The Cotswolds is a picturesque area located only two hours from the city of London. It is a popular place for people to go for a quiet retreat in the countryside and is full of charming old cottages.
The Cotswolds are home to the quintessential villages filled with rolling hills, rivers, cobbled roads, and cozy English homes. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for a day trip from London or want to spend a few days in the Cotswolds’ peaceful villages.
There are many charming towns in the Cotswolds to visit, which I will be highlighting for you.
How to Get to the Cotswolds
Rent a Car
Like many country towns in the UK, renting a car is the easiest way to get around. Once you get out of the city, finding public transportation or taxis will be harder. Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around the area and allows for more flexibility and the best sightseeing. If you decide to rent a car, I highly recommend using SkyRoam or making sure you have data on your phone to access GPS.
Join a Tour
If you are looking to visit the Cotswolds for just the day, you may also want to look into tour groups. Many tour groups provide a full-day guided tour from London. Numerous tours offer day trips to the Cotswolds, where you can explore several villages. These tours include time for lunch, with many including the cost of lunch at the ticket prices. If you want to see more of the English countryside, some tours offer trips to other local towns, such as Oxford and Stratford.
- Day Trip with Lunch From London – This full-day tour includes transportation from London and a 2-course lunch in a cozy Cotswold restaurant. You will enjoy a visit to the villages of Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bibury, with time to explore the lovely villages and shops.
- Tour of Oxford and the Cotswolds – This tour takes you to two of the most popular destinations of Oxford and the Cotswolds. The first stop will be Oxford, where your guide will take you to several landmarks. From there, you will travel to the villages of Burford and Bilbury in the Cotswolds.
- Small-Group Cotswold Tour from London – This full-day tour takes you to some of the most picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Your tour will begin in London and take you to the villages of Bourton-on-the-water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, and Burford.
- Cotswold Tour and Lunch – Your tour guides will take you to the charming villages of Bourton-on-the-water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury, and Burford. The tour also includes lunch at the beautiful Swan Hotel restaurant with a decadent 2-course meal and plenty of time to explore the villages.
When to Visit the Cotswolds
For the best weather, try visiting in the summer between May and the beginning of July. This time of the year, the villages are full of beautiful flowers, and the weather is much warmer. They are also not as crowded as the months of July to early September when the majority of tourists visit. Like the rest of the UK, no matter what time of the year you visit, plan on rain and overcast days. For a cozy holiday getaway, some people like to visit the Cotswolds around Christmas time. London is known for its festive holiday decorations that adorn the entire city during the Christmas months. If you are planning to visit London during November and December, think about taking a couple of days to curl up in a small cottage in the Cotswolds and enjoy the holidays with loved ones.
Prettiest Towns in the Cotswolds
Only two hours from London sits the English towns that make up the Cotswolds. When you think of the typical countryside towns, the Cotswolds is one of the first areas that come into mind. Many visitors, including Londoners, like to visit the villages for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Cotswolds span 800 square miles of historic towns and lush countryside to help you start planning your trip. I have focused on several of the most picturesque places the explore during your visit.
Bourton-on-the-Water
This wonderful village is located around the River Windrush, which flows through the town. The town is full of beautiful bridges and houses that line the river banks. For this reason, it has been nicknamed “Venice of the Cotswolds”. Bourton-on-the-Water is a great village to visit due to its many lovely restaurants and small shops. Bourton-on-the-Water is a great village for people who enjoy exploring the outdoors. Several footpaths weave through the countryside, and the Salmonsbury Meadows nature reserve is full of beautiful wildflowers and lush meadows.
There are many things for visitors to see, including the Birdland Park and Gardens and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. The Birdland Park and Gardens are home to over 500 birds. Here you will find a variety of species, from flamingos and penguins to falcons and parrots. Pack your own lunch and enjoy a picnic in the gardens, or stop by their café for a quick bite to eat. The Motoring Museum contains an expansive collection of vintage cars and toys. The museum includes 40 cars, antique motorbikes, signs, car memorabilia, and toys.
If you get thirsty, stop by the Cotswolds Dry Gin Distillery to try their award-winning single malt whisky and dry gin. Stop by for a drink and tour of the distillery, and browse their shop for some great gift ideas. The distillery also offers some terrific masterclasses where you will learn how to blend your very own whiskey.
Where to Stay in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Chester House Hotel is a small 22-bedroom hotel in the middle of town. This charming hotel offers five different types of rooms to choose from, with family room options.
- The Dial House Hotel is located near High Street, right off the river. The building itself has been around since 1698 and provides a variety of cozy rooms with traditional decor. Guests can enjoy the B&B’s gardens and terrace while having lunch or afternoon tea.
- The Landsdowne is a boutique hotel with 14 unique rooms and a large cottage option with its own private garden. The hotel rooms are all charmingly decorated and include all the essential amenities. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast each morning with various pastries and breakfast items.
- The Mousetrap Inn is a cozy country hotel that dates back to 1748. The building itself is full of old-world character but includes all the modern amenities. The Mousetrap Inn has a delightful bar and restaurant for guests to enjoy during their stay and terrace views of the River Windrush.
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Places to Eat
- Bakery on the Water has the most delicious pastries and baked goods around. Everything is made by hand from fresh ingredients every day. Stop by and enjoy breakfast or lunch outside at their riverside garden. They will even pack a picnic lunch for you if you preserve eating somewhere else along the River Windrush.
- L’Anatra Italian Restaurant is the Chester House Hotel’s restaurant. The restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes. Their menu includes a variety of meat, fish, pizza, and pasta made from local ingredients. They are open for lunch and dinner every day.
Chipping Camden
For a smaller, cozier town, visit Chipping Campden. It is a beautifully kept town with its well-known High Street built in the 1300s. The village was originally a bustling medieval market town that primarily sold wool. Although Chipping Campden is not as large as some of the Cotswolds towns, there is a lot to see and do. Stop by the Grevel House, the oldest house in the village, and the old stone Market Hall during your visit.
Other great places to visit are the Hidcote Manor and the Broadway Tower. The Hidcote Manor and Gardens is a 10-minute drive from the town center. It is one of the best Arts and Crafts gardens in England. The Manor is full of beautiful trees and flowers that cover the lush garden that surrounds the house. Another great attraction is The Broadway Tower, which is located on 50 acres of parkland. The structure is presently used as a museum that houses an exhibit of the tower’s past. Climb to the top for a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
Where to Stay in Chipping Camden
- Eight Bells Manor is a spectacular inn built back in the 14th century. Many rooms are decorated with original timbered beams and brick walls but include modern-day amenities. The Inn includes a cozy restaurant and bar, gardens, and a courtyard. Enjoy a delicious English breakfast each morning consisting of eggs, cereals, smoked salmon, and refreshments.
- The Charingworth Manor sits on 54 acres of pristine land in the Cotswold countryside. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s sauna, heated swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts. The hotel also offers delightful gardens for guests to explore during their stay.
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Stow-on-the-Wold
This small village is 800 ft above sea level and has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. This 1,000-year-old town is one of the largest in the Cotswolds, with over two thousand people. Stow-on-the-Wold is a great town if you want to do a little shopping. They have a variety of antique stores and novelty shops, as well as cafes where you can enjoy some tea and English pastries. One of the most popular tearooms is Huffkins, which has been in business since 1890. Stow-on-the-Wold has many great pubs to stop into for dinner and drinks.
Where to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
- The King’s Arms Hotel is lovely in the city center. The rooms are elegantly decorated and full of charm. Many rooms have exposed brick walls, wood beams, and sloped ceilings, making for a charming getaway. Enjoy a delicious English breakfast each morning and drinks downstairs at the hotel bar.
- Stow Lodge Hotel is surrounded by lush green gardens and overlooks the village’s historic market square. Guests can choose rooms either in the main house or the coach house.
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Bibury
Known as one of the most beautiful villages, Bibury sits along the River Coln and is one of the most picture-perfect places in England. The village itself does not have much to do, but it is worth a drive to enjoy the beautiful homes situated along the river. During your visit, make sure to stop by Arlington Row for the best pictures. This road is lined with historic 14th-century homes that make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Originally used as a wool store, the cottages were converted into homes in the 17th century. This street has become a popular tourist attraction for people to stop and take a picture.
Another attraction is the Arlington Mill, which was originally used to produce clothing. The Mill was later turned into a museum and now is a private residence. The Mill is also available to rent as a B&B.
Where to Stay in Bibury
- The Swan Hotel is an elegant ivy-covered mansion that sits on the banks of the River Coln. The hotel offers 22 comfortable rooms and 4 cottage suites for guests to stay in. The Swan Hotel also has a lovely library where guests can enjoy a cozy afternoon tea and a full-service bar. Make sure to take advantage of the hotel’s quaint courtyard and riverside gardens.
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Castle Combe
Home to just over 300 people, Castle Combe is a lovely town to visit if you are looking for a quiet getaway. The homes here date back to the 1600s and have not changed very much since then. Visiting this quiet little town will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. During your visit, walk around the tiny roads, stop at St. Andrew’s Church, and have a look at the home of Dr. Dolittle in the 1960s movie. If you get the chance, some trails will take you up the mountains, where you can get beautiful town views from below.
One of the most popular buildings is the Dower House, located on the edge of the town. This beautiful yellow stone home was used as Puddleby-on-the Marsh, the home for Dr. Dolittle in the classic 1960 movie.
In the center of the town sits the 14th-century-old Market Cross. The cross was used as the meeting location for villagers to buy and sell their produce. The cross was dismantled in the 19th century, but part of it remains where it has sat for over 600 years.
St. Andrew’s Church is one of the grandest churches found in the Cotswolds. Back in the 15th century, many of the area’s churches were financed by merchants and farmers. Because of this, they are nicknamed ‘woo churches’, since many of the merchants in the area dealt in wool. You will find one of England’s oldest clocks inside this church.
Where to Stay in Castle Combe
- The Manor House is a luxurious hotel and golf club situated on 365 acres of pristine land. The 5-star hotel includes 50 luxurious rooms, tennis courts, croquet, and golf. Whether you plan on staying overnight in the Cotswolds or just visiting for the day, it is worth a stop at the hotel for afternoon tea or lunch on their outdoor terrace.
- The Castle Inn Hotel is cozy with old-school charm and elegant decor. Each room is furnished with antique furniture and luxurious en suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast, which is included with your stay.
Places to Eat
- Old Rectory Tearoom is a great place for afternoon tea and home-baked pastries. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with wood beams and a fireplace.
- The Castle Inn is one of the best places to go for a traditional English meal and drink. The Inn is located at the top of the village and offers beautiful views of the village square. Enjoy a meal inside the Old English pub, or outside on the terrace.
The Slaughters
The Slaughters are only a mile from Bourton-on-the-Water and are made up to the Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter. The name comes from the Old English word, ‘slough,’ which means ‘muddy place’. These twin villages have remained unchanged for over 100 years, with no new construction since the early 1900s.
The Upper Slaughter is smaller and less visited than its twin. The little village has a delightful square that is full of picturesque cottages. It is worth a drive to enjoy a casual stone around the quiet streets and views of the beautiful yellow stone cottages.
When you first approach the Lower Slaughter from the Upper, you will come across the extravagant Lower Slaughter Manor. The building was constructed in the 1600s and belonged to Sir George Whitmore’s family for over 300 years. Now, it is used as a luxury hotel. If you decide to stay in the area for more than a day, it is worth a stay here.
The Lower Slaughter is home to an old mill that sits next to the River Eye. The mill has not been in use since the 1950s but has been transformed into a museum and gift shop for visitors. Besides that, there is not much to do in terms of attractions. Another beautiful building is the church of St. Mary’s. The original 12th-century church was rebuilt back in 1867 with some of the original architecture remaining.
Where to Stay in the Slaughters
- The Slaughters Manor House is a beautiful 17-century manor turned luxury hotel. The hotel is a mix of traditional decor and modern amenities. Many of the rooms come with four-poster beds, fireplaces, and lavish furnishings. The Manor House also has a modern bar and restaurant, billiard room, and extensive gardens for you to enjoy during your stay.
- The Slaughters Country Inn was originally used as a prep school but has been run as an Inn since 2011. The Inn offers 31 different rooms, each uniquely decorated and meeting various needs. Enjoy the 4 acres of grounds located off of the River Eye.
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Conclusion
The Cotswolds is a cozy region of England and home to some of the prettiest towns and villages. Explored another town that I have not mentioned? I would love to hear about it!
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