The best places to stay in the Cotswolds (areas and hotels)

The Cotswolds is one of the most popular places to visit in England (outside of London), and for good reason. It tends to be equated with that storybook image of stone cottages and rolling hills. If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, I’m sure you’ve already got that dreamy vision of quaint English scenes in your head. Choosing the right place to stay is key to making that vision a reality.

Finding the right accommodation can be tricky, though. It’s easy to get stuck between options, and you’ll probably need to book ahead—and it can get pretty pricey. So, in this post, I’ll be sharing my recommendations for the best areas to stay in, plus a mix of options from budget to luxe. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot for your Cotswolds escape, so you can have the magical countryside holiday you’re dreaming of.

The best areas to stay in the Cotswolds

Convenient towns for Cotswolds road trips

If you are visiting the Cotswolds for the first time, or have a limited time in which you want to see as much as possible, it is important to choose accommodation that helps you easily access the places you want to visit. I suggest mapping out the places you want to see and then looking at how they relate to each other geographically. I have several posts covering things to do in the Cotswolds and Cotswolds itineraries if you need some inspiration.

I find that there’s more to do in the northern half of the Cotswolds, the area around Stow-on-the-Wold tends to make the most sense for me. Anywhere near Cirencester makes a good base for the entire region as well.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town, perfect for exploring the beauty of the Cotswolds while enjoying a range of amenities. It’s one of the prettiest villages in the area, with its iconic square surrounded by lovely shops, cosy cafes, and traditional pubs. Plus, it’s centrally located, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, whether you're heading out to nearby villages like Bourton-on-the-Water or Lower and Upper Slaughter.

Stay at The Old Stocks Inn, a recently refurbished 17th-century coaching inn right in the heart of town. The family-run hotel is known for being friendly and cosy, and I like that it has two restaurants and a bar, which makes meals more convenient. (££)

Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton-in-Marsh is central to everything in the Northern Cotswolds and offers easy access to tours that depart directly from the town, making it an ideal spot if you don't have a car. You can get here by train as well.

The Manor House Hotel is the most historic/charming interior in Moreton-in-Marsh. (££)

Near Cirencester

Cirencester is conveniently placed for exploring the Cotswolds, offering easy access to major roads that will take you wherever you want to go in the region. While the town itself is charming, it’s not necessarily a must-see, but it does have a wider selection of restaurants and amenities compared to some of the smaller villages. Staying just outside Cirencester gives you the best of both worlds – the peaceful countryside vibe with quick access to everything the Cotswolds has to offer.

Wild Thyme & Honey has a charming rustic vibe and really lovely restaurant. (£££)

Stay in a famous Cotswold village

The well-known villages of the Cotswolds can be great places to stay, but they do have pros and cons. They can be pricier and require booking far in advance. It also might not give you the peace and quiet you are seeking in the countryside. That said, staying in these popular spots comes with the advantage of seeing the village at quieter times, like early morning or evening, before the crowds arrive.

The Swan Hotel, Bibury

Bibury

Known for its idyllic riverside cottages, Bibury is often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in England. Stay at The Swan Hotel, where you can enjoy a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. (£££)

Castle Combe

This picture-perfect village is home to The Manor House, a luxurious hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic charm. I consider this more of a special occasion type stay, it is a 5* hotel with a more formal vibe. (Pictured below, left) (££££)

Bourton-on-the-Water

Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ and my personal favourite Cotswolds village, Bourton is a picturesque village with a lovely atmosphere. For a cozy stay, book a room at Dial House, a charming hotel with a welcoming vibe. (Pictured above, right) (£££)

Broadway

Broadway is a gorgeous town with independent shops all along the hill. If you’re looking for your own cottage stay, check out Scandi Chic Cottage in Broadway, perfect for up to four people. It offers a contemporary style with the charm of a traditional Cotswolds village. (££)

Places to stay off-the-beaten-path in the Cotswolds

If you’re looking to explore more of the Cotswolds, staying in a lesser-known village or farm BnB could offer a unique experience. These places often feature stunning guesthouses, apartments, or rooms in people’s homes, giving you a taste of local life. There’s lots to be found on Airbnb or other self-catering holiday let websites, but here are a couple of cute hotel recommendations.

The Kingham Plough:

Kingham is a small village in easy reach of Burford, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Bourton, Stow and Daylesford Farm. Stay at The Kingham Plough, a stylish and modern country inn with delicious food and comfortable rooms. (££)

The Ebrington Arms:

Located in the middle of the North Cotswolds, this charming inn is near the picturesque village of Chipping Campden and surrounded by beautiful gardens and stately homes like Hidcote and Sezincote. The Ebrington Arms is a cosy, rustic place to stay and has a gastropub for hearty meals. It’s also one of the more affordable spots I’ve found — though this is relative in the Cotswolds! (££)

The Double Red Duke:

Located near Burford, the Double Red Duke is a homey, charming small hotel with a fabulous restaurant known for wood-fired dishes. We stayed here at Christmastime one year and it was pretty magical. (££)

Luxury stays in the Cotswolds

I keep reading about how the Cotswolds has become a ‘playground for the rich and famous’ lately. I think that’s in part due to the amazing luxury hotels dotting the region that offer incredible grounds and amenities alongside beautiful accommodation. These hotels are definitely about the experience of being there, not so much for travellers who want to see a lot of the Cotswolds. If you’re one of the lucky ones, here are the notable luxury hotels in the Cotswolds:

Thyme

Thyme is a beautifully restored estate in Southrop, a quiet corner of the Cotswolds near Lechlade. Expect elegant interiors, a walled garden, and one of the best restaurants in the area – perfect for a peaceful, design-forward escape. This is really the place to be in the Cotswolds.

The Pig in the Cotswolds

The Pig in the Cotswolds is a relaxed but refined stay with cozy interiors, kitchen garden produce, and a strong farm-to-table ethos – it’s ideal if food is a priority. There is a range of wellness experiences available here as well.

Cowley Manor

Known for its bold, contemporary interiors set against a traditional stately home backdrop, Cowley Manor offers a striking contrast between old and new. The spa is the showstopper, with indoor and outdoor pools and a full range of wellness treatments.

The Fish Hotel

This playful, design-led hotel sits on the Farncombe Estate above Broadway, blending Scandi chic with English countryside charm. From treehouses to shepherd’s huts, The Fish is varied and fun – plus there’s a strong focus on outdoor activities like clay shooting and hiking. This is the least expensive of the group.

Budget options: stay just outside the Cotswolds

On the other side of the coin, I’d recommend staying just outside the Cotswolds if you’re looking to find somewhere budget-friendly. It is still just as easy to drive to your destinations each day and will likely save you quite a bit.

Mollie’s Motel

Mollie’s Motel is a modern and stylish motel inspired by Americana, and there is even an American diner on site. There are often rooms available for less than £100 a night, which is a steal for the Cotswolds (or anywhere in England it seems). It’s located between Oxford and Burford, so we stayed here when we did an Oxford/Cotswolds road trip and really enjoyed it.

Furzen Farmhouse

Just outside of Cirencester, Furzen Farmhouse is a renovated 18th century farmhouse with four guest rooms and access to a kitchen and lounge. There is a shared bathroom for each two rooms, and the living spaces are open to all guests, so it is not as private as a hotel but very affordable for the high quality spaces and beautiful surroundings. I think this will be my next choice when I visit the Cotswolds. It is usually around £100 a night.

The Plough Inn

The Plough Inn is a really sweet inn and pub in Kelmscott, just outside the Cotswolds. It is right next to Kelmscott Manor, the home of William Morris, and a place that has been on my bucket list for a long time. It’s a charming country inn with cosy rooms that is around £150+ a night.

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I hope this has been a helpful guide to the best areas and hotels to stay in the Cotswolds. I have done lots of research and many visits to offer the best advice possible. Do let me know if you have any questions!

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