Had enough of London and craving a countryside escape?
The Cotswolds deliver everything you’d expect for a picture-perfect English getaway.
Rolling hills, golden-stone villages, and thatched-roof cottages seem straight out of a fairy tale. Everything is ridiculously pretty.
This is the land of ancient pubs, medieval market squares, and streets lined with climbing roses. Even the village names sound charmingly old world.
No itinerary is really required. Just wander through the historic towns, soak up the scenery, and maybe stop for a pint in a teeny tiny pub that’s been around longer than most countries.
The best way to get around, by far, is to drive. I recommend basing yourself in Stow-on-the-Wold or Chipping Camden. (More on the below in the tips sections)
Beautiful Cotswolds Towns To Visit
Bibury
The Cotswolds is home to quite a “B” villages. Because of their beauty and proximity to London, these villages are among the most touristy of the Cotswolds gems.
But they are touristy for a reason. They’re absolutely lovely.
Bibury is a town that William Morris described as “the most beautiful village in England.” This is where you’ll get your big chocolate box feels.
The main attraction in this tiny hamlet is Arlington Row. You’ve probably seen it on Instagram.
It’s a charming lane with rustic 17th century weaver’s cottages near the River Coin. It’s one of the most photographed places in all of England.
If you need tea or coffee, the Swan Inn is the ideal place. There’s also a small deli near Arlington Row, with a great fish shop.
History buffs will also enjoy Chedworth Roman Villa, about 10 minutes down the road from Bibury.
It’s an extremely well-preserved Roman villa from the 2nd century A.D. It’s renowned for its beautiful mosaics, in mythological and geometric patterns.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” It’s a quintessential Cotswold village.
In Bourton, tiny footbridges span the River Windrush. High Street is dotted with all manner of shops to explore.
In fact, compared to Bibury, there’s quit a bit to do.
There are perfumeries, bakeries, a fine Christmas store, fudge shops, and candle shops. There’s even a motoring museum and a gin distillery.
I tried the crumbly honeycomb fudge from Roly’s. Very different, and not made from chocolate.
There are some really nice eateries here as well. I dined at the rather romantic Rose Tree restaurant. But I was also tempted by Italian at L’Anatra Italian Kitchen.
Burford
Burford isn’t just another pretty Cotswold town—it’s the “Gateway to the Cotswolds” and still looks like something straight out of the 17th century.
The medieval stone buildings and Georgian facades haven’t changed much over the years, which is exactly what makes it such a gem.
High Street is the main event, a long stretch of historic homes, independent boutiques, and old-world charm. But don’t just stick to the main drag.
Dck into the side lanes, where you’ll find quiet corners lined with honey-colored cottages. Before you leave, head to the three-arched stone bridge over the river for some of the best views in tow
Burford also has a wonderfully preserved church.
The lower half of the tower and the west wall were built in around 1170. The church was subsequently enlarged in stages until it was completed in 1475.
Inside, there’s a splendid nave, fan vaulted ceiling, and stained glass windows. And the usual chapels, monuments, and tombs.
The Lamb Inn is great for good eats. Dating from 1402, it’s a sprawling pub with quaint decor and outside terraces. A waiter told me that the inn is allegedly haunted by ghosts.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is another Cotswolds gem. You can explore its historic Market Square, antique shops, and art galleries. The square is bookended with a cross at one end and the old stocks at the other.
Like many Cotswolds towns, Stowe got its wealth from the wool industry. In fact, Stow was once famous for its large sheep fairs. 20,000 sheep were traded on a single day.
Today, the locals and tourists are content with the farmers market.
Probably the most famous attractions in Stow is the wooden door of St. Edwards Church. Legend hold that it inspired Tolkien’s Durin Door in the Lord of the Rings series.
Stow is also famous for hosting the twice a year Stow Horse Fair. Travelers from all over the world descend on the town and parade and trade their horses.
And you’ll want to have tea or breakfast at Lucy’s Tearoom! The cute cafe opens at 10:00 am.
Upper Slaughter
Upper Slaughter is a lovely medieval Cotswolds village. The name “slaughter” comes from the Old English word “sloughtre,” which translate to muddy place.
If you are up for it, you can take the 5 mile walk through the countryside.
Upper Slaughter is a tranquil village known for its picturesque cottages. But Lower Slaughter is the real gem.
Lower Slaughter
Lower Slaughter looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook—stone cottages, a peaceful river, and enough flowers to make a postcard jealous. The river sits just below the road, with little stone bridges and footpaths lined with blooms, making it perfect for a stroll.
First stop? Copse Hill Road, once voted the “most romantic street in Britain” by Google Street View. No surprise there—it’s ridiculously pretty. If all that walking builds up an appetite, The Slaughters Manor House serves up some seriously good food in a grand old country house.
Then there’s the Old Mill, the village’s big landmark. It used to be a working water mill, but now it’s been converted into a luxury hotel.
A bit fancier than its past life, but it still keeps its old-world charm. Lower Slaughter might be small, but it’s got big Cotswolds energy—quiet, ridiculously pretty, and perfect for slowing down.
Painswick
Painswick is definitely one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Often called the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” it has all the hallmarks of a classic Cotswolds village—golden limestone cottages, narrow winding streets, and stunning countryside views.
One of its standout sites is St. Mary’s Church, famous for its 99 perfectly shaped yew trees in the churchyard. Legend has it that if a 100th tree is planted, it won’t survive.
The village is also known for its historic wool heritage, charming tea rooms, and scenic walking trails leading into the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.
It’s less touristy than places like Bibury or Castle Combe, making it a great spot if you want a quieter, more atmospheric village experience. Definitely one to include in a list of beautiful Cotswolds villages!
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden might just be the prettiest town in the Cotswolds—and that’s saying something.
This 14th century market town has a High Street that’s basically an open-air museum of golden stone buildings. There are tiny cottages to grand gabled houses that have been standing for centuries.
Thatched roofs? Plenty. But keeping them isn’t cheap. They need replacing every 25 years or so, and only a handful of specialists still do the work.
Oh, and before that happens, homeowners have to bring in an ecological archaeologist—just in case some rare bird has decided to move in. Small-town problems, Cotswolds edition.
You can’t miss Market Hall. It stands right on High Street. This is where dairy farmers used to sell their produce.
The hall is a bit whacky looking, with open arches and Gothic peaks. It’s a bit of cross between a barn and chapel.
You’ll want to check out St. James Church. It’s a Perpendicular Gothic church where a Doomsday fresco broods over the chancel arch.
And the Woolstaplers’ Hall, where medieval sheep merchants once argued over the quality of the flock.
A good place to have brunch or lunch is Badger Hall or the Eight Bells Inn. I tucked into a classic braised lamb shank at the latter.
Broadway
The village of Broadway is just 3-4 miles down the road from Chipping Campden. It’s a charming hamlet with a diverse range of shops, eateries, art galleries, and luxury hotels.
During the Victorian era, the town attracted the likes of Wiliam Morris and artist John Singer Sargent.
Broadway boasts ancient honey colored buildings from the 16th century and a grassy fringed village center. This earns it the nickname “the jewel of the Cotswolds.”
Broadway is a fun place to visit during the holiday season. The Christmas shopping nights are full of cheer.
And you definitely have to visit Broadway Tower! It’s the most unique tiny Gothic castle.
It’s a folly really. And you’ll have great views from the rooftop platform at the top.
Broadway is also full of great places for lunch.
Crown & Trumpet is an award winning pub. And you can get classic fish and chips at Russell’s Fish & Chips or the Snowhill Arms.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is an adorable jigsaw‐puzzle painter’s vision of an English village.
Laid out in a valley alongside a rushing stream, the town has slate roofed stone cottages and picturesque shop signs.
The village is home to the beautiful St. Andrew’s Church, which features medieval architecture and a peaceful churchyard.
Have afternoon tea at the Old Rectory Tearoom or dinner at the Manor House, a posh hotel.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham might have a reputation as a posh spa town. But there’s more to it than fancy facades and mineral water.
This is where grand Regency architecture meets indie coffee shops, leafy parks, and one of the UK’s biggest horse racing festivals. It’s got just the right balance of old-school elegance and modern amenities.
Stroll down The Promenade, which is lined with Georgian townhouses, boutique shops, and the ever-dramatic Neptune Fountain.
Then there’s Pittville Pump Room, a relic of the town’s spa-era glory days. This is where people once flocked to “take the waters” (which, spoiler alert, taste awful).
The Montpellier district is where things get even prettier. It boasts wrought-iron balconies, cute cafés, and Montpellier Gardens, a solid spot for a mid-afternoon breather.
If you’re here in March, the Cheltenham Festival is a full on spectacle of racing, betting, and tweed overload. Prepare for crowds and a lot of partying!
There are plenty of other festivals too — literature, science, jazz and music.
Stanton
Stanton is Cotswolds perfection, the kind of place that looks like it fell out of a period drama.
This tiny village is packed with 16th and 17th century houses, a medieval cross, and a church with 14th-century wall paintings, because why not?
No chain stores, no tourist gimmicks—just old-world charm and a proper sense of time standing still.
At the edge of the village, The Mount Inn delivers more than just pints. Grab a drink, soak up the views over the Vale of Evesham.
On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the Welsh mountains. Not bad for a quiet countryside escape.
Blockley
Blockley is bigger than your average Cotswold village. But still packs in all the charm—honey-colored cottages, winding lanes, and a quiet, unspoiled feel.
Once a bustling hub for silk production, the village was dotted with mills powered by the brook that still runs through it today.
These days, Blockley is best known as the real-life backdrop for the BBC’s Father Brown. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul doubles as St. Mary’s in the show, making it a must-visit for fans.
Even if you’re not here for the TV connection, Blockley is a solid stop—peaceful, pretty, and just enough off the tourist trail.
Tips For Visiting The Cotswolds
How To Get To the Cotswolds
You can drive directly from London to the Cotswolds. The journey takes around 2 to 2.5 hours.
You can also take the train to a city like Cheltenham, Moreton-in-Marsh or even Oxford and pick up your car there.
If you don’t have wheels, you can visit on a guided Cotswolds day tour from London. Or, you can choose a tour that does both Oxford and the Cotswolds. (But you will feel more rushed.)
How To Get Around The Cotswolds
Having a car in the Cotswolds is key. You’ll have both greater flexibility and convenience.
Some of the smaller and more remote Cotswold villages have limited or infrequent public transportation options.
Without being tied to a fixed schedule with public transport, you can add in another village or stop to see a castle as you’re driving.
Where To Stay In The Cotswolds, The Best Base
The Cotswolds is a fairly large area, so you’ll want to stay somewhere central.
I would opt for Stow-on-the-Wold or Chipping Campden. But Bibury is a good option too.
Here are some hotels I recommend in these Cotswolds towns. I stayed at the Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold and was very happy.
Stow-on the-Wold:
Britain’s oldest inn is the Porch House, open for 11 centuries. There are wooden beams, stone walls, and a fantastic gastropub.
The Old Stocks Inn is a cute boutique hotel that’s another great choice. It’s a fully renovated 17th century coaching inn.
Chipping Campden: The Cotswolds House Hotel is a bespoke Regency era hotel with a fine dining restaurant and lovely gardens. For a cute boutique hotel, check out Jasmine Cottage.
Bibury: The Swan Hotel is the top spot here. The ivy clad hotel has 22 bedrooms and 4 cottages suites. It has a restaurant that I mentioned above and riverside gardens.
Castle Combe: The Manor House Hotel is a great choice for luxury and pampering.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 days in the Cotswolds itinerary. You may enjoy these other England travel guides and resources.
- 3 Day Itinerary for London
- 5 Day Itinerary for London
- Hidden Gems in London
- 30 Day Trips from London
- Best Museums in London
- One Day In Canterbury Itinerary
- One Day in Oxford Itinerary
- One Day In Stratford-upon-Avon
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