The Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds (Where to Base Yourself)

When planning your trip to the Cotswolds, deciding where to stay can be a bit tricky. With dozens of charming villages, deciding where to base yourself is important. After spending ten days exploring, I’m going to share a helpful guide for the best places to stay in the Cotswolds.

I did countless hours of research trying to sort out the best base for exploring the Cotswolds villages. It’s a rather large area—covering nearly 800 square miles. However, I realized that most of the main villages that most travelers seek to explore are concentrated in two regions.

What I ended up with was deciding on two different home bases — one more northern and the other more southern. Of course, there are a dozen or so hotels to consider as they are destination-worthy amidst the two as well. Each of these places we chose allowed us to cut down on drive time to see as much as possible.

So depending on your style of travel, you may decide to opt for one of the hotels in the charming towns I recommend or consider a listed beautiful hotel below. Trust me, I could have hotel-hopped my way through the picturesque English countryside.

Read on to find where to stay in the Cotswolds and the best accommodations right now.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in the Cotswolds:

Option 1: Split Stay

Broadway — 2 to 4 nights

1. The Lygon Arms, for the best in-town luxury hotel
2. Buckland Manor, for a timelessly elegant English countryside house in rolling meadows
3. Dormy House, for the best boutique hotel
4. 2 Bedroom Apartment in Broadway, for the best village home base
5. 4 Bedroom Cottage in Broadway, for the best group vacation rental

Bibury — 2 to 4 nights

1. The Swan Hotel, for the best in-town hotel
2. Wild Thyme & Honey, for the best boutique hotel
3. The Stump, for a contemporary inn stay
4. 1 Bedroom Converted Dovecote Guesthouse in Bibury, for the best romantic hideaway
5. 2 Bedroom Cotswold Lodge with Conservatory and Garden in Bibury, for the best private home base

Option 2: Single Stay

Stow-on-the-Wold — 4 to 7 nights

1. The Porch House, for the best in-town inn
2. Number Four at Stow, for the best in-town boutique hotel
3. The Old Stocks Inn, for a historic, boutique in-town stay
4. 1 Bedroom Rustic Hideaway Cottage in Stow-on-the-Wold, for the best cozy village retreat
5. 3 Bedroom Historic Home in Stow-on-the-Wold, for the best spacious Cotswolds base

For more on which Cotswolds villages to visit, don’t miss my Cotswolds travel guide and my guides to the most beautiful Cotswolds villages to visit, 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.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

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The Best Towns to Stay in the Cotswolds (For 4-7 Days)

Option 1: Split Stay

If I could pick two bases for exploring the Cotswolds, it would be half the time more northern in Broadway (or nearby) and the other half more southern in Bibury (or nearby). You’ll have two distinct experiences, with Broadway being more of a larger town with amenities. In Bibury and the nearby countryside, you’ll have a much slower-paced experience there. It’s the perfect contrast in Cotswold villages in my opinion.

Option 2: Single Stay

If I had to pick one central stay to do it all from, it would be Stow-on-the-Wold (or nearby). It’s one of the most central towns and has everything you could need for your stay. I’ve broken down this guide for the best villages and accommodations in the northern part of the Cotswolds and then more southern.

Travel Tip: For more details on which Cotswolds villages to visit, don’t miss my guide to the most beautiful Cotswolds villages to visit.

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Broadway — Best for Views, Bustling Village, and Landscapes (Northern Option)

When it comes to staying in Broadway, you’ll have grand views and incredible manor homes. High Street runs through the center of town where life is happening. You’ll find antique shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and a large green space. If you can stay in town or right outside of it, you’ll be quite pleased with it as a base. It will put you within earshot of visiting villages like Chipping Campden, Snowshill, Stanton, and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Where to Stay in Broadway (and Nearby)

Hotels

1. The Lygon Arms — Steeped in history, The Lygon Arms in Broadway has old-world charm and modern luxury, with its 14th-century architecture and contemporary amenities. I love that this luxury hotel is in the heart of Broadway so that you’re footsteps to everything.
2. Dormy House — Set atop the scenic Farncombe Estate, Dormy House is one of those impeccable rustic, elegant boutique hotels. The reviews rave time and time again for its service, the spa, and great dining. It’s a countryside stay that gives you access to all the villages near Broadway and beyond.
3. The Fish Hotel — A quirky yet sophisticated hideaway, The Fish Hotel has a fun style with countryside charm. It’s well known for its unique accommodations such as treehouses and shepherd huts — you’ve probably seen these on social! Situated on a big estate, it’s well known for the offered activities from archery to nature walks.
4. Buckland Manor — This may be one of my favorite finds of the trip — its timeless elegance meets the quintessential English countryside house in rolling meadows. Just check out the photos, the luxury retreat is very intimate and just outside of the town of Broadway. It’s well known for its afternoon tea, scenic grounds, and drawing rooms.

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Apartment in Broadway, for the best village home base
2. 4 Bedroom Cottage in Broadway, for the best group vacation rental

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Bibury — Best for Countryside Escape and Slow Travel (Southern Option)

I don’t know if there is a more idyllic, slow-going village in The Cotswolds. And while it does get busy mid-day, the morning and evenings are just magical. I think it’s a wonderful “picture perfect” village to stay in. You’ll no doubt need to embark elsewhere for more restaurants and things to do, but the village itself is worth it. I love that you’re close to places like Bourton-on-the-Water, and the Slaughters, and can even day trip Castle Combe. Do note that the accommodations are quite limited, so I’ve included a few extras that are within reach.

Where to Stay in Bibury (and Nearby)

Where I Stayed

1. The Flower Press by Unique Home Stays (Where I Stayed) — One of the most incredible vacation rental stays I’ve had in my travels was with Unique Home Stays at The Flower Press home. The historic manse was renovated and meticulously decorated with two floors of spacious and bright rooms. I loved the private garden in the front and this home made for a wonderful home base in the heart of Bibury. Unique Home Stays has an incredible collection of private homes set with amenities like arranged services, and more in the Cotswolds.

Hotels

1. The Swan Hotel — Situated on the banks of the River Coln, The Swan Hotel in Bibury offers a picturesque retreat with its charming riverside gardens. This is one of the most photographed corners in The Cotswolds. The rooms are elegantly furnished, with classic country style.
2. Thyme Hotel & Spa — A bit further afield from Bibury, The Thyme Hotel is one of the best luxury stays in the region. I had to include this one for consideration in this region as the design is just stunning. Set in the heart of Southrop Manor Estate, it is a haven of tranquility where luxury meets sustainability, offering beautifully restored historic buildings and contemporary amenities.
3. Wild Thyme & Honey — Not to be confused with Thyme Hotel, Wild Thyme & Honey is a boutique hotel within earshot of Bibury. Nestled in the heart of Chipping Norton, Wild Thyme offers a unique boutique experience with its blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication. Each room is individually designed, providing a cozy yet stylish sanctuary with thoughtful touches and luxurious amenities.
4. The Stump — The Stump is a stylishly refurbished coaching inn near Cirencester that combines a laid-back vibe with exceptional hospitality. We came in once for dinner and loved the chic design and Italian cuisine. The inn’s contemporary rooms are cozy and well-appointed and you’re close to the main motorway. Make sure to enjoy wood-fired pizzas and craft beers in the pet-friendly country pub!
5. Barnsley House — One I had bookmarked was Barnsley House, an enchanting country house hotel renowned for its stunning gardens designed by the legendary Rosemary Verey. It is super luxurious, with an intimate ambiance to the property. Each of the elegantly decorated rooms and suites offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern luxury.

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Converted Dovecote Guesthouse in Bibury, for the best romantic hideaway
2. 2 Bedroom Cotswold Lodge with Conservatory and Garden in Bibury, for the best private home base

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Stow-on-the-Wold — Best Central Stay for All of Cotswolds (Most Central)

If I had to pick a single central base for exploring the Cotswolds, it would be Stow-on-the-Wold. It’s the most central to the best villages like Chipping Campden down to even the Slaughters. You can do a lot from here and this Cotswold town itself has so much to experience. Plus, it is one of the market towns so you may be able to do that as well if you time it.

Where to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold (and Nearby)

Hotels

1. The Porch House — As England’s oldest inn, The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold combines centuries of history with modern luxury, offering guests a unique and enchanting stay. It’s right in the heart of town and you’ll be footsteps to everything.
2. Number Four at Stow — Another wonderful boutique hotel option in the heart of town, I love the rustic chic design of the rooms here. Plus, the location is perfect for exploring town.
3. The Old Stocks Inn — Another great in-town option for a historic boutique hotel. The Old Stocks Inn is one of the better-priced options that comes up with great reviews.
4. The Fox at Oddington — A bit further outside of town, The Fox is an inn that has won many awards for its modern and chic design. It’s like a traditional pub with rooms available, giving a quintessential experience.
5. The Horse & Groom — Another further afield but worth considering, The Horse & Groom is in Moreton-in-Marsh. It’s well-located and has that traditional inn meets pub vibe to it.
6. The Wild Rabbit — Another option a bit further in the charming village of Kingham, The Wild Rabbit is a modern-day inn that blends contemporary style with traditional charm. It’s a very sophisticated countryside retreat with all the things you need on the property.

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Rustic Hideaway Cottage in Stow-on-the-Wold, for the best cozy village retreat
2. 3 Bedroom Historic Home in Stow-on-the-Wold, for the best spacious Cotswolds base

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Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds UK

If you’re a hotel lover and are looking for other accommodations that are memorable outside of these towns, then give this a peruse. I found myself saving several incredible bed and breakfasts, charming inns, and manors that I would have easily stayed at. I would give any of these a consideration for places to stay!

Near Burford

1. The Three Horseshoes, Asthall, for a four-star inn with chic rooms

Near Bourton-on-the-Water

1. The Wheatsheaf Inn, for a historic coaching inn turned luxury stay
2. Guiting Guest House, for a quaint bed and breakfast
3. The Mousetrap Inn, for an elevated in-town stay
4. The Frogmill, for a historic 16th-century stone manor stay
5. Slaughters Manor House, for a beautiful 17th-century estate stay

Near Chipping Campden

1. Cotswold House Hotel, for the best in-town stay

Near Castle Combe

1. The Manor House Hotel, for a luxury, one-of-a-kind experience and home to a Michelin-starred restaurant

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