The 7 Most Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is famous for its postcard-perfect villages. The pretty countryside of the Cotswolds is dotted with villages and old market towns, each one seemingly lovelier than the last. If you’re coming here on holiday, how do you know which beautiful Cotswold village to visit first?
We’ve drawn up a shortlist of our favourite villages in the Cotswolds, and have somehow managed to narrow it down to just seven! If you’re not here for long, make these your must-see Cotswold villages.
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
One of our lovely local villages, Bourton-on-the-Water is sometimes called “The Venice of the Cotswolds”. This is thanks to all the picturesque bridges that cross-cross the River Windrush, which flows through the centre of the village.
Its narrow streets are filled with independent shops and appealing little cafes. Bourton-on-the-Water really is an exceptionally pretty place: you may want to pick a quieter time to visit it, because there are a lot of fellow travellers wanting to admire its unspoilt good looks…
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
If you want crooked old cottages crafted from the local, honey-coloured stone, this is the perfect place to visit. Castle Combe is actually known as “the prettiest village in England” (although it really does face stiff competition from its neighbours).
Many of the buildings in Castle Combe, including the White Hart pub, date back to the 14th century. You won’t find souvenir shops or themed attractions in Castle Combe: just incredibly well-preserved medieval architecture.
Upper and Lower Slaughters, Gloucestershire
Is it cheating to squeeze both Slaughters into one heading? We couldn’t choose between these two lovely local spots, which are a short walk apart from each other.
Lower Slaughter has a pub, an old mill housing a museum, and photogenic stone bridges crossing the little River Eye. Up the hill, Upper Slaughter is home to some unbelievably lovely Lutyens cottages (and it’s close to our hotel…). And the unusual name? It comes from a Saxon word for “boggy place” rather than anything more sinister.
Bibury, Gloucestershire
Bibury’s most famous view is Arlington Row, a street of 14th century weavers’ cottages, which are among the most photographed houses in Britain. The village has a long history of weaving, with the old Arlington Mill still standing by the River Colne.
As well as the pretty cottages themselves, Bibury is known for its lovely gardens. This combination of Cotswold stone buildings, classic cottage gardens and lush surrounding landscapes makes Bibury an absolutely perfect Cotswold village.
Broadway, Worcestershire
This is a larger village than the ones we’ve explored so far, and there’s a greater choice of places to eat, drink and shop here than in many villages. Broadway is also an excellent place to have as a base for walking in the Worcestershire countryside.
One of the most popular routes around here is the walk up to Broadway Tower on Beacon Hill. Enjoy incredible views as you walk around the deer park and fields that surround Broadway Tower, or climb up the 65-foot folly itself.
Kingham, Oxfordshire
Kingham is a beautiful Cotswolds village, dotted with trees and inviting green spaces. At just an hour and a half from London and with its own railway station, it’s a popular weekend spot (come here mid-week to catch it at its most peaceful).
The small village has recently become famous for its food. Try lunch at the Kingham Plough on the village green before heading out for a walk in the verdant Oxfordshire countryside.
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
This is the largest village we’ve visited in this guide, and there’s always plenty going on here. Visit the market square which has stood here for centuries, and is home to the traditional old Market Hall (now National Trust)
Today’s square is surrounded by boutique shops and welcoming restaurants. If you want to pick up some unique gifts while you’re in the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden’s shops and galleries are the perfect place to potter.
Is that seven already? Honestly, we could easily carry on and mention Naunton, Snowsill and Stanton among many more, and of course, the beautiful Cotswold towns would make a whole other list…
If you want to know more about visiting Cotswold villages, please just get in touch with us and ask. We’re always happy to recommend lovely local places to our guests.