The Cotswolds: Your Travel Guide

The Cotswolds span six English counties and 800 square miles of awe-inspiring beauty. Here, immerse yourself in charismatic stone-built villages. Each step takes you into honey-coloured havens to indulge in timeless charm and local delicacies.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds offers an unparalleled sanctuary. Discover rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. Meandering water meadows, sprawling grasslands, and ancient woodlands teem with life.

The Cotswolds proudly showcase a wealth of castles, abbeys, and gardens. These landmarks tell fascinating tales of times gone by. Look out for the splendid gardens at King Charles’s Highgrove or the impressive Broadway Tower. With its bountiful natural larder, the Cotswolds also boasts excellent restaurants and hotels. Savour delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and embark on a culinary tour.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Cotswolds is a playground like no other. With over 3,000 miles of public footpaths, hikers can enjoy satisfying journeys through breathtaking scenery. Road cyclists will delight in the abundance of tranquil country lanes. In the Cotswolds, every turn reveals magnificent vistas.

The magic of the Cotswolds is the blend of timeless beauty, rich history, and a peaceful pace that captures the essence of the English countryside. Whether you dream of following in the footsteps of the past or prefer the peace of the countryside, read on to find out more about some of our highlights of the Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds are an idyllic region of England to visit for many reasons, but many visit for the beautiful villages, seemingly frozen in time. With so many to explore, deciding which Cotswold village is best can be challenging. Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites across the region to help you decide.

Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, Bourton-on-the-Water’s origins trace back to the Neolithic period. With the River Windrush coursing through its heart, the village has earned the fond nickname of ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.

The picturesque village houses the Cotswolds Motoring Museum, home to the British children’s classic, Brum. The museum also displays other items from the motoring history of the region, as well as a selection of beloved toys. Across the river, stop in at the model village, complete with it’s own miniature of itself. Back on the river, visitors in August can watch a chaotic yet historic match of Medieval football. However you spend your time here, you can be sure of a great experience.

Bibury, Gloucestershire

Bibury is celebrated for its iconic Arlington Row, often hailed as the prettiest street in the Cotswolds. Dating back to the late 1300s, these picturesque cottages were initially constructed as a wool store. The street was later converted into weavers’ dwellings. Managed by the National Trust today, Arlington Row stands as a testament to the region’s rich textile history.

Victorian designer William Morris once described Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England”. Visitors today echo this sentiment as Bibury’s timeless magic enchants them. Situated just outside Cirencester, Bibury offers a romantic escape amidst the idyllic Cotswold countryside.

Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire

Perched atop the Cotswolds, nearly 800 feet/240 metres above sea level, Stow-on-the-Wold exudes charm. Flourishing during the wool trade era, look out for the village’s market square and golden stone market cross.

Steeped in history, the town also witnessed the English Civil War. On the morning of 21st March 1646, the last battle of the First English Civil War – the Battle of Stow-on-the-Wold – took place. St Edward’s Church, standing at the centre of the town, still bears signs of this period. The church is also famous for its north door, flanked by two gnarled yew trees. The door supposedly inspired the ‘Doors of Durin’ in the Lord of the Rings, but this is just a story.

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Cotswolds is Castle Combe. Divided into two distinct halves, the village’s lower section remains virtually unchanged since the height of the Medieval wool trade. Stroll along its peaceful street, adorned with old houses whispering tales of past centuries.

At the heart of Castle Combe lies St Andrew’s Church, a majestic 12th century building boasting one of England’s oldest working clocks. Marvel at the market cross in the heart of the village, a relic from bustling market days, dating back to the 14th century. Castle Combe invites visitors to immerse themselves in the quintessential Cotswold charm with every step.

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Local Gin

The Cotswolds Distillery raises a glass to the region’s spirit, crafting gin with carefully sourced ingredients such as local lavender. Offering a range of tours at their distillery in Stourton, enjoy a masterclass before taking a bottle or two home.

Cheese

From crumbly cheddars to ribboned blues, the Cotswolds offers a haven for cheese connoisseurs. Step into local shops like Godsells Cheese or The Cotswolds Cheese Company for expert advice on choosing the perfect pairings. Alternatively, the Cheese Room at Daylesford Organic is an unforgettable experience.

Other Culinary Delights

Other local specialities in the Cotswolds include Tewkesbury mustard and Bibury trout. Let the tangy kick of Tewkesbury mustard tickle your taste buds – this fiery condiment dates to at least the 1600s. A blend of mustard flour and horseradish, the condiment was historically sold in packed balls, ready to add a zesty punch to any dish. Today, Tewkesbury mustard is more readily found in jars. However, it can still be purchased as gold balls for the intrepid hunter.

On an equally flavoursome level, look out for Bibury trout. Founded in 1902, Bibury Trout Farm offers both delicious, fresh fish in their cosy cafe and a great day out enjoying a beginner-friendly spot of fishing.

Chipping Camden to Cleeve Hill

Distance: 24 miles / 38km

Embark on a picturesque hike from the bustling market town of Chipping Camden to the majestic heights of Cleeve Hill. Traverse gentle rolling hills and lush meadows as you soak in panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside. Best enjoyed over a leisurely weekend, you can also do this walk over a longer day out.

The Cotswold Way

Distance: 164 km/102 miles

Stretching from Chipping Campden south to Bath, the Cotswold Way offers a quintessential walking experience through the region. Surprisingly hilly but not overly challenging, this national trail promises breathtaking views, charming villages, and historic landmarks, such as the iconic Broadway Tower, along its route. If you don’t fancy doing the whole national trail, many of the best day walks in the Cotswolds incorporate sections of the Cotswold Way.

The Slad Valley

Lose yourself in the timeless beauty of the Slad Valley, synonymous with writers such as Laurie Lee, author of ‘Cider with Rosie’. Wander through ancient woodlands and verdant meadows as you walk through this enchanting landscape. Stop in at the magical Painswick Rococo Garden or explore the Iron Age hill fort on Painswick Beacon. Across the valley, the Laurie Lee circular walk loops 8.4 km/5.2 miles Bulls Cross, incorporating nine poetry posts featuring Lees’ poems. Passing through the village of Slad, where Lee is buried in the churchyard, stop in at The Woolpack Inn to raise a pint to the poet.

With many walking routes to choose from, the Cotswolds beckon outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the Cotswolds offers endless adventures.

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The Cotswolds

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