The Cotswolds is a wonderful place to visit for a vacation with its chocolate box cottages, rolling hills and cosy village pubs, but it can be hard to narrow down exactly where to visit. Just a two-hour drive from London and boasting a plethora of cobbled streets lined with quirky shops, historic churches and great spots for a pub lunch, you're spoilt for choice.
We've compiled our top five towns you must visit while you're in the area.
Painswick
Painswick is a Cotswolds town known for its beautiful stone houses and legendary yew trees and is very often referred to as the 'Queen of the Cotswolds'. Perched on a hill overlooking the rolling countryside, the town is a treasure trove of quaint pale stone cottages, winding streets and historic buildings.
The village's centrepiece is St. Mary's Church, famous for its beautifully manicured yew trees and striking 14th-century architecture. The churchyard has over 99 yews, each steeped in local legend and providing a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. The church is a testament to Painswick's rich history, having witnessed centuries of life in the region.
Painswick is also a haven for art and nature lovers. The Rococo Garden, a unique and whimsical 18th-century garden just outside the village, offers a delightful escape with its striking scenery, intricate designs and seasonal displays of snowdrops in early spring. Art enthusiasts will enjoy exploring local galleries and craft shops, some of which showcase the talents of the region's artists. With its tranquil atmosphere, charming tea rooms, and traditional pubs, Painswick is truly a place to slow down and savour the essence of the Cotswolds; visitors are invited to enjoy a walk up to the Iron Age hill fort at Painswick Beacon to take it all in. Its central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby towns like Stroud, Gloucester and the Slad Valley, immortalised by LaurieLee's Cider with Rosie.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold, with its roots as a bustling market town and its role in the English Civil War, is now best known for its large market square, many antique shops and historic churches. The town features a plethora of honey-coloured stone buildings and charming narrow streets that are postcard-perfect and fully embody the idyllic beauty of the Cotswolds.
The town boasts ample traditional English pubs with roaring fires and charming tea rooms serving scones and cream alongside many fine dining options, solidifying its reputation as a culinary capital of the Cotswolds. Guests are able to sample fresh and locally sourced ingredients at many of these establishments and celebrate the region's flavours. Stow is also a paradise for treasure hunters, with an eclectic mix of independent shops that offer a range of artisanal products, collectables and local crafts that are perfect for souvenir shopping. Many of the streets in Stow are narrow and winding as the town previously held major sheep markets, and this arrangement made it easier for the sheep to be controlled and counted. Despite its popularity today, Stow successfully retains an inviting small-town atmosphere that is sure to make visitors feel welcome.
Tetbury
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Tetbury couples sophistication with a rich heritage and is still associated with royalty today due to its being home to HRH Highgrove House. The town is renowned for its Georgian architecture and enduring ties to the wool trade. However, visitors are particularly drawn to its cobbled Chipping Steps, a postcard-perfect scene framed by quaint cottages, and the iconic Market House, built in 1655, which still hums with activity centuries after its construction.
However, extending beyond its historical appeal, Tetbury boasts an array of boutique shops, renowned antique emporiums and delightful eateries, all of which exude a distinctly refined character. Tetbury's streets are lined with weavers' cottages in Cotswold stone, and the old Victorian police station is now a museum. It is a lovely town to explore, and there is a circular walk from the village, which begins by following an old railway line and ends with the church of St Mary. With its proximity to the breathtaking Westonbirt Arboretum and the royal gardens at Highgrove, Tetbury is genuinely a must-visit when in the area.
Winchcombe
Winchcombe is a picturesque town rich in history and charm. Home to the magnificent Sudeley Castle and Gardens, the town's history dates back to Saxon times and boasts the ruins of Winchcombe Abbey, which once served as a religious centre. Sudeley Castle is also the resting place of Katherine Parr, whilst the surrounding award-winning gardens and several events are held here throughout the year. In Winchcombe, you will find a fantastic range of independent shops and restaurants, including options for a pub lunch and more gourmet evening meals. In 2021, the oldest meteorite to land on Earth marked its arrival by hitting a driveway in the town. Aptly dubbed the Winchcombe meteorite, it is now on display in the Natural History Museum in London. Just outside Winchcombe, the Isbourne Way meanders through the countryside, while the figure-of-eight Winchcombe Way envelopes the town and proudly holds a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status, which makes the town a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is a quintessential Cotswold town, renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history and stone buildings, many of which date back to medieval times when the town was a prosperous wool trading centre. The market town is located at the northern edge of the Cotswolds and is famed for its magnificent wool church, St James Church, with its iconic tower and long history as a centre of the wool trade reflected in much of its architecture.
The High Street is lined with 17th-century houses, shops, and traditional inns, which make it a delightful place to explore. Thanks to its connection to the Arts and Crafts Movement, the town was home to a group of influential artists and designers, including Giles and Mary of the famous Campden Workshops, and today, it still boasts several galleries and craft shops that showcase handmade goods. However, beyond its charming streets, Chipping Campden offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with scenic walking routes like the Cotswold Way passing through the area. Visitors can also explore nearby Hidcote Manor Garden, one of England's most famous gardens, just a short distance away.
