tourist attractions cotswolds

The Cotswolds

Things to do in the Cotswolds for all types of explorers

Things to do in the Cotswolds

There is so much to explore in the Cotswolds, it’s difficult knowing where to begin!

A visit to the Cotswolds can be whatever you make it, whether you’re looking for a weekend of relaxation or an adventure with the whole family. The beautiful Cotswolds is home to some incredible sights, attractions and leisure activities to keep your entertained during your stay.

Get ready to soak up the stunning sights of the Cotswolds’ wonderful historic houses and gardens, such as Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle and Berkeley Castle. Or why not take a stroll around Batsford or Westonbirt Arboretum? No matter where you choose to stay, or visit, the beautiful Cotswolds countryside is never too far away.

This historic rural area is forever popular with visitors all year around, looking for a slice of the country life. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a trip with the whole family (including your furry friends!), there is so much to see, do and explore in the Cotswolds.

Experience everything the Cotswolds has to offer

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Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials (BPIHT)

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Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

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Cotswold Farm Park

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Lily Antiques

• Cirencester
• 07485 660921

The Game Fair

National Trust – Dyrham Park

• 01179 372501

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Cotswolds, England

Why we love the Cotswolds

Beauty, adventure, culture – the Cotswolds has it all. Famous for its lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers, this rural belle has graced countless books, artworks and TV shows – but does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. From the willow-shaded banks of the River Thames, and Blenheim Palace’s lavish décor, to the honey-coloured cottages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Burford – it’s all just as idyllic as you imagine.

The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, an accolade it more than lives up to – but this landscape isn’t just for admiring. There are ancient castles to explore, wild lakes to kayak, local wines to taste, and endless trails to hike, cycle and ride.

Totalling nearly 800 square miles (2,000 square km), the region spans six west-central counties, yet is just 90 minutes from London. With so much to see, do and discover, here’s how to plan your trip.

Find the prettiest spot

Which is the fairest village of all? With rose-covered cottages, antique shops and steeple-topped churches, the Cotswolds’ rural communities are utterly charming – such as Snowshill, Asthall and Stow-on-the-Wold. Castle Combe might look familiar: it was a filming location for Downton Abbey.

Get a date in the diary

Music, arts, literature, food… the festival calendar is full to the brim. For artisan food and big-name bands, check out The Big Feastival (August), while The Cotswold Show (July) promises craft stalls, falconry, dog shows and more. Other highlights include the Cotswold Beer Festival, live music at Barn on the Farm, and global culture at WOMAD.

Relax at the spa

The Cotswolds boasts some seriously sumptuous spas . Pamper-seeking locals head to Calcot Manor, Dormy House and Thyme – which even has a springwater swimming pool. Or, indulge your spiritual side with Bamford Wellness’s sound-bath healing, breathwork and meditation sessions.

Plan a big day out

Dawn ’til dusk, fill your days with adventure: from meeting giraffes at Cotswold Wildlife Park and feeding the penguins at Birdland, to exploring the cute model village at Bourton-on-the-Water. Love puzzles? Visit the Dragonfly Maze. Celebrating? Raise a toast at Cotswold Distillery. There really is something for everyone . 

VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Blenheim Palace

See a different side of history

The region’s historic houses and palaces are packed with fun things to do – such as sculpture trails and movie screenings at Sudeley Castle, festive lights and live music at Longleat House, and festivals galore at Blenheim Palace. The National Trust’s Chastleton House also runs behind-the-scenes tours.

VisitBritain/Cotswold Country Park

Go wild on the water

Make waves! With its sandy beach, nature reserves and watersports centres, Cotswold Water Park is idyllic in summer – whether you’re wild swimming, kayaking, windsurfing or jet skiing. There are 150 lakes to explore, plus water-view hotels, glamping lodges and a floating obstacle course.

Things to do in Cotswolds

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Where else do rhinos roam on the lawn of a stately home? The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is one of the best attractions in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Burford, Oxfordshire

Gloucester Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral offers guided tours, discovery trails and breathtaking live concerts.

Gloucestershire, England

Cotswold Way National Trail

Take one of Britain’s most beautiful walks, on the Cotswold Way National Trail, from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Castle Combe: War Horse

With its honey-coloured stone houses and ambling river, this village is a true Cotswolds beauty.

Shutterstock / LC_Captures

Cotswold, England

Cirencester, Cotswolds

The Roman town of Cirencester is the best place to go shopping in the Cotswolds. The pretty streets are lined with independent shops for every taste.

Cheltenham Racecourse

Home of the Cheltenham Festival, this legendary stadium is synonymous with horse racing.

The Jockey Club / Marketing Cheltenham

Walks With Hawks

This family-run sanctuary is home to hawks, owls and eagles – and offers exciting wildlife experiences.

SUP at Cotswolds Water Park

The tranquil waters of this water park are ideal for SUP adventures, whether you’re a beginner or pro.

Cotswolds Tourism

Wingwalking with AeroSuperBatics

On the top of a roaring biplane, this is definitely the most exhilarating view of the Cotswolds!

Wingwalking Experiences & Events

New Brewery Arts

Home to art galleries, studios and creative workshops – featuring pottery, painting, jewellery-making and more.

New Brewery Arts, Cirencester

Fosse Gallery

This independent gallery has close connections to the Royal Academy and the New English Art Club.

Fosse Gallery, Stow-on-the-Wold

The Wilson - Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum

Maybe you’ll learn the art of lino printing, make your own puppet, or give life-drawing a go?

Candid Pictures/Cheltenham Trust Cheltenham

Kelmscott Manor

Stepping into William Morris’s home, you’ll be blown away by its incredible colours, patterns and designs.

The Falcon Inn

This cosy pub puts the best of British cuisine on your plate, plus fine local ales, spirits and wines.

Cotswolds Tourism/Nick Turner

The Olive Tree

Enjoy stone-baked pizzas and traditional pies, plus a wine-list that includes Cotswolds-grown bubbly.

Shutterstock

The Butchers Arms

Treat yourself to a pint in the sunny beer garden, or a cosy supper beside the log fire.

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel

With chef Raymond Blanc OBE at the helm, this superb hotel and restaurant has two Michelin Stars.

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons / Chris Terry

Pudding Club - Three Ways House Hotel

Tuck into a night of fine wine, traditional entertainment, and seven delectable desserts…

Puzzlewood: Star Wars and Doctor Who

When you explore the ancient forest of Puzzlewood, some places might feel eerily familiar.

The Time Machine Museum of Science Fiction

Packed with memorabilia, artwork and props from some of the world’s favourite TV series and movies.

Chavenage House: Poldark

This 16th-century manor starred in the hit TV series, as ‘Trenwith’ – the Poldarks’ family home.

Robert Viglasky Photography/Chavenage House/Cotsowlds Tourism

Corinium Museum

From Stone Age art to Roman jewellery and Medieval coins, there are over 60,000 objects to discover.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Toot toot! These classic cars and motorcycles reveal the 20th century’s rich motoring history.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection/ Cotswolds Tourism

Cheltenham Festival

A lively, sociable weekend of racing, best enjoyed with a glass of Champagne in hand.

Wychwood Festival

Designed to enthral the whole family, this three-day fiesta features music, books, comedy and wellbeing.

Lechlade Festival

Over 100 music bands play live every year, putting homegrown local talents in the spotlight.

Johnny Hathaway/Forestry England

Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre

From the daffodils in spring to the blazing maples in autumn, every season brings a new spectacle.

Batsford Arboretum

Highgrove Gardens

Nestled near Tetbury, Highgrove is home to Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Pittville Park

A fabulous spot for summertime picnics and wintertime strolls, with a small golf course and tennis courts too.

Visit Cheltenham

Get closer to Wildlife. Explore the Park and discover over 250 different animal species in 160 acres of beautiful parkland and stunning gardens.

For countryside walks, friendly local pubs and boutique hotels, you’ve come to the right place.

Nick Turner/Cotswolds Tourism

The Highgrove Shop at The Coronation Pavilion

Explore a curated array of artisanal treasures and home delights, all inspired by His Majesty King Charles III's passion.

Gloucester Quays

This outlet mall offers up to 70% off designer fashions, featuring Calvin Klein, Barbour and more.

Gloucester City Council

Shambles Market, Stroud

Vintage vinyl records, pre-loved books, artisan food, small-batch gins: you’ll find it all here.

Getty Images

From Georgian furniture to Victorian jewellery, the antique shops of Tetbury are brimming with treasures.

Visit Tetbury/Cotswolds Tourism

Eco Chic Cottages

Located in Shilton and Southrop, these self-catering retreats have won awards for their eco credentials.

Eco Chic Cottages/Cotswolds Tourism

Daylesford Organic

With its spa, restaurant, cookery school and food hall, this is the perfect balance of nature and luxury.

Martin Morrell/Daylesford Organic

The Ox Barn

Set in a beautiful 19th-century farm, this restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide.

Rachael Smith Photography Ltd/The Ox Barn

Stroud Farmers' Market

The likes of Lily Allen and Cath Kidston live nearby, so keep an eye out while you shop!

Simon Pizzey/Stroud District Council

Featured things to do

New challenge

The mighty River Thames (which runs through the heart of London) begins its journey near Kemble – where it’s little more than a trickle. In spring, the tranquil riverside Thames Path is a joy to ramble.

realflowerpetalconfetti

Flower power

Take a sweet-scented walk through the Cotswold Lavender meadows, as they bloom a magnificent purple – or discover the pink and lilac blossoms at Wyke Manor’s Confetti Fields.

theresa.caney

Rich pickings

It’s harvest time at Poulton Hill Estate vineyard, and you’re invited for a day of grape-picking, wine tasting and a home-cooked lunch. The region’s many wineries offer tours and tastings year-round.

Getty Images/Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury

Seasonal sparkle

Feast on gingerbread and glühwein in the Cotswolds’ Christmas markets: the likes of Broadway, Burford and Cirencester are full of festive cheer, while Bourton-on-the-Water’s twinkling Christmas tree sits right on the river.

Places to stay in Cotswolds

Heritage hotels.

If walls could talk, the Cotswolds’ historic hotels would tell tales of holidaying monarchs and noble families. If you love fine dining, plush décor and five-star service, look no further.  

Rental cottages

Make yourself at home in a picture-perfect stone cottage. In villages and towns all over the region, these traditional homes often feature log burners, roll-top baths and gardens.

Quirky glampsites

Take your pick from bell tents, shepherd’s huts and cosy yurts, all set in woodlands and wildflower meadows. Simple pleasures are paramount, such as picnics and long country walks.

Explore nearby

An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

West Midlands Growth Company

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of the great bard, William Shakespeare, fall in love with this hopelessly romantic 16th century town.

©VisitBritain/Nemorin

A wellness retreat for the Romans and Georgian architecture around every corner.

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Getting to Cotswolds

With the likes of Oxford, Bristol and Bath on its doorstep, the Cotswolds is easy to reach by rail, and direct trains between London Paddington and Moreton-in-Marsh take just 90 minutes. If you’re arriving internationally, London Heathrow is around a two-hour drive, while the airports of Bristol and Birmingham are just over an hour’s transfer away.

Getting around

Travelling by public transport is recommended – especially in summer, when the narrow roads can get congested. Regular trains run throughout the region, but buses venture deeper into the smaller villages and hamlets. Hire a bike to explore even further on traffic-free trails and bridleways; if you’re pedalling long-distance, Luggage Transfers can transport your suitcases.

By steam train

For a spectacular steam-powered journey between Cheltenham and Broadway, hop on board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway .

By public transport

With a Cotswolds One Day Discoverer  pass, you’ll enjoy unlimited travel on the region’s plentiful buses and local trains. 

If you choose to drive, opt for an electric car if possible: there are charging points all over the Cotswolds, and at many hotels too.

Want to know more?

The Cotswolds’s official website is packed with local tips and fun things to do – including the top walks, sights and villages.

Must-see attractions in The Cotswolds

Arlington Row

The Cotswolds

Bibury's most famous attraction, this ravishing row of rustic cottages – as seen in movies like Stardust – was originally a 14th-century wool store,…

Corinium Museum

Most of this wonderful modern museum is, of course, dedicated to Cirencester’s Roman past; reconstructed rooms, videos and interactive displays bring the…

Cotswold Falconry Centre

Home to over 150 birds of prey (owl, vulture, eagle and, of course, falcon), this exciting spot stages displays of the ancient practice of falconry at 11…

Sudeley Castle

During its thousand-year history, this magnificent castle has welcomed many a monarch, including Richard III, Henry VIII and Charles I. Half a mile…

Painswick Rococo Garden

England's only surviving rococo garden, half a mile north of Painswick, was laid out by Benjamin Hyett in the 1740s as a vast 'outdoor room'. Restored to…

Minster Lovell Hall

The main sight in Old Minster is Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th-century riverside manor house that fell into ruins after being abandoned in 1747. You can…

St John the Baptist’s Church

Burford's splendid church, near the river, took over three centuries to build, from 1175 onwards. Its fan-vaulted ceiling, Norman west doorway and 15th…

Batsford Arboretum

Created from 1880 onwards by Bertie Mitford (Lord Redesdale), and later briefly home to his famous granddaughters, the Mitford sisters, these exotic 22…

Broadway Tower

Built in 1798 to resemble an imaginary Saxon fort, this turreted Gothic folly looks down on Broadway from atop the escarpment, 1 mile southeast. William…

One of England's largest parish churches, the cathedral-like St John's boasts an outstanding Perpendicular Gothic tower with flying buttresses (c 1400),…

England’s largest Iron Age hill fort, dating from around 300 BC, sprawls across 13 (overgrown) hectares above Uley. A 1.1-mile perimeter track leads…

Stanway House

There's little more to the pretty village of Stanway than a few thatched-roofed cottages, a church and this magnificent Jacobean mansion, concealed behind…

Chedworth Roman Villa

This large and luxurious Roman villa was rediscovered by a gamekeeper in 1864. Though the earliest section dates to around AD 175, it was at its most…

The private residence of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, a mile southwest of Tetbury, is famous for its exquisite, sustainable, organic…

Hailes Abbey

Now lying in ruins 3 miles northeast of Winchcombe, this 13th-century Cistercian abbey was once, thanks to a long-running medieval scam, one of England’s…

Belas Knap Long Barrow

Dating from around 3000 BC, Belas Knap is one of the country’s best-preserved neolithic burial chambers, complete with ‘false’ portal leading nowhere. The…

Kelmscott Manor

Nestling near the Thames 20 miles west of Oxford (northwest of Faringdon), Kelmscott Manor is a gorgeous garden-fringed Tudor pile that was bought in 1871…

Woodchester Mansion

When work on grand, graceful Woodchester Mansion, off the B4066 3 miles north of Uley, was abandoned in the mid-1860s, the roof was on but the house was…

Broadway Museum & Art Gallery

Set in a magnificent 17th-century coaching inn, Broadway’s town museum has close links with Oxford’s prestigious Ashmolean Museum. Its fascinating…

St Mary’s Church

Painswick centres on this fine 14th-century, Perpendicular Gothic wool church, surrounded by 18th-century tabletop tombs and clipped yew trees sculpted to…

Snowshill Manor & Garden

Once home to eccentric poet and architect Charles Paget Wade (1883–1956), this wonderful medieval mansion stands just over 2 miles south of Broadway. It…

Chastleton House

Four miles southeast of Moreton-in-Marsh, signposted off the A44 halfway to Chipping Norton, Chastleton is one of England’s finest and most complete…

Cold War Experience

A long-buried secret lies a minute’s walk north of Broadway Tower, in the cramped cellar-like form of a bunker where, until 1991, members of the Royal…

Cotswold Wildlife Park

Younger visitors in particular will enjoy this hugely popular wildlife centre, 3 miles south of Burford. Its vast 250-species menagerie includes penguins,…

Cotswold Farm Park

Owned by TV presenter Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park sets out to introduce little ones to the world of farm animals, while also preserving rare breeds,…

Church of St Peter & St Paul

The grandeur and complexity of this masterpiece of the Cotswold Perpendicular style testifies to its wool-era wealth. Although the chancel and 30m tower…

Rollright Stones

Linked by a footpath through open fields, the ancient Rollright Stones stand to either side of an unnamed road 4 miles north of Chipping Norton. The most…

St James’ Church

Built in Perpendicular Gothic style in the late 15th century using wool-trade profits, this imposing church boasts a splendid tower and some graceful 17th…

Hidcote, 4 miles northeast of Chipping Campden, ranks among the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in Britain. Laid out from 1907 onwards by American…

Market Hall

Chipping Campden's highly photogenic, honey-toned, little 17th-century Market Hall, an open-sided pillared building where dairy farmers used to sell their…

Uley Long Barrow

Just over a mile north of Uley, this well-preserved 37m-long chambered neolithic burial mound dates from 3500BC. The remains of around 15 interments have…

Grevel House

Built around 1380 for the supremely prosperous wool merchant William Grevel, complete with gargoyles and mullioned windows, Grevel House is Chipping…

Cotswolds Distillery

This ambitious, ecofriendly gin and whisky distillery sits tucked into the northern Cotswolds, 8 miles north of Chipping Norton. Join a tour of the…

Church of St Mary the Virgin & St Mary Magdalen

The Georgian Gothic Church of St Mary the Virgin & St Mary Magdalen has a towering spire (a 19th-century replica of the medieval original) and a wonderful…

Right on the River Eye, the Old Mill houses a cafe and crafts shop as well as a small museum, where you can find out all about the building’s former life…

Court Barn Museum

Ever since architect and designer Charles Robert Ashbee (1863–1942) moved his Guild of Handicraft here from east London in 1902, Chipping Campden has been…

This 12th-century church, in the village of Swinbrook, 3 miles east of Burford, is remarkable for the tomb of the Fettiplace family, who dominated this…

Old Silk Mill

This former silk mill (c 1790) was the home of Charles Robert Ashbee's Guild of Handicraft from 1902 until it went bust in 1908. Many artisans stayed on,…

St Mary's Church

A classic Cotswold wool church, St Mary's has a magnificent Perpendicular nave and clerestory, several alabaster tombs and fluted, diamond-shaped pillars…

Museum in the Park

Amid amenities like a leisure pool in Stroud’s municipal park, 800m northwest of the centre, this 18th-century mansion tells the history of the town and…

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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

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

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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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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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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,

TRUSTED RESOURCES FOR VISITING THE UK Getting there & around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals and campers in the UK (and all around the world). For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices with other modes of transport. For buses , I use busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. Browse UK tours and activities on GetYourGuide . Pack the latest copy of Lonely Planet UK . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . See all my suggestions on my resources page .

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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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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10 Places to Visit in the Cotswolds

Picture-perfect villages, chocolate-box houses, and a pastoral landscape dissected by dry stone walls, ancient churches, and the occasional herd of sheep: the Cotswolds is the quintessential English countryside. Peppered with market towns and quaint villages, there’s lots to love about this region. If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds , here are the best places to visit during your stay.

Bourton-on-the-Water

One of the most famous locations in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is genuinely idyllic. Its old, golden sandstone homes are set beside the River Windrush, and the town has a real variety of activities for visitors. Whether it’s scones with jam and cream in the tea rooms or a pint of English ale in the pubs, there’s plenty to please hungry travelers here.

Families will love the Model Village, where a Bourton-in-miniature is open year-round, and the Dragonfly hedge maze is a beautiful place to get lost with the kids. Birdland Park and Gardens has flamingos, penguins, parrots, and owls, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection has a vast collection of rare 20th-century cars and nostalgic toys.

Thanks to its position on a vital ridgeway between London and Worcester, Broadway became a bustling village during the 1600s as stagecoaches would stop here overnight on their travels. Today, thousands of tourists stay here overnight to see its pretty Cotswold stone houses, browse its antique shops or attend the races at Cheltenham.

Rub shoulders with historical figures at the Lygon Arms Hotel, a former manor house that hosted the likes of Charles I and Oliver Cromwell, and hike up to Broadway Tower for a view. The castle-like tower is the second-highest point in the region, offering glorious views over the surrounding countryside and even out to the Welsh mountains, and was designed by famous landscape gardener Capability Brown.

Charming Bibury attracts snap-happy visitors from all over the world to take pictures of one thing: Arlington Row. Now owned by the National Trust, this row of terraced cottages is one of the most photographed spots in all of the Cotswolds, as the honey-hued stone and gabled facades set against the rustic backdrop make for a beautiful scene. The homes were initially built in the 1300s as a wool store, but were later converted into weavers’ cottages and are still lived in by locals today. 

Beyond these private homes (be respectful with your camera if you do decide to visit), there’s the historic St Mary’s Church where you can see a Saxon gravestone, Norman doorway, and medieval window. Plus, Bibury Trout Farm offers the chance to catch your dinner and cook it.

This market town on the edge of the Cotswolds, near Oxford, is a little-visited highlight. Its center is all honey-colored houses and shops, with excellent old pubs and hotels set inside ancient coaching inns, and surrounding the town is a host of brilliant attractions. For "Downton Abbey" fans, Cogges Manor Farm will feel familiar—it was used as Mr. Mason's small-holding during seasons four and five, and Keira Knightley visited to film "Colette" here, too. 

The Witney Blanket Hall is a fascinating museum to the town’s major trade—hand-woven blankets—and the 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell Hall are a pleasant 2.5-mile walk away, along the River Windrush.

Another famous "Downton Abbey" filming location, there's a lot more to Bampton than the church and village green that featured in Julian Fellows' period drama. This gorgeous little village, also known rather quaintly as Bampton-in-the-Bush, has beautiful, historic architecture, some great traditional pubs, and the brilliant West Oxfordshire Arts gallery where you can see and buy works from local creatives. Don't miss afternoon tea at The Cake Element Bakery.

If the aforementioned show is your focus, though, head to Bampton Library where there’s an exhibition on the filming that took place here, and nearby you’ll spot Lady Grantham’s home and the church where Mary and Matthew were married. There are often volunteers inside who appeared as extras in the show.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Perfect for a family day out, the Cotswold Wildlife Park offers 160-acres of land to explore. Roaming its pastures and enclosures are big mammals and brilliant birds, from giraffes, lions, and rhino to colorful parrots, flamingos, and penguins. 

The highlight for kids will be a stroll through the Madagascan Walkthrough, where cheeky ring-tailed lemurs hop about the trees and rope swings freely as you walk among them. Don’t miss their feeding time at midday, or the penguin feeding displays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

A majestic Georgian town, Woodstock is a hub for many visitors to the Cotswolds. Here you’ll find the splendid, historic St Mary Magdalene Church, with its intriguing zig-zag patterned doorway and a musical clock that chimes four times a day (9 a.m., 1 p,m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m.). Local history can be learned at the Oxfordshire Museum, and compelling tales from the wars are told in the Soldiers of Oxfordshire exhibit. 

But the ultimate highlight in Woodstock is Blenheim Palace—the spectacular stately home of the Duke of Marlborough. Get a feel for how the English upper classes once lived inside the palace’s exquisite rooms, then spend an afternoon strolling the verdant grounds.

Sudeley Castle

This self-proclaimed “hidden gem of the Cotswolds” is a genuine delight. Its manicured gardens and the impressive castle make a beautiful setting, but moreover, its history is fascinating. The castle was home to Henry VIII’s last surviving wife, Queen Katherine Parr, and Henry himself, as well as Queen Elizabeth I, Richard III, and Anne Boleyn have all owned, lived in, or stayed at the castle. 

Today, it’s the home of Lady Ashcombe and her children, who are restoring the castle and its grounds to their former glory. Its architecture is a classic example of Tudor building, and inside there are fascinating exhibitions, royal paintings, and exquisite antiques. Queen Katherine Parr is now buried in St. Mary’s Church on the grounds of the castle—the only English queen to be buried on private property.

Cirencester

Considered the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester was the second-largest city (after London) during Roman times. That means there’s some fascinating history to behold, including the remains of an old Roman amphitheater that once held 8,000 spectators at a time. Today, the town is a thriving little market town with plenty of independent boutiques and restaurants to keep you busy for days.

Get Roman history lessons at the Corinium Museum, visit a craft center and gallery set inside a Victorian brewery at New Brewery Arts, and don’t miss visiting the imposing, Gothic-style Parish Church of St. John Baptist. For walkers, there are 3,000 acres of green space to enjoy at Cirencester Park.

If food is on your agenda, Kingham is the place to go. This tiny, picturesque village doesn’t look like much to write home about on the surface, but spend some time in the local pubs and shops and you’ll come home a convert. The Kingham Plough is the best spot for dinner, with legendary local producers on the menu and carefully crafted dishes. There are rooms for overnight if you opt to base yourselves here, too—it’s the ultimate retreat after a day of walking in the gorgeous countryside nearby. 

But the highlight around Kingham is Daylesford Organic Farm, just 1.5 miles north of the Plough. Here you’ll find absolutely sensational produce for sale, from ciders to cheese to freshly-baked breads—all made locally. They even have their own skincare range, so come with your credit card and be prepared to stock up on souvenirs.

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Must-Visit Attractions in the Cotswolds

Covering almost 800sqmi (2,072sqkm), the scenic Cotswolds are brimming with things to do and see. Picturesque villages, grand palaces, ancient castles, beautiful gardens… This perfect slice of English countryside has got it all. Wondering where to start? From the Cotswolds Distillery to Warwick Castle, here are 25 of the best attractions in the area.

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WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

This family-friendly wetland centre makes the perfect day out. Hand-feed the ducks and geese as you walk around the idyllic grounds, check out the huge flamingo flock, spot water voles from the canoe safari and go birdwatching in the comfy Discovery Hide.

Standing tall in the most glorious of settings, Broadway Tower looks out across the breathtaking Cotswold scenery. Visitors can explore this unique folly tower before hiking along the Cotswold Way or just sitting back with a cup of tea, taking in the view.

Westonbirt Arboretum

With 15,000 tree specimens from all over the world, Westonbirt Arboretum is regarded as one of the best arboretums in the country. There’s something for everyone here, whether you just want to wander around the grounds, explore the treetop walkway or take the children along the Gruffalo Spotters trail. The arboretum is beautiful whatever the season but particularly dramatic in autumn, as the leaves turn a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges.

Highgrove Gardens

Created and cultivated over the last 35 years by the Prince of Wales, the Royal Gardens at Highgrove are a stunning example of sustainability, harmony with nature and a true love of all things horticulture. The gardens are open annually from April to October, and visitors can enjoy fascinating guided tours around the estate.

The Cotswolds Distillery

With a dedication to producing the very best artisan whisky and gin with a local twist, the Cotswolds Distillery is one of the smallest but arguably the prettiest distilleries in England. Find out all about the process on one of the distillery tours, before putting your feet up in front of a warming log fire for a tasting session in a relaxing environment.

Cotswolds Water Park

Featuring over 150 lakes spread over 40sqmi (104sqkm), the Cotswold Water Park has plenty to keep you busy. There are lots of beautiful trails to explore by foot or on two wheels, as well as great fishing spots and a huge choice of water sports to try your hand at. There’s even a beach (yep, in the Cotswolds!) where you can swim and really feel like you’re on holiday.

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Home to over 260 different species of animal, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is the biggest privately owned zoological collection in the country. Watch rhinos as they graze on the lawn of the manor house, get eye-to-eye with giraffes on the Giraffe Walkway and see the penguins at feeding time. The zoo is dog-friendly, so even your four-legged friends can come along for the day.

Gloucester Cathedral

You’ll be blown away by the magnificence of Gloucester Cathedral – one of the finest medieval buildings in the country. Walk the extraordinary medieval cloisters (which even acted as Hogwarts’ cloisters in the early Harry Potter films), and then climb to the top of the Cathedral’s tower for stunning rooftop views.

Sudeley Castle

Explore the fascinating and turbulent history of Sudeley Castle, spanning more than 1,000 years. From the glorious, historic rooms to the jaw-dropping 1,200-acre (486ha) estate (featuring 10 award-winning gardens), there’s a lot to see. There’s even the Pheasantry, which houses a collection of 16 rare and endangered species of birds from around the world.

Dyrham Park

There aren’t many places in England that offer such a unique opportunity to see a historic herd of fallow deer roaming freely. Dyrham Park, a grand late-17th-century baroque country house surrounded by beautiful ancient parkland, combines history with wildlife for an excellent day out for all the family.

Cotswold Farm Park

If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Cotswold Farm Park. Here, children can help hand- and bottle-feed animals as well as learn all about farming. The working farm is home to a number of rare breeds, including Old Gloucester cattle and Castlemilk Moorit sheep, which you can often see on one of the tractor safari rides.

The Roman Baths

In the heart of the city of Bath, you’ll find the historic Roman Baths. Built in approximately 70CE as a grand place for bathing and socialising, they are now regarded as one of the most important and best preserved sites of Roman remains in the world. You can walk among the ruins and even take a sip of the spa water (which was believed to have healing powers by the Romans) in the Pump Room.

The Model Village

One of the quirkier attractions in the Cotswolds, the Model Village is an impressive 1/9th scale replica of the scenic village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The attention to detail here is incredible, with miniature houses, tiny bridges over a mini River Windrush and even the sound of choral song coming from one of the small churches.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Tucked away in a hidden valley and offering unbeatable views of the Cotswold countryside, Painswick Rococo Garden feels like a secret treasure. Transporting you back to the elegance of the early 1700s, this site celebrates a time when gardens were designed to really dazzle.

Blenheim Palace

It’s no surprise that Blenheim Palace, a picture-perfect baroque stately home, is a Unesco World Heritage site. Spend a day taking in the beauty of this palace (the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill), before taking to the great outdoors to explore over 2,000 acres (800ha) of Capability Brown parkland and formal gardens.

The Rollright Stones

Folklore says that an Iron-Age monarch and his courtiers were turned to stone by a witch, resulting in the Rollright Stones. The truth about how this ancient stone circle came to be, just outside the village of Great Rollright, is still unknown, but it’s a fascinating example of a mysterious prehistoric monument.

The Slaughters

Upper and Lower Slaughter are widely believed to be the most picturesque example of a quintessentially Cotswold village. Honey-hued stone cottages, the meandering River Eye and an idyllic countryside setting make these villages an absolute must-see, for a real taste of the Cotswolds.

Hidcote Manor Garden

Hidcote Manor Garden is one of England’s great arts-and-crafts gardens. The various gardens are divided by tall hedges and walls to create a series of outdoor rooms, each with their own character. From the grand formality of the White Garden to the natural charm of the Old Garden, there’s real beauty wherever you look.

Lauded by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England”, Bibury is one of the most popular stops on a Cotswold tour, and it’s easy to see why. Home to Arlington Row, one of England’s most photographed streets, Bibury has beauty and charm that will capture your heart.

Sezincote House and Gardens

Deep in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside you’ll find the unexpected – a dazzling 200-year old Moghul Indian palace. Yep, really! Sezincote House, built in the “Indian style”, is a feast for the eyes, with its weathered-copper dome and elaborate curving orangery. The gardens are equally impressive – and exotic! – featuring a water garden and ornamental temples.

Cotswold Lavender Farm

Head to the Cotswolds between May and August and you’ll be in for a real treat, and a very aromatic one at that. Cotswold Lavender is located near the village of Snowshill and features 40 different types of lavender and more than half a million plants in total. Visit the farm, marvel at the colour and come home smelling amazing.

Cleeve Hill

The entire Cotswold area is belted by hills, providing some top-shelf walking routes, and many of them use Cleeve Hill as a focal point. It’s the highest peak in Gloucestershire, and the Cleeve area covers about 1,000 acres (400ha), crisscrossed with public footpaths. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in England.

Cotswold Falconry Centre

Birdwatching is fine if you know what you’re doing, but for a more up-close-and-personal experience, Cotswold Falconry Centre is a better bet. The centre is home to dozens of species, including eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons, owls and more. As well as getting a close look, you can watch the birds in flight during daily shows with the falconers.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Another must-visit old British village, Stow-on-the-Wold is in the dead centre of the Cotswolds and has a history dating back to the Iron Age. Now, it brims with antique shops that visitors come from all around to browse, as well as St. Edwards Church, whose huge north door sits between two yew trees and is said to have inspired the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings .

Warwick Castle

Sitting on the River Avon, Warwick Castle is an especially important piece of British history, as it was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror, just two years after his successful invasion and defeat of the English army. Now, you can explore the grounds, go on tours of the interior and enjoy interactive shows detailing the castle’s storied past.

Additional reporting by Callum Davies

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Tourist Attractions in The Cotswolds

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Chipping Campden Almshouses

The 1612 Almshouses at Chipping Campden are an excellent example of Cotswolds architectural design, situated in an attractive local town

Cheltenham Racecourse

Cheltenham Racecourse is home to high-quality jump-racing, including the renowned Cheltenham Gold Cup

Cirencester Lock-up

A two-celled lock-up built in 1804 and moved to its present site in 1837

Malmesbury Abbey

Remains of a 16th abbey which has partially been restored to an active place of worship.

Church of St Gregory the Great

St Gregory’s Church in Cheltenham is a Catholic Church worth a visit to view the beautiful stone carvings and stained glass windows

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Museum & Toy Collection with some fine examples of classic cars, motorbikes and even caravans

Broadway Tower

Broadway Tower sits on the second highest point of the Cotswolds Ridge, providing spectacular views of up to thirteen counties

Burford Priory

Burford Priory is home to a Community of Benedictine monks and nuns. Visitors are welcome

Gloucester Cathedral

One of the finest cathedrals in England. Built in the 12th century it is steeped in history. Features the largest stained glass window in England

Brewery Arts Centre

12 world class craft studios, contemporary craft gallery, cafe, craft shop and numerous events and classes.

Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum houses artefacts spanning over 3000 years of history as well as displaying paintings from the Renaissance to the present day

Mill Dene Garden

Charming English country garden meets cottage garden but with a few idiosyncratic twists.

Lacock Abbey

A medieval cloistered abbey converted into a fine country house and set in extensive gardens

Wellington Aviation Museum

Small museum dedicated to all those who served or who passed through RAF bomber command at Moreton-in-Marsh

Blenheim Palace

Bibury Trout Farm

Bibury Trout Farm is a working trout farm set in idyllic, countryside surroundings in the valley of the River Coln

Gordon Russell Museum

Museum to celebrate Arts & Crafts innovator Gordon Russell. Includes archives, decorative and applied art, design

Chedworth Roman Villa

Large, 1,700 year old Roman villa in wooded surroundings

Bristol Aero Collection

Large museum with collection including aircraft, missiles, space vehicles, engines and road transport vehicles

Bourton Model Railway

Hidcote Manor Garden

20th-century garden comprised of outdoor 'rooms' each with its own unique character

National Waterways Museum

Located in a Victorian warehouse on the historic Gloucester Docks the museum charts the story of Britain's canals

Bourton Model Village

Bourton-On-the-Water Model Village can be found in the local Old New Inn and is a perfect one-ninth replica of the village itself.

Rodmarton Manor

Fine example of a country house built to the Arts and Crafts ideals. All the furniture is also Arts and Crafts

Cirencester Parish Church

Cotswold Animal Park

Cheltenham Town Hall

Court Barn Museum

The Court Barn Museum exhibits work from artists and craftspeople working in the north Cotswolds from the beginning of the Arts and Crafts Movement until the present day

Cirencester Air Raid Shelter Museum

Air Raid Shelter Museum featuring civilian and military artefacts and exhibits from the Second World War.

Holst Birthplace Museum

Gustav Holst Birthplace Museum

Corinium Museum

Archaeological museum containing a wealth of information about life in the Cotswolds throughout the ages

Birdland Park and Gardens

Birdland Park and Gardens aims to educate and entertain visitors with its displays of more than 500 birds.

Kelmscott Manor

Grade 1 Listed Tudor farmhouse built of local limestone on the edge of the village of Kelmscott. Perhaps best known as the summer retreat of William Morris of the Arts and Crafts movement

Pittville Pump Room

Historic Grade One listed property set in parkland at pittville used for cultural, commercial and community events.

Fox Talbot Museum

Museum celebrating the life of Henry Fox Talbot, owner of Lacock Abbey and pioneer of photography

Cotswold Farm Park

Farm park with emphasis on conservation and education. Wide range of activities and displays and various rare livestock breeds

Greystones Farm

Sandford Parks Lido

Batsford Arboretum

Set in the heart of Batsford Park the 55 acre garden forms one of the largest private

Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

Once the largest and deepest ship canal in the World now home to pleasure boats. Features manned locks and bridges and several waterside pubs

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Cirencester Amphitheatre

One of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain. Dates back to the 2nd century

Abbey House Gardens

Once the home of the Abbot of Malmesbury's with a 16th century house set in 5 acres of quirky formal gardens

Arlington Row

The epitome of Cotswold quaintness. Picturesque row of higgledy-piggledy cottages built in the 1830s as a wool store for the local mill

St John the Baptist Church

One of the largest parish churches in England this medieval is oft referred to as the 'Cathedral of the Cotswolds'

Gloucester City Museum and Art Gallery

Museum and Art Gallery with exhibits including archaeological finds, fine and decorative arts, and natural history specimens

Tolsey Museum

Museum with exhibits on Burford’s industrial and social history.

Cotswold Tourist Attractions

The 12 best things to do in the Cotswolds

W hat a wealth of things to see: geography and history have combined to offer a great gamut of attractions in the Cotswolds, from beautifully sited country houses and some of the country’s most glorious gardens to wonderful medieval churches and absorbing Roman remains. But the region is no time-warp; you’ll find that its chocolate-box prettiness doesn’t preclude contemporary enterprise and eccentric modern charm.

Take the family to walk in the treetops of one England’s greatest arboretums; introduce the kids to giraffes at eye height; learn about local gin, and enjoy a tipple. It would be a very tall call to explore all the venues the Cotswolds offers, so to advise and inspire we’ve selected these highlights.

For further inspiration, see our  guide to the Cotswolds  and the best  hotels , restaurants , pubs ,  afternoon tea and shopping in the area.

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North cotswolds, mid cotswolds, south cotswolds, get the best view of the cotswolds from a tower.

Hike around Broadway Tower, a folly on the escarpment above picturesque Broadway, and you get the best views in the Cotswolds. Then visit the monument for its sheer eccentricity. Designed by Capability Brown and completed in 1798, the tower became a holiday home of William Morris.

Insider tip:  Intriguingly, one of the country’s Cold War nuclear bunkers, still equipped from the 1980s, can be visited here. You clamber down a ladder for 45-minute tours conducted by retired members of the Royal Observer Corps.

Contact: broadwaytower.co.uk

Explore one of England’s most famous stately homes

Set on the fringes of Woodstock, near Oxford, Blenheim Palace is utterly magnificent. The 18th-century Baroque mansion was built for General John Churchill after his decisive victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Today it’s home to his descendant, the 12th Duke of Marlborough. There’s a huge amount to see: the majestic state rooms; an exhibition on Winston Churchill, who was born here; an animated, interactive first-floor exhibition about Blenheim’s scandals and family stories; the kitchens (seen on a Downstairs tour); a butterfly house. But best of all are the grounds, largely created by Capability Brown.

Insider tip: Blenheim Palace has a fabulous collection of trees, particularly oaks. You’ll see the best of these on a 45-minute walk around the lake and Grand Cascade.

Contact:   blenheimpalace.com

Visit an ancient church with compelling historical background

Many of the famous Mitford sisters are buried at St Mary’s Church in Swinbrook, which might be reason enough to visit. Yet there are other compelling sights in this ancient church (dating from the 12th century), especially the amazing tombs of the landowning Fettiplace family, whose effigies are stacked one above the other as if on shelves. From here you can also follow a path through fields to see 11th-century St Oswald’s church.

Insider tip: Pop down the road to have a drink at Swinbrook’s Swan pub and take in Mitford memorabilia on display there.

Contact:   burfordchurch.org

Price: Free

Get to know your spirits at a distillery tour

Founded in 2014, The Cotswolds Distillery has become one of the Cotswolds’ most popular attractions. Tours of the stills and warehouses (adults-only) finish with generous tastings; you’ll learn about the botanicals from which the craft gin here is made, and about the single malt whisky first released in 2017.

Insider tip: Down the road is Whichford Pottery, a studio handmaking flowerpots and offering a relaxing café and gallery (open daily about the same hours as the distillery).

Contact:   cotswoldsdistillery.com

Frolic in a beautiful 1920s garden

Kiftsgate Court Gardens is one of the most sublime of the Cotswolds’ many great gardens. It was started in the 1920s and subsequently beautifully expanded, so there’s an appealing mix of styles and planting. Come for the tulips, bluebells and especially the roses; in early to mid July the white Kiftsgate roses put on an amazing display.

Insider tip: Make a horticultural day of it and also visit the more formal gardens of the National Trust’s Hidcote Manor just across the way.

Contact:   kiftsgate.co.uk

Step back in time in a 17th-century country house

Chastleton House is a gem of a Jacobean country mansion – due to lack of money for generations of owners, it’s wonderfully little changed since the 17th century. You walk through great panelled rooms, admire portraits and tapestries, marvel at a magnificent vaulted long gallery and hear intriguing tales from the National Trust volunteers.

Insider tip:  End your visit with a wander through the gardens. The topiary is terrific and there’s even a 400-year-old mulberry tree.

Contact:   nationaltrust.org.uk

Channel Gulliver’s Travels in a miniature village

The Model Village is the most enchanting of the many family-friendly attractions in picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s a one-ninth scale replica of the village, so most properties are just over knee-high to an adult. Complete with wonky guttering and little windows you can peer through, all the mini buildings are clad in Cotswold stone.

Insider tip:  While you’re here, call in at Birdland , close to the centre of the village. Set across woodland and gardens beside the River Windrush, this magical nine-acre park is home to about 500 birds, from flamingos to pelicans, penguins and owls.

Contact:   themodelvillage.com

Immerse yourself in ancient Roman Britain

Cirencester was once Corinium Dubunnorum, the second largest town in Roman Britain. The amazing ancient remains in its eponymous Corinium Museum range from fabulous mosaics to carvings – this is one of the best collections of Roman antiquities in the country. There are other displays, too, from Neolithic to Victorian times.

Insider tip: For more Roman wonders head 10 miles north to the National Trust’s substantial Chedworth Roman Villa complete with bathouse rooms.

Contact:   coriniummuseum.org

Get up close and personal with the animal kingdom

Cotswold Wildlife Park, a private zoo and park, makes for an enchanting family day out. Rhinos graze in front of the Heyworth’s Neo-Gothic stately home, meerkats play in close-knit groups, penguins gather for elevenses. There’s an eye-to-eye giraffe walkway, a children’s farmyard with goats (among others) to stroke, an adventure playground and much more. The vibe is utterly charming – and eccentric.

Insider tip: Make sure you’re here at noon for the daily lemur feeding session and talk with the keepers of the Madagascar animals.

Contact:   cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

Expand your horticultural knowledge

From elegant acers to beautiful beeches, the 15,000 trees at The National Arboretum at Westonbirt are an inspiring collection that dates back to 1829. Walk some of the 17 miles of footpaths here and then head high; a 13 metre-high walkway runs some 300 metres (about the same length as London’s Millennium Bridge) and offers a wonderful outlook over the canopy.

Insider tip:  Come in spring for outrageous colour from rhododendron blooms, in summer for fantastic walks with picnics under magnificent cedars, in autumn for terrific leaf colour from acers, and in winter for illuminated trails.

Contact:   forestryengland.uk

Enjoy Baroque magnificence

Eight miles north of Bath, Dyrham Park is a beautiful Baroque country mansion set in 270 acres of parkland complete with ancient trees. Much of the joy of a visit here is to wander the grounds and the formal gardens. Make time to visit the house, too; it contains some of the National Trust’s finest tapestries and furniture.

Insider tip: Dyrham Park’s greenhouse is not only striking – when built in the 17th-century it used the latest technology – but it was a political statement at the time too, as it was used for growing oranges, and thus, showing support for the controversial king, William of Orange.

Contact:   nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park

Visit one of the country’s best farmers’ markets

Every Saturday from 9am until about 2pm the centre of Stroud offers a cornucopia of foodie delights, its streets and squares lined with some 80 stalls selling everything from freshly baked bread to pickles and pies. You’ll find loaves from The Artisan Baker, honey from The Painswick Beekeeper, ales from Stroud Brewery and a host of street food such as dishes by Girish’s Vegan Indian Food. Alongside are ceramics, soaps, jewellery and lots of seasonal veg.

Insider tip: Crowds descend by about 10am so get here early – most stalls are set up by 8.30am

Contact: fresh-n-local.co.uk

Price: £ to ££

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

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