best places to visit in the cotswolds in winter

Things to do in the Cotswolds in winter – our romantic short break

The Cotswolds in winter show a different face of England, with fresh air and countryside walks, gardens that are full of spring promise and cosy places to stay. You’ll find luxury country house hotels, to boutique bed and breakfasts.

For those seeking a taste of the English countryside, there are endless things to do in the Cotswolds. This region in the west of England features rolling hills and honey stone villages, spread over 800 square miles and five counties.

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We took a romantic short break to explore the southern part of the Cotswolds around Tetbury, Malmsbury and Nailsworth. This is perhaps less well known and not so touristy as the northern Cotswolds where the pretty towns can be packed with coach parties in summer.

This is an area that’s perfect for short breaks in the Cotswolds. Read on to discover what we enjoyed and plan your own mini-tour of the Cotswolds .

Table of Contents

Whatley Manor Hotel – 5 star luxury Cotswold Hotel

Our Cotswold break started at the fabulous Whatley Manor Hotel near Malmesbury. This luxurious country house hotel is surrounded by green countryside. The manor house took its current form in the 1930s when an 18th century farmhouse was extended and the ornamental gardens laid out around the house.

Whatley Manor is now owned by a Swiss family. The decor manages to combine the warmth and luxury of an English country manor (rich velvets and open fires) with a pared back elegance that felt quite Alpine (leather and mellow wood) and a hint of the Oriental in the rugs and Chinese vases.

Stay at stylish Whatley Manor Hotel nestled within the picturesque Wiltshire countryside

This 5 star luxury hotel is the kind of place that you could check in on a Friday night and be tempted to stay and relax for your entire weekend in the Cotswolds. There’s the Aquarius spa, Sunday cinema evenings, and 12 acres of garden. The three restaurants are headed up by executive chef Niall Keating, who has gained two Michelin stars for The Dining Room restaurant.

On our arrival in the afternoon, we were shown to our huge suite with views over the gardens. It was one of the 23 rooms that are furnished with a refined elegance of pared back luxury. The beds are like a cloud, with embroidered silk curtains and soft velvet furnishings.

Read about things to do in Harrogate, an elegant spa town in Yorkshire with excellent restaurants and stylish shopping

Commitment to sustainability

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability was evident in the wood and marble bathroom. Molton Brown toiletries are supplied in ceramic pots to avoid single use plastics. The tea, coffee, fresh milk and biscuits are presented in glass kilner jars or bottles.

We headed down for drinks and dinner in the drawing room. The wood panelling, open fires and oriental rugs gave a cosy feel.

Groups of chairs and sofas were arranged for guests to gather and enjoy a drink and a chat. There’s a smaller bar adjoining the drawing room, where you can also sit with a cocktail or drink before going into dinner.

Dining options at Whatley Manor

We were dining in Grey’s Brasserie , but took the opportunity to peek into The Green Room. This is a more intimate restaurant, serving small plates that are created by the chef in the open kitchen. There’s a touch of theatre as you sit watching the culinary action at the horseshoe bar.

Grey’s Brasserie where we dined, has a relaxed yet sophisticated feel. The menu of updated classics featured mainly English flavours based on local and seasonal produce.

We shared a starter of smoked salmon on rye bread with dill mayonnaise and pickled cucumber. I followed with a perfectly cooked pan fried cod, with leeks in a white wine cream sauce.

My desert was a frangipane tart with strawberry sorbet. Guy, who has a more of a savoury than sweet tooth, enjoyed the selection of British cheeses with crackers, grapes and pickled walnuts.

For those looking for a truly gourmet experience, there is of course The Dining Room . Executive chef Niall Keating achieved his second Michelin star here in October 2019 and still in his 20s is considered a rising star of the culinary scene.

For breakfast we returned to Grey’s Brasserie where there was an varied selection of fruit, pastries, cereals and juices available. Hot breakfast dishes were also available, such as my favourite eggs royale with soft poached eggs and smoked salmon. Yummy and all so elegant with lovely glassware and elegant china!

The gardens at Whatley Manor

If you get the chance, do spend some time in the gorgeous gardens at Whatley Manor , which are worth a visit in themselves. There’s twelve acres of garden, box hedges, herbaceous borders and tranquil water features.

It’s also worth checking out the events calendar for tours with head gardener Andy Spreadbury. Some events include cookery demonstrations with Michelin star chef, Niall Keating, or herb planting with house florist Emily Hepsworth.

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The Aquarius spa at Whatley Manor

Whatley Manor also has one of the best spas in the Cotswolds. Before breakfast we wafted around the Aquarius Spa, which is a great place to book for a luxurious spa day experience. As hotel guests we padded down from our bedroom in robes and slippers and were able to make use of the indoor hydrotherapy pool with bubbles and water jets.

A relaxing spa break must be one of the most romantic things to do in the Cotswolds. As we swam into the outside pool, the sky was still early morning pink and the air fresh on our faces as we enjoyed the warm water.

At the spa entrance there’s a display of the products for purchase, from Natura Bissé and Gaia who use plant extracts and aromatic oils in their products. The waft of fragrance coming from the sample of their oil under a glass dome was divine!

If you want to combine your spa visit with a fresh juice or a light lunch, you can adjourn in your robe to the spa lounge overlooking the hydrotherapy pool. It would have been sublimely relaxing to unwind on those heated stone recliners or get steamy in the sauna. However, we were keen to get out and explore all that the Cotswolds has to offer.

Website: Whatley Manor Website | Easton Grey, Malmsbury, Wiltshire, SN16 ORB | More hotels in the Cotswolds

Painswick Rococo Garden in the Cotswolds

After our all too short stay at Whatley Manor, we drove to Painswick Rococo Garden on the western edge of the Cotswolds, near Stroud. I’d heard a lot about this garden which is something different to the typical English garden of blowsy blooms and overflowing borders.

Instead, this is a reconstruction of a romantic 18th century Baroque garden. It was intended as an outdoor pleasure ground, for the entertainment of guests at Painswick House. It’s definitely one of the places to visit in the Cotswolds that’s a little unusual and unique.

Within the hidden valley, surrounded by woodland there’s an air of formality, with lawns, box hedges and parterres. Punctuated by follies and pavilions where you might arrange a secret tryst with a lover or survey the gardens from an elevated viewpoint.

Painswick Rococo Gardens were restored in the 1980s, based on an 18th century painting of the original gardens. They are worth a visit at any time of year.

In January when we were there, we were treated to the famous snowdrops that clothe the garden slopes and woodland floor. Scattered throughout the garden are romantic pavilions with seats modelled on Greek temples. At the top of the garden, the gothic Exedra which is a crown like structure provides a decorative focus for the garden.

Snowdrops in the Cotswolds at Painswick Rococo garden

Wandering past the fish pond at the bottom of the garden we entered the woodland area. In January it’s covered with swathes of snowdrops, their delicate white bells gently shuddering in any hint of breeze.

The clumps of snowdrops pushing their fine green leaves through the carpet of leaves seem to herald the hope of coming spring. They sit beautifully among the slender trunks of trees that rise up above them.

It’s such a romantic place to walk among the snowdrops on a bright winter day. Make sure you are suitably booted with wellies or hiking boots, as the paths through the woodland can be muddy. It this time of year, with the snowdrops in full bloom, this must be one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds for winter displays.

Read more: 15 things to do in Stroud in just one day

After visiting the garden, we warmed up in the cheerful garden cafe. I enjoyed a tasty bowl of red pepper and tomato soup of the day, with a crusty wholemeal roll.

Website: Painswick Rococo Garden | Open daily mid Jan- end November from 10.30am | Adult tickets £9 | Address Painswick, Gloucestershire, GL6 6TH

Woodchester Valley Vineyard – wine tasting in the Cotswolds

After lunch, we continued to nearby Woodchester Valley Vineyard just south of Stroud. This relatively new vineyard and winery has been winning awards for its white and sparkling wine.

Established in 2016, the winery is proof that you don’t need to be established for centuries to make excellent English wines. We gathered in the winery’s traditionally built tasting barn, where they hold regular wine tasting tours throughout the year. A £25 a head fee enables you to taste five wines including a sparkling wine.

Once settled with a wine glass in hand, our guide Ben ran us through an introduction to the vineyard. The winery is well suited to producing cold climate wines. It’s especially good for white, rosé and sparkling wines, as well as a few red wines which are produced in warmer years.

We walked through the vineyard slopes (quite briskly since it was starting to rain) and saw how the grapes are trained to wires. They are hand picked at harvest time due to the slope of the three different sites where the grapes are grown.

As we passed through the winery, Ben explained the wine making process. He pointed out the huge stainless steel vats and the French oak barrels, used to add a more complex flavour to some of the wines.

The white wines such as Bacchus, Culver Hill and Pinot Rose that we tasted were fresh and aromatic. Their flavours of apple, gooseberry and elderflower work well with seafood, vegetarian or lighter meat dishes.

Accommodation among the vineyard

Do you want to enjoy all those lovely wines without concerns about driving? You’ll be pleased to know that Woodchester Valley winery also offers a range of accommodation among the vineyards.

They offer en suite guest rooms that are ideal for couples, to holiday houses sleeping from 4-12 people. You could even combine wine tasting and an overnight stay here with walking on the Cotswold Way that runs close to the Vineyard.

Website: Woodchester Valley Vineyard | Tours run throughout the year 4-5 times per week, reserve in advance for the Classic tour £15 per person, Sparkling wine tour £20 |Address: Convent Lane, Woodchester, Stroud, GL5 5HR | Places to stay in the Cotswolds

Forthay Bed and Breakfast – a luxurious Cotswolds bed and breakfast

After winding our way through narrow Cotswolds lanes (beware the sat nav which may take you on the most direct but not the easiest route) we arrived at Forthay Bed and Breakfast . This lovely Cotswold farmhouse started as a B&B around a year ago, offering three luxurious and comfortable bedrooms.

Parts of this honey stone farmhouse date back to the 17th century. You can still see the bread oven that was used to bake bread for the whole village. The owners Charles and Debs are extremely welcoming.

They have gone to great trouble to furnish their boutique Cotswolds bed and breakfast with family heirlooms and antique furniture. Everything such as mattresses, bedlinen and toiletries are of the highest quality.

One of the best things about staying in a top quality Cotswold bed and breakfast such as this, is a homely feeling of staying with friend. There’s the quirky charm of old beams, winding staircases and individual artworks that reflect the owner’s tastes.

Stay at the luxurious boutique Forthay Bed & Breakfast set amidst the Cotswold countryside

Each of the three guest bedrooms at the Forthay Bed & Breakfast has its own adjoining high quality bathroom, decorated in the English style, full of marble and nice toiletries. Downstairs, the snug lived up to its name. The drawing room is for the use of guests with comfy sofas, fresh flowers, books to browse. There’s a cosy wood burning stove in the inglenook fireplace.

A traditional English breakfast

In the morning we took breakfast in the dining room sitting at the polished wood table. We were surrounded by antiques and old family portraits with another wood burning stove in the fireplace.

This is your chance to try the famous cooked English breakfast of bacon, eggs and all the trimmings which will be cooked to your request. I enjoyed my veggie version with eggs from the Forthay chickens, along with hot toast with marmalade and some muesli, yoghurt and coffee.

Although we had arrived to the Forthay Bed & Breakfast in darkness, in the morning we could see the beautiful countryside setting in the midst of fields. We saw the working farm behind, and views of the Tyndale monument on the hill.

This would be a romantic place to base yourself for a day or two. Play a game of croquet on the lawn in summer, perhaps walk up to the monument and follow the Cotswold Way along the edge of the escarpment with views across the Severn Vale to Wales.

Forthay Bed and Breakfast is becoming a popular place to stay for wedding guests and bridal parties who are getting married at some of the nearby wedding venues.

Dog owners will also be welcome as Charles and Debs have three dogs of their own. They’ve even installed a heated dog shower and will dog-sit by pre-arrangement, to allow you to go out in the evening. Although evening meals are not available here, there are two pubs that serve food within walking distance of Forthay Bed and Breakfast. Check out The Black Horse and The New Inn.

Website: Forthay Bed and Breakfast | Address: Forthay, North Nibley, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 6EA | More places to stay in the Cotswolds

Thornbury Castle for dinner in a Tudor Castle

While staying at Forthay Bed and Breakfast, we drove for dinner that evening at the lovely Thornbury Castle , a luxury hotel with excellent restaurant. Here you could dream of being a Tudor lord or lady.

The fortified 16th century manor house really does have the look of a castle, with towers and turrets, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a croquet lawn. King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed here for ten days on their honeymoon tour in 1535. The castle remained Royal property under the ownership of Queen Mary I.

After dark the hotel courtyards are lit up by coloured lights. We were greeted on arrival by a suit of armour in the doorway. We were shown into the wood panelled Tudor hall, where we ordered pre-dinner drinks.

The hall, where no doubt the lord and his household would have eaten, is now filled with comfortable velvet sofas arranged around the stone fireplace decorated with heraldic emblems.

Stay at historic Thornbury Castle where King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once slept

Dining at Thornbury Castle

The restaurant is arranged in two smaller rooms and we were seated by the fire, to order. The menu seems to draw inspiration from both French and English cuisine. Use of excellent local produce is in evidence, with Gloucestershire pork and beef. Also, trout from the chalk streams of the South West and halibut from the coastal waters of Devon and Cornwall.

We shared a starter of Gloucestershire beef served pink and meltingly tender with a delicate garnish of watercress and salsify. For my main course I ordered a delicious fillet of John Dory with artichoke, leek and sorrel garnished with clams and mussels.

My dessert was a caramel parfait with poached rhubarb, a fruit (or is it vegetable?) I love to try rhubarb as soon as I see it on spring menus as it’s such an English flavour.

We could see why Thornbury Castle is such a popular wedding venue. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, perhaps combined with a walk around the gardens. Dining here really was a memorable experience, with the Tudor heritage, royal connections and fine dining using the best of English produce.

Website: Thornbury Castle Hotel and Restaurant | Dinner menu: 2 courses £42, 3 courses £50 plus drinks | Address: Castle Street, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, BS35 1HH | More places to stay in The Cotswolds

Westonbirt Arboretum

On our second day exploring the southern Cotswolds, we spent the morning exploring Westonbirt Arboretum. I’d visited not so long ago for the Enchanted Christmas trail through the woodland.

On a bright, crisp day it was (literally) a breath of fresh air. I decided to explore the Silkwood Trail, heading left from the visitor centre across the STIHL Treetop walkway.

This 300 metre wooden walkway winds through the tree canopy, with views through the treetops and the woodland paths below. We could also look down on the Westonbirt Woodworks, a yard with several timber framed barns. Visitors can watch craftsmen at work on traditional wood crafts, using woods that have fallen or been felled at Westonbirt.

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Along the way, I stopped to read a few of the interpretive panels which brought to life the richness of life in the trees. Did you know that every year trees produce many more buds than they need that may lie dormant as an insurance policy against bad weather? Or, that tree roots are relatively shallow but may extend outward twice the height of the tree?

At the end of the walkway I followed the seasonal winter trail through Silkwood, past wooden sculptures made from fallen trees. Children’s play areas of tree trunks rested on a soft beds of leaves, just waiting to be climbed and walked along.

Silk Wood Barn shelter

We passed the Silk Wood Barn, an open timber shelter for outdoor picnics. Each pillar is carved with words describing wood: adaptable, tolerant, sensuous, forgiving, graceful, dependable, eternal.

In the clearing was another wooden sculpture of a wolf, a playful interpretation of the children’s game “What’s the time Mr Wolf?” and beside the path, the gruffalo sculpture that is part of a family trail through the wood.

Read more: Spectacular autumn colour at Westonbirt Arboretum

Following the winter trail map I’d been given at the entrance, I circled back to the Cafe and learning centre. I passed the cute cottage beside the tree nursery where the trees of the future are being grown. Here you can learn about all the exotic trees that were brought to England by plant collectors over the centuries.

I also recommend that on arrival you ask at the visitor centre for one of their WOW maps. The Window on Westonbirt guides are produced each week and help you find any trees and shrubs of seasonal interest.

It was with the help of the WOW map that I found the beautiful pink Rhododendron “Christmas Cheer.” This early flowering variety was in full bloom behind the Westonbirt café.

Website: Westonbirt Arboretum | Open daily 9am – 4pm | Adults £10 (Reduced in low season) | Address: Westonbirt, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS | Places to stay in The Cotswolds

Visit the Market town of “Royal” Tetbury

Our final stop of the day before heading home to Bristol was in “Royal” Tetbury. This pretty market town was given its title because it’s so close to Highgrove, the home of HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

There are only a couple of main streets, lined with honey stone merchant’s houses that are now filled with antique shops. If you are furnishing a home or just love looking at beautiful old things, Tetbury will be heaven. You can browse the antique shops that each specialise in a different style or period.

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Look out for the fine 17th century Market House in the centre of town. There’s a store room upstairs and space for market stalls under the covered area below.

You might also like to walk past the pretty weaver’s cottages on the cobbled lane of Chipping Steps. Pop into the Highgrove shop that sells Royal themed gifts inspired by the Highgrove gardens and estate owned by the Prince of Wales.

Need somewhere to stay? Check out these hotels in Tetbury

Although our tour of the Southern Cotswolds was just a couple of days, there’s so much more to see. Rolling hills and walking routes, historic country houses and gardens and cosy pubs to sit with a drink by the roaring fire.

It’s a great time to visit in winter and spring, to enjoy this most picturesque of English regions. You’ll avoid the crowds that seem to descend in summer and get a more authentic feel for the charming Cotswolds.

Plan your trip to the Cotswolds

Find more information to plan your trip on the Cotswolds Tourism Website and also follow them on social media: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Need a guide book for the Cotswolds? We recommend The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds

Check out more ideas for luxurious Cotswold breaks and UK getaways from 101 UK Holidays

If you are looking for a guidebook to plan your visit to the Cotswolds, we recommend; The Rough Guide to the Cotswolds

Tours of the Cotswolds

If you don’t want to travel by car or only have a short time available, check out these day tours that will enable you to get a taste of The Cotswolds;

Explore some of the Cotswolds towns and village from Oxford on this small group tour

Explore the Cotswolds from London, with lunch in a country pub and a visit to Blenheim Palace

Take a day’s tour of the Cotswolds from London, visiting picturesque Cotswold villages with a stop for lunch

How to get to the Cotswolds

As much of the Cotswolds is quite rural, we recommend that you use a car to get around and make the most of your short break.

Train: If visiting from other parts of the UK, you can also easily reach the Cotswolds by train from London, Bristol, Wales and the Midlands. The largest Cotswold towns are Cheltenham and Cirencester, although trains stop at many smaller stations.

Walking: There are some excellent walking routes in the Cotswolds including the long distance Cotswolds Way , which can be walked in sections. If you enjoy walking and hiking, why not travel by train and then walk between some of the places we visited on the Cotswold Way or other walking routes.

Airports: If flying in from abroad, you could arrive via London Heathrow or Bristol airport and then travel by train, coach or hire car.

Where to stay in the Cotswolds

We can recommend the following where we stayed or passed by on this trip, or look at all the hotels in the Cotswolds

Whatley Manor – a 5 star luxury country house hotel with spa and Michelin star restaurant

Forthay Bed and Breakfast – a boutique bed and breakfast in a charming 17th century farmhouse

Thornbury Castle – a Tudor Castle turned luxury hotel where you can stay in the same bedroom used by King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn on their honeymoon

Woodchester Valley Winery – stay in en suite guest bedrooms or their holiday homes sleeping 4 and 12 people

Map of the Cotswolds

Use the map of romantic things to do in the Cotswolds to plan your own holiday.

This article was sponsored* by Cotswolds Tourism who arranged the hotel stays and experiences mentioned.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Butch Taylor

Thursday 9th of April 2020

Someday I will see it and the rest of England

Stuart Forster

Wednesday 12th of February 2020

It looks a lovely place to spend a relaxing few days. The food you were served looks very appealing!

Heather Cowper

Thursday 27th of February 2020

@Stuart Thanks, we had a great time!

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

How delightful to have small pavilions across the gardens, seats modelled on Greek temples and, most surprisingly, the gothic Exedra. The gardens are beautiful themselves, but the extra decorative elements make this even more special.

@Hels - It was an interesting garden as quite a different style to the 19th century garden style of herbaceous borders that is more usual in the Cotswolds.

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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Best places to visit in the cotswolds in winter.

As the seasons change and we turn back the clocks, the natural message from mother nature is that now is a time to hunker down, relax and ease into a less hurried pace of life. A visit to the Cotswolds during the winter months is the perfect way to explore a very beautiful part of England without the crowds. 

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do when the weather turns cold here in the Cotswolds.

Afternoon tea at the Lygon Arms in Broadway

Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea sitting by a roaring fire in the history-laden, 600-year surrounds of the Lygon Arms. Afterwards, take a stroll along the tree-lined high street of Broadway , one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. 

Gin and whisky tasting at the Cotswold Distillery

Nestled in beautiful countryside, the Cotswold Distillery crafts a range of single malt whiskies, gins, and liqueurs. Spend a delightful few hours warming the cockles as you sample their tipples, or book one of their masterclasses and blend your own.     

Winter sunsets at Broadway Tower

Perched high on the Cotswold escarpment above the village, Broadway Tower is renowned for its magnificent views. In our humble opinion, these are even better during the winter months when the clear skies glow with colour and the scene could be straight from the pages of a fairy tale with lights twinkling and wood smoke gently rising from the cottages in the valley below.  

Cheltenham races

Regarded as one of the prettiest courses in the country, the Cheltenham Racecourse offers a heady dose of exhilaration and excitement. The winter races can be chilly, especially the New Year’s Day event, so wrap up warm, don your finest tweed and faux-fur, and get ready to mingle with the racing greats.

Winter walks

Although a more general suggestion rather than a place, a Cotswold winter walk with crisp blue skies overhead and a crunchy frost-covered path underfoot is one of the best things you can do. The whole region is crisscrossed with footpaths and walking trails including the Cotswold Way National Trail . Two of our favourites are the Chipping Campden to Broadway walk, which can also be followed as a circular trail and the Painswick to Slad Circular walk. Take a look at our walking guides for more inspiration. 

Painswick Rococo Gardens

Designed more than 300 years ago, Painswick is the last surviving rococo garden in the UK. During January and February, the gardens are famed for the glorious carpet of snowdrops blanketing the woodland glades and steep banks in swathes of pure white and vivid green. After a dusting of snow, the gardens are even more beautiful. 

Batsford and Westonbirt Arboretums

Blow the cobwebs away with a winter wander through the magnificent arboretums at Batsford , close to Broadway and Moreton-in-Marsh , and Westonbirt , within touching distance of Tetbury . The glades of trees are transformed into magical winter wonderlands, and, after a brisk stroll, you can warm up with steaming hot chocolate and a fat slice of cake from the café. 

A Cotswold pub

It wouldn’t be fair to pick a favourite pub , that would be a bit like picking a favourite child. The following however are some of the cosiest around with open fires, wooden beams, bucket-loads of character and offer a very warm welcome from the chill outside. The Five Alls in Filkins is a fabulous 18th century coaching inn with leather chesterfields and log fires , whilst the traditional village settings of both the Kings Head at Bledington and the Fleece Inn in Bretforton are hard to beat. The Wild Rabbit in Kingham and Churchill Arms in Paxford add superb food into the mix. 

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Keep the family entertained on a cold day with a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens . Home to one of the UK’s largest zoological collections, the park provides a home for more than 260 different species of animals, many of which are endangered in the wild. It sits in 160 acres of landscaped parklands and gardens. Enjoy the opportunity to explore this wonderful space with far fewer people around.

Fat Squirrel 

Spend some time with your loved ones in the great outdoors courtesy of the utterly fabulous Fat Squirrel Outdoor Co . Master the art of bushcraft, axe throwing and archery, and then once you’ve conquered the campfire it’s time to gather around it and toast marshmallows.  

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7 cosy Cotswolds winter hideaways

From oliver cromwell’s favourite retreat to the home of a scandalous beauty, check into one of these historic inns for a cotswolds winter break you’ll never forget.

The Cotswolds is a picturesque region of rolling hills, winding rivers and pretty medieval villages that extends across six English counties. And a Cotswolds winter break will be sure to wipe the cobwebs away.

It’s an area that offers the English idyll, attracting famous guests through the years – several of TS Eliot’s poems were inspired by his visits, Peter Pan author  JM Barrie  would spend his summers in the north Cotswolds and King Charles III even owns a house here.

Constructed from honey-coloured limestone, many of these hamlets have protected status, making them a magnet for film and TV crews, who flock here to shoot period dramas ranging from Tess of the D’Urbervilles to Downton Abbey . If you’re looking for somewhere to bed down for the night then you can stay in one of the region’s many historic houses. Atmospheric, cosy and welcoming, these properties are the perfect place for a Cotswolds winter hideaway.

The Old Swan & Minster Mill, Oxfordshire

This 600-year-old inn, set in a small Cotswolds village, offers charming rooms within its centuries-old walls. The Old Swan is believed to be haunted by the ghost of Yorkist Francis Lovell, who went into hiding here after the Battle of Bosworth , and whose skeleton was said to have been discovered several centuries later.

Ellenborough Park, Gloucestershire

This old mansion – scene of much scandal during Queen Victoria’s reign when its owner Edward Law, soon to become the first Earl of Ellenborough, married society beauty Jane Digby, who went on to have a string of scandalous affairs – is now a luxurious hotel.

The Lamb Inn, Burford, Oxfordshire

Originally built in 1420 as a collection of weavers’ cottages, this is as cosy an inn as one could imagine, retaining many original features such as flagstone floors and Gothic windows. The pub serves traditional dishes and real English ales on tap, perfect for a cosy winter’s evening.

Owlpen Manor, Gloucestershire

Set in a beautiful Cotswolds valley, this Tudor manor is said to be haunted by the ghost of Queen Margaret of Anjou , wife of King Henry VI , who has been spotted wandering along the Great Chamber. Today it offers a selection of lovely cottages within its grounds.

The Swan Hotel, Bibury, Gloucestershire

Stay in this enchanting hotel housed in a former 17th-century coaching inn (though most of the buildings were remodelled in the 19th century) in the pretty village of Bibury, described by Arts and Crafts pioneer William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England.”

Buckland Manor, near Broadway, Worcestershire

Dating back to the 13th century and recorded in the Domesday Book, this is a quintessential country house hotel with antique fixtures and fittings where you’ll be greeted on arrival by smartly dressed maids who rush forward to help you with your luggage before guiding you, through high raftered halls, to your elegant room.

The Castle Inn Hotel, Castle Combe, Wiltshire

This ancient building, which retains much of its 12th-century character, is located in the picturesque village of Castle Combe, a popular film location, and was supposedly where the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell came to escape the stress of courtly life in the 17th century.

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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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Things To Do In The Cotswolds In Winter

by Daniel Knowles | Oct 3, 2023 | Blog , Winter

Whether you are lucky enough to live in the beautiful Cotswolds and are looking for things to entertain you this winter, or you are planning a break to the countryside, there are plenty of great things going on in the Cotswolds this winter to get involved in.

From exploring the beautiful countryside that this part of the country is famous for, to visiting the picture-perfect towns and villages and getting festive at the Christmas markets, there will be plenty to keep you happy.

We’ve selected our top 5 things to do in the Cotswolds this winter right here.

1. Visit The Cotswold Distillery

Escape the chilly winter air of the Cotswolds this winter, into this gorgeous Cotswold distillery that is nestled in the beautiful countryside in  Shipston-on-Stour. The Cotswold Distillery offers you a rare opportunity to see a range of different spirits being made. You’ll either need to drive to this lovely spot by car or you can take a train to Banbury Station and jump in a taxi from there.

From single malt whiskey to gins and liquors, the Cotswold Distillery lovingly makes the drinks from start to finish and if you book a tour before you travel here they will happily show you around. The guided tours give a detailed account of how the spirits are crafted and the hard work that goes into each and every bottle of drink.

At the end of the tour snuggle down in their cozy tasting room and sample the range on offer before deciding whether to take any spirits home with you. The tours run from Monday to Saturday 9-5 pm and Sunday 11-4 pm and do make sure to call ahead before just turning up to avoid disappointment.

2. Visit Malmesbury Abbey

Malmesbury itself is a simply beautiful Cotswold town in the county of Wiltshire with loads going on from gorgeous boutique stores to shop in, to amazing places to eat and drink, and we absolutely love visiting the stunning Abbey in Malmesbury too. With approximately 65,000 visitors coming through the Abbey each year it is a popular spot and you’ll see why.

Rich in history, this 12th-century Abbey will take you on a journey back through time and still has frequent services going on so if you do like to go to church then why not combine a tour this winter in the Cotswolds with a service too? There is a lovely cafe that is open during the weekdays for a coffee or a bite to eat and there is also a gorgeous bookshop to browse. Once you’ve spent time at the Abbey why not wander into Malmesbury itself and go for a walk or grab lunch at one of the abundance of cosy pubs which are sure to have a nice hot fire roaring through those winter months?

3. Upton House and Gardens

Upton House and Gardens is a lovely day out in the Cotswolds this winter although only open at weekends through the colder months. Lord Bearsted made Upton his family home back in 1927 and set about creating the perfect place to live. Explore the house with its fashionable tastes of the day.

The gardens are the perfect place to explore on a crisp winter day, with an Aster collection of 100 varieties, a bog garden, and an orchard that will be bare during those harsh winter months but drip fruit when the cold seasons end. The whole family is welcome to visit Upton in the Cotswolds this winter, from little people running around in wellies to the older generation strolling quietly around enjoying the views. Once you’ve enjoyed exploring the house and gardens head for the Pavillion restaurant for a bite to eat or grab yourself a Christmas treat from the shop.

4. Visit the Christmas Markets

If you do find yourself in the Cotswolds this winter then a visit to the local Christmas markets is a total must and if you can catch some lights being turned on then you’ll definitely be put into the Christmas spirit. There is an abundance of Christmas markets to choose from but some of our firm favourites include Bath, Cheltenham, Chipping Campden, and Cirencester.

You’ll find that some of the larger markets offer ice skating and a Santa’s Grotto for the kids and you can enjoy a nice Apres-skate mulled wine from one of the many stalls. Get your Christmas shopping ticked off the list and enjoy a lovely family day out.

5. Sudeley Castle Spectacle of Light

Prepared to be wowed at the annual Spectacle of Light taking place at stunning Sudeley castle in the beautiful town of Winchcombe in the Cotswolds. Experience the night-time magic of Sudeley through the illuminated trails that depict Alice in Wonderland theme this year. Children and adults alike will love this truly gorgeous event at Sudeley which ends on the terrace where you can drink mulled wine and tuck into some lovely food.

If you are in the Cotswolds this winter and fancy going to this magical experience then be sure to book tickets before arriving as it can get busy.

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Last Minute Trips

2025 dates now live, september 26, 2023, destination: cotswolds, in this article, best winter walks in the cotswolds.

Boasting charming villages, rolling hills and plenty of cosy pubs to warm your rosy cheeks and fires to thaw out your hands, the Cotswolds is a winter wonderland for walkers.

Spanning over 780 square miles and covering six counties, whether you want a short ramble or a long hike, the routes are endless – one of the many great reasons to visit the Cotswolds .

So grab your woolly hat and gloves, and a good pair of walking boots, and let’s explore some of the best winter walks in the Cotswolds.

1. Rollright Stones Circular

The Rollright Stones is a beautiful off-road route, which begins in Salford, near Chipping Norton. It follows a section of Shakespeare’s Way to the Rollright Stones, a group of three ancient sites that date back to the Bronze Age: The King’s Men, the Whispering Knights burial chamber, and the single King Stone.

A well-marked route, which ends back in Salford, where you can warm up and have some refreshments. It can get muddy in fall and winter, so sturdy walking boots are recommended. 

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

Starts & ends: Salford (near Chipping Norton)

2. Slad Valley Circular

A scenic woodland route, which takes you through Longridge Wood, High Wood, Catswood, and Snow’s Farm Nature Reserve. 

The signage and phone signal isn’t great among the trees, so we recommend downloading the route before you go.

Distance: 5.25 miles (8.4km)

Starts & ends : Bull’s Cross (near Painswick)

3. Little Solsbury Hill Circular

If you find yourself near Bath this winter, there are plenty of trails to explore from the centre of town.

This 4-mile circular walk takes you to the top of Little Solsbury Hill. It has around 230m of elevation, which is worth it for the beautiful views of the city.

You can easily extend this route too, as there are many northern Cotswolds paths, which intersect at the top.

Distance: 3.9 miles (6.4km)

Starts & ends: Bath

4. Cleeve Common Circular

A moderately challenging walk to the highest point in the Cotswolds, Cleeve Hill, and the surrounding woods . Enjoy breathtaking views, dabble in a little history at the old hillfort, and look out for grazing livestock (if it isn’t too cold for them).

There’s a car park at the beginning of the route, too.

Distance : 5.4miles (8.7 km)

Starts & ends: Cleeve Hill Car Park (near Cleeve Hill Golf Club)

5. Box Wood Circular

An easily accessible route by public transport, this walk starts by Weighbridge Inn bus station heads to Box and then follows the beautiful Box Woodlands.

There’s a small climb up Culver Hill, before dropping down into the small market town of Minchinhampton and back to the bus station.

Distance: 5.1 miles (8.25 km)

Starts & ends: Weighbridge Inn Bus Station

6. The Winchcombe Way 

The Winchcombe Way is a 42-mile (67 km) figure-of-eight route, which weaves in and out of the beautiful northern Cotswolds. 

The route starts in the town of Winchcombe and passes a number of iconic sites like Belas Knap, Cleeve Hill (the highest point in the Cotswolds), and Snowshill Manor. 

It’s a long route, so split it up, staying in Winchcombe and doing one loop each day.

Distance: 42 miles (67 km)

Starts & ends: Winchcombe

7. Winchcombe & Belas Knap

If a 42-mile route is a little long for a winter walk, this 5-mile one might be more the order of the day.

It takes in the beautiful town of Winchcombe and up to Belas Knap – a Neolithic long barrow dating back to the 1800s – and Sudeley Castle, the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds.

8. Sapperton Valley Circular

This walk has a bit of everything: paths, roads, farmland, woodlands and even a stretch along the River Frome. An added bonus is that it starts and finishes at The Bell pub, the perfect place to warm up and refuel.

Distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)

Starts & ends: The Bell at Sapperton 

9. Broadway Tower Circular 

This enchanting 4-mile walk leads you through the high street of Broadway and along the historic tracks to Broadway Tower. The views are spectacular, reaching across the Severn Vale and to Wales.

If you’re an early bird, or someone keen on grabbing a great photo, it’s worth doing the walk at first light for those beautiful, uninterrupted hazy winter morning views.

Distance: 4 miles (6.4km)

Starts & ends: Broadway

10. Bourton-on-the-Water Circular Walk

One of the most popular Cotswolds villages , Bourton-on-the-Water is famous for its small stone bridges over the River Windrush, which flows through the centre of the village.

This circular walk is 10 miles long and takes in many delights such as the River Eye, Warden’s Way, the Old Mill at Lower Slaughter where there’s a lovely riverside cafe, and finishes back in the beautiful town.

There are plenty of bakeries, pubs and cafes to warm up afterwards.

Planning a winter walking tour in the Cotswolds, take a look at our 5-day-, 4-night tour . Or to see the very best that the area has to offer on foot at other times of the year, check out our range of guided and self-guided walking tours .

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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 best things to do in the Cotswolds

Stretching across the counties of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset, the Cotswolds is perfect for a weekend break in the UK and also heaving with A-listers with country retreats – though don't assume you will see any of them, there is plenty of space to hide between the rolling hills and creamy-stone villages full of fabulous antique stores and cheese shops. Here we outline our favourite spots to visit and the best things to do in the Cotswolds.

How many days are enough for the Cotswolds?

Lots of visitors cover impressive ground in the Cotswolds over a weekend, but to make the most of this beautiful corner of England , we recommend at least three days, if not four or five. With more time to kill, you can see more villages, pack more into your itinerary and spend longer lingering in cosy pubs and restaurants .

What is the best time of year to visit the Cotswolds?

Peak summer is the busiest time of year for tourism here – days are long, the weather is warm and the sun should be shining, which makes tramping along walking paths and sitting in beer gardens all the more inviting. Spring is gorgeous for seeing flora and fauna, while in autumn, the falling leaves paint everything a gorgeous golden hue. And, without sitting too firmly on the fence, winter is special as well – seeing these storybook places in a blanket of snow is a fairytale experience.

1. Walk the Cotswold Way

This National Trail starts in Chipping Campden and trickles down for 100 miles ending in Bath . It’s suitable for walkers of all levels – whether you plan on covering the whole lot in a few days or breaking it up throughout a few weekends, there is no shortage of epic views, lovely places to eat and things to do. The official guide breaks the route into 15 sections, which include the six-mile path from Chipping Campden to Broadway, at the beginning of the Cotswolds Way, and the nine-mile route from Birdlip to Painswick, which passes through beech woodlands, through Copper’s Hill (where the famous Cotswolds cheese rolling competition takes place each May) and Painswick’s Rococo Garden. Pick a section to do, or take on the full path over seven to 10 days.

2. Visit the prettiest villages

Picturesque towns and villages speckle the 787 square miles that make up the Cotswolds – buildings carved from honeyed stone folded into the hills, surrounding dinky rivers and centuries-old town squares. Hopping between them is a charming way to spend a day here; start in Bourton-on-the-Water, where 18th-century bridges link the two banks of the River Windrush, or Castle Combe, a hamlet built in the 16th-century with leading lady qualities (the village has been used as a filming location in period shows and films such as  Bridgerton ). We like Lower Slaughter for its pretty mill and tiny waterways and Painswick for its walking routes and annual arts festival.

3. See film and TV sets in real life

Tramping through the Cotswolds, even as a first-time visitor, you’ll chance upon scenes you’re certain you’ve seen before. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been used in countless films and TV shows, from fantasy productions such as  Harry Potter  (Gloucester Cathedral was used to film scenes at Hogwarts in most of the films) and  Stardust  (filmed in Castle Coombe) to period shows such as  Bridgerton  (Badminton House stands in for Clyvedon Castle, where Daphne and Simon live once they’re married in season 1).

4. Cosy up at the pub

Is there anything more quintessentially English than a country pub ? The Cotswolds does British boozers really well – and, when the weather inevitably turns, there’s nowhere better to cosy up next to a roaring fire with a pint of something local. The Bell at Langford is a cool reimagining of an old-school drinking den, with striking blue walls and traditional flagstone flooring, The Wild Rabbit at Kingham is textbook posh pub with an elevated menu, and The Porch House at Stow-on-the-Wold is the place to book for a slap-up Sunday roast .

5. Peek inside a country pile

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Cotswolds became affluent due to the money made from the wool trade. The result was the construction of stately manors, churches and palaces which still stand today. Now, many are open to the public or have been turned into grand dame Cotswolds hotels . Berkeley Castle was built in the 12th century – a Norman fortress with an enclosing wall. Stanway Castle, meanwhile, is a Jacobean manor house with a very pretty garden. The show stealer is Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only non-royal country house in England to have the title of palace which was the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill.

6. Go antique shopping

The Cotswolds is well loved for shopping – for organic produce, homewares and antiques. At Blighty Antiques in Twigworth, where you'll discover quirky country house pieces from beautiful mirrors and furniture to lighting. Tetbury is dotted with antique stores – Amy Perry Antiques has hand-dyed linens, glass vases and distressed chests of drawers, while Lorfords Antiques is a blow-the-budget showroom.

7. Relax at a world-class spa

It makes sense that the Cotswolds – with its beautiful views and serene, slower pace of life – is home to a smattering of smart spas. At Thyme , a village-like hotel, the Meadow Spa has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool and a curated list of probiotic treatments in partnership with Aurelia London. Calcot Spa , meanwhile, offers Elemis facials, massages and reflexology.

8. Go to a festival

All that green, open space is ripe for the picking when it comes to festival season. There are splashy music festivals such as Wilderness to bag tickets to (the 2024 line up is yet to be announced). Food and drink festivals include the Cotswold Beer Festival and The Big Feastival (where globally renowned chefs such as James Cochran and Clare Smyth can often be spotted wandering the grounds). And there are more niche festivals to get stuck into, too – Barn on the Farm spotlights folk music, for example.

9. Go on a hot air balloon

One of the most enticing things to do when visiting the Cotswolds is soaking up the region’s glorious vistas by hiking across rolling hills and sweeping valleys. The best way to get the lay of the land? From above – by way of a hot air balloon. Wake up early to catch the sunrise as you rise above the towns and villages, and golden light bathes the patchwork of lush green fields and gorgeous Cotswolds stone buildings. Virgin Balloons offer flights from various locations, including Evesham, Shipston-on-Stour, Evesham, Tewkesbury and Prestbury, taking guests on tours across some of the Cotswolds’ most iconic villages.

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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

Photograph: Shutterstock

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. 

RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds 🌾 The best places to visit in the UK 🥾 The best hikes in the UK

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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

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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,

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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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14 Best Places In The Cotswolds You Should Visit

The Cotswolds is still one of my favourite areas in England to explore! Imagine, rolling green hills, quaint little villages and a huge amount of history. There are so many places in the Cotswolds that you’ll almost be spoilt for choice.

And you know what, that’s what I love most – there’s a surprise around every winding road. Over the years, I’ve visited the Cotswolds around four or five times, each time exploring some new picturesque hamlet or village that’s nestled in the region.

Now, whether it’s your first, fifth or fiftieth time exploring the pretty spots in England , I’d always recommend a little gallivant to the Cotswolds. It is a stunning place.

That being said, it can be tricky to narrow down the little villages and places in the Cotswolds to visit, especially on a shorter trip.

That’s why I wanted to show you some of my firm favourites to see. Some are larger villages , some smaller towns and some are just countryside spots, but what they all have in common is they are some of the best places in the Cotswolds to explore.

Take a look below at some of the best places in the Cotswolds to explore. You’ll have an epic time visiting England. 

Nestled on the banks of the River Coln, Bibury is a gorgeous little village that has one of the most famous streets in all of the Cotswolds, Arlington Row .

Famed for its crooked little cottages, you’ll feel like you’ve been thrown back a few centuries to a time gone by. Arlington Row is just stunning.

Though be warned, it can be a little busy during the day so plan your visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s a little quieter.

Once you’re here, pop into the Catherine Wheel which serves up some piping hot British pub grub that I’m almost sure you’ll enjoy. Just make sure to leave some room for sticky toffee pudding.

Read more on finding Arlington Row

2.) Stow-on-the-Wold

The market town of Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the best places in the Cotswolds to visit that’s perched right on top of a hill.

Once you’re here, make sure St Edward’s Church, see the Fosse Gallery and pop over to the Farmer’s Market that’s held every second Thursday of the month. For a yummy bite to eat, pop into Lucy’s Tearoom for some freshly baked scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Oh, and relatively close by is the stunning (Jacobean) Chastleton House which was built in the early 17th Century. It’s a great place to visit for an afternoon, especially if you want to see a historic house that has been left untouched by modern life.

3.) Kingham

Around 4 miles from Chipping Norton, Kingham is a tiny little village that has hundreds of people living there. Once you’ve arrived, make sure to pop into The Kingham Plough for a tasty lunch and see St. Andrew’s Church (yep, there are quite a few of these in the Cotswolds).

4.) Naunton

Based on the River Windrush, Naunton is a sleepy little village that’s a perfect stop-off point as you venture further towards Stow-on-the-World.  To get one of the best views of Naunton, climb (or ramble) the hill which overlooks the village itself.

There’s been evidence of a village here since the Doomsday Book recorded it as Niwetone (almost 1,000 years ago), which means there’s lots of history to soak up. If you visit on a Sunday, pop into The Black Horse Inn for a yummy roast dinner.

5.) Castlecombe

About 5 miles from Chippenham, Castlecombe is one of the best places in the Cotswolds to visit, which is split into two parts.

Firstly, explore the narrow valley of the By Brook then head towards Upper Castle Combe that’s quite a bit higher up.

Once you’re here, make sure to check out the Market Cross and St. Andrew’s Church, before heading for a stroll in this almost fairytale-like English village.

Read more: The most quaint places in England to visit

6.) Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden is one of the picturesque places in the Cotswolds that’s perched on its northern fringes.

When you visit here make sure to visit the wool church as well as the historic marketplace that has been covered way back since the 17 th century.

Look to see if you can find the marker stone that signifies the start of the long-distance footpath of the Cotswold Way, it’s a great place to go on a ramble or trek through the countryside.

If that’s not your thing, take a stroll around the town and visit the Old Silk Mill located on Sheep Street and the Court Barn Museum. Set in a 17th-century farm building shows local arts and crafts that are perfect to visit, especially if the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Oh, and for a tasty lunch, pop into Badger’s Hall Tea Room who have the best afternoon tea in town!

7.) Broadway

A few miles south-west of Chipping Campden is the village of Broadway . It is one of the best places in the Cotswolds to explore, especially id you want to see one of the larger villages in the area.

Once here, make sure to pop over to the Broadaway Tower which was built way back in the 18th Century as a spot to view beacons that were lit on special occasions.

Also, make sure to explore Snowshill Manor, which was built in the 16th Century. Once inside, you’ll see a treasure trove of artefacts from all over the world. If you need somewhere to rest your head, check out the gorgeous and historical Abbots Grange Hotel.

Read more: What to see in Broadway

8.) Bourton-on-the-Water

Perched on the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best places in the Cotswolds to explore ‘ye olde England’.

With a heap of historical properties (dating hundreds of years back), it really is a stunning place to walk around and spend a few hours discovering its hidden gems.

Once you’re here, make sure to spot the tiny little bridges across the river, too.  Oh, and you can visit the quaintest model village that’s been in the town for decades. If all that exploring has your tummy rumbling, pop into Bakery on the Water which we went to on our last visit.

They have the best pasties (a little like a meat pie) and buns that are so yummy.

Read more: What to see at Bourton-on-the-Water

9.) The Slaughters

The Slaughters (upper and lower) are two tiny twin villages that are picturesque and some of the best places in the Cotswolds to experience a quieter way of life.

Now, don’t be fooled by the pretty macabre name, It has nothing to do with the modern interpretation of the word.

Historically, it is the Anglo-Saxon word for mud that was used to describe this area way back when.

Once here, make sure to explore the Old Mill Museum and take a stroll between the little cobbled streets that make this place so special.

Read more: What to see around the Slaughters

10.) Burford

Burford is one of the Cotswold’s smaller medieval towns that’s perched on the River Windrush (similar to Bourton-on-the-Water).

Standing at the top of Burford’s High Street will give you a pretty good view of how many medieval buildings are actually in this town.

While you are visiting, make sure you visit the Tudor market house of Robert Reavley (number 124). It’s the oldest pharmacy in England It has existed here since 1734. Oh, and make sure to pop into the Tolsey Museum and see local artefacts from the region.

If you’re looking for some proper pub grub, head into The Royal Oak and make the best homemade pies.

Burford really is one of the best places in the Cotswolds to explore, especially on a sunny day.

11.) Painswick

Around 8 miles south of Glocester, Painswick is a gorgeous town of steeply winding streets that is stunning.

Once here, you should visit the Church of St. Mary; it was built in the 14 th century and has lines of yew trees. There are 99 trees and there is a local legend that the devil will not allow more than that (who knows why?).

Also, if you feel like a little ramble, walk part of the Cotswold Way as the footpath passes through the village and carries on further into the countryside. If you’re hankering for a bite to eat, pop into Falcon Inn for a classic Sunday roast.

12.) Tetbury

Tetbury was a somewhat accidental find whilst we were scouting some new spots to explore. Thankfully, our last trip remedied this when we decided to stay a few nights in Tetbury itself.

Perched in the southern part of the Cotswolds, Tetbury is one of those quaint English towns that seems to have a little bit of everything. 

Whilst wandering around Tetbury, make sure to see Chipping Steps, a rather higgledy-piggledy street (filled with the quaintest houses) that’s so beautiful.

For a stunning and quintessentially English place to stay, pop into The Royal Oak Tetbury (where we stayed). They have the most gorgeous rooms.

Oh, and if you’re travelling from the west, pop into  The Wild Duck Inn in Ewen , they have some of the nicest food in the area (and some of the best Scotch eggs I’ve tried). Also, if you have time (and it’s a sunny day), head over to  Westonbirt Arboretum  for a little wander through the forests.

Read more: What to do in Tetbury

13.) Lacock 

Lacock is one of the gorgeous places in the Cotswolds that actually might feel quite familiar to you?

Over the last few years, Lacock has featured in a few big movies which have been shot on the pretty little lanes (Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, to name a few).

Once you’re here, make sure to explore Lacock Abbey, the historic home of Henry Fox Talbot (the inventor of the photographic negative). Also, make sure to see the 600-year-old tithe barn and head to King John’s Hunting Lodge for one of the best lemon drizzle cakes around. 

Read more: What to see whilst in Lacock

14.) Winchcombe

Filled with Jacobean mansions, an ancient church (decorated with medieval gargoyles) and Victorian almshouses, Winchcombe is a beautiful town to explore.

Winchcombe’s origin dates way back to Saxon England where it was once a key meeting point of 5 ancient trails. Even today, these trails can be followed, especially if you’re a keen rambler. Just make sure to take one of the short trails (that can get steep) towards the Neolithic tomb of Belas Knap.

Also, whilst you’re in the area, pop over to Sudeley Castle, with its grand banqueting halls and gardens. It has had many owners during its lifetime including the last of Henry VIII’s six wives, Katherine Parr.

Just remember that it’s often closed in the winter months between December to February.

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What to do in the Cotswolds in Winter

The Cotswolds is a beautiful region of the UK to visit at any time of the year, but during the coldest months it becomes a true winter wonderland.

The UK’s long winter nights makes many of us want to wrap up warm and stay inside, but those that make the effort to venture out are rewarded. On the run up to Christmas the region becomes covered with beautiful twinkling lights, with special events taking place at spectacular venues across the Cotswolds, including stately homes.

And even when the weather’s at its worst, you’ve still got the pleasure of getting cosy in some of the UK’s most pretty country pubs. There you can grab a mulled wine and a blanket, and curl up in front of a roaring fire.

Things to do in the Cotswolds in Winter

We asked our favourite bloggers based in the Cotswolds to offer their tips on the events not to miss during winter and here’s what they came up with…

Blenheim Lights

Tara from Cotswold Tara

After the final embers of bonfire night fireworks have burnt out, it’s hard to motivate the family to leave the house after 4pm. The winter nights draw in earlier and earlier, and nighttime seems to begin sometime after lunch.

Cue Christmas at Blenheim , the perfect antidote for dark winter nights. After a welcoming mulled wine or hot chocolate in your commemorative mug, you are free to walk through the fully immersive light display that spans the formal gardens of this historic Cotswold institution.

The festive display will put you firmly in the Christmas spirit, with stunning snowflakes and giant baubles filling the ancient trees. There’s a welcome pitstop halfway round with a range of chalets offering refreshments: our 2017 favourites were artisan marshmallows to roast on open fire pits – delicious! The final leg of the tour included stunning projections onto the old stables and a walk through drop light area, which is perfect for that Instagram-worthy Christmas card picture!

If you’re not ready for the night to end, returning to the courtyard gives you an opportunity to enjoy the gift shop and a warming stew to send you on your way.

One final tip – on your way around the lights, be sure to keep an eye out for Santa and his elves, you never know where you might find them…

Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle

Lucy from – www.ontheluce.com

Sudeley Castle is one of the Cotswolds’ historic gems. This castle near Winchcombe has a royal history going back 1,000 years and its chapel is the final resting place Henry VIII’s last wife Katherine Parr. Now a private home, it’s a fascinating place to visit at any time of year, but on winter evenings it gets an extra dose of sparkle for the Spectacle of Light.

The first Spectacle of Light event was held in 2016 and it’s quickly become a Cotswolds Christmas tradition. Over 20,000 LED lights are used to illuminate the castle, chapel and gardens, painting them with bright colours and sparkling lights. You follow paths through trees hanging with lanterns and glitter balls, tunnels of fairy lights and glowing fountains reflected in the water below. And you can warm your hands up with a mulled wine or a hot chocolate along the way.

Each year the lights and music used for the event are completely different, so you never know what to expect. This year’s Spectacle of Light is being held on 8–9, 13–23 and 27–30 December 2018 and is based on the story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, so it’s a magical way for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit.

New Years Day racing at Cheltenham Racecourse

The festive season is well known as a time to wrap up, stay inside and overindulge by the fire.

Nothing blows away the cobwebs like an afternoon at the home of jump racing, Cheltenham Racecourse. Don your tweed, fill up the hip flasks and get 2019 off to a flying start with a full card of nine races, usually starting around midday.

For those with a clear head or bringing the family, the gates open at 10:30 so why not make a fully day of it? Before the first race, take a walk through the hall of fame to learn about the historic runners and riders at Cheltenham, as well as the Family Fun Zone, which this year will include a visit from Paw Patrol!

To stay warm between races, make sure to take shelter in the Arkle Bar for a flavour of ‘classic Cheltenham’, or enjoy the stunning Princess Royal stand, completed in 2015. This stand is also home to the Owners and Trainers Enclosure so be sure to keep an eye out for jump racing ‘royalty’ when in the vicinity.

Whether you’re a seasoned race-goer or you don’t know your furlongs from your fetlocks, you cannot help but be captivated by the magic of Cheltenham Races.

Want more Cotswolds inspiration? Then why not check out our guide to the Best of the Cotswolds or have a look at our rundown of the best spots to visit during Autum n .

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By day Co-Editor Keri is a freelance journalist and copywriter, but spends most of her free time either travelling or planning her next trip!  A complete travel fanatic, she has a love of tropical climates, wildlife and afternoon tea (hence the creation of her Global Afternoon Tea Challenge!)

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25 comments, cristina - memories of the pacific.

Those night photos are beautiful! I’d love to see the Spectacle of Light

Me too – I think I have my winter all planned out now! 😉

It’s been years since I last celebrated the holidays in the Cotswolds, but I couldn’t agree more with you (though usually, we also made time for a day of shopping in the big smoke). #FarawayFiles

Ah you can’t beat a London xmas shopping trip though, I totally understand!

beatravelling

Off to London soon, and I’ve been having Cotswolds on the list for my next trip, whenever that would be, and now I am wondering if November would not be the best of times. Thanks for input/inspiration! #farawayfiles

Hope you make it there sometime!

We visited the Cotswolds last winter, but weren’t able to stay long enough to see the lights and now I’m realizing what we missed. Next time we must stay longer. Thank you for sharing these delightful wintery ideas on #farawayfiles

Always good to have an excuse to go back! 😉

Kids of the Wild

Looks fab, my parents live in Broadway but we’ve not done any of those things in winter. The Sudeley lights look gorgeous. Quite different from the summer rose gardens! #FarawayFiles

Ah its easy to miss the things on your doorstep. I hope this post inspires you guys to do one or two of these things…

I love Cotswolds. It is one of the favourite places of mine. I have had such wonderful winter times in Cotswolds. This post of yours reminded me of lovely time spent. Beautiful photos and loved the post . Thank you so much for sharing this post.

Lovely to hear Usha, so happy to hear this brought back good memories 🙂

All the lights at the castle — spectacular! I visited the Cotswolds once and I would go back in a minute. Looks like the holidays add a lot of charm, too.

It does indeed! Hope you make it back x

I’d love to visit it in any season:) #theweeklypostcard

Yep, the Cotswolds is beautiful all year round to be fair!

Lisa | Handmade in Israel

How beautiful! Sudeley Castle looks magical! #TheWeeklyPostcard

I still need to visit the Cotswolds! I would love to see them all decked out in the Christmas decorations and have some mulled wine in one of the pubs. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.

Do it. Do it! 😉

Kathleen (Kat) (@katpegimana)

Cotswolds looks so pretty in twinkling lights! It’s interesting to know that there are a number of things that one can do during the winter in Cotswolds though the weather could be a deterrent 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard

Ah but Kat, there’s lots of lovely pubs with cosy fires to warm up in!

RobRob @TravelLatte(.net)

We love holiday light displays, and can only imagine how great it would be at a castle! That, plus Blenheim Lights would definitely be tops on our list. Great ideas – and photos! #TheWeeklyPostcard

Glad you enjoyed this Rob!

I love recommendations from locals. They always know more than the tourists. The light displays are always beautiful, but in winter they seem to have a special charm. It may be because we are all in the spirit of Christmas. The Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle looks particularly beautiful. #TheWeeklyPostcard

So true, that’s why I love putting together guides like this!

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The best places to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds

By Author Lucy Dodsworth

Posted on Last updated: 12 March 2024

After dark, cold days and the post-Christmas lull, the first snowdrops peeking out from the ground are a sign that spring is on its way. With blooms normally peaking in late January and February, these pretty winter flowers add a bit of brightness to a winter day. So if you want to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds , here are our pick of seven of the region’s top snowdrop gardens for 2024.

Where to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds

Colesbourne Park

Located halfway between Cheltenham and Cirencester, Colesbourne Park has been described as ‘England’s greatest snowdrop garden’ and is one of the best-known places to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds. The estate boasts over 350 varieties of snowdrop which are spread over ten acres of traditional country garden, and are opened up to the public each January/February.

Colesbourne Park has been home to the Elwes family for centuries, and Henry John Elwes started the snowdrop collection when he discovered a new species – christened Galanthus Elwesii – in Turkey in 1874. Since then the family have kept adding to the collection and have created their own hybrid snowdrop species, meaning a real mix of shapes, sizes and colours on display.

Colesbourne’s snowdrops are spread through the different sections of the gardens, with a formal garden, ice house and wood all scattered with white blooms. You can also visit St James’ church in the estate grounds and buy snowdrops bulbs and plants from their plant stall.

Colesbourne Park is open from 1pm–4pm on 27–28 January, 3–4, 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25 February 2024. Entry costs £10 adults/free for children under 16. Dogs on leads welcome.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Tucked away in a hidden valley on the outskirts of Painswick you’ll find the Painswick Rococo Garden. It was created in the 1740s as pleasure garden to entertain guests, with follies and a maze built among the greenery. Later fashions changed but it was restored to its former glory using a painting by a local artist and is now the only complete Rococo garden in England.

The Rococo Garden has over five million snowdrops, creating a swathe of white flowers running through the Snowdrop Grove. Among them are some more unusual varieties like Galanthus Atkinsii , which was discovered here in the 1800s by James Atkins who lived on the estate.

The snowdrops are normally on display from late January to early March, but you can check their website and social media accounts for updates on the latest snowdrop status.

Painswick Rococo Garden is open daily 10am–5pm from Saturday 20 January 2024. Entry costs £10.50 adults/£9.40 over 60s/£6.60 students/£4.90 children under 16. Dogs on leads welcome.

Cerney House Gardens

The gardens of Cerney House north of Cirencester are one of the Cotswolds’ hidden gems. This romantic Victorian walled garden was raved about by Country Living magazine as being ‘what most people aspire to in their gardens – and few achieve’. The garden is attached to a manor house owned by the Angus family and surrounded by 40 acres of parkland and woodland trails.

The gardens are open to visitors throughout the year. In February you can see snowdrops scattered through the gardens and carpeting the woods. And later in spring daffodils and bluebells start to appear. There are also plants for sale and self-service refreshments available.

Cerney House Gardens are open daily 10am–7pm. Entry costs £6 adults/£1 children under 15. Dogs on leads welcome.

Batsford Arboretum

With the country’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world, Batsford Arboretum near Moreton-in-Marsh might be most famous for its gorgeous spring blossoms and autumn leaves , but it puts on a fantastic display of snowdrops in winter too.

The arboretum covers 56 acres, with a sea of snowdrops running along the banks of a stream and beneath the trees. You can also see other colourful winter plants like aconites, crocuses and hellibores. And there’s a winter trail to follow for younger visitors. There’s also a garden centre and shop, and the refurbished Garden Terrace Café serves locally sourced food and drinks.

Batsford Arboretum is open 9.30am–5pm daily (10am–5pm on Sundays). Entry costs £9 adults/£8.10 over 66s and students/£3.15 children under 16. Dogs on leads welcome.

Rodmarton Manor

In between Cirencester and Tetbury , Grade I-listed Rodmarton Manor is a grand manor house, designed in the Arts and Crafts Manor House style by one of the movement’s masters, Ernest Barnsley. The house was built for the Biddulph family whose descendants still live there today.

The Manor’s eight acres of gardens were also designed by Ernest Barnsley as a series of outdoor rooms, each of which has a different character. And in the early spring there are over 150 varieties of snowdrop spread around the gardens. Look out for some of the different styles of snowdrop on display, including rarer yellow and green varieties as well as the usual white.

Rodmarton Manor gardens are open to view the snowdrops on 7, 10, 14, 17, 21 and 24 February 2024 from 1.30pm–5pm. Entry costs £10 adults/£5 children under 15. Dogs not permitted.

Dyrham Park

17th-century Dyrham Park is a stately home and gardens just north of Bath, surrounded by 270 hectares of ancient parkland home to fallow deer. The house was built for diplomat William Blathwayt and is now run by the National Trust, who have recently been restoring its lavish interiors.

Visitors can explore both the house and gardens. The first snowdrops normally appear in late January. You can see them in front of the house, around the terraces and around the gardens, with six different varieties which have grown there naturally. The park has plenty of space to explore and the imposing frontage of the house and herds of deer make for a spectacular backdrop.

Dyrham Park is open from 10am to 4pm daily (excluding 1 February 2024). Entry costs £17 for adults/£8.50 for children or is free for National Trust members. Dogs not permitted.

Newark Park

Newark Park is another National Trust property where you can see snowdrops in the Cotswolds, this time a Tudor hunting lodge near to Wotton-under-Edge which was upgraded into a grand country house with formal gardens in the 18th century. Newark Park’s position on top of the Cotswold escarpment mean you get great views of the Severn Valley and Mendip hills.

The garden is spread over three levels, with lakes, terraces and rockeries, as well a range of different walking routes running through the 700-acre estate grounds. The house reopens in February just in time for snowdrop season, with drifts of flowers decorating the garden’s banks and lawns.

Newark Park gardens are open at weekends in January (10am–4pm) and both the house and gardens are open daily from 3 February 2024 (house 11am–4pm, gardens 10am–5pm). Entry costs £12 for adults/£6 for children or is free for National Trust members. Dogs on leads welcome.

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Are dogs allowed in these gardens please

Lucy Dodsworth

Good question! Dogs are welcome at Colesbourne Park, Painswick Rococo Gardens, Cerney House Gardens and Newark Park, but not at Rodmarton Manor or Dyrham Park.

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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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

7. Burton-on-the-Water

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.

9. Upper Slaughter

10. Blockley

11. Stow on the Wold

12. Snowshill

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

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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The Best Times to Visit Greece for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Affordable Prices

High, low, and shoulder seasons all have their advantages.

Alessandra Amodio

Greece has long beckoned travelers with its crystalline waters, rich historical sites, and delicious cuisine. One of the best times to visit is in late spring or early fall to avoid the summer crowds and soaring temperatures. Here's an overview of the main tourist seasons:

• High Season:  July to August
• Shoulder Seasons:  April to June and September to October
• Low Season:  November to March

There are advantages to visiting year-round. The peak summer months are best for a classic coastal vacation spent swimming in the sea and dining in outdoor tavernas, while the low season offers a glimpse of local life as well as more affordable rates. Winter is also the rainy season in Greece, but it can be a good time for a cultural getaway with fewer crowds at museums and archaeological sites.

Ready to plan your trip? These are the best times to visit Greece no matter your priorities.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Best Times to Visit Greece for Smaller Crowds

Unsurprisingly, the most popular time to visit Greece stretches from late spring to early fall, when the warm weather draws beach-goers and island-hoppers. According to CEIC data , fewer than one million people visit Greece each month between November and March, compared to more than six times that number in August. So if you're not planning to hit the beaches, you'll encounter far fewer crowds if you visit in winter.

While the weather is cooler from November to March (average temperatures hover between the mid-40s and the low 60s), it can be a pleasant time to explore ancient ruins such as those at Delphi and contemporary art galleries and museums in Athens . Note, however, that many tourist venues and hotels close for the winter, particularly in the Greek islands , and there's a higher chance of rain between November and March.

Best Times to Visit Greece for Good Weather

If you're after warm weather but want to avoid extreme heat, May and September are among the best months to go to Greece. The country is relatively large, so temperatures vary, but in May, the average temperature in Athens ranges from a high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 59. Mountainous areas like Mount Olympus are typically cooler. In June, the average high warms up to the mid-80s — perfect for swimming in the sea.

Summer can be sweltering, with average highs in the 90s in Athens, though the Greek islands tend to be cooler, in the high 70s and 80s. By October, average highs dip into the 60s and low 70s. Yes, it's cool, but nowhere near cold enough to feel uninviting. Winter is the rainiest season in Greece.

Best Times to Visit Greece for Lower Prices

You're likely to save money on a trip to Greece if you travel during the winter low season. According to Skyscanner , the cheapest month to fly to Greece is November. You can typically find the best airfare by booking your flight within one to two months of your scheduled departure.

Hotels tend to be pricey during July and August, so avoid these peak months if you're looking for lower room rates. It's worth noting that prices increase slightly during Greek Orthodox Easter, which sometimes falls at the end of April. The end of December and the beginning of January see a similar spike.

Worst Times to Visit Greece

There's no bad time to visit Greece, but July and August can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in Athens. The capital city and Cycladic islands (including Mykonos and Santorini) are also at their most crowded and expensive during these months, so it's best to avoid midsummer if you're looking for more elbow room, lower prices, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Conversely, winter temperatures can dip as low as the 40s in Greece and it's also the wettest season. While the cool weather is fine for exploring historical sites, shops, and museums, it's too chilly to swim in the ocean, and some hotels and attractions in resort areas may close.

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The 12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Y ou could spend decades-as I have-exploring Colorado's stunning scenery and top attractions and still have more to see and do. No single trip can cover everything that makes the state a traveler's dream destination. AFAR's roundup of things to see and do in Colorado offered 16 tips to get you started, including driving the peak-to-peak scenic byway, visiting Denver Art Museum, and soaking in Iron Mountain Hot Springs. However, if you want to hit the highlights, here are your main targets, divided up by season.

The best places to visit in Colorado in fall

Colorado is spectacular year-round, but autumn's colors and temperatures make it a particularly magical time to visit.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Visiting the dunes typically means overnighting at the park's campground , because few accommodations exist near this remote spot some 230 miles south of Denver. But campers are rewarded with dusk and dawn's light shows on the sand dunes, which ripple beneath the sawtooth Sangre de Cristo mountains. Summers are scorching, but in fall, sand surfaces remain comfortable all day. Scramble across the dunes, or rent a sandboard to surf the slopes like waves.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton is the quintessential Colorado getaway for those who can afford it ($1,400 per night is typical). Guests cozy into hand-built log cabins that combine historic patina with western art and worldly comforts like sustainably made beds and linens. Rates include food and drink that make every meal feel special-think roasted pork with charred leek grits followed by poached rhubarb panna cotta-but the steaming springs are this getaway's raison d'être. Views from the rustic yet luxe bathhouse showcase aspen groves that turn amber in autumn, and one guest cabin (Well House) includes its own spring-fed soaking tub.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Most of this park's 4.3 million annual visitors flock here in summer, so I go in September for fewer traffic backups on Trail Ridge Road (a must-do drive traversing treeless alpine tundra). Fall is also mating season for the park's elk herd, and the possibility of hearing bulls' distinctive bugles adds extra magic to any hike. I always glimpse elk along the Moraine Park Loop, a 5.5-mile circuit that can be shortened to preference.

Best places to visit in Colorado in winter

Snow envelopes much of the state in the winter months, turning urban areas into winter wonderlands and promising world-class outdoor activities.

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

In fall 2023, Denver's fun house of immersive art installations launched Sips (With a Z), a cocktail bar and lounge dedicated to providing "a sanctuary of chill amidst the hubbub of quantum travel." Mirrored walls reflect a mashup of classical sculpture and graffiti art, and vintage furniture provides myriad perches for pondering the installation's experiential art. The bar is only open to Meow Wolf Denver visitors and event guests. While the previous art triggered sight, sound, and touch, the new lounge also titillates our sense of taste.

Sure, it's far from major cities, but I wager that the only winter enclaves with mountain vistas that rival Telluride's are in the Alps. These jagged southwest Colorado slopes offer scenery so jawdropping, I always feel dazzled, regardless of the snow conditions. And several mountaintop eateries showcase the splendor. Perched at 11,966 feet, Alpino Vino ranks as the highest restaurant in North America and serves Italian food and wine specialties within a cozy stone and log cabin. More tableside panoramas (and an award-winning wine list) await at Allred's at 10,551 feet.

Silverthorne

Once little more than a refueling stop for motorists traveling Interstate 70, Exit 205 is now an appealing home base for three nearby Colorado ski resorts (Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge) and a destination in its own right. Stay at Hotel Indigo , the chain's first mountain property housing an upscale tequila bar and indoor swimming pool. Go snowshoeing or Nordic skiing at Raven Golf Club (free to the public; rent gear at Gore Range Sports) and enjoy après at the Bluebird Market food hall , where weekends find live bands entertaining drinkers at the central bar.

Best places to visit in Colorado in spring

Visitor numbers drop during the spring, but Colorado still puts on a show as flowers bloom and the arts scene wows guests.

Casa Bonita

Coloradoans Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of the South Park animated TV series) spent $40 million to renovate this Denver icon of Mexican food and carnivalesque stunts. Summer 2023 kicked off its much-anticipated reopening. Diners (up to 2,100 of them, at capacity) still line up with trays for meals, now designed by James Beard–nominated chef Dana Rodriguez. Cliff diving continues in the waterfall-fed pool, and the multi-level dining room delivers more spectacle than ambiance.

Crowds taper but deals abound during this destination's shoulder season. April and May are when Aspen's celebrated restaurants often offer discounted menus and drink specials, and at these elevations (the Snowmass base village sits at 8,104 feet), snow blankets the slopes well beyond the resorts' mid-April closing date, making for prime ski conditions-and rowdy parties. At Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro , the springtime ritual includes uncorking staggering quantities of champagne on the summit-ringed outdoor deck.

Idyllic weather and blooming cactus make spring my favorite time to visit Colorado's canyon country, and Fruita is the best home base. From here, it's a 15-minute drive to the sculpted red rock sandstone spires of Colorado National Monument and 5 minutes to world-famous mountain bike trails. Fruita's walkable downtown includes the Hot Tomato , delivering Jersey-style pizza that's good as gospel. Live music often enlivens the pedestrian block, and for sips, there are wineries in Palisade, 30 minutes east.

Best places to visit in Colorado in summer

Colorado's hiking and biking trails come into their own during the warmer months while road-tripping offers an easy way to see much of the state-in an EV on many of the scenic byways .

Crested Butte

After 25 years in Colorado, I still gape at the beauty of Crested Butte , because in a state that's chockablock with pretty views, this town tops the list. Sheer peaks rise up beside the streets' grid, where colorful, mining-era Victorians line the sidewalks. No highway noise ruins the mountains' quiet, and only merry sounds emerge from main street bars and eateries. The surrounding trails wind through aspen groves and meadows that are deservedly famous for July's display of wildflowers.

Bachelor Gulch

Come summer, the Bachelor Gulch base area of Beaver Creek ski resort becomes the scene of a daily lawn and pool party that encapsulates what's splendid about Colorado. Views include aspen-covered mountainsides, and adventures on foot or bike follow trails leading into wildflower meadows. Play a round of cornhole on the lawn, then relocate to Wyld 's patio for plates showcasing Colorado-grown produce. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch (renovated in 2022) to cool off in its outdoor pool and sip rosé from the surrounding loungers.

Fort Collins

Visit during Colorado State's summer break, and you won't have to elbow your way into this city's esteemed breweries. (Crooked Stave makes some of my favorite sours.) Nationally known New Belgium Brewing organizes the annual Tour de Fat each August, when a parade of 20,000 wildly costumed cyclists pedal the streets. I make the 100-year-old Armstrong Hotel my downtown home base and stroll from its classy-hip rooms to such downtown shops as Scrumpy's Hard Cider Bar, which pours drink made from local homeowners' apple trees.