Visiting the Cotswolds: The Best Places to Explore
Last Updated: April 10, 2025
VISITING THE COTSWOLDS AND NEED THE ESSENTIALS NOW?
HOW TO GET HERE | WHERE TO STAY | BEST PLACES TO VISIT | STAYING SAFE
Heads up: We sometimes work with companies to provide affiliate links and reviews - here's what that means. If it's here, we use it. We don't plug shit for profit.
The Most Charming of Visits
Holidays in the UK don't come much more British than planning a trip to the Cotswolds.
So, what is it that draws millions of people to visiting the Cotswolds every year? After all, it isn't cheap prices, so there must be something else.
Well, there is, and throughout this blog, we delve into why the Cotswolds have become so popular. We visit the best towns and villages and jump into the best Cotswold attractions, including stand-up paddle boarding amid the lush Cotswolds lakes and waterways.
We also visit TV royalty at Jeremy Clarkson's farm, head out into the rolling greens hills and grab a bite to eat at a quintessentially English pub on a river.
Unbelievably, it wasn't until I was in my twenties that l first visited, and instantly fell in love with the area. Which, for most people, doesn't sound too bad. However, I only live thirty minutes away, just outside Bristol. Since then, I have loved every second of my time in the Cotswolds, and now I am here to share my passion with you.
Who wants to explore the Cotswolds with me?
What's Visiting the Cotswolds Like?
Close your eyes and forget modern England with its city skyscrapers, scurrying tube stations and gridlocked motorways.
Go back to a time when your neighbour popped by for some sugar, and on your way to the fruit and veg shop to get your groceries, you picked up your pints of milk from the doorstep, whacked them in the fridge and then knocked on next doors door to see if they needed any bread from the bakery.
A time when kids played in the village green, and everyone knew everyone.
Now, add in little rows of stone cottages carpeted in blue wisteria, pink clematis and greenery running up to the rickety tiled roofs and smoking chimneys. Those perfect wooden framed crossed windows slightly misted around the edge like a Christmas movie.
Inside a roaring wood fire as the cool breeze mists your breath on the window outside.
The road is often narrow, the village green trimmed to perfection, and the village cricket team step out in the wickets for a quick knock-up.
That's the Cotswolds, and it's magnificent.
As a result, it has become of the most pristine, picturesque areas in the world.
How to Get To The Cotswolds
Honestly, the Cotwolds covers such a vast area of central southwest England that it's almost impossible to suggest the best route. After all, are you coming from London, Wales, the southwest, or the north?
Again, it isn't like a city or an island. So there isn't a particular drop-off location or central transport hub.
Furthermore, there are no major airports within the boundary of the Cotswolds. In fact, the nearest airport is Bristol International Airport which is a good forty-five minute to an hour drive from the southwest tip of the Cotswolds.
Therefore, your two main options are to drive yourself or to catch a train.
There are nineteen train stations within the Cotswolds, the main ones being Oxford on the eastern fridges, Swindon to the south, Bath Spa on the far southwest and Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa to the northwest.
Other smaller stations dot the Cotswolds should you wish to move around.
Consequently, the train is an option, as is the dreaded bus, which I wasn't going to mention as they're usually expensive, dirty, never on time and just blah. But in the fairness of giving you all the options, there are good bus routes throughout the Cotswolds.
However, I would drive. You'll have much more freedom to move about once you're here, meaning you can go wherever you want and when. There is no need to rely on bus or train timetables.
Timing your Trip
How Long Should You Spend Visiting the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are almost 800 square miles of land nestled into central-southwest England and dips into five counties. Therefore, a couple of days just won't cut it.
To experience the Cotswolds, you will need a week-long stay - or alternatively, numerous weekends scattered throughout the beautiful countryside. Even then, there will be parts of the Cotswolds that you will have missed.
The Best Time Of The Year For Visiting the Cotswolds
For me, there are two times of the year to visit. Firstly, early Summer before the English school holidays kick in, or secondly, the tail end of summer when the schools go back, and Autumn kicks in.
Why summer? Because the best attractions in the Cotswolds are outdoors, and in Summer, it's hotter, drier and generally nicer to take to the hills or sit in a pub garden.
Why the beginning of Autumn? Because the trees fade to those autumnal reds, yellows and oranges, and frankly, as long as the weather is dry and the sky is blue, there is no prettier time to visit the Cotswolds. You just have to get lucky with the weather.
Where to Stay Whilst Visiting the Cotswolds
Being the Cotswolds, there are numerous types of accommodation ranging from stylish boutique farmers' huts to glamping tents and small cottages to vast manor houses. Hell, there are even a couple of castles and a palace fit for a queen.
That's part of the issue when it comes to the question of where to stay whilst visiting the Cotswolds. There is too much choice, and they all look so good.
Likewise, there is no right or wrong location within the Cotswolds either. That is because there are several arterial routes crisscrossing through the area. Which, in turn, makes getting about a doddle.
My only advice would be to do some research, look at what it is you want to do, which Cotswolds towns and villages you want to explore and throw a dart in that location. Once you decide on a rough area, you, and only you, know what levels of comfort and spending you're happy with.
Mayfield Park
- What: Caravan park and campsite.
- Where: A ten-minute drive north of Cirencester on the A435. (map)
- Why: Frankly, it's pretty, friendly, well-equipped, and has easy access to all the arterial routes around the Cotswolds.
- Why Not: For the most part, you want to stay in one of those stunning cottages, don't you?
Having camped since I was a toddler, I know a thing or two about camping.
Firstly, Mayfield Park is family-owned, and that makes a difference. They care.
Secondly, the park is within an area of outstanding natural beauty with next to no pollution. So much so that the night skies were incredible, with stars beaming from all directions. Furthermore, there's lots of wildlife to keep an eye out for, including buzzards and kites.
There is a little shop on site and an undercover area to enjoy drinks and games with your friends and family. Likewise, the facilities are plentiful. The site has loads of clean toilets, showers, basins, washing up, cleaning and other facilities to accommodate your needs.
Oh, I nearly forgot, the bus stops right outside should you want a drink in town. You'll want for nothing.
Mayfield Park is more like glamping without the price tag. It's that good.
In July 2022, I paid £60 for two nights.
Further Accommodation
As with any locations I blog about, there are, quite literally, hundreds of other unique places out there. Sadly, I cannot give you the juicy gossip about them because, unlike every other blog I've read, I will never make it up, only to add more paid links.
Similarly, if I have stayed somewhere and not enjoyed it or felt I couldn't recommend it - I won't talk about it.
That said, there are many places I have visited, peeked inside or thought looked great. Only I either couldn't afford them, or they were fully booked at the time.
If you were wondering, the one pictured above is the Swan Hotel in Bibury. Looks great, hey?
Anyhoo, if you don't want to camp, I won't be offended. All it means is more room for me next time I go. However, below are three links to wildly different types of accommodation to help you search for the best accommodation in the Cotswolds.
The Best Places to Explore When Visiting the Cotswolds
The best villages and towns in the Cotswolds are, unhelpfully, not all in the same area - who knew? So, as mentioned above, your best bet is to self-drive, whether in your car or renting - that's up to you.
Regardless of where the towns and villages you want to visit are, driving between them is part of the experience of visiting the Cotswolds. Don't forget you are in some of the prettiest countryside in England. Enjoy it!
But, when ninety per cent of the Cotswolds is perfect, how do you pick the best towns and villages to visit in the Cotswolds? The answer is easy, with difficulty.
However, just for you, I have whittled away the numbers, changed my mind a hundred times, and come up with my favourite five towns and villages in the Cotswolds. In truth, I deliberated over this way too much, but here goes.
Castle Combe
- Where is it: Northwest of Chippenham, just south of the M4. (map)
- Why here: Honestly, it's the prettiest village in the UK. Plus, there are some really-beautiful walks.
- Why not here: There isn't much going on in the town.
- Nearby attractions: Castle Combe Raceway. Prices vary depending on what you do.
- Best place to park: Firstly at the visitor's Car Park (map) or if you're lucky, you'll find a space here, on the side of the road. Both free.
For me, Castle Combe is the best place to visit in the Cotswolds. Whilst there isn't the noise and abundance of activities, bars and restaurants other villages have, it has different, better qualities.
Qualities such as peaceful, tranquil, sublimely stunning, and the most photogenic, do I need to go on?
When the world imagines England, this is it, and to me, that's special.
Take time to meander the narrow streets and gaze over the rooftops, the church and the staggeringly impressive 14th Century Manor House Hotel.
Nevertheless, with all that said, if you did want to get your heart pumping, Castle Combe does have its world-famous racetrack only five minutes away. Check out your skills behind the wheel.
Admittedly, you won't need all day here unless you think you're Lewis Hamilton. However, no matter your driving capabilities, the time you spend here will be memorable.
Tetbury
- Where is it: On the western frontiers of the Cotswolds, on the A433 between Bristol and Cirencester. (map)
- Why here: Tetbury has a more lively vibe than the smaller villages.
- Why not here: There are prettier towns and villages in the Cotswolds.
- Nearby attractions: Westonbirt National Arboretum (£11pp).
- Best place to park: Old Brewery Lane Car Park. (map) An hour will cost £1.10, and three hours is £2.90. If there's space, you can park on Old Brewery Road for free.
Tetbury has been in every position on the list and even, completely off it. Yet, for now, it's secured the second spot among the best places to see whilst visiting the Cotswolds.
Why? Good question. Partly because it has a little more going on, such as outdoor markets, traditional pubs, arty cafes, numerous trendy shops and people going about their daily lives.
Honestly, this is important because, throughout your stay in the Cotswolds, you don't often connect with the local people. It feels like everyone is a tourist. Yet, here in Tetbury, you feel included and that you're in a real working town.
Nonetheless, you still know you're in the Cotswolds thanks to the delightful 17th-century golden stone-built structures and narrow streets.
If you decide to visit, lunchtime is always good. Grab some of that traditional English pub grub on the way back from the stunning grounds of Westonbirt Arboretum.
Bourton-on-the-Water
- Where is it: On the A429 just south of Stow-on-the-Wold. (map)
- Why here: It's stupendously pretty, and on a hot day, there's a little river everyone can play in.
- Why not here: It's too busy. A victim of its success.
- Nearby attractions: Model Village (£4.50pp), Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection (£7pp) and Birdland Park and Gardens (£11.95pp)
- Best place to park: Bourton Vale Car Park (map), where three hours costs £5, and five hours costs £7.
It's easy to see why Bourton-on-the-water is one of the most visited places in the Cotswolds.
Picture this - Gorgeous low bridges cross the calmly flowing River Windrush as willow trees cascade in all directions against the exquisite backdrop of the old yellow Cotswold stone buildings. Kids paddle in the river as parents lay on the grassy banks and the late teens take up a bench within the overlooking pub gardens.
The village is quaint, traditional, and has engaging activities such as the model village and the motoring museum. Don't forget to visit Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat a short drive northeast. Furthermore, there are numerous riverside cafes, pubs and restaurants, not to mention some charming old-fashioned sweetshops.
Everything about Bourton-on-the-water is remarkable. In truth, it should be number one on my list. However, it isn't because it is simply too busy. The village is so pretty, miniature and boutique, it just cannot cope with the sheer volume of people, and because of the crowds, the vibe is ruined.
Cirencester
- Where is it: On the western fringes of the Cotswolds, only twenty minutes from junction 11a on the M5. (map)
- Why here: One of the largest towns in the Cotswolds with arterial routes in and out. Plus, there is nightlife and cracking food haunts.
- Why not here: There are far prettier towns and villages out there.
- Nearby attractions: Cotswold Water Park (£10.90 per car) and the Corinium Museum (£7.40pp).
- Best place to park: In the Forum (map). An hour costs £1.70 and three hours cost £3.90. Sunday is free all day.
Welcome to the most modern Roman Cotswold town on my list.
Cirencester has managed something many places strive for - fusing the old facade of the Cotswold with modern-day living, and they've done it with class and style.
As far as the Cotswolds go, Cirencester is a large, vibrant and busy town.
Therefore if you're visiting the Cotswold, this would make for a perfect basecamp.
Lively bars and pubs flank the old Roman roads keeping you well-oiled into the early hours, whilst shops and attractions make up your busy days. None more so than Cotswold water park and the surrounding lakes. My favourite, lake 86 where you can enjoy an array of watersports, including stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking and much more. Ps: For a big discount, take your own paddle board.
Likewise, Cirencester is well placed within the Cotswolds and is the crossroads between a number of the main attractions in the Cotswolds.
Bibury
- Where is it: On the B4425 northeast of Cirencester. (map)
- Why here: Firstly, it's located in the heart of the Cotswolds and has some of the most photogenic houses in the area.
- Why not here: There isn't a lot to do or see.
- Nearby attractions: Arlington Row (free to view) and I cannot believe I'm saying this, but - a trout farm (£7.50).
- Best place to park: If you can get a spot alongside the river on the road known as the Street, it's free. (map)
Never has the phrase good things come in small packages been more appropriate than here in Bibury.
The small River Coln is brimming with wildlife and vivid greenery, whilst on land, rows of the most spectacular cottages line the skinny pathways.
You only need a couple of hours in Bibury to explore Arlington Row and grab a relaxing cuppa amid the peaceful views of the trout farm.
Bibury depicts the perfect picture of the Cotswolds, and for that reason, you have to visit.
Is Visiting the Cotswolds Safe?
Visiting the Cotswolds is, overall, very safe.
However, the Cotswolds cover a large part of the English countryside, which creates a couple of issues that you, a first-time visitor, should be aware of.
Firstly, some of the roads quickly turn into single-track, pot-holed lanes with either high walls or vegetation, which makes visibility around the corners tricky. They are also sign-posted as national speed limit, so sixty miles an hour. Truthfully, that isn't always possible, yet, some idiots try it.
Furthermore, these single-track roads roll through the exquisite countryside and past numerous farms. Often this can mean animals escape or are simply crossing the roadway to another field. Similarly, slow-moving, heavy machinery and other large objects use these roads too and can cause traffic jams, road blocks or leave slippery debris on the road.
Roads are your biggest safety issue whilst visiting the Cotswolds.
Secondly, know the countryside code.
If you're out walking in the lush rolling hills, look out for animals. Trust me - you don't want to stumble into a field of baby calves protected by fearsome bulls. You will lose that fight.
Likewise, shut the gates properly once you've gone through them. This keeps the animals where they're supposed to be, which, in turn, keeps you safe. Also, remain on the marked pathways, or you could have an angry farmer chasing you, and we all know farmers and their mums are packing around here.
Leave a comment
You've got this far and haven't booked yet?
I will have to do better.
But, on a serious note, I hope this blog has inspired you to visit the charming Cotswolds and the hidden gems within.
There is a lot to see, so don't feel bad if you don't get to see it all. Not many do. All it means is you'll have to come back time and time again. Personally, that's not a bad thing at all.
Finally, if you have found this blog helpful, or you've already explored the Cotswolds and agree, please let me know in the comments below. Likewise, drop me a comment if you disagree with my blog or think I've missed something. I think I've given a fair review. Yet I know things change. I'd be more than willing to revisit and re-evaluate.
The Cotswolds are beautiful in every way. So if you're visiting the Cotswold, take nothing from it and leave no trace. Let's keep the Cotswolds as they are.
If you're visiting the Cotswolds, you may be interested in these nearby places...
Lynton and Lynmouth: Cliff Railways, Walks and More
In a land of cliff railways, walks and… it’s cream first, right?
Walking The Brecon Beacons: Mountains to Waterfalls
Come and get your Tinder pic at Pen y Fan, or keep it to yourself.
Visiting Pembrokeshire and its Coastal Paths
Join us for the coastal delights of Pembrokeshire and all it has to offer.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup It in fact was a amusement account it Look advanced to more added agreeable from you By the way how could we communicate