hub for the Arts and Crafts Movement, and you can still see its legacy in nearby studios and workshops. Walkers will love the Cotswold Way, which starts right here and stretches for 102 miles all the way to Bath.

Stay at: The Ebrington Arms, an exceptionally inviting 17th-century Inn with very comfortable rooms. They made it into the Sunday Telegraph’s Top 10 UK’s Cosiest Pubs and their breakfasts are award winning.

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Beth Tingle

Beth is our Marketing & Content Coordinator, who uses her experience in all things content to get to the heart of the stories and people behind our places and paint an authentic picture of what makes them truly special. She then helps the SEO team to ensure that content reaches as many people as possible. Raised in the small seaside town of Clevedon, she then studied English at Falmouth University and is happiest when swimming in the sea. A huge foodie, she enjoys travel that involves finding the best local markets and cooking up the produce in a self-catered stay.

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