The Most Charming Villages in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds represents a perfect slice of quintessential England – rolling hills, meadows dotted with sheep, and villages built from honey-colored limestone that seems to glow in the late afternoon sun. Covering nearly 800 square miles across five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire), this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty feels like stepping into a timeless storybook setting.

Having lived in the heart of the Cotswolds for over a decade and guided countless visitors through its winding lanes and hidden corners, I've developed a deep appreciation for the unique character of each village. Here's my guide to the most charming villages worth exploring, along with insider tips to help you experience the true magic of this special region.

Castle Combe: The Quintessential Cotswold Village

Often called "the prettiest village in England," Castle Combe deserves its reputation. With its 14th-century market cross, ancient stone cottages, and the gentle By Brook stream running through the heart of the village, it looks virtually unchanged for centuries. The absence of visible TV antennas, satellite dishes, or overhead wires (all carefully hidden or buried) contributes to its unspoiled appearance, which has made it a favorite for film productions including "War Horse" and "Downton Abbey."

Don't Miss: St. Andrew's Church with its medieval faceless clock, one of the oldest working clocks in the country. The view from the bridge looking up the main street is one of the most photographed scenes in the Cotswolds – arrive early morning to capture it without crowds.

Where to Eat: The Castle Inn offers classic British cuisine using local ingredients, while the Manor House Hotel provides a more upscale dining experience set in a 14th-century manor house.

Insider Tip: Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid the tour buses. The village has strict parking restrictions, with the main car park located a short walk from the village center.

Bibury: A Riverside Gem

When William Morris described Bibury as "the most beautiful village in England," he wasn't exaggerating. The village's crown jewel is Arlington Row, a series of weavers' cottages built in the 17th century, now among the most photographed buildings in the country (and featured inside UK passports). The gentle River Coln flows through the village, with Bibury Trout Farm adding to the picturesque setting.

Don't Miss: Arlington Row itself, but also take time to explore the less visited parts of the village, including the Saxon church of St. Mary's with its preserved Saxon gravestones and medieval stained glass.

Where to Eat: The Swan Hotel offers riverside dining, while the Catherine Wheel provides a more casual pub atmosphere with excellent local beers.

Insider Tip: Visit the Bibury Trout Farm not just to see the fish but to enjoy their delicious smoked trout pâté, available in their small shop. For the best photos of Arlington Row without crowds, visit at dawn.

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

With its series of low stone bridges spanning the gentle River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water has earned its nickname as the "Venice of the Cotswolds." While it's one of the more touristy villages, its charm is undeniable, especially in the quieter seasons or early mornings when you can appreciate the beautiful reflections in the water.

Don't Miss: The Model Village, a perfect 1:9 scale replica of Bourton itself, built in the 1930s and meticulously maintained. Birdland Park and Gardens offers a chance to see flamingos, penguins, and other exotic birds in a beautiful setting.

Where to Eat: The Rose Tree Restaurant offers riverside dining with a menu focused on seasonal, local ingredients. For a quick bite, try the Bakery on the Water for excellent pastries and sandwiches.

Insider Tip: Escape the crowds by taking the footpath from Bourton to the neighboring village of Lower Slaughter – a beautiful 20-minute walk through meadows that many tourists miss.

The Slaughters: Twin Villages of Tranquility

Despite their somewhat alarming names (derived from the Old English word for "muddy place"), Upper and Lower Slaughter are among the most peaceful and unspoiled villages in the Cotswolds. Connected by a lovely mile-long footpath along the River Eye, these twin villages offer a perfect escape from the busier tourist spots.

Lower Slaughter, with its old mill and waterwheel at one end, is particularly photogenic. The mill now houses a museum and craft shop. Upper Slaughter features a charming ford where the stream crosses the road – a popular spot for children to paddle in summer.

Don't Miss: The walk between the two villages, particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers carpet the meadows. The 12th-century church of St. Peter in Lower Slaughter is worth visiting for its beautiful interior.

Where to Eat: The Slaughters Country Inn offers traditional pub classics with a modern twist. For a special occasion, Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter provides fine dining in an elegant manor house setting.

Insider Tip: Upper Slaughter is one of the "Thankful Villages" – those rare places that lost no men in World War I – making it particularly poignant to visit the simple village memorial.

Stow-on-the-Wold: Historic Market Town

Standing at nearly 800 feet above sea level, Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest of the Cotswold towns. Its large market square speaks to its historical importance as a trading center, particularly for the wool industry that made the Cotswolds wealthy. Today, it's known for its antique shops, art galleries, and charming tea rooms.

Don't Miss: St. Edward's Church, particularly its north door flanked by ancient yew trees, said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien's Doors of Durin in "The Lord of the Rings." The Market Square with its ancient cross and stocks is the heart of the town.

Where to Eat: The Old Butchers offers innovative cuisine in a former butcher's shop, while The Queen's Head provides excellent traditional pub fare in a 16th-century setting.

Insider Tip: Visit the hidden Donnington Brewery tucked away in a wooded valley just outside Stow – one of England's oldest microbreweries operating since 1865, supplying its traditional ales to a string of authentic Cotswold pubs.

Chipping Campden: Architectural Showcase

With its long, curved High Street lined with elegant terraced houses spanning several centuries of architectural styles, Chipping Campden is often considered the finest town in the Cotswolds. Its name comes from the Old English for "market," reflecting its historical importance as a wool trading center.

Don't Miss: The Market Hall, built in 1627 to provide shelter for traders, still stands at the center of town. St. James Church is one of the finest wool churches in the Cotswolds, showcasing the wealth generated by the medieval wool trade.

Where to Eat: Michael's Mediterranean Restaurant offers a break from traditional British fare with excellent Mediterranean cuisine. The Eight Bells is a traditional 14th-century inn serving classic pub food.

Insider Tip: Explore the Ernest Wilson Memorial Garden, dedicated to the "Chinese" Wilson who introduced over 1,000 plant species to the Western world. Visit the Court Barn Museum to learn about the Arts and Crafts movement that flourished here in the early 20th century.

Broadway: The 'Jewel of the Cotswolds'

With its wide High Street lined with horse chestnut trees and elegant limestone buildings, Broadway is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. Its name simply refers to its broad main road, but there's nothing simple about the village's beauty and charm.

Don't Miss: Broadway Tower, standing on a dramatic hilltop just outside the village. This folly offers spectacular views across 16 counties on a clear day. The Gordon Russell Design Museum celebrates the work of the renowned furniture designer who based his workshop in Broadway.

Where to Eat: The Lygon Arms is a historic coaching inn dating back to the 1300s that has hosted both Oliver Cromwell and Charles I. Russell's Fish & Chips offers some of the best fish and chips in the Cotswolds.

Insider Tip: Walk the Cotswold Way from Broadway up to Broadway Tower for magnificent views, especially at sunset. Visit in late November or December when the village's spectacular Christmas lights transform it into a winter wonderland.

Painswick: The 'Queen of the Cotswolds'

With its narrow streets and pristine limestone buildings, Painswick embodies the architectural harmony that makes the Cotswolds so special. Known as the "Queen of the Cotswolds," this ancient wool town has a more modest, lived-in feel compared to some of the more manicured villages.

Don't Miss: Painswick Rococo Garden, the country's only surviving complete rococo garden, designed in the 1740s as a flamboyant pleasure garden for hosting garden parties. St. Mary's churchyard with its 99 meticulously trimmed yew trees (legend says the devil would destroy the 100th if it were ever planted) is hauntingly beautiful.

Where to Eat: The Falcon Inn provides traditional pub fare in a 16th-century building. The Painswick Hotel offers more refined dining in an elegant 18th-century mansion.

Insider Tip: Visit during "Painswick Feast" in late September, a traditional celebration dating back to the Middle Ages, featuring the unusual "Clypping Ceremony" where parishioners join hands to encircle St. Mary's Church.

Planning Your Cotswolds Visit

When to Go

The Cotswolds are beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience:

• Spring: Wildflowers carpet the meadows, gardens burst into bloom, and newborn lambs dot the hillsides.
• Summer: Longer days allow for extended walks, with many villages hosting traditional fetes and festivals. This is peak tourist season.
• Autumn: The golden stone of the buildings is complemented by the autumn colors, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures for walking.
• Winter: Misty mornings, frost-covered landscapes, and the chance to enjoy cozy pub fires without the crowds. Christmas markets and decorations add special charm in December.

Getting Around

The best way to explore the Cotswolds is by car, which allows you to discover the hidden corners and smaller villages that public transport doesn't reach. However, if you prefer not to drive:

• The train line between London Paddington and Hereford stops at several Cotswold towns including Kingham, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Charlbury.
• Local buses connect larger towns, though services can be infrequent.
• Consider basing yourself in a larger town like Cirencester or Stroud and taking guided tours.

Where to Stay

For an authentic experience, consider:

• Historic Coaching Inns: The Lygon Arms in Broadway, The Bell at Stow, or The Lamb Inn in Burford offer historical charm with modern comforts.
• Country House Hotels: Barnsley House near Cirencester, Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter, or The Manor House in Castle Combe provide luxury in historic settings.
• Cozy B&Bs: For a more personal experience, the Cotswolds excels in charming bed and breakfasts, often in historic buildings with helpful local hosts.
• Self-Catering Cottages: Renting a honey-colored stone cottage allows you to live like a local, especially appealing for longer stays.

The Cotswolds have enchanted visitors for generations with their timeless beauty and distinctly English atmosphere. Whether you're wandering through flower-filled cottage gardens, hiking the rolling hills, or simply enjoying a pint in a centuries-old pub, this special corner of England offers a chance to step back from the modern world and experience a gentler pace of life. Each village has its own unique character, but all share the golden stone, historical depth, and natural beauty that make the Cotswolds an enduring favorite for travelers seeking the essence of rural England.