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I lived in Stratford-upon-Avon for years, right on the edge of the Cotswolds. So these villages were basically my weekends. Sunday roasts in Bibury, sunsets at Broadway Tower, cream teas in Burford and a LOT of muddy walks in between.
People always ask me which Cotswold villages are actually worth visiting, because there are loads of them and they can all look a bit the same in photos. So this is my honest list: the 11 villages I keep going back to, what I love about each one, where I park, where I’d eat and where I’d stay.
I’ve also added a map, a 2-day route that links them up, and a few villages that are still on my list. For me the prettiest is Bibury, but Castle Combe runs it VERY close.
⏰ Tight on time? These are the ones to book:
🏨 The Broadway Hotel (where we stayed)
My Quick Picks For The Cotswold Villages
| Prettiest village | Bibury, with Castle Combe a very close second |
| Best base | Broadway. I stay at The Broadway Hotel |
| Best for families | Bourton-on-the-Water (riverside paths and the model village) |
| Best at Christmas | Burford for the lights down the hill, Broadway for late-night shopping |
| Best walk | The Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway circular (about 10km) |
| Best by train | Kingham, about 1.5 hours from London Paddington |
| Best Sunday roast | The Swan or The Catherine Wheel in Bibury |
| Getting around | Easiest by car (compare car hire) |
| Prefer a tour? | A small-group day tour from London covering Bibury, Burford, Bourton and Stow |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings, any season. Autumn and winter are quieter |
The 11 Best Villages In The Cotswolds
1. Bibury: The Prettiest Village In The Cotswolds
I don’t think there’s anywhere in England more picturesque than Bibury. The whole village looks like a postcard, with stone cottages beside the river and among the trees.
Most people come for Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers’ cottages that’s been in loads of films (most famously Bridget Jones’s Diary). It’s lovely, but it gets busy, so early morning or later in the afternoon is quieter.
We always stayed for lunch though. We’ve had Sunday roasts at both The Catherine Wheel, a 15th-century inn, and The Swan, and both are great, but my personal favourite was the New Inn. And if you want to make a day of it, combine Bibury with a short countryside walk that leads you to Arlington Row.
Best for: photos, a Sunday roast and a slow wander. In winter, it’s the prettiest village in the frost.
2. Castle Combe: A VERY Close Second
Castle Combe is a close favourite of mine. It’s in the southern Cotswolds, a little further from Stratford, so I visited it less often. But I still have some of my favourite Cotswolds photos and memories from there.
With its stone bridge, stream and old weavers’ cottages, it’s often called one of the prettiest villages in England. The last time I went was on a beautiful sunny weekday with my sister. Even on a weekday, the classic bridge photo spot was still full of people, and I had to retake my photos a couple of times just to get a shot without someone in it. So if you want that picture, be prepared to wait for a gap.
Parking inside the village is limited, so use the visitor car park at the top and walk down. It’s also only about 30 minutes from Bath, so it pairs really well with a day in the city. If you want to stay, there are a handful of hotels and cottages in Castle Combe.
Best for: that bridge photo, and combining with Bath.
3. Broadway: My Favourite Base
Broadway is one of my favourite little towns in the Cotswolds, and it’s the one I’d choose as a base. The honey-coloured high street is full of independent shops, cafés and pubs, and The Broadway Hotel sits right on the village green.
My favourite thing to do here is watch the sunset from Broadway Tower, just up the hill. I’ve been more times than I can count, and we’d often spot deer in the park around it. You can drive up, or walk up from the village on the Cotswold Way (I’ve fallen flat on my bum on the way back down more than once lol).
At Christmas, Broadway’s late-night shopping evening is my favourite festive night out in the Cotswolds. The shops hand round mince pies and mulled wine, and it’s small and friendly rather than a big market.
Best for: a base for the north Cotswolds, sunset and Christmas shopping.
4. Bourton-on-the-Water: Best For Families
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of our favourites, and it’s the village most people picture when they think of the Cotswolds. The River Windrush runs right through the middle under little stone footbridges, and there’s a model village and the Cotswold Motoring Museum if you have kids with you.
It’s also one of the busiest villages, so we always parked outside the village and walked in, about 10 minutes, because the central car park fills up fast. Get there early if you can.
My favourite time to go is December, when the Christmas tree stands in the river with all its lights on. I loved the reflections, especially when the water moved and the lights seemed to wobble. If you want to stay, have a look at hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Best for: families, riverside walks and the tree in the river at Christmas.
5. Burford: The Gateway To The Cotswolds
Burford is often called the gateway to the Cotswolds. It’s a small market town that, to me, looks like a film set, with one long high street running down a steep hill.
My favourite time to go is late afternoon, staying as it gets dark. One of my earliest visits was at Christmas, when my boyfriend and I walked downhill without thinking about the climb back. But by the time we turned around, the lights were showing properly, and that walk back up became my favourite bit. We’d been concentrating SO much on the shop windows that we’d almost missed the view behind us!
Our go-to for a cream tea is Huffkins, and somehow we could always get a seat, despite how popular it is. We usually stocked up on their cherry Bakewells on the way out too. Burford House at the top of the high street is lovely for afternoon tea as well.
Burford is lively at weekends and parking can be hard to find, but the council car parks are free.
Best for: a cream tea, independent shops and the high street lights at dusk.
6. Lower Slaughter (And Upper Slaughter)
Lower Slaughter is one of our favourite places for a riverside picnic. The little River Eye runs right through the village, past the Old Mill with its water wheel, and it’s about as peaceful as the Cotswolds gets.
Upper Slaughter is just up the road, and you can walk between the two on a short footpath. If you’re staying in the area, though, we’d head to Lower Slaughter over Upper Slaughter, which can get pretty hectic in peak season.
They’re also only a few minutes from Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow, so it’s easy to do all four in a day.
Best for: a picnic by the river and a quiet stroll.
7. Stow-on-the-Wold: Best For Browsing
Stow is a hilltop market town built around a big square, with independent shops, antiques and cosy pubs all around it. At around 800 feet, it’s the highest town in the Cotswolds.
That’s exactly how I like to do Stow: a walk around the square, a little browsing and a leisurely pub break. One time we ducked into a shop to get out of the cold and stayed browsing much longer than we meant to. After that, somewhere warm to sit sounded better than squeezing in another stop.
Don’t miss St Edward’s Church, where the north door is framed by two old yew trees (it’s often said to have inspired Tolkien). For a stay, The Old Stocks Inn is right on the square.
Best for: antiques, independent shops and a pub lunch.
8. Chipping Campden: Where The Cotswold Way Begins
I didn’t get to Chipping Campden as often as Broadway or Burford, but I always loved it when I did. Its honey-coloured high street and 17th-century Market Hall look beautiful, especially in the frost.
It’s also where the Cotswold Way National Trail begins (it runs 102 miles all the way to Bath), so it’s a great base for a walk. And for independent, often handmade gifts with fewer crowds, it’s one of my top picks along with Broadway and Stow. The Eight Bells is a 14th-century inn with rooms just off the high street.
Best for: walkers, a quieter high street and independent shops.
9. Stanton And Snowshill: Best For A Walk
Stanton is a sleepy, honey-stone village at the start of one of my favourite walks in the Cotswolds: the Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway circular walk. It’s about 10km and takes around 3 hours, with a bit of everything: quiet villages, big views and a grand manor house at Stanway. We’ve walked it many times.
The first 20 to 30 minutes out of Stanton is a steep climb, but I found it very manageable with moderate fitness. Wear boots, because it’s muddy for most of the year. And if you want a pub stop, do the route in reverse so you pass The Mount Inn on your way back into Stanton.
Snowshill is tiny, but it’s home to Snowshill Manor (National Trust) and the Cotswold Lavender fields, which are open from mid-June to early August. It’s only about 2.5 miles from Broadway too.
Best for: walkers and a pub lunch with a view.
10. Kingham: Best For Food Lovers (And By Train)
Kingham is a great village to visit if you’re coming from London, because it has its own station about an hour and a half from Paddington. And if you love your food, it’s my idea of a perfect day out.
Whenever I go to Daylesford Organic farm shop (just up the road) I pick up fresh fruit and veg, and if I’m buying gifts, I always head for their organic skincare range. Then I head to The Wild Rabbit in the village. I always order the roast chicken, and it’s the best roast I’ve had anywhere in the Cotswolds. I love the cosy little pub fire too.
Best for: a slow, foodie day, and anyone without a car.
11. Winchcombe: Castles And Steam Trains
Winchcombe is a lovely small village with timber-framed shops and one big attraction: Sudeley Castle, where Katherine Parr is buried. It’s also on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.
The full train ride to Cheltenham is quite expensive, so we usually just go as far as Winchcombe and spend the afternoon there. It’s also on the Cotswold Way, so it’s easy to add a walk.
Best for: history, a steam train ride and fewer crowds.
More Cotswolds Villages On My List
I haven’t explored these properly yet, so I can’t tell you what they’re like first-hand. But they come up again and again as some of the prettiest in the Cotswolds, and they’re next on my list.
| Painswick | The “Queen of the Cotswolds”, with 99 clipped yew trees in the churchyard and the Rococo Garden |
| Lacock | A National Trust village near Bath, used in Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice |
| Minster Lovell | Riverside ruins of Minster Lovell Hall by the River Windrush |
| Blockley | A quiet hillside village near Chipping Campden, popular for walks |
| Tetbury | A market town known for antiques, close to Westonbirt Arboretum |
Map Of The Cotswold Villages In This Guide
Here’s how they’re spread out. The north Cotswolds villages (Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stanton and Snowshill) sit close together, the Bourton, Slaughters and Stow trio is about 20 minutes south, and Castle Combe is on its own down near Bath.
A 2-Day Route Around The Best Cotswold Villages
If you only have a weekend, this is how I’d link up my favourites. It works best with a car, and you’ll want to start early on both days to beat the crowds.
Day 1: The North Cotswolds
- Morning: the Stanton, Snowshill and Stanway circular walk (about 3 hours)
- Lunch: The Mount Inn in Stanton, where the walk ends
- Afternoon: drive to Chipping Campden for a wander, then on to Broadway
- Sunset: Broadway Tower
- Evening: dinner and a stay in Broadway
Day 2: Bourton, The Slaughters, Stow, Bibury And Burford
- Early morning: Bourton-on-the-Water before the crowds (park outside and walk in)
- Mid-morning: walk over to Lower Slaughter, then a browse around Stow-on-the-Wold
- Lunch: a roast at The Swan or The Catherine Wheel in Bibury
- Afternoon: a cream tea at Huffkins in Burford, then stay for the high street at dusk
With a third day, I’d add Castle Combe and Bath, or swap in Kingham for a slower, foodie day. For a longer trip, follow my full 3-day Cotswolds itinerary.
Where To Stay In The Cotswold Villages
I’d base yourself in one village and drive out from there, rather than moving every night. Broadway is my pick for the north, and Bibury or Burford for the south. For more options, see my guide to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds.
And if you fancy something a bit different, I’ve rounded up the best Cotswolds glamping with hot tubs, plus my luxury Cotswolds guide for a special occasion.
The Broadway Hotel, Broadway (Where We Stayed)
The Broadway Hotel is my favourite place to stay in the Cotswolds. It’s right on the village green, the tartan decor is so cosy in winter, and you can walk to everything. It’s a short drive up to Broadway Tower for sunset too.
Check prices:
The Swan, Bibury
We’ve had Sunday roasts at The Swan, right by the river in Bibury, and it’s our favourite pick for anyone travelling with a dog. We haven’t stayed the night, so this one’s a recommendation rather than a review.
Check prices:
The Manor House, Castle Combe
The Manor House is a 14th-century manor house hotel with a golf course on the edge of Castle Combe. We haven’t stayed here, but it’s one of the best-known luxury stays in the south Cotswolds.
Check prices:
The Highway Inn, Burford
The Highway Inn is a characterful old inn with a modern twist, right on Burford’s high street, with a great outdoor dining space. It’s pet friendly too.
Check prices:
The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold
The Old Stocks Inn sits right on Stow’s market square, so it’s a handy base for Bourton, the Slaughters and Bibury. It’s another pick rather than somewhere we’ve stayed.
Check prices:
Getting Around The Cotswold Villages
A car is by far the easiest way to see the villages, because buses between them are infrequent and the best bits are down narrow country lanes. If you’re coming from London or flying in, compare car hire on Discover Cars.
Without a car, take the train to Kingham or Moreton-in-Marsh (about 1.5 hours from London Paddington; compare trains on Omio) and use taxis or local buses from there.
Taking A Day Tour From London
If you don’t want to drive, let someone else do it. This small-group Cotswolds day tour from London stops at Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, plus Broadway Tower, so you see four of the villages in this guide in one day without a car. If you’d rather start in the Cotswolds, this private Cotswolds villages tour from Moreton-in-Marsh covers the quieter villages too.
Best Time To Visit The Cotswold Villages
I’ve loved them in every season. But the one thing that makes the biggest difference is the time of day: go early in the morning, ideally on a weekday. The famous spots like Bibury, Bourton and Castle Combe fill up by late morning, especially at weekends and in summer.
| Spring | Blossom, lambs and green fields, with fewer crowds than summer |
| Summer | Long days and lavender at Snowshill (mid-June to early August), but the busiest time |
| Autumn | Golden colours and quieter villages. One of the best times for walks |
| Winter | Frosty villages, cosy pub fires and Christmas lights. See my guide to the Cotswolds in winter |
Best Villages In The Cotswolds FAQs
What is the prettiest village in the Cotswolds?
Bibury is often called the prettiest village in the Cotswolds, thanks to Arlington Row and the River Coln. Castle Combe in Wiltshire is its closest rival, with its stone bridge and weavers’ cottages.
Which Cotswold villages are best for a first visit?
For a first visit, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold and Lower Slaughter give you a great mix, and they’re all within about 30 minutes of each other. Add Castle Combe if you’re visiting Bath.
How many Cotswold villages can you see in a day?
Three or four villages is comfortable in a day by car, with time for a walk and a pub lunch. Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter and Stow-on-the-Wold are close enough to do together in a morning.
Which village is the best base in the Cotswolds?
Broadway is a great base for the north Cotswolds, with plenty of hotels, pubs and restaurants and Broadway Tower nearby. Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford are central for Bourton, the Slaughters and Bibury.
Can you visit the Cotswold villages without a car?
Yes, but it takes more planning. Trains from London Paddington stop at Kingham and Moreton-in-Marsh, and buses link some villages. A guided day tour from London is the easiest way to see several villages without driving.
Which Cotswold village is the least touristy?
Of the villages in this guide, Stanton, Snowshill and Chipping Campden are the quietest, and Winchcombe gets far fewer crowds than Bourton-on-the-Water or Bibury. Wherever you go, weekday mornings are the quietest time.
More Cotswolds Guides
All my Cotswolds posts are in one place in my complete Cotswolds travel guide, but if you’re planning a trip around the villages, these are the ones I’d read next:
- Cotswolds Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days
- Best Cotswolds Walks: Circular Routes
- Broadway Tower: Is It Worth It? My Honest Review (2026)
- Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds
More guides you might like
Written by
Millie Austin
Hi, I'm Millie, a Brit who swapped a London desk job for life in Lima, Peru. Every guide on Stay Wild Travels comes from my own trips, from hiking the Cotswolds and the Peak District to the Swiss Alps and the Andes, with the honest bits included.