Charming places to visit in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is easily one of the best places to visit in the UK — and once you’ve been, you’ll get why. Think rolling hills, golden-stone cottages, and villages that somehow manage to feel both picture-perfect and completely lived-in.

I first visited during my first year living in the UK, and it instantly became one of my favourite escapes. Every trip since has turned up something new — from sleepy hamlets and hidden gardens to grand estates and proper country pubs. If you’re planning a trip, this guide covers some of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds: the most beautiful villages, scenic walks, historic houses, and all the little spots that make this part of England feel so special.

The Cotswolds tends to be at the top of the list for visitors to the UK, as will as Brits themselves, and its charm definitely deserves the hype. There’s a lot to do in the Cotswolds, and could keep one busy for a week, but is also doable in a weekend. Here’s my roundup of the best things to do in the Cotswolds to help you decide how to plan your visit. I’ve split the guide up between villages, historic sites, gardens, and walks.

The prettiest villages to visit in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is famous for its pretty villages, full of honey-stone cottages, climbing roses and winding lanes. Some are polished and popular, others feel quieter and more lived-in, but they all share that distinct charm the region is known for.

Much of the character comes from its history—the area grew rich from the medieval wool trade, and that legacy shows in the grand churches, sturdy cottages and market squares that have barely changed over the centuries.

If you’re planning a visit, it can be hard to know where to start, so here’s a mix of the most popular Cotswolds villages and a few of my personal favourites.

If you are looking for more depth about each village, check out my guide to the best villages in the Cotswolds.

Bourton on the Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds, with low stone bridges crossing the River Windrush and green lawns perfect for sunny afternoons. It’s a popular spot, especially for first-time visitors, and one of my personal favourites for its postcard-perfect setting and mix of things to do. Highlights include the quirky Model Village, the nostalgic Cotswold Motoring Museum, and cosy stops like Bakery on the Water. It’s best enjoyed early in the day or with an overnight stay — a charming hotel I’d recommend here is The Dial House.

Tetbury

Tetbury is a peaceful and charming village with classic Cotswolds appeal, known for its links to Highgrove and its lovely mix of independent shops and cafes. It’s a great choice if you’re after a quieter spot that still has plenty to offer. I love the Tetbury Goods Shed — a former railway station turned into a space for local food and art — and the village also has sights like St Mary’s Church and Chavenage House, a historic manor that sometimes opens for tours. For a stay, The Close Hotel is a pretty option right in the heart of it all.

Stow on the Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the oldest towns in the Cotswolds, set high on a hill with a wide market square, antique shops, and cosy pubs. There’s a real sense of history here, from the medieval sheep alleys to the famous yew-framed door at St Edward’s Church, said to have inspired Tolkien. It’s a lovely spot for a wander, especially if you like browsing bookshops and vintage finds, and makes a great base for exploring nearby villages.

Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden is often called the jewel of the North Cotswolds, with its beautiful High Street lined with honey-hued buildings and charming shops. The Market Hall, dating back to 1627, is a standout, along with St. James' Church and its impressive 15th-century architecture. For those who love walking, the Cotswold Way offers stunning views. The village also has great places to eat, like The Red Lion for a classic pub lunch.

Broadway

Broadway is one of the larger and grander villages in the Cotswolds, with a wide, golden-stone High Street that catches the light beautifully. It has a slightly more polished feel, but still plenty of charm, with independent boutiques, antique shops, and a few excellent art galleries that add a creative edge. Just outside the village, Broadway Tower offers sweeping views across the countryside and a touch of eccentric history. And if you're after a proper Sunday roast, The Swan Inn is a favourite — cosy, welcoming, and reliably delicious.

Broadway is one of the villages that is especially charming at Christmas as well.

Painswick

Painswick, tucked between rolling hills, offers charm in abundance. Its Rococo Garden is a quirky, beautifully restored 18th-century gem, and St. Mary’s Church, with its 99 ancient yew trees, adds a touch of mystery to the village. Visit Juniper for a relaxed coffee and enjoy the village's peaceful vibe.

Castle Combe

Castle Combe is often called the prettiest village in England, and it really does live up to the hype. With its honey-stone cottages, winding lanes, and a stream running through the centre, it looks like a storybook come to life. There’s not much to do here beyond wandering, but that’s exactly the appeal — it’s a place to slow down, admire the old church, and maybe pick up some homemade jam from an honesty box. Just beyond the village, The Manor House makes an elegant base or at least a beautiful spot for a stroll through the grounds.

Snowshill

Snowshill is one of my favourite Cotswolds villages — small, peaceful, and just a little eccentric in the best possible way. Set high on the hills, it has stunning countryside views and a sense of quiet that’s hard to beat. Next door, Snowshill Manor is a gem of a National Trust property, packed with curious objects collected by the wonderfully odd Charles Wade. The gardens are especially lovely in spring, and the whole place feels like a hidden corner of the Cotswolds that still surprises me every time I visit.

Lower and Upper Slaughter

Lower and Upper Slaughter are two of the most peaceful and picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, set along the gentle curves of the River Eye. Just a short walk apart, they make a perfect pair to explore on a quiet afternoon. Think stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, and the soft sound of water flowing past. In Lower Slaughter, you can visit the old water mill and grab an ice cream in the summer.

Burford

Burford is another iconic Cotswold village, with its medieval St. John the Baptist Church standing proudly on the High Street. The village is perfect for a leisurely stroll through independent boutiques and cafes. If you’re a history fan, don’t miss the Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens. For a hidden gem, head to Asthall Manor, where the gardens open to the public a few times a year, showcasing contemporary sculpture in a peaceful setting.

Bibury

Bibury is one of the most iconic villages in the Cotswolds, known for its picturesque Arlington Row of weavers’ cottages. It's a popular spot for photos, but be prepared for crowds, especially when tour buses arrive. Despite its small size, Bibury offers plenty of charm, like The Swan Hotel where you can relax by the river and watch the swans glide by. To fully appreciate its peaceful atmosphere, I recommend visiting early or late in the day when it's quieter, or in the off-season when the village is less crowded.

The best gardens to visit in the Cotswolds

Sudeley Castle Gardens

Set against the backdrop of a historic Tudor castle, the gardens at Sudeley are a mix of beautifully kept formal spaces and more relaxed, romantic planting. There’s a knot garden, rose garden, and herb garden, plus plenty of peaceful spots to pause with views out to the Cotswold hills. You can also explore the castle itself, which has strong royal connections—including the tomb of Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.

Painswick Rococo Garden

Tucked into a quiet valley just outside the village of Painswick, this is one of the few surviving examples of a rococo garden in the UK. It’s a playful, slightly surreal landscape filled with fanciful follies, twisting paths, and dramatic viewpoints. Best in early spring for its carpet of snowdrops, but lovely all year round for a peaceful walk and a different take on Cotswolds garden style.

Hidcote Manor Garden

One of the most famous gardens in England, Hidcote is a beautifully designed Arts and Crafts-style garden made up of a series of outdoor ‘rooms’, each with its own feel. Created by American gardener Major Lawrence Johnston, it’s a place to get lost among neatly clipped hedges, vibrant borders, and quiet corners with fountains or views out to the Cotswold countryside. It’s close to Chipping Campden, so easy to combine with a visit there or nearby Kiftsgate. I really loved visiting this garden and exploring the different vibe in each garden room.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

Right next door to Hidcote, Kiftsgate is a more personal, family-run garden that contrasts beautifully with its neighbour. It’s known for its stunning rose garden—home of the famous Kiftsgate rose—as well as its contemporary water garden, informal borders, and wildflower meadow that spills down the hillside. The views over the Vale of Evesham are some of the best in the area.

Highgrove House and Gardens

Highgrove, the private residence of King Charles III, is all about sustainable gardening and organic principles. You’ll need to book a guided tour in advance, but it’s worth it for a rare glimpse into these beautifully curated gardens. From perfectly clipped topiary and wildflower meadows to charming woodland areas and abundant borders, each space reflects a deep connection to nature and care for the environment.

Westonbirt Arboretum

Just outside Tetbury, Westonbirt is one of the UK’s most important tree collections. With over 15,000 trees from across the globe, it’s a great place for a peaceful walk in nature. There are miles of trails, a treetop walkway, and amazing seasonal colour—especially in spring and autumn when the maples and acers put on a show.

Stately homes and National Trust sites in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is filled with stunning stately homes and many are accessible as part of the National Trust. I think most visitors to the Cotswolds are there to experience the cosy, charming feeling of the area and visiting historic properties is a great addition to the Cotswolds villages. There are many properties in the Cotswolds National Trust, as well as independent stately homes. These are my favourites.

Snowshill Manor

Snowshill Manor, a standout among my favorite National Trust destinations, exudes charm and quirkiness. Once the residence of the eccentric Charles Wade, the manor is a curated treasure trove of peculiar objects from around the world. Wade, uninterested in luxury, chose a minimalist lifestyle in the adjacent barn, turning the manor into a captivating stage for his eclectic collections. It was such a surprising and delightful visit, unlike any other stately home I’ve been to.

There’s even a miniature village and dovecote in the garden! I visited in the spring, and the sight of blossom trees and lambs roaming the green hills stuck with me as a highlight of that trip.

Kelmscott Manor

Once the summer home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is a beautifully preserved slice of Arts and Crafts history. Morris, a key figure in the 19th-century design reform movement, described the house as “heaven on earth,” and it became a huge source of inspiration for his work. Inside, you’ll find original furniture, textiles, and artworks by Morris and his circle, all set within the atmospheric rooms where he lived and worked. The gardens are informal and charming, framed by stone walls and looking out across the Thames Valley. I haven’t made it there yet, but as an art and heritage lover, it’s right at the top of my UK bucket list.

Buscot Park

Buscot Park is one of those places that feels full of surprises. It’s still a lived-in family home, but also a National Trust property with a fantastic art collection and sprawling grounds that invite you to slow down and explore. The walled garden is the real highlight — especially in May, when the wisteria arches are in full bloom, curling around a central fountain with peonies bursting into colour along the edges. It’s one of the most romantic garden spaces I’ve seen.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you round a corner and come face to face with a row of terracotta warriors — an unexpected and surreal moment in this very English setting. The lakeside walk is lovely too, often dotted with families fishing or picnicking. I haven’t made it into the house yet, but the promise of its art collection — including works by Rembrandt, Burne-Jones and Rossetti — is more than enough reason to go back.

Asthall Manor

Asthall Manor is one of those hidden gems you’ll want to check out, especially if you’re a fan of sculpture and art in nature. This beautiful manor, once home to the Mitford sisters, hosts the On Form exhibition every other year — so it’s worth checking the dates in advance. The real magic of this exhibition is in the way the sculptures seem to come alive in the expansive gardens.

Walking around the grounds, you’ll find carefully placed pieces that interact with the landscape — some tucked in quiet corners, others taking center stage against the backdrop of the manor. It’s an amazing experience, blending art with the beauty of the Cotswolds countryside, and you’ll never know what unexpected masterpiece you’ll discover as you wander the grounds.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a real gem in the Cotswolds—part history, part grandeur. Birthplace of Winston Churchill and designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the Baroque architecture is jaw-dropping. The gardens, designed by Capability Brown, are a peaceful escape with sweeping views that feel straight out of Versailles. Since 2014, the Blenheim Art Foundation has added a modern edge, hosting contemporary art exhibitions in this historic setting. It’s the perfect mix of old-world charm and fresh artistic energy.

Book a ticket to Blenheim Palace here.

Sezincote

Sezincote is one of those places that completely surprised me when I first saw it online—Indian-style architecture right in the heart of the Cotswolds? I had to see it for myself. This hidden gem isn’t something most people know about, but it’s definitely worth seeking out. Designed by Samuel Pepys Cockerell, the house blends Indian and British influences in a way that feels unexpected yet so harmonious. While it’s a family home, they offer exclusive guided tours that give you a rare peek into its fascinating design, though photography is a no-go inside.

The charm continues outside with a stunning orangerie and a tea room where you can relax before exploring the expansive gardens, complete with ponds, fountains, and sculptures. It’s a peaceful spot that feels like a world away from everything else in the Cotswolds.

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park is one of those places that grabs your attention from the moment you arrive. A peaceful walk through the expansive parkland leads you to a stunning Baroque country house. While it’s currently undergoing restoration, the gardens more than make up for it. They’re a highlight of the visit, with everything from a charming orangerie to a quiet chapel tucked away, adding a touch of magic.

The gardens are a real treat—whether you're wandering through formal planting areas, exploring the kitchen garden, or soaking in the beauty of the wildflower meadow, it’s a perfect spot for a relaxed walk or a peaceful picnic. Deer roam the grounds, adding to the bucolic charm. And the view from the formal garden at the back is simply breathtaking, rivaling the picturesque entrance view. Dyrham Park is especially nice in autumn as it framed by the changing leaves.

Cotswolds activities and walks

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Cotswold Wildlife Park is a great spot if you're into animals and beautiful gardens. You’ll find everything from giraffes and rhinos to lemurs and parrots. There’s a lovely walk through the grounds, and you can get close to some of the animals in their open enclosures. It’s especially great for kids with its adventure playground and train ride around the park. The gardens are stunning, too, with lots of spots to sit and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Cotswold Sculpture Park

The Cotswold Sculpture Park is an outdoor gallery that’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Set in 8 acres of countryside, it’s home to over 150 sculptures from local and international artists. You can wander the trails, which are lined with pieces ranging from the quirky to the thought-provoking, all nestled in the natural landscape. It’s a quiet, creative spot to appreciate art and nature together.

Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile trail that’s ideal if you love hiking and want to see the best of the Cotswolds. The route takes you through rolling hills, past ancient woodlands, and across charming villages. There are plenty of sections that are easy to tackle for a day out, or you can do the whole thing over several days. It’s one of the best ways to experience the region’s stunning landscapes and history up close.

Daylesford Organic Farm Shop

Daylesford Organic Farm Shop is definitely on the posher side, but it’s such a treat. If you're in the area, it’s absolutely worth a stop. The farm shop is packed with top-tier, organic goodies — from fresh produce to handmade pasta and artisan cheeses. The café is equally indulgent, serving up delicious, seasonal dishes made with ingredients straight from the farm. It feels a bit fancy, but it’s the perfect place to pick up something special or just enjoy a little luxury while you're in the Cotswolds.

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