Having lived in the Cotswolds for many years, and had the abject pleasure of showing guests from all over the world the delights of the region, we know that one of the biggest draws when visiting England, is the quintessential villages, filled with honey coloured stone cottages and quaint pubs.
So with our knowledge and expertise, here is our guide to the most popular and prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
Prettiest villages in the Cotswolds in no particular order
Bourton on the Water
Let’s start with the village that you’ve probably already heard of. Famed for being the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton on the Water is the most visited Cotswold village. And it’s no wonder that it’s so popular, intertwined as it is with the river Windrush that flows languidly through the centre, the two sides connected by numerous stone bridges that are typical of this region.
On fine days you’ll often see people cooling their feet, but on every August Bank Holiday you might just catch the annual ‘Football in the River’ event by the local soccer team.
On other days though, you can visit the model village, Birdland and the numerous shops and cafes selling locally produced snacks and meals. Try Cotswold Antiques and Tea Room for a truly immersive experience.
Castle Combe
We’d like to be clear right away, there is no longer a castle in Castle Combe! But if you look northwest of the Manor House you will see the remains of the earthworks.
There is a 14th-century market cross however, that has one of the most beautiful little streets leading down to the By Brook. Generally considered a quiet village, you will enjoy the tranquil setting and peaceful atmosphere.
12 miles from the Roman city of Bath and 1.5 hours by road from Heathrow airport, this is the ideal spot to escape bustling city life for a few moments. You can visit the Castle Combe parish website to discover more.
Bibury
Another village you will almost definitely have heard of, but we couldn’t possibly write about the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds without mentioning Bibury! In contrast to Castle Combe, Bibury is one of the busier of the villages, but Arlington Row and the bridge over the River Coln really is worth the effort.
Stay or plan to dine at the intimate Swan Hotel, try your hand at trout fishing, or take a stroll between the antique shops and St. Mary’s Church.
Parking can be challenging due to the popularity of Bibury, so it makes for the perfect tour destination to visit with your Rosehill driver-guide.
Upper and Lower Slaughter
You’ll find ‘the finest luxury hotel in the Cotswolds’ – Lords of the Manor at Upper Slaughter, a most charming and picturesque village. Upper Slaughter is often in competition with Castle Combe for the moniker of ‘prettiest village in the Cotswolds’ so you’ll just have to visit both to make your own judgement!
Lower Slaughter is an easy walk downstream from it’s sister village, and it’s a lovely spot in spring when the blossom is in full bloom and the water is lower. Skip over the stone bridges, look out for the local horseback riders enjoying a splash and wander back for a cosy lunch or dinner.
Broadway
The folly known as Broadway Tower is a must see, but the town that lies beneath is romantic, dreamy and steeped in history. Broadway is technically a town, but has retained the charm of village life where you can enjoy antiquing, traditional pubs and cosy cafes – all built in the classically mellow Cotswold stone.
The Cotswold villages that compete for ‘prettiest’
The Cotswolds is a network of small and large towns and villages tucked away in rolling countryside, connected by serpentine rivers and streams, winding lanes and single track roads.
We do have one favourite village out of those we’ve highlighted above, but you’ll have to read the next Travel Tips blog to find out which one that is. In the meantime, we’ll leave you to decide which of the many villages will be on your bucket list this summer…
- Blockley
- Stanton
- Aston
- Winchcombe
- Toddington
- Tetbury
- Painswick
- Snowshill
- Minchinhampton
- Chadlington
- Charlbury
Summer vacation in the Cotswolds with Rosehill Travel
If you’re struggling to choose where to stay and what to see while taking your summer vacation in the Cotswolds, we will be happy to share the benefit of our experience and tailor your 5-star experience just for you. Tailormade day tours are also a specialty of ours, for those guests visiting from London.
Schedule a call with us and we’d be delighted to discuss your plans for visiting the Cotswolds.
