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The Cotswolds are England at their most charming, with honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills and cosy pubs. England is my home country, and I lived in Stratford-upon-Avon for a while, right on the edge of the Cotswolds, so a lot of these guides come from weekends spent exploring on my doorstep.
My boyfriend and I spent our winters driving out to Christmas markets, light trails and cosy pubs, and honestly, I prefer the Cotswolds in winter to summer. One of my favourite memories is staying in Broadway and watching the sunset from Broadway Tower… then falling over on the muddy hill on the way back down.
Cotswolds At A Glance
| Best time to visit | Any time, but I think late November to December is the best, with Christmas markets and cosy pubs. Spring and summer are greener but much busier. |
| Best area to stay | The north Cotswolds (around Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden) is the most central for exploring. |
| How long you need | A long weekend is enough for the highlights. 3 days is perfect. |
| Getting there | Trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham take around 1.5 hours. |
| Getting around | A car makes life much easier, as many villages have limited bus services. Otherwise, join a small-group tour. |
| Busiest spots | Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and the Castle Combe bridge. Go early or on a weekday. |
| Save money | Stay midweek in pricey villages like Broadway to soften the blow on the cost. |
Map Of Places To Visit In The Cotswolds
Every place on this page is pinned below. Tap a pin for a quick tip.
Start Here: Planning Your Cotswolds Trip
Start with my itinerary for a fairy-tale weekend, then choose your base.
My 3-day Cotswolds itinerary strings together the prettiest villages in a route that actually works, so you’re not doubling back on country lanes all day.
My guide to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds covers hotels for every budget and why I think the north is the best area. One honest tip from it: at The Manor House Hotel, skip the main hotel and book the cottage in the gardens, which has a private terrace and a hot tub.
The Cotswolds In Winter And At Christmas
The Cotswolds are just as lovely out of season, with festive markets, light trails and cosy pubs.
The Cotswolds at Christmas is my FAVOURITE version of the Cotswolds. My Cotswolds at Christmas guide covers the markets, light trails and late-night shopping. Burford was one of the first places I ever visited at Christmas, and the shops were as much a part of the evening as the stalls.
My Cotswolds in winter guide covers everything else in the colder months, from roaring pub fires to The Pudding Club, which was so much fun. My favourite was the sticky toffee pudding, which was almost as good as my Nan’s.
And my Blenheim Christmas Light Trail review is from a night out with a whole gang of my family. The music was SO good, and even though it was busy, we didn’t queue for a single thing.
Walks, Camping And Special Stays
For the outdoors, and for treating yourself.
My best Cotswolds walks guide has 15 circular routes. The Seven Springs and Leckhampton Hill walk is very close to the top of my list, and the Stanway walk ends at The Mount Inn, which I highly recommend.
If you’d rather sleep under canvas, my guides to camping in the Cotswolds and Cotswolds glamping with hot tubs cover the best spots, and my luxury Cotswolds guide is for a special occasion.
My Favourite Cotswolds Villages
Broadway
One of the prettiest villages in the north, and the base for that sunset at Broadway Tower. If you can’t stomach the price of dinner at The Lygon Arms (and quite rightly so!), my current favourite is Flipside, which serves some of the best burgers I’ve ever tasted.
Bibury
Home to Arlington Row, a row of 17th-century weavers’ cottages. If I could only recommend two villages, it would be Bibury and Broadway.
Lower Slaughter And Naunton
Lower Slaughter has become increasingly popular, but it’s still one of my favourite places for a riverside picnic. Naunton is sleepier, and one of my favourite tiny villages in the area.
Burford
For afternoon tea, I’d dodge the popular Huffkins and head across the road to Burford House instead. It’s less busy and way cosier in my opinion.
Castle Combe
I visited on a weekday with my sister on a beautiful sunny day, and even then the classic bridge photo spot was full of people. I had to retake my photos a few times to get a shot without anyone in it, so go early.
Where To Stay In The Cotswolds
For a treat, The Lygon Arms in Broadway is the classic choice, but stay midweek if you can. The Broadway Hotel is another lovely option on the green.
In Stow-on-the-Wold, The Porch House and The Old Stocks Inn are great central bases, and The Highway Inn is perfect for the south of the area. My where to stay guide has the full list.
My Top Tips For The Cotswolds
Go Early Or Go Midweek
The famous spots get really busy, even on weekdays. If you want those classic photos without the crowds, get there early in the morning.
Book Christmas Events Early
For the Blenheim light trail, we booked the 5pm slot a couple of months before, and I’d do exactly the same again. It meant dinner at the market first, and we missed the rush-hour traffic both ways.
Pack Proper Boots In Winter
Fields and footpaths get really muddy. Wellies or waterproof boots are a must, and wear thermal leggings rather than jeans. Trust me, my legs learnt that the hard way.
Cotswolds Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit the Cotswolds?
Any time of year, but late November and December are my favourite, with Christmas markets, light trails and cosy pubs. Spring and summer are greener but much busier.
How many days do you need in the Cotswolds?
A long weekend is enough to see the highlights, and 3 days is perfect for a relaxed trip.
Where is the best place to stay in the Cotswolds?
The north Cotswolds, around Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Chipping Campden, is the most central area for exploring the prettiest villages.
Do you need a car in the Cotswolds?
It makes life much easier, as many villages have limited bus services. Without one, take the train from London to Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham and join a small-group tour.
Which Cotswolds villages are the busiest?
Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe get very busy, especially at weekends and in summer. Visit early in the morning for the quietest time.