The 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds have long been celebrated for their enchanting landscapes and picturesque villages. This stunning area invites travelers to dream about a life surrounded by rolling hills, quaint cottages, and traditional pubs. Have you ever wondered which villages are the most beautiful in the Cotswolds? If so, prepare your cup of tea and get cozy as we embark on a journey through the ten must-visit villages in this enchanting region. Let’s dive in!

Located about 100 miles west of London, the Cotswolds are one of the most scenic regions in England, characterized by their unique natural beauty and serene ambiance. The villages are constructed from honey-colored limestone and slate, featuring centuries-old houses, charming pubs, green hills dotted with sheep, and delightful tea rooms where you can savor a scone. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, snowy, or foggy, the Cotswolds offer a picturesque setting that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale.

The recognition of the Cotswolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) dates back to 1966, highlighting the region's stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. During our five-day road trip, we explored numerous charming villages, and we’re excited to share our top ten favorites with you. Ready to discover them?

Castle Combe: A Hidden Gem

Castle Combe is a quaint village with just two streets surrounding a small market square, home to the ancient market building dating back to the 14th century. Here stands the St. Andrew's Church, featuring a medieval tower and a cemetery filled with weathered headstones, a common sight throughout the Cotswolds. A short stroll down the street leads to the most photographed spot in the village: a charming stone bridge arching over a gentle stream.

This village is not only a must-see in the Cotswolds but also frequently appears on lists of the most beautiful villages in England. We visited Castle Combe twice: once on a bustling Saturday and again on a quieter Tuesday evening. The experience varies greatly depending on the day, so aim to avoid peak hours for a more peaceful visit.

| Parking: There’s a spacious free parking area just before entering the village, although it involves a short 10-minute walk to reach the heart of Castle Combe. Alternatively, you might find limited parking along the main road.

Bibury: The Jewel of the Cotswolds

Your journey through the English countryside wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Bibury, particularly to stroll down Arlington Row. This picturesque row of stone cottages with slate roofs and green doors overlooks a serene stream, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the Cotswolds. Bibury is easily accessible, often included in daily tours from London and other parts of England.

Did you know that these cottages were originally built in 1380 as wool storehouses and later converted into homes for weavers by the late 17th century? Today, they are under the care of the National Trust, preserving this national treasure.

To reach Arlington Row, we recommend following the scenic path from the main parking area, which winds through agricultural fields. After your visit, enjoy a treat at the Trout Farm Café, which boasts a pleasant terrace by the river.

| Parking: There are a few parking spaces in the village near the café, as well as along the main road parallel to the river towards Arlington Row.

Bourton-on-the-Water: The Venice of the Cotswolds

People often liken Bourton-on-the-Water to Venice due to its picturesque canals; however, it is a unique village in its own right. The village is crossed by the Windrush River, featuring several stone footbridges that invite visitors and pups alike to enjoy a splash in the summer.

Bourton-on-the-Water is larger than the previous villages, bustling with activity along its main avenue, filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and patisseries, making it an excellent spot for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat. We enjoyed a delightful scone with butter and jam at The Chestnut Tree Coffee Shop, complete with a cozy terrace, though it wasn’t the cheapest experience at £11.

| Parking: There are free parking spots available along the main street that tend to fill up quickly.

Lower and Upper Slaughter: A Romantic Escape

Often overlooked, Lower and Upper Slaughter are two neighboring villages, about a mile apart, known collectively as "The Slaughters". The highlight of your visit will be the old mill (dating back to 1658) with its impressive wheel and iconic brick chimney. Although a charming tearoom has recently closed, the scenery remains breathtaking.

The short walk along the River Eye takes you past houses that seem frozen in time; nothing has been built or modified here since 1906. It truly feels like stepping into a historical movie set. Interestingly, Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter is regarded as one of the most romantic streets in the UK.

| Parking: Lower Slaughter offers limited parking with around 15-20 spaces available before the L-shaped bend and bridge.

Chipping Campden: Historical Charm

Famous for its covered stone market (Market Cross), built in 1627, Chipping Campden features irregular stone floors and a vaulted wooden ceiling. This market was originally a shelter for women selling their goods and still hosts local vendors today.

Wander along the High Street to enjoy the village's essence and perhaps pick up a cozy wool sweater as a souvenir of your visit.

| Parking: There is a small parking area next to the market building and town hall, offering 20 minutes free. If you don’t find a spot here, a larger free parking lot is located just outside the village.

Broadway: A Bustling Village

While it may not have the glitz and glamour of Broadway, New York, this Cotswolds village is among the most visited for many reasons. Its historic center is one of the largest in the region, filled with restaurants, shops, and beautifully adorned stone facades.

Just outside the village, on Beacon Hill (the second highest hill in the Cotswolds at 312 meters), lies the Broadway Tower, a quirky castle built in the late 18th century featuring a hexagonal shape and three round turrets. The views from the top are breathtaking, especially from the panoramic terrace, but access is not free: the combined entry fee (including the castle, a nuclear bunker, and grounds) is £6.

On a Sunday visit, the atmosphere was lively, so we indulged in the beloved British tradition of sunday roast at the Crown & Trumpet, a charming pub with a cozy atmosphere. We also recommend Tisane, perfect for enjoying a scone and a cup of tea.

| Parking: There is a pay-and-display parking lot near the historic center that only accepts cash, so be prepared with coins as nearby shops do not provide change.

Snowshill: A Quaint Village

The highlight of the tiny village of Snowshill is the St. Barnabas Church and its cemetery, where you’ll find one of the classic red telephone booths—many of which have been converted into emergency stations with defibrillators—offering a great photo opportunity. Legend has it that Snowshill gets its name because it is the first village to be covered in snow during cold winter days.

While there isn’t much to do beyond snapping photos and strolling around, you can enjoy a pint or a meal at the well-known Snowshill Arms. If time permits, don’t miss visiting Snowshill Manor, a Tudor-style mansion housing a peculiar collection of artifacts, from samurai armor to toys, as well as a beautiful garden. Admission is £15 and it’s part of the National Trust.

| Parking: The village is small, so it’s best to drive down and look for parking around the church.

Tetbury: A Celebrity Hangout

Tetbury is known for two things: its antique shops and its celebrity residents. This village is home to stars like Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet. While we didn’t spot any famous faces, our visit was still delightful.

Start at the historic Market House, which features peculiar rows of columns that have sheltered wool and fabric merchants since 1655. From there, stroll down Church St. and Gumstool Hill to soak in the village’s charm, or continue down Church St. to visit St. Mary the Virgin Church, known for its impressive 57-meter tower.

| Parking: Several public parking lots exist; the nearest to the center is pay-to-park, while the one south of the Market Square offers short and long-stay options for free.

Lacock: A Filming Location

Lacock holds special interest for fans of the series Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter franchise, as the stunning Lacock Abbey has served as a backdrop for both. This beautiful 13th-century monastery surrounded by gardens and meadows features magnificent cloisters that you’ll recognize from the films. However, entrance fees are £17, which we felt was a bit steep.

Even if you skip the Abbey, wandering through the village’s streets is a fantastic experience. You’ll encounter colorful doors adorned with sunflowers, Tudor-style houses, and even local homemade jam (don’t forget to leave your payment in the honesty box!).

| Parking: There are many free parking spots along the main street, but be sure to check the signs as some spaces are private.

Stow-on-the-Wold: A Charming Village

We conclude our list with Stow-on-the-Wold, famous for the St. Edward's Church, which is known for its unique entrance gate flanked by two tree trunks. The entire village is a hidden treasure, perfect for leisurely exploration.

Take your time to wander from the main square by the lovely Town Hall through the main streets and narrow alleys, some narrow enough that they were once used to count livestock for sale at the market. In Stow-on-the-Wold, you’ll find vintage shops, tea rooms perfect for cream tea, bakeries offering fudge, and cheese shops like The Cotswolds Cheese Company, famous for its Oxford Blue cheese from nearby Burford.

| Parking: There is ample free parking in the Market Square, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a spot. If it's full, simply wait, as spaces typically become available quickly.

Extra: Cirencester, the Largest "Village"

While Cirencester is technically a small town, let’s agree that it’s the largest “village” in the Cotswolds! With Roman origins (known as Corinium Dobunnorum), it was one of the wealthiest settlements of its time in England, although little remains from that era. In the medieval period, it became known for wool trading, and today it is a lively town with several interesting sites, such as the Market Square and St. John the Baptist Church.

We spent a night here at the Barrel Store Hostel, allowing us to explore the vibrant streets (Park Street, Castle Street, and Black Street) and enjoy a delicious fish and chips meal paired with pints of IPA at The Black Horse, where we received excellent service.

| Parking: There are several public pay-and-display parking lots in the town center.

Other Recommended Villages in the Cotswolds

During our five-day exploration of the Cotswolds, we had the chance to discover other intriguing villages that, while not absolutely essential, are worth a brief stop:

• Burford
• Moreton-in-Marsh
• Winchcombe
• Painswick
• Blockley
• Stanton (this one was particularly incredible!)

Map of the Villages in the Cotswolds

Below is a map showcasing the location of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, including parking options for each of them:

Have we missed any must-see spots? Certainly, there are more charming little towns and wonderful locations in this southern area of England, but the ten villages we’ve highlighted in this post certainly rank among the best.

Planning your trip? Here are some tips to help you save money and find the best deals:

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