The Cotswolds is an space within the southwest of the UK encompassing 5 counties; Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. There are a lot of great locations to go to within the Cotswolds and the world is famed for its picture-postcard cities and villages.
I’ve spent quite a lot of time exploring this attractive a part of England and love the world for its undulating countryside, nice climbing, fairly villages, and rustic previous pubs. Visiting the Cotswolds needs to be excessive on the checklist of anybody touring to the UK because it actually is among the most stunning components of the nation.
Journey to the Cotswolds is a massively rewarding expertise and there’s a lot to do. Take pleasure in visiting stately houses and gardens, nationwide parks, castles, and different historic websites. Among the highlights of the Cotswolds embrace the villages of Bibury, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
15 Finest Locations to Go to in The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is among the greatest locations to go to in England to get an actual really feel for its rural countryside and see part of the nation that’s barely modified in centuries. Under, you’ll discover among the most charming locations within the Cotswolds from historic cities to market cities and sleepy villages.
1. Bathtub
There’s some debate over whether or not Bathtub is definitely within the Cotswolds because it doesn’t fall into the 5 counties that make up the “Space of Pure Magnificence” (Bathtub is in Somerset). Nevertheless, many individuals contemplate it to be because of its proximity to among the prettiest cities within the Cotswolds.
Bathtub is one in all my favourite cities in England and makes a incredible base for exploring the Cotswold area. Town is famed for its Roman baths which date again 2,000 years. I’m an enormous fan of Roman historical past and exploring these historical bathing homes is among the greatest issues to do in England.
This full-day tour from London not solely features a drive by means of among the most picturesque locations to go to within the Cotswolds and a go to to historic Bathtub, however you’ll additionally get to see among the nation’s high sights together with Stratford-upon-Avon and Stonehenge too.
Location: Bathtub is situated within the southwest county of Somerset on the southern tip of the Cotswolds.
Getting There: You possibly can take a tour from London, drive or take one of many many bus or prepare providers departing main cities all through the day.
Issues To Do: Visiting the Roman baths, sightseeing, strolling, consuming, and buying.
The place to Keep: The Macdonald Bathtub Spa and Resort is the right place for {couples} to unwind and absorb the identical therapeutic waters loved by the Romans some 2,000 years in the past. The Henry Visitor Home is a superb possibility for first-time guests because of its central location.
2. Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is a wonderfully picturesque village on the River Windrush and is among the high locations to go to within the Cotswolds. The village is famed for its 5 stone bridges relationship again to the seventeenth Century which add to the attraction of this Cotswolds favourite.
Bourton is certainly the most effective locations to go within the Cotswolds if you wish to see probably the most stunning villages in the whole nation. It’s filled with quaint, stone cottages, tea rooms, boutique retailers, and a very good assortment of eateries.
Smiths of Bourton is among the greatest eating places within the space; specializing in burgers and cocktails. The pastrami burger is to die for and the costs are very cheap given the favored location. Burgers vary from £12.00 to £13.50 and all cocktails are £12.00 (I like to recommend the Nervous Breakdown).
Location: Bourton-on-the-Water is situated within the county of Gloucestershire 15 miles east of Cheltenham.
Getting There: Among the best methods to see Bourton-on-the-Water is on a Cotswolds tour from London, which additionally contains many different websites equivalent to Stow-on-the-Wold.
Issues To Do: Strolling, sightseeing, consuming, and consuming.
The place to Keep: Sunny Nest is a captivating B&B only a mile from the village. The Mousetrap Inn is a conventional inn within the middle of the village and contains an English breakfast.
3. Chipping Norton
The small market city of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire homes a who’s who of excessive society. That is the place you’ll discover the “Chipping Norton Set” comprised of former Prime Ministers, TV and film stars, media moguls, and different celebrities dwelling among the many quaint streets, stone cottages, and contrasting mansions.
Chipping Norton is certainly one of many locations to see within the Cotswolds for its old-world appeal, rows of attention-grabbing vintage retailers, and glorious cafes and eating places. It’s the best city within the Cotswolds and is nestled inside a panorama of hills and valleys.
There’s loads to do in and round Chipping Norton from exploring the previous wool mill to the close by Rollright Stones (a 5,000-year-old stone circle). I visited Rollright on one in all my current journeys again to England and was blown away by the place. The medieval Chequers is a pleasant little pub within the city and it serves an amazing Sunday roast.
Location: Chipping Norton is eighteen miles northeast of the town of Oxford within the county of Oxfordshire.
Getting There: Close by Oxford is definitely reachable from wherever within the UK by street and rail. From Oxford, it’s a 30-minute drive or an hour by bus (S3) to Chipping Norton. You can even take a Cotswolds tour from Oxford.
Issues To Do: Purchasing, consuming, consuming, strolling, and sightseeing.
The place to Keep: The Fox Resort is housed inside a sixteenth Century constructing within the middle of city and has an onsite bar and restaurant. The Falkland Arms is a conventional inn 8 miles from Chipping Norton and is ideal for these searching for a rural retreat.
4. Stroud
If you happen to’re on the lookout for one of the best of the Cotswolds then you’ll be able to’t go fallacious with the city of Stroud in Gloucestershire. I’ve mates dwelling right here so have visited many occasions and located that it’s an amazing base for exploring among the most stunning cities within the Cotswolds.
There are many climbing trails close by that take you thru open pastures and historical woodlands. The Cotswold Manner is a 100-mile path operating from Bathtub to Chipping Campden and passes by means of the Stroud Space. I’ve hiked a number of sections across the city and extremely suggest it once you go to the Cotswolds.
The city itself is so fairly with the primary excessive road atop a cobbled hill, providing magnificent views throughout the countryside, and that includes plenty of glorious unbiased retailers, cafes, and eating places. On my final go to, I purchased a number of books by one in all my favourite authors, Laurie Lee, who lived within the space.
Location: Stroud is situated within the county of Gloucestershire 13 miles from the city of Cirencester.
Getting There: I’ve at all times pushed to Stroud (it takes two to 3 hours from London relying on site visitors), nevertheless it’s additionally effectively linked to the remainder of the UK by prepare and bus.
Issues To Do: Mountain climbing, strolling, buying, and consuming native cider on the Stroud Brewery and Taproom.
The place to Keep: The Clothiers Arms is a pub and inn within the middle of city that’s good for first-time guests. If you happen to’re on the lookout for somewhat luxurious, the Burleigh Court docket Resort is a wonderful possibility.
5. Cirencester
Cirencester is taken into account the “capital of the Cotswolds” for its central location. This attractive previous market city is located on the River Churn which is a tributary of the Thames. The city has a historical past relationship again to Roman occasions and is crammed with attention-grabbing issues to see and do.
The Cirencester Brewery Arts Centre is a gallery and house for native artists with some attention-grabbing retailers and cafes inside. Stroll across the stunning Cirencester Park, see the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, or browse the numerous retailers and market stalls (the market is each Monday and Friday). There’s even an open-air pool for the summer season months.
Cirencester is certainly the most effective cities to go to within the Cotswolds and is a perfect base for exploring the area. The city is simply minutes away from among the prettiest villages and must-see locations within the Cotswolds. This interactive self-guided tour is an efficient option to get an introduction to the city.
Location: Cirencester is situated 80 miles west of London within the county of Gloucestershire.
Getting There: Cirencester has glorious street and rail hyperlinks with the remainder of the UK. The prepare from London’s Paddington takes simply two hours.
Issues To Do: Sightseeing, strolling, buying, consuming, and consuming.
The place to Keep: The Corinium Resort and Restaurant is a centrally situated lodge that’s good for {couples} and households. The Fleece is a conventional inn within the coronary heart of the city and is a superb possibility for first-timers in Cirencester.
6. Higher Slaughter
Don’t let the creepy title idiot you, because the village of Higher Slaughter is among the greatest locations to go within the Cotswolds for sightseeing. Higher Slaughter is a quintessential English village the place you’ll be able to think about having tea with the vicar and watching cricketers on the village inexperienced.
The village sits on the slopes of a hill overlooking a small brook that connects it to its neighbor, Decrease Slaughter, one mile away. There was as soon as a big Norman fortress right here however all that’s left now are the stays of the motte and bailey. Eyeford Home is a big manor home within the village the place it’s alleged the poet John Milton stayed when he wrote Paradise Misplaced.
Among the best issues to do is to take the quick stroll from Higher to Decrease Slaughter and take within the magnificent surrounding countryside. Make sure to pop into the Hawkstone Brewery for a tour to see how native Cotswold lagers and ciders are made.
Location: Higher Slaughter is situated within the county of Gloucestershire a number of miles north of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Getting There: Driving is the easiest way to get to Higher Slaughter because it’s fairly rural.
Issues To Do: Strolling, sightseeing, visiting the brewery and Eyeford Home.
The place to Keep: Lords of the Manor is a beautiful four-star lodge within the middle of the village and is a superb possibility for {couples}. The Slaughters Nation Inn is one other glorious possibility with distinctive service.
7. Bibury (One of many Prettiest Locations to Go to within the Cotswolds)
The attractive village of Bibury on the River Coln (one other tributary of the Thames) in Gloucestershire is a must-see within the Cotswolds. The nineteenth Century thinker, poet, and artist William Morris dubbed Bibury “essentially the most stunning village in England” and it’s not arduous to see why.
There are many issues to see on this Cotswolds village together with the well-known Arlington Row cottages (one of many most photographed locations within the Cotswolds). The lodgings date again over 600 years and had been as soon as a part of the woolen business. Arlington Mill is one other of the native points of interest and dates to the seventeenth Century.
There are some nice walks across the village in addition to a campsite for those who actually wish to get again to nature. The Catherine Wheel is a pleasant little restaurant within the village, or fish lovers can dine on the Bibury Trout Farm the place the menu consists principally of, you guessed it, trout dishes.
Location: Bibury is within the county of Gloucestershire six miles north of Cirencester.
Getting There: You possibly can take a tour from London or drive to Bibury. Hiring a automotive is greatest as public transport on this a part of the nation could be a little missing.
Issues To Do: Take photos at Arlington Row, go to the previous wool mill, sightseeing, strolling, consuming, and consuming.
The place to Keep: The Swan Resort is the right romantic getaway with four-star service and a location within the middle of the village. The close by New Inn at Coln is one other nice possibility inside a stunning rural setting.
8. Fortress Combe
The attractive village of Fortress Combe in Wiltshire is situated proper within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence. Suppose stone cottages, historical bridges, and a village that’s barely modified in centuries. That is undoubtedly the most effective locations within the Cotswolds for picturesque appeal.
The village has been used as a location for a lot of well-known tv packages and movies; the newest being Stephen Speilberg’s Conflict Horse. The homes are constituted of the native honey-colored stone which lends the place a novel, fairytale really feel.
Issues to see across the village embrace the thirteenth Century St Andrew’s church, a market cross, and a few glorious pubs. The faceless clock in St Andrew’s is claimed to be one of many oldest working clocks within the nation and it’s positively one of many high issues to see within the Cotswolds.
Location: Fortress Combe is in Wiltshire, not removed from the city of Chippenham.
Getting There: As with different small villages within the Cotswolds, the simplest option to get there may be to drive/rent a automotive.
Issues To Do: Strolling, sightseeing, view the oldest clock in England.
The place to Keep: The White Hart is a country pub within the coronary heart of Fortress Combe. If you happen to’re seeking to spoil yourslef, then the five-star Manor Home Resort is the right place to remain.
9. Stow-on-the-Wold
The picturesque Gloucestershire settlement of Stow on the Wold is among the greatest cities within the Cotswolds to go to for its charming stone homes, pubs, river, and market sq.. It’s surrounded by stunning countryside and rolling hills; good for getting out into nature.
Stow is an previous wool city that dates again to Roman occasions and means “Holy Place on the Hill”. It’s house to one of many Cotswolds vacationer points of interest – the Tolkien Door in St Edward’s church. This attractive previous door is nestled between two historical yew bushes and was allegedly the inspiration behind the Doorways of Durin in Lord of the Rings.
The Porch Home Inn is claimed to be the oldest inn in England and is the right place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They do an amazing steak, however my favourite is the fish pie with salmon, cod, and prawns. Costs are cheap with most mains costing between £15 and £25.
Location: Stow-on-the-Wold is situated in Gloucestershire 20 miles from Cheltenham.
Getting There: One of many best methods to go to Stow is to take a tour from London.
Issues To Do: See the Tolkien Door, strolling, climbing, consuming and consuming.
The place to Keep: The Stow Lodge Resort is the right place for first-time guests and is situated within the middle of the village.
10. Slad (One of many Finest Locations to Go to within the Cotswolds)
Slad is my favourite Cotswold village and is among the greatest locations to go to within the Cotswold area. It’s additionally the birthplace (and burial website) of British creator Laurie Lee whose seminal guide As I Stepped Out One Midsummer Morning was gifted to me by my grandfather and impressed my very own travels and wanderlust.
Lee is buried within the graveyard of the Holy Trinity church which is effectively price a go searching. There’s a pleasant stroll behind the graveyard up into the hills and this actually is among the most picturesque English countryside to be discovered.
Throughout from the church is the Woolpack pub; good for refreshment after climbing within the close by hills and valleys. There’s outside seating overlooking the valley and it has a superb meals menu with a mix of basic and up to date pub dishes. Slad is certainly one of many hidden gems of the Cotswolds.
Location: Slad is within the county of Gloucestershire 2.5 miles from Stroud.
Getting There: Hiring a automotive is the easiest way to get to Slad however there’s additionally a bus from Stroud (No 228).
Issues To Do: Visiting Lauri Lee’s grave, strolling within the hills, and consuming lunch on the Woolpack.
The place to Keep: The Court docket Home Manor Luxurious B&B is a wonderful possibility in case you’re on the lookout for somewhat splendor in your journey to Slad. St Michael’s Bistro is a wonderful funds possibility close by.
11. Stanton
The 14th Century village of Stanton is among the most stunning locations to go to within the Cotswolds with honey-stone and thatched cottages, colourful flower gardens, and the close by archaeological website of Shenbarrow Hillfort. Though there isn’t an amazing deal to do within the village itself, it’s effectively price a search for its typical Cotswold structure.
The St Michael’s and All Angels church simply off the excessive road dates again to the 14th Century and is price a search for its spectacular medieval structure.
The Mount Inn is a conventional village pub and is a wonderful place to whereas away a number of hours sampling the native brews and home-cooked meals. It’s an amazing place for a Sunday lunch after a stroll across the village and surrounding countryside.
Location: Stanton is a small village in Gloucestershire 14 miles from the city of Cheltenham.
Getting There: Hiring a automotive is the easiest way to get to rural Stanton.
Issues To Do: Sightseeing, visiting Shenbarrow Hillfort, strolling, consuming, and consuming.
The place to Keep: Buckland Manor is a big lodge set inside stunning grounds 2 miles from Stanton. The Volunteer Inn is a superb possibility for funds vacationers.
12. Broadway
The big Worcestershire village of Broadway is a superb place for some Cotswolds sightseeing. From the charming lanes and byways dotted with conventional homes to the historic Broadway Tower which provides unimaginable views of the encompassing countryside, that is positively the most effective locations to go to within the Cotswolds.
I really like exploring the previous market, cottages, and attention-grabbing retailers that decision the village house. The Horse and Hound is a comfortable little pub that’s effectively price popping into for lunch or a refreshment cease. The Broadway Museum and Artwork Gallery is a wonderful place to study somewhat concerning the historical past of this charming Cotswold village.
Location: Broadway is situated within the county of Worcestershire 16 miles from Cheltenham.
Getting There: The Heritage Railway runs between Cheltenham Racecourse and Broadway and is a handy option to get to the village. Driving is the opposite greatest choice to get to Broadway.
Issues To Do: Climbing the Broadway Tower, strolling within the countryside, and seeing the Broadway Museum and Gallery.
The place to Keep: The Lygone Arms is a luxurious lodge inside a sixteenth Century teaching inn that’s located within the coronary heart of Broadway. The Broadway Resort is one other sensible possibility within the village.
13. Painswick
The previous wool city of Painswick is named the Queen of the Cotswolds for its slim streets lined with completely preserved cottages and homes. It accommodates the oldest constructing in England to accommodate a submit workplace, relationship again to 1428. It’s additionally house to England’s oldest bowling inexperienced, a world-famous Rococo Backyard, and extra.
Painswick lies about halfway on the Cotswolds Manner so it’s an amazing base for climbing the close by countryside and exploring different close by cities and villages. One focal point, situated simply exterior the churchyard, is an previous set of shares relationship again from round 1840 that had been used to punish transgressors.
The Oak Painswick is a superb place for a pint or a chunk to eat after a day’s sightseeing within the Cotswolds. This conventional British nation pub is the place to go for locally-made cider and meals sourced from the Cotswolds.
Location: Painswick is situated 4 miles from Stroud within the county of Gloucestershire.
Getting There: Bus 66 takes simply eight minutes to achieve Painswick from Stroud.
Issues To Do: Visiting the Rococo Gardens, seeing the previous shares, strolling, consuming, and consuming.
The place to Keep: St Anne’s Mattress and Breakfast is a comfortable place to remain in Painswick for {couples}. Mulberry is a luxurious two-bedroom cottage in Painswick that’s good for households.
14. Burford
The village of Burford nestled within the Cotswold Hills is among the most picturesque within the nation and is actually price a go to. The village sits on the banks of the River Windrush and contains many honey-stone cottages typical of the area. The gently sloping Excessive Avenue is lined with boutique retailers, vintage shops, unbiased sellers, cafes, and pubs.
The three-arched medieval bridge throughout the river is price a glance, as is the Tolsey Museum charting the historical past of the village. The pharmacy dates again to 1734 and is the oldest in England. You possibly can even keep in the identical inn frequented by Lord Nelson, King Charles, and William Morris amongst different well-known friends.
This Cotswolds Electrical Bike tour is an effective way to see among the greatest locations within the space.
Location: Burford is situated within the county of Oxfordshire twenty miles west of Oxford.
Getting There: You possibly can go to Burford on a tour from London.
Issues To Do: Sightseeing, visiting the Tolsey Museum, strolling, consuming, and consuming.
The place to Keep: The posh Bull at Burford is a conventional inn the place King Charles as soon as slept and is a superb possibility for {couples}. The Priory Tea Rooms provides funds lodging within the coronary heart of the village and is a superb possibility for solo vacationers.
15. Oxford
If you happen to can solely choose the most effective cities to go to within the Cotswolds then look no additional than Oxford. Oxford is a captivating metropolis famed for its prestigious college and the annual boat race. Though I really like spending time strolling Oxford’s historic streets, I’ll at all times select Cambridge in terms of the pleasant rivalry between the 2 cities because it’s extra native to me.
Oxford is certainly the most effective cities within the Cotswolds with a lot to do from visiting the previous fortress and jail to exploring the shows on the Ashmolean Museum, seeing the collages of the college, and sampling native meals from one of many many eating places within the metropolis.
Among the best methods to get essentially the most out of your journey to Oxford is to take a metropolis and college strolling tour. You’ll get to see the town’s main landmarks and points of interest and study all about its historical past from educated guides.
Location: Oxford is the county city of Oxfordshire and is situated sixty miles west of London.
Getting There: This full-day tour from London contains Oxford and different Cotswold vacationer points of interest equivalent to Bibury. There are hourly trains from London Paddington and the journey time is below one hour.
Issues To Do: Sightseeing, visiting the College, buying, consuming, consuming, and strolling.
The place to Keep: The Randolph Resort is a luxurious five-star lodge within the middle of Oxford that’s good for {couples}. The Galaxie is a superb funds possibility for first-time guests to Oxford.
Getting Across the Cotswolds
As a result of the world is so rural, the easiest way to get across the Cotswolds is to both take a tour or have your individual transport. There are sporadic bus providers between among the bigger cities and villages, however these aren’t at all times dependable, notably on weekends. Click on right here to guide a full-day tour with Get Your Information.
Attending to the bigger cities and cities of the Cotswolds equivalent to Bathtub, Cirencester, Oxford or Stroud is simple with hourly prepare providers from London and different cities across the nation.
Coach providers like Nationwide Categorical and Flixbus are additionally good choices for reaching among the principal Cotswold cities.
Fast Itineraries for the Cotswolds
Listed here are a few easy itineraries to comply with when visiting the Cotswolds.
3 Days within the Cotswolds
With three days to discover the Cotswolds, a superb base could be Stroud in Gloucestershire. It’s straightforward to go to the close by villages of Sled and Painswick and it additionally has entry to the Cotswold Manner for climbing.
Use sooner or later to discover the above cities and villages, and on a second day drive to Chipping Norton by way of Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury.
In your third day, drive or take the prepare to Bathtub and discover the traditional Roman baths on this charming west nation metropolis.
One Week within the Cotswolds
One week is the right size of time to discover one of the best of the Cotswolds. Begin off in Bathtub and spend a day and night exploring earlier than heading to Stroud. Stroll the cobbled streets and drive the quick distance to Sled to have lunch on the Woolpack.
From Stroud head to Stow-on-the-Wold and spend one other day and a few nights exploring this stunning rural village. You can also make day journeys to close by Chipping Norton and Bourton on the Water while right here.
Make your option to Oxford for a few days and discover the well-known college, fortress, jail, and among the nice eating places within the city like Turtle Bay close to the Ashmolean.
From Oxford, make your option to Cirencester by way of a cease in Burford and spend a number of days within the “capital of the Cotswolds” the place you’ll be able to benefit from the buying and nightlife within the city earlier than escaping into the Cotswold Space of Excellent Pure Beuty for some glorious climbing.
FAQs About Visiting the Cotswolds
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the attractive locations within the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds area is situated within the east of England. It’s made up of the counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.
The Cotswolds are positively price visiting as the world is house to among the most stunning English villages.
It’s unattainable to decide on the prettiest village within the Cotswolds as there are such a lot of contenders. Burford, Bibary, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold all need to be named the prettiest villages within the Cotswolds.
The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are a good time to go to the Cotswolds. There will likely be fewer vacationers and the milder climate is ideal for lengthy walks and hikes within the countryside. Personally, I feel fall is greatest with the unimaginable colours throughout the panorama.
Bathtub, Cirencester, Oxford, and Stroud all make nice bases for exploring the Cotswolds. These bigger cities and cities have tons to do and it’s straightforward to get out into the countryside by automotive or bus.
The Cotswolds are well-known for stunning villages of honey-stone homes, mild, rolling countryside, and among the greatest cider within the UK.
The Cotswolds are among the most secure components of the nation in comparison with the bigger cities and cities of England. Take typical precautions when touring equivalent to locking doorways and never flashing costly gear.
In Conclusion
Now you understand the place to go within the Cotswolds to see essentially the most picturesque cities and villages. With so many great locations to go to within the Cotswolds, it’s no secret that this is among the hottest components of the UK for guests.
From the picturesque villages of Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water to the cities of Bathtub and Oxford, you received’t be bored for a second exploring this stunning a part of the nation. Make sure to take a look at one of the best place within the Cotswolds and my private favourite, Slad.
