When it comes to the most beautiful Cotswolds villages to visit, there are endless locations to choose from. I spent a proper ten days exploring all of the villages, narrowing down the ones you cannot miss when visiting.
The Cotswolds is an idyllic destination in the quintessential English countryside and a perfect add-on to any London trip. The beauty of the Cotswolds is most definitely found in the charming, honey-coloured stone villages that dot the green, rolling hills. I found that during our trip, picking a few villages to visit each day made for a perfect visit.
The towns and villages of the Cotswolds are spread throughout a rather large region (800 square miles). You’ll most certainly want to book a rental car to make the most of your time (I use Discover Cars for the best rates and coverage). As an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Cotswolds require a few days to see the region. Though you could pack it in a weekend, I’d recommend at least a week to see it properly.
So if you’re wondering which of the Cotswolds towns to visit, I’ve put together a list from our trip. These are my favorites from the time, the picturesque villages you can’t miss.
Short on Time? Here are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in the Cotswolds:
Broadway
- The Lygon Arms, for a charming 17th-century in-town hotel
- Abbots Grange Manor House, for the best adults-only in-town hotel
- Buckland Manor, for the best luxury hotel
Stow-on-the-Wold
- The Old Stocks Inn, for the best boutique in-town hotel
- Number Four at Stow, for the best countryside stay
- The Horse & Groom, for the best inn stay
Bibury
- The Flower Press with Unique Home Stays, for the best vacation rental
- New Inn at Coln, for the best romantic stay
- The Swan Hotel, for the best in-town hotel
- The Stump, for the best hip stay nearby
- Wild Thyme & Honey, for the best luxury countryside hotel
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, don’t miss my Cotswolds travel guide and guides to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, Bath, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Cirencester! If you’re exploring more of England, check out my London itinerary, guide to where to stay in London, and guide to the best things to do in Oxford.
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the Cotswolds is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in the UK is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in the Cotswolds). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Best Villages and Towns in the Cotswolds England
Wondering Where to Stay in the Cotswolds for Your Trip?
I’d recommend splitting your time between two areas if you’re there for a week. My recommendation is somewhere near Broadway and then south near Bibury. If you’re there for just a long weekend, Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold makes for a wonderful base for exploring several on this list.
Broadway Accommodations
- The Lygon Arms, for a charming 17th-century in-town hotel
- Abbots Grange Manor House, for the best adults-only in-town hotel
- Buckland Manor, for the best luxury hotel
Stow-on-the-Wold Accommodations
- The Old Stocks Inn, for the best boutique in-town hotel
- Number Four at Stow, for the best countryside stay
- The Horse & Groom, for the best inn stay
Bibury Accommodations
- The Flower Press with Unique Home Stays, for the best vacation rental
- New Inn at Coln, for the best romantic stay
- The Swan Hotel, for the best in-town hotel
- The Stump, for the best hip stay nearby
- Wild Thyme & Honey, for the best luxury countryside hotel
Broadway
One of the most idyllic villages in the Cotswolds, Broadway is a must-see. The iconic Manor Houses line High Street which cuts right through the heart of the village. I’d recommend a few hours to explore the town and stop in for coffee at No32 Broadway. After enjoying time in the historic village, a must-see sight nearby is the Broadway Tower. You’ll find incredible views here, deer in a gated area, and a lovely cafe. And while not the highest point in the Cotswolds, it certainly offers a great perspective!
Where to Park to Visit Broadway
If you visit early enough, there’s ample street parking along High Street. Otherwise, the Short Stay Car Park and Long Stay Car Park are only a few minutes walk from the heart of town.
How Much Time to Visit Broadway
I’d recommend a few hours to explore the town.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is a quintessential English village that is often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” In the heart of town, the River Windrush flows through crossed by a series of low, arched stone bridges. The honey-colored limestone buildings, typical of the region, have so much to discover. You’ll find tea rooms, boutiques, and many restaurants here. For all the villages in the Cotswolds, this is one of the largest to explore so plan extra time for here.
Where to Park to Visit Bourton-on-the-Water
Though you could try your luck for a parking spot along High Street, the easiest place to park is Bourton Vale Car Park. It’s a large lot and only a few minutes walk from the town’s center. It’s also right next to a gas station and grocery store, so it makes for a convenient pit stop. Lastly, the Rissington Road Car Park, located on the south end of town, is another large lot to try if Bourton Vale is full.
How Much Time to Visit Bourton-on-the-Water
I’d recommend a half day minimum to fully explore the town and enjoy a meal.
Snowshill
Snowshill is a hidden gem that I adored exploring on this trip. This enchanting village is best known for its stunning manor house, Snowshill Manor and Garden, which is a treasure trove of eccentric collections amassed by its former owner, Charles Paget Wade. The manor’s beautiful gardens, meticulously landscaped with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, cannot be missed as well. While the town itself is quite small (don’t miss the street that leads to the local church, St. Barnabas), there is much to see nearby. You’re also close to Cotswold Lavender, a lovely lavender garden you can pay to visit.
Where to Park to Visit Snowshill
The easiest place to park is Piper’s Grove Car Park, located on the north end of the village.
How Much Time to Visit Snowshill
I’d recommend a couple hours to explore the village and Snowshill Manor.
Lower Slaughter
The heart of the village, Lower Slaughter, is the tranquil River Eye, which winds its way through, flanked by charming honey-colored stone cottages and elegant bridges. This is one of the most scenic villages to visit around. (I had forgotten my camera that day!) A key highlight of Lower Slaughter is the Old Mill, a historic water mill now housing a museum, gift shop, and café. The mill pond and its surrounding willows add to the picturesque atmosphere, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.
Where to Park to Visit Lower Slaughter
The best place to park is to street park along Copsehill Road, near the Slaugters Manor House (there is no central parking lot).
How Much Time to Visit Lower Slaughter
I’d recommend a couple hours to explore the village.
Upper Slaughter
Known as a “Thankful Village” for having lost no residents in World War I, Upper Slaughter retains an air of serenity along the River Eye. This village is quite small in size, so you won’t need a ton of time to visit. It’s quite charming as it has no modern development here, so you feel transported back in time. Some footpaths wind through the village so you can enjoy it easily on foot.
Where to Park to Visit Upper Slaughter
Upper Slaughter has limited street parking in the village square and no central parking lot. If you’re unable to find a spot, I recommend parking in nearby Lower Slaughter, which is just down the hill.
How Much Time to Visit Upper Slaughter
I recommend an hour or so to see this small village.
Chipping Campden
One of my favorite afternoons was spent exploring Chipping Campden. It’s set out in the countryside, with lots of natural landscape around it. The inner historic town itself has the terraced High Street that is filled with many antique shops. I would recommend coming earlier in the afternoon to spend time shopping before the stores close come dinner time. St. James’ Church, one of the finest wool churches in the Cotswolds, towers over the town with its impressive architecture which is well worth a visit. The town is a hub for arts and crafts, thanks to its association with the Arts and Crafts Movement led by C.R. Ashbee in the early 20th century.
Where to Park to Visit Chipping Campden
If you arrive in the morning, the Market Square Car Park in the town square has two dozen or so spots. Otherwise, I’d recommend parking at the Chipping Campden School Car Park, which is larger and located on the north end of town next to St James’ Church and the beautiful pasturelands that surround East Banqueting House (pictured above).
How Much Time to Visit Chipping Campden
I’d recommend a half day to explore the village and go for a stroll through the pastures neare St James’ Church before grabbing a meal in town.
Bibury
Bibury has some of the most charming scenes in all of the Cotswolds. During our trip, this was one of our home bases for exploring, and loved having the quiet evenings in this small village. It does get quite busy as it’s home to two popular sights: the Bibury Trout Farm and Arlington Row. The village’s most iconic feature is Arlington Row, a row of picturesque 17th-century weavers’ cottages that epitomize the charm and timeless beauty of the Cotswolds. But for me what makes Bibury so special, is the endless hills and landscapes to enjoy nearby as well.
Where to Park to Visit Bibury
If you arrive early, there is a small, free parking lot directly in front of Bibury Trout Farm. Otherwise, the primary parking is street parking along The St.
How Much Time to Visit Bibury
I’d recommend an hour or two to take in the beautiful scenes.
Stanton
Stanton is another one of those super small, quaint villages. If you blink, you may even miss it as it is that small. But it’s well worth a pass-through when in the area. Stop into the main area, and see the iconic thatched-roof homes that flank the streets. A lot of people stop into The Mount Inn Stanton for a drink while hiking the Cotswold Way trail.
Where to Park to Visit Stanton
The best place to park when visiting Stanton is the public car park located at the northwest corner of the village.
How Much Time to Visit Stanton
I’d recommend an hour or two to explore the village and grab a drink.
Castle Combe
Another one of those postcard-perfect Cotswold villages you have to visit, Castle Combe is a stunner. Castle Combe, often described as the prettiest village in England, is a true gem in the Cotswolds, renowned for its enchanting beauty and historic charm. Tucked away in the lush Wiltshire countryside, this idyllic village feels like a step back in time, with its perfectly preserved medieval architecture, stone walls, and tranquil ambiance. I spent a long morning before the crowds here enjoying the village nearly to myself.
Where to Park to Visit Castle Combe
There are a small number of public parking spaces in the center of the village. Otherwise, the Castle Combe Visitor Car Park, located 10 minutes’ walk north of the village, offers ample parking.
How Much Time to Visit Castle Combe
I’d recommend spending a long morning here before the crowds arrive.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town in the Cotswolds and quite possibly one of my favorites for the trip. It’s packed with things to do, lots of incredible small shops and historic pubs. A must-see in Stow-on-the-Wold is the impressive St. Edward’s Church, with its enchanting north door flanked by ancient yew trees, rumored to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in “The Lord of the Rings.” The town’s weekly farmers’ market is a favorite, so be sure to plan around this if possible!
Where to Park to Visit Stow-on-the-Wold
There are a decent number of public parking spaces on High Street when you first enter the north end of town. Park St also offers a large amount of street parking. Otherwise, Maugersbury Rd Car Park on the southeast edge of town is a good fallback option.
How Much Time to Visit Stow-on-the-Wold
With so much to do, I’d recommend a half day to explore all the town has to offer and enjoy a meal at one of the historic pubs.
Burford
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford is one more village to consider adding to your list. It’s home to the Tolsey Museum, housed in a 16th-century building on the High Street that provides a fascinating insight into Burford’s history. One of Burford’s most iconic landmarks is the majestic St. John the Baptist Church, a stunning example of English medieval architecture.
Where to Park to Visit Burford
I would first try to find street parking along High Street. Otherwise, the Guildenford Car Park, located on the eastern edge of town, has ample parking.
How Much Time to Visit Burford
I would recommend an hour or two to explore the village.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
