When you imagine a picture-perfect British village in your mind, chances are it looks a little like those found in the Cotswolds. This stunning part of south-central England spans the counties of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Wiltshire. It’s a firm favourite with visitors from across the UK and around the world, and for those who have been lucky enough to spend time there, it’s easy to understand why.
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty attracts over 35 million visitors each year, and unsurprisingly it’s also one of the country’s most desirable regions to live in. After all, residents get to truly immerse themselves in everything it has to offer on a day-to-day basis, be part of its thriving local communities, and enjoy a more tranquil pace of life than those living in more urban areas.
The Cotswolds truly has something for everyone, from outdoor activities like walking and horse riding to a wealth of historical and cultural attractions. But the area is perhaps best known for the distinctive architecture of the period buildings that make up its pretty towns and villages. They take various forms, from cute cottages to sprawling manor houses, but almost all make use of local Cotswold stone, a form of limestone, and feature traditional elements that offer a timeless quality.
Let us take you through some of our favourite Cotswolds villages and explore why they make it a fantastic place to live or visit.
Bourton-on-the-Water
People have lived in Bourton-on-the-Water, often called ‘The Venice of the Cotswolds’, since Neolithic times. Fast forward to the present day and the village is a popular tourist location and a breathtaking place to spend a few hours. Just 3,500 residents live here, but around 300,000 people visit each year. Many come simply to admire the honey-coloured cottages and take a stroll across its iconic low stone bridges to explore pubs, cafes, gift shops, and antiques shops on either side of the River Windrush that runs through its centre.
Car enthusiasts and history buffs alike will feel right at home at the Cotswold Motoring Museum in the heart of the village. The museum has an impressive collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia. Visitors can also enjoy Birdland Park and Gardens, home to more than 500 birds, including penguins, parrots, and flamingos, and is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland. Those looking for a quirky attraction need look no further than the model village, located behind the Old New Inn. This one-ninth scale model version of Bourton-on-the-Water was built in the 1930s and is the only grade II-listed model village in the country.
Stow-on-the-Wold
The charming, vibrant market town and civil parish of Stow-on-the-Wold is a real must-visit Cotswolds location. Aside from being the highest town in the Cotswolds at 800 feet, Stow has a rich history and is known for its large market square (markets are still held regularly) and great selection of shops and traditional pubs. Stow’s location along several major roads, including the Roman-built Fosse Way, has made it an important market town for many centuries. In medieval times it was an important centre for the wool trade. Today, visitors can take in the picturesque townhouses while strolling between antiques stores, independent shops, welcoming inns, and cosy cafes, all built in the famous golden local stone. No visit to Stow-on-the-Wold would be complete without a trip to St Edward’s Church, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, to see its famous wooden door flanked by yew trees.
Castle Combe
Don’t be surprised if Castle Combe, Wiltshire feels familiar even on your first visit. This beautiful village, located just 12 miles from the historic city of Bath, is one of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. Its picture-perfect qualities are so impressive that it has also been used as a filming location for multiple TV and film productions. Downton Abbey, War Horse, Doctor Doolittle, and more have taken advantage of its timeless appearance. This is due in no small part to the fact that no new buildings are thought to have been constructed here since the 17th century.
Despite the fact this is a real, living village, tourists could be mistaken for thinking Castle Combe is a living museum. The village is named after a castle that once stood in the area, but was sadly demolished centuries ago. Still, there is plenty for visitors and locals alike to enjoy in what is often called the ‘prettiest village in England’. The luxurious 14th-century The Manor House hotel has Michelin-star dining and is set in 365 acres of secluded parklands. The architectural gem that is the 13th century St Andrew’s Church has what is thought to be the oldest clock in the country.
Burford
Burford, Oxfordshire is another village that is a contender for the unofficial title of England’s prettiest village. Sometimes known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotsworlds’, Burford’s High Street has a mix of Georgian and Tudor buildings, and at first glance one could imagine they have taken a trip back in time. But take a stroll here and you’ll find more than just impressive architecture. There are numerous great independent shops and boutiques selling everything from local arts and crafts to antiques and clothes. Burford is also home to the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, which is home to more than 260 species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and lemurs. Set in 160 acres of landscaped gardens, it’s also a great place to take a leisurely walk and work up an appetite.
Ready to take a break and grab a drink or a bite to eat? You will find a good selection of restaurants, pubs, and cafes in the village, relative to its size, making it a great place to stop for lunch or an evening meal.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire was first settled in the 7th century and has a rich history, reflected in its many listed buildings. The 400-year-old Market Hall, built in 1627 to provide shelter for local market traders, stands in the town’s centre. Not only is it one of the most impressive buildings in the Cotswolds, but it also offers superb views of the High Street’s honey-coloured stone buildings from beneath its arches.
Tourists and the local community alike are well served by Chipping Campden’s independent shops and galleries, while the town also plays host to a varied calendar of events throughout the year.
These are just a small selection of the many gorgeous towns and villages in the Cotswolds. Whether you plan to make the area your home or just take a short trip there, there is so much to enjoy here that the only problem will be finding the time in your schedule to fit it all in.
