🏡 18 Most Charming & Best Cotswolds Villages in 2023

Prettiest villages in the Cotswolds blog cover image.  Text overlaying an image of a church and quaint cottages in Snowhill in the Cotswolds.

WRITTEN BY: Sophie Clapton, Born and bred Londoner.
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Just 2 hours from London, you can find yourself in an oasis of quintessentially English villages.  Upon beholding some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, you may think you’ve stepped back in time! 

These lovely villages are nestled amongst rolling green hills scattered with sheep, and each has its own unique personality.

With so many amazing choices, choosing THE PRETTIEST Cotswold villages can be difficult. In order to help you plan your visit, however, we have tried to do just that! 

We visited a LOT of Cotswolds villages on our short break (then went back again this summer because we loved them so much!). This list comprises our personal favourites, as well as those that we didn’t find as impressive.

If you’re travelling elsewhere in England then queue up our guide to the prettiest English villages too for even more inspiration!

Disclosure: In order to keep providing you with free content, this post likely contains affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through one of these links we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links 🙂

🌹 Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds Overview

A girl walking down Arlington Row in the pretty Cotswold village of Bibury

The top 18 prettiest villages in the Cotswolds are:

  1. Lower Slaughter
  2. Bibury
  3. Castle Combe
  4. Painswick
  5. Snowshill
  6. Upper Slaughter
  7. Bourton-on-the-Water
  8. Stow-on-the-Wold
  9. Bradford-on-Avon
  10. Burford
  11. Lacock
  12. Broadway
  13. Chipping Campden
  14. Broad Campden
  15. Freshford
  16. Blockley
  17. Cirencester
  18. Bath

You’ll find details and lots of photos of each of these beautiful Cotswold villages throughout this guide.

At the end, you will also find a map showing the exact location of each, as well as information to help you plan your visit to the Cotswolds.

📸 Top 18 Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds

A young woman in a pink dress in front of a cottage and mill in Lower Slaughter village in the Cotswolds
Don’t miss the stunning Cotswold village of Lower Slaughter.

There are plenty of things to see and do in the Cotswolds so it’s worth dedicating a few days to really get a feel for the area. However, being conveniently located only a couple of hours from London, it can also make a wonderful day trip if you’re short on time or a great stop as part of a bigger UK tour.

We’ve visited the Cotswolds several times for long weekends and on day trips from London, both during the summer and winter! I can conclude that there’s never a bad time to visit the Cotswolds!

From exploring its postcard-perfect English villages to countryside hikes, traditional pubs, Roman ruins, wildlife parks, castles, palaces, museums and even a trout farm… you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.

If you have more time, you can also explore the many things to do in Bath, wander the beautiful city of Oxford or visit Shakespeare’s England in Stratford-upon-Avon.


1. Lower Slaughter – The most Picturesque Village in the Cotswolds

Don’t be put off by its ominous name… Of the many vying for the title of the prettiest village in the Cotswolds, Lower Slaughter may just be THE prettiest. It is easily the most picturesque with its honey-hued homes reflecting in the little stream traversing the village.

And, as for the name, it is derived from the Old English word ‘slough’ or ‘slothre’, meaning ‘wet land’ or ‘muddy place’.

A small footbridge over the river traversing between honey hued cottages in Lower Slaughter, possibly the prettiest village in the Cotswolds
Lower Slaughter; THE prettiest village in the Cotswolds.

This tranquil little postcard-perfect town straddles the banks of the gently flowing River Eye and is less frequently visited than many of the other villages.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, luxury getaway then you should consider staying at The Slaughters Manor House.

Postcard perfect houses line the banks of the River Eye in Lower Slaughter

At the west end of the village, you will find the only real ‘attraction’, a 19th-century watermill. The mill makes for the most perfect photo opportunity with its contrasting red bricks, tucked away next to cute golden cottages.

I’d recommend popping into the Old Mill gift shop and its Riverside Cafe, they do a great cream tea (and coffee!) there.

The old mill in Lower Slaughter under a bright rainbow
The sun popped out just long enough to give us an incredible rainbow!

2. Bibury

Arlington Row, Bibury village in the Cotswolds during the summer
Arlington Row in Bibury during the summer.

If you’re looking for the best Cotswolds villages for photos, then you have to visit Bibury! Arlington Row in Bibury is one of the most photographed rows of cottages in the UK and with good reason.

Its stone cottages align the River Coln, dating back to 1380. These buildings were originally constructed as a monastic wool store, but were later converted to weavers’ cottages in the 17th century and are still occupied today.

Rack Isle and Arlington Row in Bibury village Cotswolds
Looking over Rack Isle towards Arlington Row during the winter.

Within the heart of Bibury is a boggy water meadow known as Rack Isle. This important habitat is home to water voles, kingfishers, grass snakes and dragonflies, as well as many plant species.

The name “Rack Isle” comes from its original use. It was where the wool was hung to dry after being washed in Arlington Row.

Honey hued buildings in Bibury, one of the prettiest villages in the Cotwolds

It’s easy to see why celebrated artist William Morris once described Bibury as ‘the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds’. Even the UK government must consider this the prettiest village in the Cotswolds as they’ve printed an image of it within all UK passports!

If you fancy doing something a bit different and fishing for your own dinner, then it’s worth a visit to Bibury Trout Farm, one of Britain’s oldest trout farms!

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3. Castle Combe

A classic view of Castle Combe, considered the prettiest village in the Cotswolds.
A classic view of Castle Combe, considered the prettiest village in the Cotswolds.

Tucked away in Wiltshire in the southern Cotswolds, Castle Combe has been described not only as the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds but as the prettiest village in all of England. And it’s not hard to see why.

This fairytale village is divided into two parts; the narrow valley of the By Brook and Upper Castle Combe on higher ground to the east. Time truly has stood still for this tiny village, with no new houses having been built since the 1600s, no street lights, and no TV aerials.

Its high street and meandering side streets contain plenty of shops and tea rooms. But for me, the best thing to do is to walk around and photograph this adorable village.

For the perfect photo opportunity, wander down to the bridge at the southern end of the village. Here you will find the most striking image, combining traditional weavers’ cottages, the Bybrook River flowing beneath the bridge, and the entire scene encompassed by the British countryside.


4. Painswick

A beautiful winter's day in the quaint British village of Painswick
The quaint village of Painswick.

With so many beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but Painswick is a solid contender. It is everything you might imagine a quaint, British village to be.

Set upon a hill, Painswick boasts spectacular views over the valley. Its Cotswold stone houses line a labyrinth of streets and alleyways that allow you to get blissfully lost in time.

Around each turn, you’ll be rewarded with yet more stunning views and idyllic homes. Many of the buildings have plaques on them to identify their original use, as well as information boards around the town detailing much of its extensive history.

Painswick Village - A historical Cotswold village

The village is well known for its 99 yew trees within the Painswick Church gardens. Legend told that the hundredth yew tree planted would be destroyed by the devil.

However, in 2000, each parish in Gloucester received a yew tree to commemorate the turn of the millennium. And thus, the 100th yew tree was planted within the church gardens! Contrary to legend, the tree is thriving!

Painswick Church in the Cotswolds, famed for its 99 yew trees
Painswick Church and its yew trees.

The Rococo Gardens, dating back to 1748, are famed in the area. A quirky display of 18th-century garden design, it’s worth a visit if you enjoy visiting gardens.

Painswick is also home to the oldest building that houses a Post Office in England. This building, dating back to the late 15th century, is the only half-timbered property in Painswick.

Painswick Village post office, the oldest Post Office in England, in one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds
The oldest Post Office in England

Additionally, while the Golden Heart pub no longer exists, you will find its sign still remains on Tibbiwell Lane as part of a protected Grade II listed building. Once home to 17 inns and alehouses, it is still renowned for its excellent restaurants.

The Golden Heart inn sign in Painswick Village
The Golden Heart Grade II listed sign

5. Snowshill

The picturesque village of Snowshill in the Cotswolds
The picturesque village of Snowshill.

Snowshill is certainly one of the prettiest of the Cotswold villages. This small, picturesque village is postcard-perfect.

The small town is most famed for its appearance in Bridget Jones’s Diary movie as the home of Bridget’s parents. During the time of filming, the entire village was covered in fake snow and Christmas decorations in the middle of summer!

The only real “attraction” in Snowshill is Snowshill Manor and Garden. Bought in the early 20th century by Charles Wade, it is now maintained by the National Trust and is home to numerous eclectic treasures that Wade collected throughout his lifetime.

Only 7 minutes by car from Broadway, it is well worth taking a small detour to see what may be the cutest village in the Cotswolds. For those who are keen walkers, it’s also part of one of the best hikes in the Cotswolds.

A quintessentially British scene showing a red phone box in one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds; Snowshill Village

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6. Upper Slaughter

The scenic village of Upper Slaughter
The postcard-worthy Upper Slaughter village.

Upper Slaughter is one of the best villages in the Cotswolds for feeling like you’ve travelled back in time.

Connected to Lower Slaughter by a scenic walking path, these two villages have had no building work carried out since 1906. Therefore, they remain entirely unchanged for over a century!

This picturesque village, hidden away in the English countryside, provides the perfect escape if you want to experience one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds without the crowds. Set in the heart of the village is 12th-century St Peter’s Church, a Grade II listed building.

The village’s idyllic setting also makes it perfect for taking a country walk.

Three sheep in a field with a beautiful manor house in the background in Upper Slaughter, one of the best villages in the Cotswolds.

7. Bourton-on-the-Water

Perhaps the most popular Cotswold village is Bourton-on-the-Water. However, it’s completely understandable!

This pretty village is built around the River Windrush with 5 footbridges crossing the river and has an idyllic feel about it. 

A young woman in a pink dress sat on a bridge in Bourton on the Water Cotswolds village
Bourton on the Water in the summer.

Don’t be fooled by the image above… expect this riverside village to be busy! It took a LOT of patience to get a shot between the hustle and bustle without others in it.

Due to its characteristic charm, excellent location, and numerous accommodation options, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best villages in the Cotswolds to stay in.

Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds at Christmas
Bourton-on-the-Water ready for Christmas.

It’s well worth taking a short stroll along the river. You’ll find plenty of tearooms, pubs and local shops.

If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds with kids then check out the Model Village. This one-ninth replica took 5 years to build from Cotswolds stone and opened in 1937. It is the only Grade II listed model village in the UK!

Book a tour to the Cotswolds:


8. Stow-on-the-Wold

One of the high-walled alleyways in Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the Cotswolds prettiest villages
One of the narrow alleyways in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Stow-on-the-Wold is built up around the central market square, where markets have taken place since 1107. From the square, you’ll find narrow, high-walled alleyways.

These were designed this way to aid in herding sheep into the market. At the height of the wool industry, as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at a time during the annual fairs held here. 

A house decorated for Christmas in Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswolds
A house decorated for Christmas in Stow-on-the-Wold

This pretty Cotswold village is best explored by foot. You’ll find many shops, cafes and restaurants. The buildings aligning the square are built with the same beautiful golden limestone as seen all over the Cotswolds. 

The door of St. Edwards Church, Stow-on-the-Wold framed by yew trees.
Feeling like a princess at St. Edwards church in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Make sure to stop by St Edwards Church. The gardens provide a peaceful area for a short walk, but the highlight is a door framed by yew trees! These trees almost suggest that the unassuming door may lead to an enchanted kingdom. 

In the market square, you will also find the original stocks, a form of medieval public punishment. 


9. Bradford-on-Avon

Town Bridge in Bradford upon Avon - a Grade I listed bridge dating back to the 13th century.
The Grade I listed bridge in Bradford-on-Avon dates back to the 13th century.

Set upon the banks of the River Avon is the historical market town of Bradford-on-Avon. Like many Cotswold villages, the textile industry largely shaped the development of Bradford.

Many of the buildings along the river are former wool mills and the majority of the houses on the hill were once weavers’ cottages.

The Town Bridge sits at the heart of the town. This Grade I listed bridge dates back to the 13th century and was originally a packhorse bridge.

The bridge was widened in the 17th century by adding another bridge next to it. The join can apparently still be seen underneath the bridge!

The Bridge Tea Rooms Bradford on Avon Village Cotswolds

Today, you will find a number of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and museums, as well as beautiful countryside and river walks. Take time to explore the wonderful narrow streets on foot and when you need a rest, pop into one of the many cafes for an afternoon tea!


10. Burford

Views of Burford, one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, as you enter the village.
Views of the picturesque Burford village.

The historic town of Burford is often referred to as the gateway to the Cotswolds, and it was indeed the first village on our Cotswolds road trip.

As you reach the crest of the hill entering Burford, you are rewarded with picturesque views of the village against a backdrop of idyllic countryside.

St John the Baptist Church in the pretty Cotswold village of Burford

Set on the River Windrush, this pretty Cotswolds village is steeped in history. There are several medieval churches, with St John the Baptist dating back to 1175.

It is also home to the oldest pharmacy in the UK, Reavley’s Pharmacy, which has been open since 1734 and remains a family-owned business.

Some of the many pretty cottages in Burford, Cotswolds villages

The high street in Burford provides the perfect place to wander and shop. The street is lined with charming local shops, many specialising in antiques, as well as cafes and historic pubs. Meander off the main road and you’ll find plenty of pretty houses tucked away down the lanes.

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11. Lacock

A halt-timbered house in the beautiful English village Lacock.
Half-timbered house in the beautiful village Lacock.

While technically just outside the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Lacock still absolutely deserves a place on the list of most beautiful Cotswold villages.

I wandered around in absolute awe of this incredible little village that seems to transport you back in time.

Dating back to the 13th century with roots as a wool village, Lacock has remained well preserved and changed little over the centuries. Today, the entire village is owned and maintained by the National Trust.

Traditional Bakery in Lacock Village
A local bakery in Lacock Village.

The medieval village has been used as a film location for several productions over the years. It has provided an authentic backdrop for favourites including Downton Abbey and Harry Potter.

Lacock Abbey’s recent appearance in Harry Potter has also contributed to a rise in visitors to this little village. Situated in the heart of the village, Lacock Abbey was founded in 1232 and is one of the few remaining intact abbeys in England.

Lacock Abbey framed by tree branches.
Lacock Abbey.

As you wander through the village admiring the pretty building, you’ll likely discover baskets of fresh produce, baked goods and plants on people’s doorsteps.

These are sold with an honesty policy – take what you want and leave the money. Please help keep this tradition alive and don’t abuse this trust and kindness!

Local homemade goods align the wall of a house.

If you’re looking for gifts or souvenirs, stop by Quintessentially English. It’s run by a lovely couple and they have a variety of handmade, organic products. They also make their own gin onsite, which I’d highly recommend trying!


12. Broadway

Looking down the main road in Broadway Village and its honey-hued homes, making it one of the prettiest Cotswold villages
Broadway Village and its honey-hued homes.

The picturesque Broadway feels like the perfect vacation destination and home base for exploring the countless beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

At one end of the high street, you’ll find a pristine village green. At the other end, the shops give way to honey-hued homes, many of which date back to the 16th century.

In the middle, you’ll find a high street lined with an abundance of boutique shops, independent cafes, and restaurants.

The Broadway Hotel in Broadway Village

The history of the village extends to the hotels as well, with the Lygon Arms enshrouded in history. With a history going as far back as the 14th century, the Lygon Arms has hosted many famous guests.

These include historical figures such as Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I, and more recently, Prince Philip and Elizabeth Taylor.

Just outside Broadway village, set atop a hill overlooking Broadway itself, you will find Broadway Tower. The tower is a British folly, designed purely for pleasure and is a perfect spot to have a picnic in summer months.

If you visit during the summer months, you can also find one of the best lavender fields in England just south of Broadway.


13. Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden High Street
Chipping Campden High Street

The quaint village of Chipping Campden has a unique charm about it. The word “Chipping” is derived from the old English word “cēping” meaning market or marketplace. And as the name suggests, Chipping Campden is a market town. 

Its terraced high street is built from signature Cotswold stone. The architecture appears almost untouched by the centuries. The only thing ruining the illusion of being lost in time are the parked cars that align the streets. 

However, while this made photography more challenging, it didn’t detract from the village’s charm and is definitely still one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. 

A beautiful sunset in the picturesque village of Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds

One thing you must do while visiting the Cotswolds is to have a cream tea. For those of you who are wondering what a cream tea is, it is not a tea with cream, but rather a scone with clotted cream and jam, accompanied by a pot of tea.

With this in mind, we stopped into the Bantam Tea Rooms for an afternoon cream tea. While the coffee was great (don’t worry, as a Brit I did have tea with my cream tea!), the scones were just good enough.

It did offer a roaring fire as well, which is a great addition to the mood and experience on a cold winter day. And allowed us to get into The Great Scone Debate – the age-old question of whether the cream or jam goes on first (cream first for me)!

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14. Broad Campden

Thatched roofs and Cotswold stone buildings in the beautiful Broad Campden village in the Cotswolds
Thatched roofs and Cotswold stone buildings in the beautiful Broad Campden.

Broad Campden is a tiny Cotswold village between Chipping Camden and Blockley. The village just oozes charm so we couldn’t resist pulling over for some photos.

Surprisingly charming Broad Campden village in the Cotswolds

The thatched cottages and small pub etched Broad Campden firmly onto our list of prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. 

If nothing else, it’s well worth a drive-through to admire its beauty. 


15. Freshford Village

Narrow streets aligned with honey hued homes in Freshford Village.

Nestled amongst rolling countryside, Freshford village is one of the southernmost Cotswold villages. It is located about six miles southeast of Bath and three miles west of Bradford on Avon.

Typical Cotswold homes built from honey-hued local stone align the narrow streets. This charming village is small and has little in the way of attractions. However, it provides a great starting point for some walks through the countryside and along the river.

After a long walk, have a rest and a bite to eat at the gorgeous 16th-century pub, The Inn at Freshford.

The Inn Freshford Village descorated with colourful flowers.

16. Blockley

The Christmas tree atop the church in Blockley village, lit up at twilight.
The Christmas tree atop the church in Blockley village.

With its golden stone houses and silk and wool mills, this sleepy village has a different charm to some of the other villages in the Cotswolds.

We visited Blockley late in the afternoon in December so it was already dark by the time we arrived. One of the drawbacks of travelling in December is the short days! However, this did mean that the Christmas tree on top of the church was sparkling in all its glory!


17. Cirencester – The Capital of the Cotswolds!

Cirencester in the Cotswolds lit up with Christmas lights
Colourful centre of the market town, Cirencester.

Cirencester has been considered a market town for over 1000 years, being first recorded as a market town in the Doomsday Book of 1086. This tradition has continued to the present day with a market every Monday and Friday.

The capital of the Cotswolds, as it is commonly known, is home to numerous historical buildings.

For me, what makes Cirencester one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds is its pastel-coloured shopfronts elegantly arching along the market square to Parish Church of St. John Baptist.

This scene is made even more enchanting in December with the addition of festive lights.

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18. Bath

The beautiful Bath Abbey in Bath, Somerset, England
The beautiful Bath Abbey.

Although Bath is a city rather than a village or town, it is still incredibly pretty and therefore I’m sneaking it onto the end of this list!

It is most well known for its Roman-built baths and is in fact also named after these.

You’ll find plenty of things to do in Bath, from visiting the ancient Roman Baths to taking a soak in the mineral rich thermal waters at Thermae Bath Spa.

Bath is also home to more museums in a square mile than any other English city. And being located only 1.5 hours from London by train, it’s no surprise that it’s the second most popular tourist city after London.

Pulteney Bridge in Bath with the city sprawled behind it
Pulteney Bridge in Bath.

However, it’s the architecture that has earned Bath a sneaky spot on this prettiest Cotswolds villages list. And it’s this same architecture that is one of the key reasons Bath is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site – the only entire city in Britain to receive this title.

Golden-coloured Georgian buildings are nestled into the valley, surrounded by lush green hills. Looking over the city from one of its many higher viewpoints allows you to appreciate how harmoniously these buildings, made from local stone, fit into their surroundings.

Honey-hued homes built from local stone in Bath, Somerset, England
Honey-hued homes built from local stone in Bath.

Not-so-pretty Villages in the Cotswolds

While I’ve covered what I consider to be the prettiest Cotswold villages, I thought it was also potentially useful to include those I found less appealing.

I want to preface this part to say that I still found some charm in each of these villages. However, for one reason or another, they didn’t grab me the same way as the villages above did.


Fairford

While I didn’t find this to be the prettiest of villages in the Cotswolds, it is a hub for those visiting the Cotswolds for the many renown walking trails.

From Fairford, there are many picturesque walks, including a jaunt along the River Coln, one by the Old Mill, and many around the numerous lakes in the Eastern Cotswold Water Park.

There are also some individual buildings that are very pretty, including St Mary’s Church with its medieval stained glass windows, as well as The Chanting House.

However, these factors alone didn’t seem enough to consider the village one of the prettiest in the Cotswolds when there are so many other contenders!


Sapperton

I place Sapperton on this side of the list tentatively, as it was already dark by the time we reached this Cotswold village. Even so, there didn’t appear to be much of interest to make it worth going back during the day (despite it being close to where we were staying).

If you have a particular interest in architecture or design, then it may be worth adding this village to your list as it is strongly associated with the Arts and Crafts movement.


Mickleton

Mickleton is the northernmost village in the Cotswolds. If visiting from Stratford-upon-Avon, it would potentially act as your gateway to the Cotswolds. You will find some beautiful black and white buildings with thatched roofs. However, the overall town just wasn’t quite pretty enough!


Kingham

View from the church garden in Kingham, Cotswolds
Kingham village in the Cotswolds

We decided to drive through Kingham on our way out of the Cotswolds. This tiny village is very quaint and has a few pretty buildings, but just didn’t have enough to make it onto the list!

Despite its small size, Kingham has a train station about 1 mile outside of the main village with a service to London! It is, therefore, a good place to start or end a short break in the Cotswolds if travelling by public transport.


Churchill

Church of All Saints in Churchill, Cotswolds
Church of All Saints in Churchill

Churchill was an unplanned stop on our way to Kingham. It had a certain charm to it with its small main road leading to the church of All Saints.

While not quite deserving of a place on the prettiest villages in the Cotswold list, it was a pleasant surprise!

🚗 Day trip to the Cotswolds

A picturesque cottage with colourful flowers in the front garden in the Cotswolds.

If you don’t have your own transportation and don’t fancy navigating public transport to the Cotswolds (I don’t blame you – I’m not sure I’d want to either), then an organised day trip can be a great way to explore.

Most day trips to the Cotswolds start in London, however, there are a couple of options that start in Oxford or Stratford-upon-Avon. Below is a list of some of the highest-rated day trips to the Cotswolds.

🗺️ Map of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds (and the not-so-pretty villages)!

Here is a map of all the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds listed in this guide. I love colour-coding maps so you’ll find all the most picturesque villages in purple, and the not-so-pretty villages (that you can skip) in yellow!

You can click on the image below, or here for an interactive version of this Cotswolds villages map.

🛌 Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

A quaint cottage in Bibury Village
A quaint home in Bibury Village.

You will find a huge range of accommodation options all over the Cotswolds.

Although you really can’t go too wrong when it comes to choosing a location to stay in, we chose to stay in Stroud as it provided a nice central location from which to explore both the northern and southern parts of the Cotswolds.

However, if you have only a weekend in the Cotswolds you may prefer to choose to visit either the north or south to minimise your drive time and maximise the time you can spend in each village.

Within this in mind, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stroud, and Castle Combe, are some of the best villages in the Cotswolds to find accommodation in or near.

Wherever you decide to stay in the Cotswolds, we highly recommend staying in a cosy BnB or local inn for a real English countryside experience. For me, a visit to the countryside is synonymous with this type of accommodation and some of my fondest childhood memories are from these local getaways!

Below are a few of our favourite accommodation options in ideal locations. However, it is always worth checking current rates and availability on other accommodation options in the Cotswolds to suit your needs.


Near Bourton on the Water

Bourton on the Water makes an excellent place from which to explore the many beautiful places in the northern region of the Cotswolds. The downside is that you are further away from the southern villages such as Castle Combe (1 hour/40 miles) and Bradford on Avon (1 hour 15 minutes/50 miles).


Near Stroud

Staying near Stroud provides a great central base to explore many of the Cotswolds Villages. Stroud is equidistant from Castle Combe in the south and Bourton-on-the-Water, both of which are around 40 minutes (25 miles) from Stroud.


Near Castle Combe

As perhaps the most historic village in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is a charming place to stay. From here you’ll be able to easily explore nearby Lacock, Bradford on Avon, Freshford and Bath. However, you’ll have a longer drive to Bourton-on-the-Water (1 hour/40 miles) and other northern Cotswolds villages.

🤔 Final thoughts on the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds

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Prettiest villages in the Cotswolds Blog Post Cover Graphic - Text overlaying an image of Lower Slaughter old mill under a rainbow

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompasses six counties (Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset) and is home to some of the most historic and unspoiled villages in the UK. It is easily one of the most beautiful places in England.

Whether you’re looking to go for a walk in the beautiful British countryside, enjoy an afternoon cream tea in a cosy tearoom, try some traditional fare in a local pub, or shop for souvenirs in an independent shop; the Cotwolds has it all.

And if nothing else, just enjoy a stroll through these picturesque Cotswold villages! To help further plan your trip, check out this great weekend Cotswolds itinerary.

If you have the time to explore more of the UK then I’d highly recommend at least visiting the Peak District. Or even make it part of a bigger UK road trip to include Scotland or Wales.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide the to prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Please let us know if you think there’s any we’ve missed off the list!

If you’re travelling elsewhere through the UK you may enjoy our following posts:


📍 Enjoyed our guide to the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds? PIN IT! 🙂

18 thoughts on “🏡 18 Most Charming & Best Cotswolds Villages in 2023”

  1. English villages are some of my favourite places. So pretty and quiet. I can’t believe I’ve never been to the Cotswolds though even growing up in the UK. Next trip home, this has to be on the list

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  2. So beautiful!! I think we Brits really don’t realise just how gorgeous some corners of our country are – thank you for sharing it with the world! I’m getting shivers juts thinking about how pretty those villages must be at Christmas!

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  3. Having recently returned from a stay in Painswick, I have to agree that it is one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds! But whilst I’ve visited this area a few times I’ve by no means explored everything. I love your recommendations explaining why you might want to visit each of these places, and your candid thoughts on those that are of less interest. I’ll definitely refer to your guide next time we’re heading this way, thank you!

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  4. All of these English villages look so pretty. I would love to visit them. Also, I like that you have included not so pretty villages too. The UK has a lot of beauty that I have realized in a year.

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  5. I live in The Cotswolds, in fact Cirencester is my home town! Not a village. ?‍♀️ So I was very happy to read this post and see so many of our pretty villages showcased here. My friend is coming down from West Yorkshire soon and I was struggling to come up with touristy things for her to do. Despite living here, lol, I guess I take it for granted. This will be a huge help. 🙂

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    • Ooh I am jealous you live in the Cotswolds, it’s such a beautiful part of the country. Haha yeah I know Cirencester is a town rather than a village, but I figured it’s pretty enough and deserving of being included! 😉 Same with Bath being a city rather than a village, I’m sure most people don’t mind the exact classification of the place 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you found the post helpful and hope you have the most wonderful time with your friend xx

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    • Have you been to Brockworth. I ask because we have an opportunity to stay there (during CheeseRoll), but don’t want to spend 3 nights if it’s not a pretty village- pubs, eating,etc.
      thanks

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  6. Burford is indeed a quaint and endearing town. I was at school there for A levels and I absolutely adored the town, which made boarding a whole lot more tolerable.

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  7. It’s really lovely to see blogs like this showcasing the beautiful cotswolds, as im a resident of The Cotswolds myself.

    Thank you for sharing your amazing suggestions, it will sure keep people busy and not short of places to visit!
    I haven’t even seen everything in The Cotswolds yet as there’s so much to explore here!

    Thank you 🙂

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