The Cotswolds, located in Central South West England, is a region renowned for its rolling green hills, glistening rivers and quintessentially English villages. Flower covered cottages made from Cotswold stone line cobblestone streets and lively market towns brimming with character make this area one of the most beautiful in the country. So much so that the Cotswolds has been designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) which aims to preserve and enhance the natural landscape.
We’ve visited the Cotswolds many times, for week-long holidays, weekend escapes, and day trips from other parts of the UK and there is so much to see. Whether you are visiting for a day, passing through the area, or planning a longer trip, these are the towns and villages you won’t want to miss.
Check out our other guide about the Cheese Rolling Race to learn all about this unique annual event in the Cotswolds.
Map of the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds spans several counties in England, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire, offering many picturesque villages to explore. We’ve pinned the towns and villages listed in this guide on the map below to help plan your route. Most are located in the central area of the Cotswolds. Castle Combe and Lackock in the south west Cotswolds.
Best time to visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most visited regions in the UK and the small villages can become overrun with visitors during the summer months. May and June are good months to visit before the summer holiday period begins. September, after the summer holiday period, is also a great time to visit. These months are also usually warmer and drier.
Must visit towns and villages in the Cotswolds
Bibury
Go here if you want: Picture-perfect Cotswolds cottages.
Why visit: Bibury, tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, is often called one of the most picturesque villages in England. The River Cole meanders through the village, where swans and ducks casually go about their day gliding along the gently flowing water, making it the perfect place to set up a riverside picnic. The village is popular for ‘Arlington Row’, a row of cottages dating back to the 14th Century. Originally built as a monastic wool store, and later converted into housing for weavers, it perfectly captures the charm and heritage of rural England. The village comprises a couple of restaurants and cafes for food and drink, as well as an ice creamery.
Top things to do:
- Stroll along Arlington Row, a 14th-century row of weavers’ cottages, famously photographed and featured on the inside cover of UK passports.
- Relax by the River Coln and enjoy a picnic by the water.
- Visit Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest working trout farms in England, where you can learn about fish farming or even catch your own supper.
- Explore St. Mary’s Church, a historic parish church with Saxon origins and beautiful stained glass.
- Stop for a treat such as homemade ice cream or a leisurely meal at one of the village’s quaint cafés and restaurants.
Where to stay:
- The Sawn Hotel: A charming 4-star inn in the heart of the village, offering elegant rooms, riverside gardens and a cosy restaurant serving seasonal dishes.
- Local cottages and B&Bs: There are many options nearby to stay in a traditional cottage or a welcoming b&b.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Go here if you want: A lively Cotswold village experience complete with riverside charm, family friendly attractions, gift shops and cosy cafes.
Why visit: Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the region’s most popular destinations. Located in Gloucestershire, this larger village if famous for the River Windrush which flows gently through its centre and is crossed by a series of pretty low stone bridges. The mix of natural beauty and an inviting selection of shops, tearooms and attractions makes it a perfect place to spend a dat or to use as a base while exploring the wider Cotswolds.
Top things to do:
- Enjoy a walk along the River Windrush and across the iconic stone bridges.
- Visit the Model Village and see a miniature replica of Bourton, complete with tiny cottages.
- Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum and step back in time with classic cars and vintage memorabilia.
- Browse independent shops and pick up one-of-a-kind treasures in an antique store.
- Relax with a traditional cream tea in one of the many riverside cafes or tearooms.
Where to stay:
- Chester House Hotel: A stylish, centrally located hotel offering comfortable rooms and a popular brasserie by the river.
- The Dial House Hotel: A beautiful 17th Century stone inn with period features and an excellent restaurant.
Burford
Go here if you want: A charming market town with history and shopping.
Why visit: Often considered the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is a delightful town in Oxfordshire with a rich history and plenty of character. The town sits along the River Windrush and is anchored by a gentle sloping high street lined with independent shops, pubs and antique stores. Burford’s medieval bridge and 12th Century St John the Baptist Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows, make it a perfect stop whether you’re entering or leaving the Cotswolds.
Top things to do:
- Explore independent boutiques, antique stores and traditional pubs along the high street.
- Visit St John the Baptist Church and admire the stained glass windows.
- Cross the medieval bridge and take in views of the River Windrush.
- Sample local cuisine at a traditional pub.
Where to stay:
- The Lamb Inn: A historic inn with cosy rooms and a restaurant serving hearty meals.
- Burford Lodge Hotel: A welcoming hotel with modern amenities.
Castle Combe
Go here if you want: A timeless and pretty village centre with beautiful surroundings.
Why visit: Of all of the beautiful and quaint villages in the Cotswolds, there is none quite like Castle Combe. Nestled in the rolling hills of Wiltshire, Castle Combe is like stepping back in time. The main street is lined with honey-coloured stone cottages adorned with flower-filled gardens, and a gentle river winds through the bottom of the village. With historic features such as an ancient arched bridge and a central market cross marking the old market square, this village perfectly captures rural England’s charm. Friendly locals sometimes even open their homes for a cup of tea and slice of cake.
Top things to do:
- Wander through the village and enjoy the beutiful stone cottages, quaint gardens and historic architecture.
- Cross the ancient arched bridge and imagine horse-drawn carts passing over while you admire the gently flowing river.
- Dip your toes in the river or enjoy a peaceful riverside picnic.
Where to stay:
- Castle Combe Hotel: A 5-star luxury country retreat offering elegant rooms, fine dining and countryside views.
- Manor House Hotel: A 4 star charming hotel set in a historic building and surrounded by gardens.
Lacock
Go here if you want: A historic village so timeless it feels like a film set – because it often is.
Why visit: Lacock, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside at the southern edge of the Cotswolds, is one the regions most beautifully preserved villages. Its cobbled streets, timber-framed cottages and stone houses have remained largely unchanged for centuries, creating a setting that has attracted film crews for productions like Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. Beyond its cinematic fame, Lacock offers a peaceful atmosphere, artisan shops and a remarkable Abbey in impressive grounds.
Top things to do:
- Explore Lacock Abbey, a former nunnery turned country house, with medieval cloisters and landscaped grounds.
- Walk the streets and spot filming locations.
- Browse artisan shops for handmade goods, local crafts and antiques.
- Dine in a traditional pub and enjoy hearty comfort food and a pint.
Where to stay:
- Sign of the Angel: A 15th Century B&B full of character.
Lower and Upper Slaughters
Go here if you want: To experience two of the most charming Cotswold villages home to stone cottages and riverside walks.
Why visit: Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter, located in Gloucestershire, are among the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Both are famed for their honey-coloured limestone cottages dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, set against the River Eye. Lower Slaughter is the busier of the two, known for its Old Mill, complete with a working waterwheel, while Upper Slaughter is a peaceful village, home to St Peter’s Church which is set in beautiful grounds.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Old Mill in Lower Slaughter and explore the museum.
- Walk along the River Eye and follow the picturesque stream connecting the two villages.
- Visit St Peter’s Church in Upper Slaughter and enjoy a peaceful moment in the church grounds.
- Indulge in a cream tea in landscaped gardens at the Lords of the Manor hotel in Upper Slaughter.
Where to stay:
- The Slaughters Country Inn (Lowe Slaughter): A stylish inn with comfortable rooms and a riverside setting.
- Lords of the Manors (Upper Slaughter): A country house with landscaped gardens and fine dining.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Go here if you want: A lively market town with shopping and a photogenic church doorway.
Why visit: Stow-on-the-Wold, perched on a hill in Gloucestershire, is one of the most historic market towns in the Cotswolds. Once a key trading hub for wool merchants, it now draws visitors with its bustling market square, surrounded by independent shops, art galleries and pubs. At the heart of town lies St Edward’s Church, famous for its enchanting doorway framed by yew trees.
Top things to do:
- Wander the market square and browse the stores.
- Visit St Edward’s Church and admire its yew tree framed doorway.
- Stop at a traditional pub and sample local ales.
Where to stay:
- The Porch House: Said to be England’s oldest inn, offering character and a restaurant.
- The Old Stocks Inn: A boutique hotel right on the market square.
Let us know if you have any questions about these towns and villages in the comments section below.
