Are you planning a trip to the British countryside and wondering which are the best places to visit in the Cotswolds? From its rolling hills to honey-coloured stone cottages and bustling market squares, the Cotswolds is a perfect destination. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a weekend escape from the city, there are so many beautiful towns and villages to explore here.
In this guide, I’ll share the very best places to visit in the Cotswolds, from its iconic postcard-perfect spots to lesser-known gems. You’ll find a mix of lively market towns, quiet, charming villages, and breathtaking scenery. I’ll discuss them all in this guide so you can plan your perfect Cotswolds itinerary!
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The Best Places to Visit in The Cotswolds:
Below are a list of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds. I’ve split them in to towns and villages. Villages are smaller than towns but still as charming!
The Best Cotswolds Towns to Visit
Stow-on-the-Wold
One of the most well-known places in the Cotswolds for good reason. Stow-on-the-Wold is extremely beautiful! This market town is set on the side of a hill and is a must-visit place in the Cotswolds. Antique shops, cosy pubs, and charming little tea rooms surround its iconic market square.
You’ll also find the famous St. Edward’s Church, known for its Tolkien doorway framed by ancient yew trees, which is said to be the inspiration for the Durin’s Door in The Lord of the Rings.
Where to Eat In Stow-on-the-Wold
Coffee: The Old English Coffee House, Lucy’s Tearooom
- The Old English Coffee House – a perfect stop for coffee and a pastry. We had an early moring coffee and croissant here before most other places were open.
- Lucy’s Tea Room – Quaint tea room with homemade cakes and scones. We visited here for lunch on a previous trip to the Cotswolds and it was delicious.
- The Cotswold Farm – serving a fresh, locally sourced brunch and pizza menu.
- The Porch House – England’s oldest inn serving classic pub dishes.
- The Old Stocks Inn Restaurant – Seasonal menus with a contemporary twist.
Where to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
- Budget: The King’s Arms Hotel — Affordable rooms in a historic inn.
- Luxury: Old Stocks Inn — Known for its stylish rooms and exceptional food in a central location.
- Family-friendly: The Stag at Stow — Family suites and plenty of space to explore in a central location.
The Cotswold Farmshop and the Tolkien Door in Stow-on-the-Wold
Burford
Sometimes called the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” Burford is another historic market town with a picturesque High Street that slopes down the hill to the River Windrush. It’s a great place to browse independent shops or enjoy a traditional cream tea. Burford’s charm makes it one of the best Cotswolds towns for a weekend break.
Where to Eat In Burford
- Lynwood & Co – Stylish café with excellent coffee and fresh pastries.
- Huffkings Burford– a beautiful little cafe serving breakfast, lucnch and afternoon tea.
- The Angel at Burford – Traditional pub serving classic British comfort food.
- Spice Lounge Burford – Pefect if youre looking for some Indian food!
Where to Stay in Burford
- Budget: Priory Tea Rooms, Burford— Rooms above a charming tea room, located on the high street.
- Luxury: The Bay Tree Hotel — Chic interiors and central location.
- Family-friendly: Inn for All Seasons— Family rooms and free parking; a short drive to the high street.
Honey-stone pub and adorable cottege in Burford
Broadway
Broadway is one of the larger towns in the Cotswolds. It has a long High Street lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cute cafes. Broadway is one of the most stylish places to visit in the Cotswolds and is also one of my favourites!
Just outside the village itself is Broadway Tower. From here, you can see panoramic views across the countryside, which is a favourite spot for walkers and families visiting the Cotswolds.
Where to Eat In Broadway
- No. 32 Broadway – a cafe with a varied breakfast and lunch menu. They also have a kids menu.
- Broadway Deli – fresh salads, quiches, and picnic options, with a cool car in the window!
- Flipside Burgers – Gastro burgers the whole family can enjoy.
Where to Stay in Broadway
- Budget: The Lodge at Broadway — located right in the centre of Broadway.
- Luxury: The Lygon Arms — Historic, four-star hotel with spa and luxury amenities.
- Family-friendly: The Fish Hotel — a luxury village with lots of amenities for families.
The Luxury Lygon Arms hotel and a view of Broadway HIgh Street – one of my favourite places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to its series of low stone bridges over the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds. There are a lot of things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, including attractions like Birdland and the Model Village. There are also lots of places to eat, including pubs, resteraunts and tea rooms.
As Bourton-on-the-Water has so many great things to do, it’s perfect for families, just make sure young children don’t fall into one of the canals!
Its central location also makes it a great base for exploring other Cotswolds towns and villages nearby. However, due to its popularity, it is also the most crowded.
Where to Eat In Bourton-on-the-Water
- Bakery on the Water – Freshly baked bread, pastries, and light lunches, right by the river.
- The Den – a wide selection of brunch and lunch options, including baguettes and bagels.
- The Croft Restaurant – British classics and afternoon tea with lovely riverside seating.
- The Chip Shed – classic British fish and chips to eat in or take away.
Where to Stay in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Budget: The Mousetrap Inn — Cosy rooms, central location, good pub food.
- Luxury: The Dial House Hotel — Boutique elegance with stylish décor.
- Family-friendly: Moore Apartment— Spacious 3-bedroom family apartment in a central location.
Exploring the Model Village and sat on a bridge over one of the Bourton-on-the-Water canals.
The Best Villages in the Cotswolds to Explore
Bibury
Bibury is quite possibly my favourite of all the places to visit in the Cotswolds. Although it is not quite as well-known as some of its neighbours, it is undoubtedly one of the best Cotswolds villages to visit.
Bibury is postcard-perfect. Make sure to see Arlington Row, a line of 17th-century weavers’ cottages, which is one of the most photographed streets in England. Strolling along the River Coln here feels like stepping back in time, and the surrounding countryside offers plenty of scenic walking routes.
Where to Eat In Bibury
- The Swan Hotel Restaurant – Elegant yet relaxed, serving locally sourced dishes. We ate here, and it was very family-friendly.
- Bibury Trout Farm Café – Perfect for a casual snack or lunch.
Where to Stay in Bibury
- Luxury: The Swan Hotel — Traditional charm with riverside views.
- Family-friendly: Cotteswold House — Self-catering holiday cottage perfect for families, walking distance to Arlington Row.
Photos from Arlington Row and The Swan Hotel in Bibury, one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is often described as the prettiest village in England, and from my experience, it lives up to its reputation! While it is small, Castle Combe is a must-see if you’re looking for the best villages in the Cotswolds. Its honey-stone cottages, quaint bridge, and quiet lanes have been used in films like War Horse and Stardust.
We enjoyed wandering through this charming village, even in the rain!
Where to Eat In Castle Combe
- The Old Stables Coffee Shop – charming spot for tea, coffee, and cake. We had delicious coffee and sweet treats here.
- The Castle Inn – classic pub lunches in a historic building.
- Bybrook Restaurant at The Manor House – Michelin-starred dining in an unforgettable setting.
Where to Stay in Castle Combe
- Budget: The Old House At Home — Classic inn with comfortable rooms in a good location.
- Luxury: Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa — A grand country house and garden with fine dining and spa.
- Family-friendly: Manor House Hotel — Offers family suites and sprawling grounds for kids to run around; also has a golf course and outdoor activities.
A street in Castle Coobe and its iconic bridge. One of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds to visit.
Upper and Lower Slaughter
Together known as The Slaughters, these twin villages, set along the gentle River Eye, are among the most peaceful and beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. With charming stone cottages, historic watermills, and quiet lanes, they feel untouched by time. There is a scenic footpath that connects Upper and Lower Slaughter, making them perfect to explore together on foot.
Where to Eat In The Slaughters
- The Old Mill- By The Cotswold Farm – a charming cafe by the river, serving light lunches and cream tea.
- The Slaughters Country Inn – Traditional pub-style meals in a cosy environment.
Where to Stay in The Slaughters
- Luxury: The Slaughters Manor House — Offers larger suites in beautiful grounds.
- Family-friendly: The Slaughters Country Inn — Traditional village inn with great food.
Snowshill
Set high on a hill with sweeping countryside views, Snowshill is a hidden gem among the best villages in the Cotswolds. It’s home to Snowshill Manor, a National Trust property filled with an eclectic collection of treasures. In summer, nearby Cotswold Lavender bursts into bloom, which was the reason we visited this charming spot.
Where to Eat In Snowshill
- Snowshill Arms – Quintessential country pub with a cosy interior and hearty dishes.
Where to Stay in Snowshill
Snowhill is very small, I have one option, however, it would likely be better to stay in Broadway!
- Budget: Apple Cottage — Self-catering with a kitchen, budget-friendly.
Visiting Cotswold Lavender and wildflower meadow on a cloudy July day.
Map of the Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
Below is my Google Map showing the best towns and villages to visit in the Cotswolds. Just click on it to open in Google!
Quick Comparison Guide to Accommodation in the Best Plaecs to Visit in the Cotswolds
I listed these places above, but thought a summary table on accommodation in the best places to visit in the Cotswolds would be useful.
Please note, I have spent a lot of time researching this list however, haven’t stayed in every one of these personally!
| Location | Budget Stay | Luxury Stay | Family-Friendly Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourton-on-the-Water | The Mousetrap Inn | The Dial House Hotel | Moore Apartment |
| Stow-on-the-Wold | The King’s Arms Hotel | Old Stocks Inn | The Stag at Stow |
| Bibury | The Swan Hotel | Cotteswold House | |
| Castle Combe | The Old House At Home | Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa | Manor House Hotel |
| Burford | Priory Tea Rooms, Burford | The Bay Tree Hotel | Inn for all Seasons |
| Broadway | The Lodge at Broadway | The Lygon Arms | The Fish Hotel |
| Upper & Lower Slaughter | The Slaughters Manor House | The Slaughters Country Inn | |
| Snowshill | Apple Cottage |
Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Cotswolds
As one of the main things to do in the Cotswolds is to admire the beautiful towns and villages, I thought the summer would be the perfect time to explore, as you should get the best weather. Unfortunately, even at the end of July, it rained throughout half our time in the Cotswolds. We actually had better weather when we visited Cambridge in October!
You can never guarantee the weather in England, while you are most likely to get great weather in the summer months, I do think the autumn or fall would also be a perfect time to go. The colourful leaves would look picture perfect, and you could be lucky with the weather!
The Cotswolds are also quite a touristy destination, so avoiding peak season would make it less busy to explore
How to Get Around the Cotswolds
Public transport in the Cotswolds is limited, so it is best to explore by car. We hired a car for this trip (compare car hire prices here). Being able to get around by car will mean you can see much more of the area.
If you don’t have access to a car, it is possible to visit the Cotsowlds as a day trip from London. The small tour I’ve linked below stops at many of the places I’ve mentioned above. This would be a perfect tour for couples or families with older children. Personally, I wouldn’t do this with small children as it is a lot of travel time for a day.
BOOK: YOUR DAY IN THE COTSWOLDS COACH TRIP
Combining Visiting Multiple Towns & Villages in One Trip
We spent 3 nights in the Cotswolds and were able to visit all of these places, excluding The Slaughters, which we visited on a previous trip.
As most of the towns are small, you dont need a full day in each. For example, we spent a couple of hours in Stow-on-the-Wold and then went on to Bibury, where we spent longer as we did a hike.
Snowshill and Broadway can also easily be combined. The only one of these towns/villages that isn’t quite as close is Castle Combe. We went here on our last morning in the Cotswolds, as we were going on to visit family in Wales, it made a perfect halfway stop. Otherwise, we might have skipped this stop!
Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best places to visit in the Cotswolds. I hope we’ve given you some inspiration on the most beautiful towns and villages and helped you to plan your Cotswolds itinerary.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE COTSWOLDS
A PERFECT 2 DAY COTSWOLDS ITINERARY
WALKING THE ASHDOWN FOREST WINNIE THE POOH TRAIL
Happy Exploring,
A London mum sharing stylish, family-friendly travel guides.
I In our travel guides, I show you that you can still travel as a family and create beautiful memories, even when trips aren’t full of kid-centric activities.
When I’m not planning our next adventure, I also share timeless style inspiration and ideas for living more thoughtfully and sustainably.