Best Villages in the Cotswolds: Cutest spots, Where to Stay & My Honest Tips

If you’re even thinking about visiting the English countryside, you’ve got to go visit some of the best villages in the Cotswolds, and let me help you plan it properly ☕ Because yes, the hype is well placed. These quintessentially English towns and villages are as dreamy as they look on Instagram (and in every Jane Austen film ever made). Think 17th century cottages, old wool trade history, peaceful church bells, and cheeky sheep crossing quiet country roads like they own the place. Definitely one of my favourite places in the United Kingdom.

I’ve done the wandering and the wrong turns so you don’t have to, and I’ve pulled together all my favourite spots including the prettiest Cotswolds villages, where to stay, what to eat, and how to make the most of your day trip or countryside escape. You don’t need to see every Cotswolds village to fall in love. Just a handful of the right ones.

From the picture perfect streets of Castle Combe (it actually feels fake it’s so pretty) to the river hugging charm of Lower Slaughter, and the market town magic of Chipping Campden with its cosy tea rooms and ancient high street… there’s a reason people call these the most beautiful villages in England.

I’ll share where I stayed and loved, whether you’re after a fancy manor house, cute Airbnb, or somewhere with good pub access and sheep views. And yes, if you’re into walking, I’ll tell you which footpaths to follow and where to see views of Broadway Tower that are absolutely photo worthy.

So whether you’re building your UK travel itinerary or just looking for your next Sunday scroll, this post is packed with honest tips and the kind of Cotswolds places you’ll actually want to go to. Not the boring, overly polished ones.

Let’s go village hopping 🧺💛

Table of Contents

How Long to Stay in the Cotswolds

I stayed 4 days and 3 nights which honestly felt like the sweet spot. It gave me time to visit a few of the prettiest villages, do a bit of walking, and still relax with a cheeky pub lunch in a market town.

You can do the Cotswolds as a day trip, especially if you’re coming from London or Bath, but it’ll be a quick taste. I’d say pick one or two Cotswolds villages like Castle Combe or Bourton and soak it up slowly.

If you’ve got longer, even a week to 10 days wouldn’t feel too much. There’s so many beautiful spots to explore, especially if you’re planning walks to places like Broadway Tower or staying in more peaceful villages like Naunton or Blockley.

It’s not about rushing here. Give yourself time to explore, wander, and fall in love with every little Cotswolds village you stumble across.

🗺️ 3 Day Cotswolds Itinerary

How to see the cutest villages without driving yourself mad

The Cotswolds is super spread out, so I’ve grouped everything by area — that way you’re not wasting time in the car zigzagging all over the countryside. This is how I’d plan it if you want to see the best bits, eat very well, and still have time to stop for photos, cream teas and random duck sightings 🦆

Day 1: South Cotswolds Vibes
Start off below the M4 — perfect if you’re coming from Bath, Chippenham or London.

Castle Combe – picture-perfect stone cottages and total fairytale vibes
Lacock – cobbled streets, Harry Potter filming spots, and no modern signage
Malmesbury – one of the oldest market towns in England with a beautiful Abbey
Bourton-on-the-Water – riverside charm, old sweet shops, and lovely for dinner
Optional: Lower Slaughter at sunset if you have time for a peaceful golden hour stroll

Day 2: East Cotswolds Classics
Today’s all about Cotswold stone, countryside views and cream teas

Bibury – Arlington Row and one of the most photographed villages in the UK
Cirencester – Roman history, cute shops and a bigger town vibe
Burford – lovely high street, antique shops, cheese, fudge and cosy pubs
Upper & Lower Slaughter – peaceful riverside walk between two postcard villages

Day 3: North Cotswolds + Dreamy Pub Lunch
Mix of hilltop views, historic towns and a proper meal you won’t forget

Stow-on-the-Wold – charming market town with the Tolkien door and great bakeries
Chipping Campden – full of wool trade history and ridiculously pretty streets
Broadway Tower – short walk, stunning views, sheep-dotted hills
The Crown Inn – lunch stop of dreams. Cosy pub with seasonal, local food
Blenheim Palace – grand finale with gardens, history and wow-factor architecture
Optional: quick detour to Woodstock for a final coffee before heading home

💡Quick Tips:

Rent a car — it makes the whole trip easier and way more fun
Bring good walking shoes and a bag for snacks (trust me)
Don’t over-schedule. Half the joy is wandering around a random village you weren’t planning on falling in love with 💛

Best Villages to Visit in the Cotswolds

There are literally so many Cotswolds villages to explore it can be a bit overwhelming. Like, how do you choose between 1,000 adorable cottages and a dozen sleepy market towns that all look like film sets?! 😂 I’ve listed my personal faves below — these are the prettiest Cotswolds villages I actually think are worth your time, whether you’re on a quick day trip or planning a longer stay.

Each one has something a little different… rivers, cosy pubs, that picture perfect 17th century architecture, and honestly? Sheep. Lots of sheep.

Castle Combe

This is the one that was voted the prettiest village in the UK. This one is SO photogenic it actually looks fake. The cottages, the bridge, the trees… it’s all ridiculously pretty. If you’re into Insta shots, this is the place. Castle Combe is tiny but packed with charm, and it’s one of the most iconic spots in the Cotswold area. Totally worth a slow walk around with a camera in one hand and a scone in the other.

Castle Combe itself is like cultural immersion just from existing there. No big museums or guided tours needed — just walking the village feels like stepping into a 17th century postcard. But fun fact: the church here has one of the oldest medieval clocks in the UK that still works. Plus, it’s been used in tons of films (Stardust, The Wolfman, War Horse) which gives it that cinematic feel.

Bibury

Honestly one of the most famous spots in the Cotswolds, and for good reason. Bibury looks like something straight out of a fairytale. Arlington Row is that iconic stretch of 17th century cottages by the water, and it gets very photogenic when the light hits just right. You can walk along the river, stop by the trout farm, and soak up the peaceful vibes. It’s easy to see why people call it one of the prettiest villages in England.

Tip: If you can avoid visiting at midday on the weekend, it gets super busy. It’s much nicer in the later afternoon at around 3-4pm onwards, or during the weekdays.

Bourton-on-the-Water

This one’s a must for your first Cotswolds visit. Built around the River Windrush, Bourton has cute little footbridges crossing through the middle of the village, giving it that “Venice of the Cotswolds” feel. It’s definitely more touristy than others, but it’s got loads of little tea rooms, cafes and even a vintage car museum if that’s your thing. Great for a sunny day trip with lots of wandering and snack breaks.

Bradford on Avon

Nestled along the banks of the River Avon, Bradford on Avon is a beautifully preserved town that captures the essence of traditional English charm. With its honey-colored stone buildings, quaint independent shops, and winding cobbled streets, it’s no wonder this town is often considered one of the hidden gems of the Cotswolds region.

One of the highlights of any visit is a stop at The Bridge Tea Rooms, a 16th-century building that offers an unforgettable afternoon tea experience. With its crooked timber beams, lace-draped windows, and Victorian-inspired interior, it feels like stepping back in time. The tea selection is extensive, and the homemade scones and cakes are the perfect treat after a stroll along the river.

Bradford on Avon is ideal for a peaceful day trip, with scenic walks, historic architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a must-visit spot in the Cotswolds.

The Slaughters: Lower & Upper Slaughter

Despite the very dramatic name, Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are two of the calmest, dreamiest places in the whole region.

Think tiny stone bridges, streams running beside cottages, ducks, and wildflowers everywhere. You can walk between the two in under 30 minutes. Lower Slaughter has a historic mill and church, and Upper is even quieter. Total countryside fairytale vibes.

Stow-on-the-Wold

A proper little market town with bags of charm. I loved how walkable it was, and there’s loads of indie shops, pubs, bakeries and fudge shops (yes please). Don’t miss the church door that looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel.

People say it inspired Tolkien’s Door to Moria. Or the door to Narnia. The town also has a deep history, built on an Iron Age fort, and you can still feel that old world charm walking around.

Malmesbury

This one’s got a lot going on for a small place. It’s home to one of the oldest Abbeys in England and the whole town is built on a hill with amazing views. Super walkable, full of history, and not too crowded. The Abbey Gardens are really pretty if you go in spring or summer, and it’s an easy stop if you’re road tripping through this side of the Cotswolds. They also have some beautiful rows of old cottages in the city, it’s an easy walk around.

Cirencester

Often called the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ and yeah, it’s definitely got more of a town energy. A bit bigger, more buzz, more shops and restaurants, but still full of history and charm. The Roman bits here are cool if you like ruins and museums, and it’s a great place to stay if you want to visit a mix of nearby Cotswolds villages without hopping around too much.

Cirencester is a must if you’re into Roman history. It was actually one of the biggest Roman towns in England, and there’s a proper Roman amphitheatre you can still visit. The Corinium Museum is also really cool if you’re into mosaics and ancient jewellery and want to see how far back the area’s history goes.

Burford

One of my favourite market towns — it’s got that picture perfect high street that slopes down to the river, full of stone buildings, cute shops, and old pubs. You can spend a whole morning here just mooching around the antiques, picking up local cheeses and having a cosy pub lunch. It’s a great blend of history and comfort food.

Bath

Okay yes, not technically in the Cotswolds, but it’s so close and such a good shout if you’ve got time. The Roman Baths, Georgian streets, cute cafes and rooftop spas are all dreamy. You could easily base yourself here and do some Cotswolds day trips out to places like Castle Combe or Lacock. I’d happily spend a few nights here again.

Lacock

If you love old world vibes or you’re a bit of a Harry Potter nerd (same), Lacock is a must. It’s owned by the National Trust so it feels untouched, with no modern signs or shop fronts. It’s one of those Cotswolds villages that actually feels frozen in time.

Lacock Abbey is one of my absolute faves if you’re even slightly into Harry Potter. Loads of scenes were filmed here (including Snape’s dungeon, the mirror of Erised room, and the Hogwarts corridors from the first two movies). The village of Lacock itself is straight out of the 1800s — no modern signs, cobbled streets, it’s like walking through a film set. And it kind of is… they’ve filmed Downton Abbey, Pride & Prejudice, and Fantastic Beasts here too.

Chipping Campden

I loved Chipping Campden. It’s a proper market town full of beautiful old buildings and history from the wool trade days. The High Street is so picturesque it hurts. This is also a great base if you’re into walking, as it’s the starting point of the Cotswold Way. There’s a really lovely mix of old pubs, nice places to eat, and cute shops to potter around in.

TIP: Hit up The Crown Inn for some delicious twists on classic pub foods.

Chippenham

More of a practical stop than a “wow look at this chocolate box village” kind of place, but it’s super handy if you’re arriving by train. It’s well connected and a good base if you’re planning to visit Castle Combe, Lacock, or Malmesbury nearby. Good transport links, decent coffee, and gets the job done if you’re on the move.

Other Beautiful Cotswolds Villages

Other highly recommended if you’ve got time to explore more of the prettiest Cotswolds villages:

Painswick – Known as the Queen of the Cotswolds, with 99 yew trees and a beautiful church
Stanton – A peaceful Cotswolds village with golden stone buildings and links to the Cotswold Way
Blockley – Quiet and full of countryside charm (and where they filmed Father Brown)
Snowshill Manor – A quirky manor house with lush gardens and weird little collections
Stratford-Upon-Avon – Technically not Cotswolds, but close enough for a day trip if you’re into Shakespeare
Naunton – Small, sleepy, and super scenic with the River Windrush running right through it

Stratford-Upon-Avon also deserves a quick mention. It’s technically outside the Cotswolds, but so close you can pop over for a day trip. Shakespeare was born here, and you can actually go inside his house (very creaky floorboards, very cool energy). The town is full of half-timbered buildings, cute bookshops, and you can even catch a play with the Royal Shakespeare Company if you fancy something dramatic.

Let me know if you want this as a downloadable list or want help turning it into a full Google map — always happy to help people and make life easier for them 🌿💛

How to Get to the Cotswolds

The easiest way to explore the Cotswolds villages properly is honestly by car. I know it’s tempting to rely on trains or public transport, but some of the prettiest Cotswolds villages are quite spread out and don’t always connect smoothly. You can definitely get a train from London to places like Moreton-in-Marsh, Chippenham, or Bath, but once you’re in the region, renting a car will make your life way easier.

That said, if you’re not keen on driving, there are some tour buses that cover a few villages in one go, especially from Oxford or London. Just bear in mind they usually only stop at the super popular spots like Bibury, Bourton, and Stow-on-the-Wold. If you want to go beyond the big hitters and explore some of the more peaceful Cotswolds villages, I’d definitely go with a car.

What to Eat & Drink in the Cotswolds (aka Feed Me Please)

The Cotswolds seriously delivers when it comes to food. Whether you’re after a proper Sunday roast, gooey fudge, or a bougie cheese board, this place is made for grazing your way through. It’s a foodie heaven tucked into a cotswolds village backdrop. Dreamy.

For the pub lovers:
If you’re after proper pub food but done right, try The Crown Inn. It’s cosy, slightly fancy, but still has that welcoming pint and fireplace vibe. The portions are solid, and the menus always feature Cotswold lamb, local fish, and seasonal veg. Also, check out The Swan Inn in Swinbrook or The Wild Rabbit if you’re feeling a bit bougie with your pint.

Afternoon tea is basically a sport here.
The Bridge Tearoom is your classic floral wallpaper, vintage china, stacked-cake-stand kind of place. You’ll get scones so fluffy they defy logic. If you’re in Burford or Stow-on-the-Wold, there are loads of cute little tearooms tucked into side streets – honestly, you can’t go wrong.

For cheese lovers
You have to stop at The Cotswold Cheese Co (there’s one in Burford and one in Moreton-in-Marsh). They’ll let you try everything, and the local cheddar is 🤌. I grabbed some for a late-night snack board back at the cottage and I have no regrets.

Sweet tooth?
Bourton-on-the-Water has a bunch of old-fashioned sweet shops, the kind with jars lined up to the ceiling and actual fudge being made behind the counter. Try Roly’s Fudge Pantry if you want dangerously addictive, still-warm fudge.

For a proper countryside experience, head to Wilkin’s Cider Barn. It’s rustic, a bit hidden, and very much the real deal. You’ll find it in an old barn down a little country lane, and the cider is strong in the best way. We got our first glass for free, then paid something like 50p for refills. They also sell cheese and chutneys to go with it – so yes, I left happy and full.

Wine and gin lovers

There are some lovely vineyards and distilleries dotted around the Cotswolds. Woodchester Valley Vineyard near Stroud does tours and tastings (the sparkling rosé is actually fab), and for gin lovers, there’s Cotswolds Distillery near Shipston-on-Stour – you can do a tour and stock up on their small-batch gin.

Basically, whether you’re team cheese board or cream tea, you’re going to eat very well here. Bring loose trousers.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Cotswolds?

There’s really no bad time, but spring and summer are gorgeous. The Cotswolds villages are full of colour, wildflowers are blooming, everything feels alive and lovely, and it’s ideal for walking between villages or chilling outside a pub with a pint.

Autumn can be stunning too with all the leaves changing, and Christmas in the Cotswolds is actually next level cute. The market towns go all in with fairy lights, Christmas markets, and roaring fires in every pub. Some of the smaller villages look straight up like a festive film set. So if you’re the hot chocolate + fairy lights type, December’s a dream.

January and February are generally the wettest, greyest months in the UK so it’ll definitely be quieter, but not quite that sunshine balm you’re looking for.

Are There Any Good Outdoor Activities to Do in the Cotswolds?

So many. The Cotswolds is basically a giant outdoor playground… just a very peaceful, photogenic, sheep-filled one. If you’re into gentle adventures, this is the place for you. You’ve got walking, obviously — loads of scenic trails between villages, fields full of wildflowers, and those iconic Cotswold stone walls everywhere. You’ll see little “kissing gates” along the way that lead you onto public footpaths across farms, woods, and meadows.

If you’re feeling more active, there’s also cycling routes, horse riding, canoeing on the rivers, and even hot air balloon rides if you’re feeling fancy. Honestly though, just wandering around a Cotswolds village, drink in hand, dog spotting and pub hopping? That’s my kind of outdoor activity.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

We stayed in a super cute cottage and I can’t recommend it enough. There’s something about waking up to birdsong and sheep bleating in the distance that just hits different 😂 Whether you’re booking a thatched roof hideaway or a bougie barn conversion, Cotswolds cottages are such a vibe. Plus, they’re perfect for slow mornings, local cheese boards, and being cosy with a good book after a long walk.

If you’re looking for something more luxe, there are also manor houses, boutique hotels and countryside B&Bs scattered through every Cotswold village. Whatever your budget or vibe, you’ll find somewhere beautiful to stay — and usually with a very cute pub next door.

Are There Any Good Walking Trails in the Cotswolds?

Yes yes yes. Walking is actually one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds and the trails are ridiculously scenic. The big one is the Cotswold Way, which runs for 100 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath. You don’t have to do the whole thing (unless you’re very committed) — there are shorter sections that are perfect for a day trip or even just a couple of hours.

The walk from Broadway to Broadway Tower is such a good one. Short, steep-ish but so worth it for the views. There are also lovely loops near Stanton, Naunton, and Bourton-on-the-Water if you want something gentler. You’ll pass sheep, old barns, rivers, and little tucked-away villages that feel untouched. Bring snacks.

Are There Any Good Cultural Attractions in the Cotswolds?

Definitely. While the Cotswolds is mostly known for countryside cuteness, there’s also a solid amount of history and culture tucked into the towns and villages. Places like Cirencester have Roman ruins and museums, and Stratford-Upon-Avon (just outside the region) is perfect if you’re into Shakespeare. There are gorgeous old churches, manor houses, and historic estates all around — like Snowshill Manor, which is filled with the most bizarre and fascinating collections.

You’ve also got Lacock Abbey, used as a filming location for Harry Potter and a few other movies, plus a bunch of little galleries and local art studios. A lot of the Cotswold villages also have craft fairs and seasonal festivals. It’s more “cosy countryside culture” than city museums, but it’s honestly lovely.

FAQs

How many days do you need in the Cotswolds?

If you’re short on time, you can squeeze a few villages into a day trip, but I’d recommend at least 3 to 4 days to do it properly. That gives you time for cute market towns, pub lunches, scenic walking trails, and lots of photo stops. You’ll thank yourself for not rushing.

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

Spring and early summer are so lovely – everything’s blooming, the sheep are out, and the countryside looks straight up magical. Autumn’s also fab with all the colours, and if you’re into fairy lights and Christmas markets, December is cosy and festive. January and February are quiet but very chilly and quite grey, just so you know.

What are the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds?

Some of my faves: Castle Combe, Lower Slaughter, Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, and Bourton-on-the-Water. You really can’t go wrong though – they’re all ridiculously pretty.

Do you need a car to explore the Cotswolds?

Honestly, yes. You can take a train to places like Moreton-in-Marsh or Chippenham, but getting between all the little villages is tough without a car. If you’re not driving, you might want to book a Cotswolds tour or stick to a couple of main towns.

Where should I base myself in the Cotswolds?

It depends on your route. If you’re seeing the north, I love Chipping Campden or Stow-on-the-Wold. For south, Burford or Bourton-on-the-Water are great. If you’re taking trains, Bath or Cirencester can work well too. Just pick a cute Cotswolds village with good access to the spots you want to see.

Is it expensive to visit the Cotswolds?

It can be, but doesn’t have to be. Staying in a cottage, cooking a few meals, and doing free walks keeps costs down. But there are also some lovely splurge spots like fancy manor houses, cute boutique stays, and afternoon teas that are worth treating yourself to. You can make it work either way.

What should I wear in the Cotswolds?

Layers. Always layers. The weather changes quickly and it can get muddy if you’re doing countryside walks. Bring comfy shoes or boots, a raincoat, and something nicer if you’re planning to eat out at one of the fancier pubs. And maybe something you can walk off a scone in.

Can I walk between Cotswolds villages?

Yes. There are loads of public footpaths. The Cotswold Way is the big one (over 100 miles long), but you can just do little sections. I love the Broadway to Broadway Tower walk, or the Lower to Upper Slaughter one – they’re short, scenic and not too sweaty.

Are there any famous filming locations in the Cotswolds?

Yep. Lacock Abbey was used for loads of Harry Potter scenes, and Castle Combe has been in Stardust, War Horse and more. You’ll also spot villages from Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, and even some Marvel scenes depending on where you wander.

Weather in the Cotswolds ☁️🌷

The Cotswolds has that classic British countryside feel all year round. Think quaint villages, cosy stone cottages, rolling green hills… and yep, a fair bit of rain here and there. But that’s all part of the charm, right? Pack a good jacket, some comfy boots and you’re good to go.

Cotswolds Weather in January

average temp: 5°C / 41°F
average rainy days: 12
average sunrise time: 8:05am
average sunset time: 4:30pm

Crisp and quiet. You’ll get frosty mornings and some really peaceful walks if you don’t mind the chill. Honestly so pretty when there’s a dusting of snow ❄️

Cotswolds Weather in February

average temp: 6°C / 43°F
average rainy days: 10
average sunrise time: 7:20am
average sunset time: 5:20pm

Still wintery but the days just start getting longer. Snowdrops start to appear and it feels like a little preview of spring coming 🌱

Cotswolds Weather in March

average temp: 9°C / 48°F
average rainy days: 11
average sunrise time: 6:25am
average sunset time: 6:20pm

March can feel all over the place weather-wise. Sunshine, rain, sometimes both in one afternoon. But things are greening up and the villages start looking extra lovely.

Cotswolds Weather in April

average temp: 12°C / 54°F
average rainy days: 10
average sunrise time: 5:50am
average sunset time: 8:00pm

Okay this is when spring actually kicks in. Blossom trees, bluebells in the woods, sheep everywhere. You’ll want your camera for sure 📸

Cotswolds Weather in May

average temp: 16°C / 61°F
average rainy days: 9
average sunrise time: 5:10am
average sunset time: 8:45pm

May is dreamy. Gardens are full of colour, everything smells fresh, and it’s warm enough for a picnic or sitting outside a café. Bring sunglasses and a light jacket and you’re set 🌸

Cotswolds Weather in June

average temp: 19°C / 66°F
average rainy days: 9
average sunrise time: 4:50am
average sunset time: 9:25pm

Longest days of the year and honestly so much light it’s hard to go to bed. Golden hour in the hills is just next level ✨

Cotswolds Weather in July

average temp: 22°C / 72°F
average rainy days: 7
average sunrise time: 5:00am
average sunset time: 9:15pm

Hot by UK standards, which is perfect for cute summer dresses and pub lunches in a beer garden. Pack sunscreen because when the sun’s out, it’s strong ☀️

Cotswolds Weather in August

average temp: 21°C / 70°F
average rainy days: 9
average sunrise time: 5:45am
average sunset time: 8:40pm

August has that lazy summer vibe. Lavender fields, festivals, country fairs. A proper summer countryside dream.

Cotswolds Weather in September

average temp: 18°C / 64°F
average rainy days: 8
average sunrise time: 6:35am
average sunset time: 7:30pm

Still warm-ish but the crowds start to thin and everything feels calmer. Some of the best walks are in September with golden light and fewer people around 🍂

Cotswolds Weather in October

average temp: 13°C / 55°F
average rainy days: 10
average sunrise time: 7:25am
average sunset time: 6:25pm

Autumn colours go wild here. Think reds, oranges, and everything looks like a postcard. A proper cosy jumper and boots season.

Cotswolds Weather in November

average temp: 9°C / 48°F
average rainy days: 11
average sunrise time: 7:20am
average sunset time: 4:25pm

Bit gloomy but the pubs come into their own. Log fires, hearty food, mulled wine. If you love moody British vibes, this is your month.

Cotswolds Weather in December

average temp: 6°C / 43°F
average rainy days: 12
average sunrise time: 8:05am
average sunset time: 4:00pm

Feels so festive. Christmas lights, cute shops, markets in nearby towns. It’s like a scene from The Holiday. Bring your fuzziest coat and lean into it 🎄