For a peaceful and utterly charming countryside getaway in the UK, look no further than the Cotswolds. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds is a true gem in the English crown. With its iconic honey-toned buildings and cobbled streets, it often feels as though time has stood still in the Cotswolds.
Covering nearly 800 square miles, there is a lot to explore in the Cotswolds. From pretty villages to grand castles, cute cafés to opulent Michelin-star dining, there is something for every traveller. In this Cotswolds travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a trip to this quaint part of the UK.
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There are four main options for getting to the Cotswolds: by road, by train, by bus, or by air. The option that’s best for you will depend on where you are travelling from, your budget, and how long you plan to spend in the Cotswolds.
To really explore all that the Cotswolds has to offer, you’ll need 3-5 days. Although if you want to stay for longer then you’ll certainly be able to fill your days with various things to do in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a place you can visit time and time again, so if you can only spend a couple of days there then that’s perfect too.
The Cotswolds is a year round destination and each season brings a different experience. Whether you want the pleasant weather of the warmer months or the cosy feel of the colder months, there isn’t really a bad time to visit the Cotswolds.
An ancient village with its medieval roots still very much in place, Castle Combe is not to be missed. Often considered to be the prettiest village in the UK, Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village. With no new buildings since the 1600s and no telltale signs of modern life like TV wires and satellite dishes, this village is truly frozen in time. It’s because of this that Castle Combe is often used as a film location, so you’ll likely recognise it from various films and TV shows.
As a small village, it doesn’t take long to explore so there’s no need to spend hours here. Wander through the village, buy some homemade treats from the doorsteps of the locals, and get a picture of the iconic bridge over the River Bybrook. For things to do nearby, visit the Manor House Hotel for a luxurious afternoon tea and be treated like royalty. Or for something more lively, head to the Castle Combe Motor Racing Circuit. Discover hotels in Castle Combe.
A quaint village that embodies the cottage core aesthetic, Lower Slaughter is a must-visit. A trickling stream runs through the centre of the village, which can be crossed by two small bridges. The stream is lined with gorgeous stone cottages typical of the Cotswolds, all complete with flower clad walls and pastel coloured doorways. This storybook village looks as though it has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale.
You only need to spend an hour or so in this village to see all it has to offer. The Old Mill at the western end of the village has a tea and a gift shop. Also home to Britain’s most romantic street, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. While you’re visiting Lower Slaughter, be sure to visit its neighbouring village, Upper Slaughter. Also home to fairytale cottages and picturesque scenery, both villages are delightfully untouched. As with Castle Combe, they feel somewhat frozen in time. Find hotels in Lower Slaughter.
Another strong contender for the most beautiful village in England, Bibury is an utterly charming place to explore in the Cotswolds. The main attraction of Bibury is the iconic Arlington Row. Built in the 14th century but converted to a row of weavers’ cottages in the 17th century, it is now owned by the National Trust. These pretty stone cottages make the perfect scenic backdrop to this Cotswolds village.
Bibury tends to get busier than the quieter villages of Castle Combe and The Slaughters, but there is more on offer in terms of attractions and places to eat or drink. Pay a visit to Bibury Trout Farm, where you can catch your own dinner. If it’s a warm summer afternoon, indulge in a picnic with fresh local ingredients, or dine alfresco. Even in the depths of winter, this Cotswolds village is worth a visit. For another more lively town, discover pretty Stow-on-the-Wold.
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Solo travellers often tend to prioritise cities over the countryside when travelling. But a solo visit to the Cotswolds is a great way to explore the English countryside on your own terms. I have visited the Cotswolds alone twice now, and each time I’ve had a brilliant time. The locals and tourists alike are generally friendly and there are plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds to keep you busy.
There are a number of gorgeous hotels in the Cotswolds. The location doesn’t matter too much and will really depend on the Cotswolds villages you’d like to explore. For a more central location with plenty of provisions, stay in or around Cheltenham.
The Cotswolds is an extremely dog-friendly place. You’ll be spoilt for choice with countryside walks, as well as dog-friendly pubs and hotels.
The Cotswolds covers a sprawling area which falls into five counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. The majority of the Cotswolds falls into Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
The Cotswolds makes a brilliant day trip from London. Driving is preferable, as this is the easiest way to explore the Cotswolds. It takes around two hours to drive, depending on specifically where you are driving from and to. The train takes around an hour and a half from London Paddington, again depending on where you are travelling to.
There are five Michelin star restaurants in the Cotswolds. These include The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Le Champignon Sauvage, The Royal Oak, Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, and Bybrook Restaurant at The Manor House.
You can visit the Cotswolds Lavender fields in Snowshill from June to August each year. The lavender will be in full bloom in the peak summer months.
The Cotswolds is a truly magical place at Cotswolds and this is partly because of the charming Christmas markets which take place. The best Christmas markets in the Cotswolds include Bath, Cheltenham, Broadway, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
From Michelin-recommended restaurants to award-winning Cotswolds spas, here is my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds is a haven for fine dining and exceptional cuisine. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce served in a stylish and welcoming setting, these are my pick of the best Cotswolds restaurants. For other Cotswolds foodie inspiration, discover the best places for afternoon tea in the Cotswolds or the best brunch spots in the Cotswolds.
Planning a trip to the Cotswolds? Have a read of these Cotswolds blog posts to help you plan your visit.
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