15 Best Cotswold Villages To Visit This Summer
West of London, the numerous honey-colored stone buildings attract travelers to the picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. While a a day trip from London is possible, we suggest staying overnight to explore more than one town.
The Cotswolds, known for its rolling hills and serene landscapes, was named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966. Its stone-built villages, some with thatched roofs, offer timeless charm.
In summer, visitors flock to explore antique shops, tea rooms, and wool trade history. For fewer crowds, we suggest visiting in the shoulder season.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a small Gloucestershire town with under 2,000 residents, known for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and horse riding.
Once a key site in the English Civil War, its church held prisoners after the Battle of Stow. St. Edward’s Church is famous for its fairytale-like north door framed by old oak trees.
Wander the village to see the historic market square, cross, and wooden stocks. Though the sheep markets are gone, the town’s old-world charm remains.
Cirencester
Cirencester, known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” is a great base for exploring nearby villages. I’ve visited often, as my father lives there.
The town features medieval to Victorian architecture, including the striking St. John the Baptist Church, Market Hall, and Old Grammar School. The Fleece at Cirencester, a 17th-century Tudor-era inn, offers central lodging.
The Corinium Museum showcases the area’s Roman roots. On the outskirts, Roman walls grace the countryside, The Cirencester Obelisk and the remains of an amphitheater demonstrate the Romans’ dominance centuries ago.
Cirencester Park, west of town, spans 3,000 acres and is perfect for walks and dog outings. The park is owned by Lord Bathurst, who hosts polo matches, sometimes with royal players like King Charles III and Prince William.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” is one of the area’s most popular villages. Expect bus loads of tourists in summer.
The River Windrush runs through the village, flowing under low bridges and attracting kids and dogs to splash in its shallow waters. Once used to power watermills, the river was key to the local economy.
Top attractions include the Model Village (a 1:9 scale replica), the Cotswold Motoring Museum, and Birdland Park. The village also offers honey-colored cottages, a perfumery, a model railroad, and quirky shops offering a great selection of British souvenirs.
On a warm day, there’s nothing better than enjoying lunch or traditional afternoon tea at one of the many patio restaurants, under the shade of a willow tree.
Painswick
The “Queen of the Cotswolds” is a fitting name for Painswick. The quintessential village oozes romance with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming church.
There is much to love; the quaint shops that invite you to wander, the old buildings with donkey doors, and the views that go on forever. Back in the 1250s, the small market town prospered from the surrounding woolen mills, and it also saw action during the English Civil War.
Plaques reveal past uses of buildings—wool stores, a slaughterhouse, a hospital. On St. Mary’s Street, we even found 1840s spectacle stocks that begged for a selfie!
The highlight is the Parish Church, known for its stunning churchyard with perfectly trimmed yew trees. It’s a true horticultural gem, that made me think I was in Alice in Wonderland.
Spend half a day here, and consider visiting Gloucester Cathedral just 8 miles north. Built from Oolitic limestone that came from Painswick, it’s famous for its Harry Potter–featured cloisters.
Tetbury
Tetbury, with under 6,000 residents, retains its small-town charm and is a short drive from Cirencester. Known for Wool Sack Day in May, the village hosts fun races where participants carry 60 lb sacks up steep Gumstool Hill to raise money for charity.
Highgrove, found on the outskirts of Tetbury, was once owned by King Charles III has now been passed to Prince William, the new Prince of Wales.
The Chipping Steps are one of the most photogenic spots in this picturesque Cotswold village. The stairs, lined with old weavers’ and masons’ cottages, run between The Chipping and Cirencester Road. They are especially scenic in spring and summer when flowers bloom.
On the outskirts of town, St. Mary’s Church features England’s fourth highest spire. The 18th-century structure welcomes visitors daily.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden, built from signature Cotswold stone, is known for its beauty. In fact, historian G.M. Trevelyan called it “the most beautiful village street” in England.
Dating back to the 7th century, it was once a major wool trading town. Wealth from merchants led to the construction of landmarks like St. James Church, the Market Hall, Woolstaplers Hall, and Greville House.
The Market Hall, built in the 1620s by Sir Baptist Hicks, still hosts local vendors under its arched, open-sided roof.
Off the main street, you’ll find charming thatched cottages and scenic countryside with rolling hills and wildlife habitats.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe, in south Cotswold Wiltshire, is often called the “prettiest Cotswold village.” Its old weavers’ cottages, stone bridge, and stream draw artists and photographers alike.
A thriving market town in medieval times, its Market Cross still stands as a reminder of its trading past. Remarkably, the village has seen no modern construction, preserving its historic charm.
Named after a Norman castle built post-1066, the manor was once owned by the Earls of Lancaster and the Hungerford family. Its untouched beauty has made it a popular filming spot, seen in Doctor Dolittle and War Horse.
Visitors come to soak in the atmosphere—stroll the countryside, snap photos of St. Andrew’s Church and the Market Cross, or relax at a local pub. For car lovers, Castle Combe Circuit is nearby.
Winchcombe
Located near Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, the buildings in Winchcombe differ slightly from the surrounding villages. Dotted between the Cotswolds stone structures, black and white Tudor properties add character to the usual monotone streets.
Winchcombe sits at the heart of several scenic walking trails, including the Gloucestershire Way, Winchcombe Way, and Cotswold Way.
A visit to nearby Sudeley Castle is a must. This private estate is the final resting place of Katherine Parr, King Henry VIII’s last wife. For an overnight stay, consider one of Sudeley Castle’s cottages, named after royals like Anne Boleyn and Queen Mary.
Another popular attraction is the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. It allows riders to travel to Broadway or Cheltenham Racecourse.
The Slaughters
Lower and Upper Slaughter might be strange names for villages. The name dates back to the 7th century and comes from the word “sloghtre” or slough. Today, both villages are pristine and peaceful, connected by the River Eye.
Often overlooked for nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, these quiet Gloucestershire villages offer charm without the crowds. Lower Slaughter is more visited and features the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church and the Old Mill, dating to 1086.
The mill, now a museum and tea room, no longer grinds flour but showcases its historic machinery. It’s also known for organic ice cream in unique flavors like brown bread and lemon meringue.
With only one mile between the villages, consider a leisurely walk instead of taking the car.
Lechlade
The village of Lechlade or Lechlade-on-Thames lies next to the headwaters of the River Thames. A Roman-era crossing point on the Thames, it became a vital trade hub, connecting the Cotswolds to London. Stay at The Bell Inn for charming rooms and complimentary English breakfast.
Lechlade, the highest navigable town on the Thames, gained importance in the 18th century with the Thames and Severn Canal. Named after the River Leach, which meets the Thames at the Trout Inn, the village offers classic pub fare and draft beer.
Walk the river eastwards from the Riverside Pub, to see St. John’s Lock and some narrowboats. Here, a cement statue of Father Thames overlooks the locks. Then, cross the river via the bridge and head back on a wooded trail.
From the Riverside Pub, smaller boats can navigate the narrow river up to The Round House Lechlade. Here, the River Coln joins the River Thames.
In the warmer months, consider a boat trip on the River Thames. Alternatively, hire some fishing gear and try your luck catching the big one in the local rivers.
Along the main road, the stone buildings house antique dealers and modern-day shops. Dominating the skyline, St. Lawrence Church of England dates back to 1476.
Broadway
Broadway is larger than the surrounding villages. Like Cirencester, it’s an ideal place to stay, to explore other areas. The Lygon Arms offers a comfy stay in a centuries-old building. Alternatively, The Dormy House focuses on wellness and has a magnificent spa.
Its wide high street sets it apart, yet it still feels like a classic Cotswold village. Once a key stop on the Worcester-Bath route, it thrived in medieval times as a market town.
Don’t miss Broadway Tower, a three-story hilltop landmark offering sweeping views and a chance to spot red deer.
Burford
When traveling from London, Burford welcomes guests to the first Cotswolds village. Located in Oxfordshire, a few miles east of Gloucestershire, the town was built on the River Windrush. During its prime, it was one of the wealthiest towns in medieval England.
The area around Burford is rich with Jurassic limestone, creating lush pastures. Cotswolds villages use this buttered-colored rock on buildings, adding to the area’s charm. Historic sites like the 15th-century Church of St. John the Baptist reflect its wool trade past.
Just 6 miles east, visit the peaceful village of Minster Lovell. There, you’ll find the striking ruins of a once-grand manor beside the River Windrush.
While not as grand as some of the crumbling castles in England, the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall are quite imposing. Where there once stood a magnificent manor house surrounding a courtyard, today, only ruins remain.
Bibury
One of the most photographed Cotswold places is Bibury. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, home to wild rabbits and deer. The town’s highlight is Arlington Row featuring a picturesque row of limestone weavers’ cottages, once featured in British passports.
Unlike most Cotswolds homes which are privately owned, the National Trust owns the houses on Arlington Row. Most are rented to private tenants, and tourists can stay in one as a vacation rental.
If Arlington Row is booked, the Swan Hotel offers a picturesque stay by the babbling River Coln. Guests can choose between staying in the ivy-covered hotel, or one of their suite cottages.
Nearby, spend an afternoon fishing at the Bibury Trout Farm. Established in the early 1900s, it’s one of Britain’s oldest operational trout farms. If you’re unsuccessful at catching any fish, their café has several trout dishes on the menu.
Stanton
Visitors to the Cotswolds tend to congregate towards popular choices like Bourton-on-the-Water, Cirencester, and Castle Combe. However, by visiting an underrated gem, you’ll avoid the crowds, and might discover something new.
Stanton is one of those rarely visited villages. While it’s tiny, it doesn’t lack the charm you come to expect from a Cotswold village. Stanton doesn’t have major tourist attractions.
Stanton’s historic significance lies in its well-preserved Cotswold stone architecture. The village boasts a collection of stunning medieval and Tudor buildings, including the Church of St. Michael, which dates back to the 12th century.
Staying in Stanton allows you to enjoy its one quaint pub, Jurassic limestone buildings, and gorgeous countryside. With train accessibility from London’s Paddington Station, Stanton makes the ideal weekend destination.
Swell
Located in Gloucestershire, Swell is made up of two small villages, Upper and Lower Swell, set along the River Dikler. Once an agricultural hub focused on sheep farming, it remains a peaceful, rural spot.
Upper Swell is the larger village, centered around St. Mary’s Church (12th century) and a 16th-century manor house built for entertaining.
There are no major tourist attractions, but the area offers tranquil walks and bike rides through classic Cotswold scenery. Though lesser-known, Swell preserves the charm and heritage of the region’s farming past.
Are These The Prettiest Cotswold Villages?
The Cotswolds have a myriad of charming villages, some so small you could miss them in a blink. Each offers a peaceful contrast to busy cities. Many are close together, making it easy to visit several in a day.
Are these the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds? The answer lies in the eye of the beholder. You may prefer an off-the-beaten path destination with rolling hills. Others, may steer to larger towns with more amenities. For me, it’s the buttered-colored buildings that cradle ancient history.
No matter the destination, there are plenty of quaint tea houses, English pubs, and cafés offering authentic British food to enjoy.
