The Cotswolds is home to some of the most unspoilt and historic villages in England. Famed for their honey-coloured stone, cosy pubs, quaint cottages and traditional tea rooms, it’s no wonder the Cotswolds is one of the most charming places to visit in the UK. Made up of picture perfect towns and enchanting villages, the Cotswolds are ideal for day trips, Airbnb stays, hot tub getaways or glamping breaks, so plan ahead and visit as many of these beautiful Cotswolds villages as you can.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. This helps towards the upkeep of this website for which I am grateful.
Whilst in the Cotswolds, you might also like to check out:
- 15 Best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds
- 8 Cottages in the Cotswolds with Hot Tubs
- 10 Top Glamping Spots in the Cotswolds
15 Best Villages in Cotswolds
1. Castle Combe
The chocolate box village of Castle Combe is situated in the idyllic countryside of Wiltshire.
It is often called the ‘prettiest village in England’, and has even featured in several films, including Dr Dolittle and the War Horse.
Castle Combe’s popularity stems from the village being untouched by time.
Since the 1600s, there have been no new houses built in Castle Combe, so the ancient and well preserved honey stone cottages remain the standout architectural feature of this quaint village in the Cotswolds.
Unfortunately the ‘Castle’ in Castle Combe no longer exists, but the village is still home to one of the most majestic buildings in the Cotswolds, the ivy covered Manor House Hotel.
Situated past the bridge, this beautiful estate is photogenic from every angle, and has a Michelin star restaurant and 18 hole golf course to keep you busy.
The village itself is also home to St Andrew’s Church, famous for housing one of the oldest working clocks in the country, and The Old Rectory Tearoom, one of the best places to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Cotswolds. Making Castle Combe one of the must visit Cotswolds villages.

pretty cotswold villages best cotswold villages
2. Bibury Village
Home to Arlington Row, the small but picturesque village of Bibury is so famous it features on the inside cover of the British passport.
Owned by the National Trust, the postcard view of Arlington Row is unsurprisingly one of the most photographed locations in the whole of England.
Once you’ve photographed Arlington Row from every angle, head to Bibury Trout Farm.
As one of the oldest trout farms in the country, and with 15 acres of countryside, it is the perfect place for budding fishermen.
You can learn how to catch your own dinner or purchase some of the trout and deli products to take home.
The riverside village of Bibury is best visited in Spring, when the quintessential cottages are covered in blooming flowers and the weather warms up enough to enjoy the creamy ice creams on offer from the local ice cream van.
If you fancy a quirky stay nearby then check out this luxury Shepherd Hut with a hot tub on AirBnB.

most beautiful cotswolds villages prettiest villages in england
3. Stow-on-the-Wold
Originally a market town, Stow-on-the-Wold’s unique Saxon name means ‘holy place on the hill’.
In the middle ages the village was the centre for the wool trade, hence the towns narrow alleyways which were originally constructed to help shepherds herd their sheep to market.
Nowadays the Cotswolds town is filled with fascinating architecture from beautiful 16th century churches, to unique crooked houses. As well as stunning cottages that can be rented or beautiful glamping sites that can be enjoyed.
The Cotswold village also has plenty of excellent shops to explore, including local butchers, galleries, craft and antique shops, as well as several spots for afternoon tea and scones.
Stow-on-the-Wold has a number of historic places to stay such as the Kings Arms Inn and the Porch House, one of England’s oldest inns and a historic landmark in England.
Stow-on-the-Wold is situated close to Bourton-on-the-Water and Upper Slaughter, (two other beautiful villages in the Cotswolds you must visit) and only half an hour from the town of Bampton, where the popular TV show Downton Abbey was filmed.
Submitted by Christina from Travel2Next

4. Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is one of the largest Cotswolds villages, and with great road access it’s easy to visit if you’re planning a UK road trip.
Compared to the other prettiest Cotswold villages, Chipping Campden is lively and has more of a buzz.
Locals regularly put on charity events in the village centre and tourists are encouraged to join in.
There are a range of places to eat in Chipping Campden, including the famous Badgers Hall Tea room and the Eight Bells Inn, which has been feeding, watering and accommodating guests since the 14th century.
The best attractions in this village in the Cotswolds are the magnificent Hidcote Manor Gardens, run by the National Trust, and the impressive Kiftsgate Court, with breathtaking views across the whole of the Cotswolds.
Submitted by Kathryn from Wandering Bird

5. Burford
Situated in North Oxfordshire, Burford is known as the gateway to the Cotswolds and attracts plenty of tourists and locals to this Cotswold town.
It is one of the most beautiful villages in England, filled with traditional pubs, quaint tea rooms and quirky independent shops.
Burford Cotswolds is filled with great places to eat, notably the Bakery on the Hill, and Lynwood & Co. Café.
If you plan to stay a few days in the Cotswolds book a night or two at The Bull at Burford – a family-run hotel with 600 years of history, a must do experience for your Cotswolds bucket list.
Submitted by Darek from Darek and Gosia

6. Broadway
Close to Worcester, is the large Cotswolds village of Broadway. With 2,500 residents, there are several highly-rated restaurants and cafes making the village a great stop to add to your Cotswolds itinerary.
The streets of Broadway are lined with golden Cotswold stone which contrasts beautifully with well positioned classic red phone boxes.
So despite being slightly larger than many Cotswolds villages, Broadway has no shortage of English charm.
One of the most famous attractions in the Cotswold village is Broadway Tower, a 312 metre Saxon tower overlooking the rolling English countryside.
There is a £5 entrance cost, which includes the exhibits and entrance to the top of the tower, and once you’ve worked up a sweat, you can head to the onsite Morris & Brown Cafe, to indulge in a pick me up.
One of the best dinner options in Broadway is The Swan Pub, where you can tuck into world class cuisine including an exploding chocolate bomb dessert!
Submitted by Rose from Where Goes Rose

7. Lacock
One of the most charming and beautiful Cotswold villages is Lacock.
The tiny village can be walked from top to bottom in less than ten minutes, but its untouched medieval vibe has over the years caught the attention of many film crews.
From period dramas to blockbuster movies, Lacock has featured in many of the nation’s favourite films and shows.
The main attraction is Lacock Abbey, a 13th century property with sandy cloisters and large chambers.
It has served as a Harry Potter filming location over the years as its magical ambience can easily be mistaken for that of Hogwarts.
Elsewhere in the Lacock village, you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at a traditional British pub or browse the honesty boxes containing products made or grown by locals.
Lacock is so stereotypically quaint and British, you can’t help but love this village in the Cotswolds.
Submitted by Laura from What’s Hot?

8. Minster Lovell Village
The Cotswolds village of Minster Lovell is home to the picturesque ruins of a 15th century manor house.
The undiscovered gem of Minster Lovell hall was built in 1430 by William, Baron of Lovell who at the time, was one of the richest men in England.
Today, the hall, a tower and a dovecote sit in crumbling golden ruin along the banks of the River Windrush in a beautiful rural setting.
Passing the Old Swan, a stunning hotel and the ideal place to stay in Minster Lovell, a narrow road leads across the river and through the local playing fields, where each Sunday a game of cricket will be in full swing.
Further on past a row of immaculate chocolate box houses, the ruins open up in a small hidden field, making the perfect spot for a picnic in a stunning Cotswolds setting.
Submitted by Paul Healy from Anywhere We Roam

9. Kingham
Kingham is a secluded village in the Cotswolds that has maintained its unspoilt, honey-stoned charm.
Beside a wide open green and rows of chocolate box houses, a Norman church stands tucked away behind weathered old trees.
It’s beautifully atmospheric, but it’s the dining scene that sets this diminutive Cotswolds village apart from other charmers in the area.
The local pub – The Plough – is operated under a Heston Blumenthal prodigy who has reinvented classic dishes on their innovative menu.
It’s the perfect country pub to enjoy after a long day hiking in the nearby bucolic countryside.
For another unforgettable dining experience, the Wild Rabbit with its Michelin starred chef churn out culinary masterpieces – made with local ingredients – in a relaxed unstuffy setting.
Both the Kingham Plough and the Wild Rabbit have rooms and Kingham is within easy access of London via a direct train line, making it one of the best Cotswolds villages to visit.
Submitted by Paul Healy from Anywhere We Roam

10. Lower Slaughter
Don’t be put off by the village’s ominous name, especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveler.
You’ll be happy to know that Lower Slaughter is not a reference to a ye’ olde slaughterhouse.
It actually comes from an Old English word “sloh”, which can mean “marsh” or “bog”. OK, so maybe that doesn’t sound so appealing either.
But in this case, it refers to the lovely wetlands that surround Lower Slaughter village and the River Eye that runs through it.
The river, and the stone footbridges that cross it, are a main feature of the village and a big part of its charm.
In fact, a few years ago the road that follows the stream was even named the ‘most romantic street in Britain’.
You can follow this quaint path all the way to the next most beautiful village in Cotswolds, which is fittingly named Upper Slaughter.
Submitted by Wendy Werneth from The Nomadic Vegan

11. Bourton-on-the-Water
The ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds.
The River Windrush flows through the village with five low arched bridges, creating a peaceful and beautiful natural environment.
Whilst strolling along the quaint walkways you’ll find children paddling in the river and families feeding the ducks on the river banks whilst enjoying their fish and chips.
The Cotswolds village is filled with charming stone buildings, housing the Cotswold Motoring Museum, Birdland Parks and Gardens, and the model village which even has a miniature replica of Bourton-on-the-Water for you to explore.
In the evening you can join the Bourton Ghost walking tour, and visit one of the many pubs and restaurant in this must visit village in the Cotswolds.
One of the best places to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water is the Chapel Cottage.
Submitted by Heather Raulerson from RaulersonGirlsTravel

12. Painswick
Best known as ‘the Queen of The Cotswolds’, Painswick is a romantic village away from the tourist hotspots in the area.
Painswick village sits halfway along the Cotswolds Way National trail, making it a great base for hikers.
The beautiful Cotswolds village is built from honey coloured stone quarried from the nearby Painswick Beacon, and is a great place to sample locally brewed ales.
Nestled in the heart of The Cotswolds Hills, Painswick has England’s sole surviving complete rococo garden, which was famously used as a place for lavish events.
The best time to visit the Rococo Gardens is in early Spring when you can witness the world renowned white snowdrops.
If you plan to stay in the Cotswolds village for a few days, choose the small 16 room boutique hotel, The Painswick, with incredible views of the rolling hills.
Submitted by Jasmine Buckley from The Life of a Social Butterfly

13. Upper Slaughter
Situated between Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter is widely considered one of the most beautiful villages in the UK.
Upper Slaughter is a must visit place on a road trip around England due to its most famous attraction, the majestic 17th century Manor House.
Best visited on a sunny day, when it’s easy to spend a few hours roaming the manicured gardens and taking in the picture perfect views.
Upper Slaughter also has several alms houses and fords dating back to medieval times and even a beautiful old school house, that is well worth a visit.
One of the best places to stay in this Cotswold village is the Lords of the Manor Hotel, rated one of the Top 200 hotels in the UK, and one of the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds.
Submitted by Kathryn from Wandering Bird

14. Winchcombe
One of the most underrated and prettiest villages in the Cotswolds is Winchcombe, close to Cheltenham.
The main attraction is the almighty Sudeley Castle and Gardens. Over a thousand years old, Sudeley Castle is known as the ‘hidden gem of the Cotswolds’.
On site there are ten magnificent gardens to explore, and the beautifully restored St Mary’s Church.
Which is uniquely home to the tomb of Queen Katherine Parr, the only English queen to be buried on private land.
Step back in history further and explore the rest of Winchcombe, made up of traditional coffee shops, restaurants and pubs, making for a wonderful day out in the Cotswolds.
Submitted by Vicky from Day Out In England

15. Chedworth
The quaint village of Chedworth is off the beaten track for most tourists.
However, located only seven miles from Cirencester it is well worth making the short trip to this beautiful Cotswolds village, especially to visit its main draw.
Chedworth Roman Villa, is preserved by the National Trust and is one Britain’s largest remaining Roman Villas.
Decorated with intricate mosaics, the site is a must for history buffs.
The village of Chedworth is nestled in a valley and is home to only 700 people. The easiest way to reach the village is by car, as trains no longer run there, and buses are infrequent.
However, Chedworth village is also accessible via the Monarch and Macmillan Way walking routes. With hikers usually stopping to fill up at the famous Seven Tuns pub.
Chedworth village is perfect for a day trip from Cirencester or Gloucester, but if you want to stay longer and soak up the peace and quiet, there are several guesthouses in this Cotswold village.
Submitted by Jenna Rank from I Know the Pilot

Villages of the Cotswolds Map
Lastly, if you want to view all the most beautiful Cotswold villages on a map, have a peek at the one I’ve created below.
It should help you plan where to stay in the Cotswolds and which of these best villages to visit in the Cotswolds together. Enjoy!
Planning A Trip To England?
If you are planning to visit more of England check out the below most popular posts.
- Gorgeous Airbnbs in the Cotswolds
- Top Places to go Glamping in the Cotswolds
- Best Cottages in the Cotswolds with Hot Tubs
- Luxury Treehouse Hotels to Live Out Your Childhood Dreams
- Best Holiday Cottages in Whitby England
- 13 Airbnb Rentals in Dorset England
- 15 Gorgeous Places to Stay in Devon England
- Beautiful Airbnbs in Cornwall England
- 12 Beautiful Cottages in the Isle of Wight
- 13 Stunning Places to Stay in Dorset England
- Unique Airbnbs in the Lake District
- Places to go Glamping in the New Forest
- Best Peak District Walks
- Top Places to Stay in the Peak District
- One day in Castleton Peak District
- All 15 UK National Parks: Things to see and do
- Micro adventure in the UK
- Mini adventure Paddle boarding in UK
Save these Best Villages in the Cotswolds to Pinterest
Best Cotswold villages Prettiest villages Cotswolds
- 2.6KShares
2.3K 331
Wow! What gorgeous villages! I had never been too keen to explore the UK (not sure why!), but these villages alone look worth the trip! thanks for sharing! Beautiful photos
The Cotswolds are gorgeous and so quaint!
Wow those are such lovely villages, right out of a fairytale book, adding them to my wish list now
Definitely very fairytale like
Gorgeous pictures of the Cotswolds, they really evoke the rich heritage that the UK is known for. Thanks for sharing
Yes it is one of the best places in England to get that feel
Im so sad I never made it to the Cotswolds all those times I’ve been to England! Now I have to go back because it is so beautiful!
You have to see them for yourself!
Gosh, there are so many beautiful spots to visit in The Cotswolds! I’ve been to a few of these but it was in January and it was sooo cold and frosty. Definitely need to go back and explore more of these in the summer!
Summer is super busy, actually Spring and Autumn are really nice times to visit!
Every time I see pictures of the Cotswolds, I can’t wait to travel to the UK and visit. Loved this list of villages. Thanks!
Hope you get to visit them one day
Oh, I love the Cotswolds. They’re only about an hour from where I live. I especially love Bourton on the Water and Chedworth. You’ve included a lovely selection here. I can’t wait until it’s safe for us to pop over there again.
Same here, I will be there as soon as we are allowed
The Cotswolds has been on my list for a while, and I think that once this lockdown is over, I should visit them.
Thank you for sharing 🙂 I found this post very useful for my future UK trips!
Yes def after lockdown!
I am in love with the Cotswolds. There is so much beauty there. Minster Lovell is incredible and the photo featuring the sheep is too cute.
Thanks so much, those sheep are adorable aren’t they
I love this corner of England, so gorgeous! All the villages here are really beautiful, but Minster Lovell is rather intriguing.
It is definitely a hidden gem!
Wow these are some beautiful photos of the Cotswolds, I would love to visit some of these English villages!
Hope you get to visit them one day!
Wow so many pretty towns in this region and lots that I have never heard of. Definitely makes me want to visit!!
Hope you get to visit Tiana!
What dreamworthy pictures of these quaint villages, I don’t know which to visit first!!
That is the tough bit!
Amazing post, I haven’t heard of a few of these so I’m glad I found this cotswolds article!
So glad to help your planning
Wow this place is just stunning! It doesn’t seem like the place that is super overrun by tourists because it’s not too close to London. Is that true or am I completely wrong haha? I would really like to go some day 🙂
It is around 2 hours drive from London, so definitely nothing like Oxford Street busy! But Cotswolds tours exist, so you need to time your arrival for when tourist buses aren’t there, then its super quiet and quaint!
This is so pretty. I could spend all day deciding which of those villages to visit!
I agree thats the hardest choice!
Ahhhh I want to go to the UK so bad! My partner went last year without me! The beauty of all of the little villages is so alluring!
Chelsea you would love it they are so quaint and fairytale like!
These are fabulous looking villages. Is it possible to hike between villages? That would be a lovely way to see them.
Yes as I mentioned in the article there are a few paths through the Cotswolds such as The Cotswolds Way which is 100 miles long
So fairytale like, it’s like going back in time, love how charming the Cotswolds villages are!
They are gorgeous aren’t they
So many gorgeous villages. Never heard of the villages of the Cotswolds before, but they are definitely going on my bucket list.
Hope you get to visit them one day!
What an incredibly beautiful post with absolutely STUNNING images! This just made my day as I imagined what it would be like to see all these gorgeous Cotswolds Villages. Thank you very much for such a comprehensive article!
That’s great to hear Michelle, its a beautiful part of England
This is incredible, its shown me so many villages I didn’t even know about and I live right next to the Cotswolds.
Awww so happy to hear that, let me know if you do end up visiting any of them
I absolutely love the Cotswolds. It is such a magical part of the UK! The Slaughters are definitely my favourites to visit, they are so beautiful and picturesque. There’s a few recommendations here that I haven’t visited before so I’ll be sure to check them out on my next trip. Thanks for the great guide!
Glad that there are a few you haven’t heard of!
I’ve been to a few of these and agree that one is just as pretty as the next. Walking between them is also a great way to enjoy the gorgeous countryside!
Yes definitely a great way to see them
This is such an amazing article on the Cotswolds. I got to go last year and it was so beautiful! Arlington Row in Bibury was my favorite. 🙂 Your photos are beautiful!
It is beautiful at Arlington Row isn’t it!
First time seeing these kinds of villages. It looks magical! definitely on my bucket list now
They are like going back in time!
Wow, these are gorgeous! I’d love to visit one day!
Hope you get to see them in person
Cotswolds looks so incredible! I will add it to my bucket list. I plan on going on a huge road trip to the UK, so this will fit perfectly!
This would work perfectly for that!
Wow, these are such quaint, cute villages. I’m meant to come to the UK as soon as it’s safe to travel internationally – I’ll be adding Cotswold to my list of regions to visit!
You’ll love it! Such a great part of the country
These villages are so beautiful. Cannot wait to go and visit. You have inspired me. I have pinned it for later
I’m glad to hear that!!
I’ve never been to any of these places, but they’re definitely on my to-visit list now! Your photos are so picturesque and beautiful! That ice cream looks delicious too! 😛
The Cotswolds are beautiful, you’ll love it!
This just reminds me how beautiful the UK is! I have so much of this incredible place left to visit. Saved this so I can plan my trip!
Hope you get to see it for yourself one day!
All of the villages in the Cotswolds looks so picturesque and charming! I have been to the UK several times, but have yet to make it there. So these are very high up on my list to visit one day 🙂 Great and comprehensive post. Pinned for later!
Oh you must visit the Cotswolds next time, it’s so pretty
I love the Cotswolds – it is such a beautiful region in the UK.
It is a gorgeous part of the country
These are such beautiful places – had no idea they existed! The hard part is choosing which one to visit first..thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes that is a tough choice!
Some of my favourite villages are here. I vividly remember visiting the model village at Bourton on the Water as a child. I love the pictures you get of small children towering over mini houses. We are regular visitors to the National Trust in Lacock. I will have to make sure I swing by some of the others on your list that I have yet to discover during our staycation summer.
How wonderful that the post is bringing back childhood memories!
So many beautiful places I want to visit in the UK! My last wander in the Cotswolds was very short!
I usually go for a week so I can relax and explore
I have heard about Castle Combe but I haven’t seen any of the other ones that you have shared! OMG I want to visit them all! They are so quaint and pretty! Really picturesque!
There are so many!! You really must visit them
What a beautiful post! Cotswolds looks like a real life fairy tale!!
They are very fairytale like
Oh my, I would be perfectly content with just living here for the rest of my life!!!
A perfect guide for these stunning and charming villages…definitely want to visit this magical area.
All these villages are so beautiful! 😍 Really great post highlighting the right details.
WOW! I must admit that Cotswold was not on my bucket list, but after seeing these adorable cottages I would absolutely love to visit!!
These are such amazing places to visit. I don’t know much about Cotswolds at all but after seeing this I REALLY want to visit! Thank you for sharing. Your pictures are beautiful.
The Cotswolds is so picture-perfect. Every time I go I’m wowed by it!
This is a great list! I have some great photos of me and my sister no higher than the miniature houses in the model village at Bourton on the Water. I love Castle Combe and can’t wait to get out and explore some of the others on your list that I have never heard of (despite living just up the road in Bristol). This is a really useful resource for these staycation times. Thanks for sharing!