Known for rolling green hills and quaint villages with winding streets and charming houses built from the county’s distinctive honey coloured stone, the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Positioned in the south west of England, the area draws many visitors each year, with tourists flocking to see Chipping Campden, – the home of the Arts and Crafts movement which was founded in the late 19th century by textile designer and writer William Morris, – and to walk the Cotswold Way, which runs between Bath and Chipping Campden.
The Cotswolds abound with picturesque towns, each with its own unique character and architectural splendour captivating visitors. In places like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe, time seems to stand still. Chocolate-box villages, acres of undulating hills, and cosy country pubs make Cotswolds one of the most popular spots for solo, family, or romantic holidays in the countryside.
Historically, the area is also known in particular for its sheep – The Cotswold Lion. The proceeds from the sheep trade went into building the many beautiful churches in the area. The Cotswolds are also rich in Tudor history, with Sudeley Castle – occasionally home of Henry VIII – and remains of Roman villas found in Chedworth and Gloucester.
The Cotswolds today is a popular place for second home owners and retirees moving out of London, and it is little wonder, given the fascinating history and stunning landscapes. Below we detail some of the best places to live in the Cotswolds.
Burford Town
Burford Town is affectionately known as 'The Gateway to The Cotswolds' for the way its delightful high street curves downhill towards the beautiful River Windrush. This town has not changed much over the years and retains all of its ancient charm and history, with its historic honey stone houses, shops, and pubs. The village itself is surrounded by tree-covered slopes, blooming meadows of wildflowers, and stunning countryside. Burford Town – a quintessentially English village – is well served by excellent shopping, lovely restaurants, and well-stocked antiques markets. The town hosts a primary school and a secondary school that play a central role in local life – every summer they organise a village fete and a procession through the township – making Burford Town ideal for a quiet, beautiful, and community-focused life.
Moreton-in-Marsh
For those with a keen interest in history, Moreton-in-Marsh is a splendid market town full of gorgeous 17th and 18th century buildings, also rich with Roman history. In Evenlode Valley, where the town is located, archeologists have uncovered pottery, metal coins, and other evidence of the Roman invasion and occupation of Britain. The area is also home to the White Hart Royal Hotel, a manor house where King Charles I took shelter during the Civil War. Although Moreton-in-Marsh is not the home of the Arts and Crafts movement, there is still a thriving arts, crafts, and antiques community, and local fairs are frequently to be found in village halls and lining the streets. The town is well-serviced with rail links to London and is connected to the A429 and the A44.
Stroud
Stroud has been dubbed 'the creative hub' of the Cotswolds. The former textiles centre hosts an annual fringe festival with many different artists, writers, performers, and musicians attending each year, and there is also a small local theatre. From weekly farmers' market and many great independent shops and cafes, there is always something to do in Stroud. The town is home to excellent primary and secondary schools and has great transit links by rail and road. To top it off, the township itself is incredibly beautiful, set in the Cotswold Hills at the meeting point of the Five Valleys in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Chipping Norton
Tucked away on the side of a hill that was once home to a Norman castle, Chipping Norton is a small charming market town surrounded by verdant woodlands, fields, and a river that flows on the outskirts of the village. This is where Winston Churchill would spend his weekends during the war when it was too dangerous to go to Chequers or Chartwell. The town hosts a number of annual festivals: a literary festival, a music festival, and a jazz festival. The town boasts several schools and good transit links. It is also popular with artists and actors, who have been known to gather in the area, meaning the creative spirit of Chipping Norton thrives.
Quenington
No other town in the Cotswolds is more of a fairytale location than Quenington. This lovely little village is nestled among wildflower meadows through which you might walk on quiet lanes that take you past traditional agricultural barns and sweet cottages built in the area's famous honey coloured stone. Quenington is truly picturesque and is the perfect location if you are looking to escape the noise of the city or bigger and more crowded towns. Quenington is also conveniently located within five minutes of several larger villages and there is an excellent selection of local pubs, restaurants, markets, and schools on offer. The village is home to St. Swithin's church, thought to have been built in 1100. The church was, for a time, run by the Knights Templar.
The Cotswolds is one of the most stunning parts of the United Kingdom, much loved by tourists. The area is always planning on how to accommodate visitors and make the most of their journeys here in order to sustain the local economy. There are plans to build more eco-friendly accommodations around the Cotswolds, for instance, luxury tree houses near Chipping Norton. The environment and sustainable tourism are on the agenda for the area in the coming years, meaning more people will be able to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this lovely part of the country.
