The Cotswolds is the epitome of English country living. Famous for its honey-coloured stone villages, rolling countryside, historic market towns and beautiful country houses and gardens, the Cotswolds is one of the UK's most popular destinations for a countryside holiday.
From picturesque villages and traditional country pubs to independent shops, historic houses and miles of walking trails, there is plenty to see and do on a Cotswolds holiday. Explore the winding streets of Bourton-on-the-Water, admire the historic buildings of Chipping Campden, discover the beautiful villages of Bibury and the Slaughters, or enjoy a countryside walk before settling down for a meal in a traditional pub.
The Cotswolds also offers plenty of variety beyond its famous villages. Visit the Cotswold Water Park for watersports and outdoor activities, explore stately homes and gardens, discover independent shops and galleries, or simply relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of the surrounding countryside. With cottages for couples, families, friends and dogs, the Cotswolds is an excellent destination for a relaxing UK holiday. Read more
Formerly the stables this attractive, single level Cotswold-stone barn conversion offers a high standard of holiday accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds in the peaceful hamlet of Maugersbury within walking distance of the popular market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Ideal for couples wanting to explore the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Why would you even consider going abroad for your holiday with the beautiful Cotswold Water Park as an option? The 40-square mile nature reserve boasts over 150 lakes and has been carefully developed to protect the natural habitat for birds and wildlife while still being superbly comfortable for holidaymakers. Grey Heron Lodge is a waterfront holiday home with ample space for up to six people, with three comfortable bedrooms, an open-plan living area and a huge wrap-around deck, with private jacuzzi. Guests have use of onsite facilities that include watersports, play areas, and a bar and restaurant. They can fish next to the lodge, and the owners have provided a two-person kayak for them to use on Windrush Lake. Dogs and children are very welcome, making Grey Heron Lodge a firm favourite with families and friends, as well as couples who appreciate a great location, pet friendly accommodation and extra space. We have 2 lodges which sleep 6 that can be booked together to accommodate up t
The Cotswold Water Park is a perennial favourite for its superb amenities and beautiful surroundings. You'll love this waterfront holiday home facing Isis Lake, with deck and outdoor hot tub, two man kayak and stylishly furnished rooms. Green Woodpecker Lodge sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has a versatile layout that suits families and friends. You can stroll to South Cerney village with its well-stocked village shop and friendly pubs or stay on-site and make the most of the park's restaurant, play areas, tennis courts, table tennis pavilion and games room. Walking, cycling, fishing, and other watersports are all easily accessible, with equipment hire locally. Free use of a kayak on Windrush Lake is included. Please note we have 2 lodges which sleep 6, these can be booked together to accommodate up to 12 guests.
A holiday in the Cotswolds is a thing of joy. The Old Chapel is a beautifully converted period chapel in the quiet village of Cleveley and only a few miles from Chipping Norton and Soho Farm House. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms and suits couples, families or friends. Perfect for a country escape and beautiful walks from the doorstep. Enjoy sitting on the deck surrounded by a large private garden. The area is wonderfully rural yet within easy reach of Blenheim Palace, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bicester Village, Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon, and the spires of Oxford. It's perfect for a holiday in any season.
Welcome to our charming self catering cottage in Pillerton Hersey, south Warwickshire. Off the beaten track yet very close to the Cotswolds, Stratford upon Avon, Warwick Castle, Shipston on Stour as well as numerous National Trust properties, gardens and attractions. Our cottage is a beautiful barn conversion nestling in the country garden on our smallholding. Peaceful, comfortable, clean and well equipped, this countryside oasis is a true rural retreat. The property sleeps 3 people in one double, one single room and offers you everything you could want in a home from home. Situated on the edge of the small village we are surrounded by countryside and enjoy direct access to beautiful footpaths straight from our garden gate. Our small flock of Soay sheep and two ponies set the scene as you enter our drive and our bees provide a small taste of country bliss for you as part of our locally sourced welcome basket. A good selection of local dining pubs within easy reach. Welcoming hosts. Many excellent reviews
This comfortable early Victorian holiday cottage, with private off street parking, sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is a five-minute stroll from some of Stratford-Upon-Avon's favourite sights and attractions. It is perfect for families, especially those with a car, as it benefits from off-street parking. Spend happy days shopping, relaxing over a long lazy lunch, strolling beside the river and exploring Shakespeare's birthplace, seeing his grave, and discovering where his wife and daughter lived. Warwick Castle is only 20 minutes away, as is the north Cotswolds . 41 Shakespeare Street is a wonderful place to stay at any time of the year.
42 Shakespeare Street, with private off street parking, is a welcoming holiday cottage close to the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal and within easy walking distance of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as favourite attractions like Shakespeare's Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The three-bedroom property sleeps six people and has off-street parking and an enclosed patio garden. It's ideal for families, including those with a dog, being close to all of the sights that make Stratford-upon-Avon perfect for a relaxed holiday in any season. You can walk or cycle along the canal and into the beautiful Warwickshire countryside or take a day trip to Oxford, Birmingham, Bicester, Blenheim Palace, Warwick, and Leamington Spa, which are easily accessible from the cottage.
Farthing Cottage is a pretty stone Cotswolds cottage in an enviable position sitting in a quiet backwater with off-road parking and sunny garden, just two minutes stroll from the centre of the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Beautiful countryside, great restaurants, pubs and independent shops on the doorstep and a host of attractions within a short drive make this romantic retreat with log burner an excellent choice for exploring the Cotswolds.
The cottage can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests but can be refigured to receive small groups. Please contact owner for details.
A stunning, spacious house that offers luxury living, set in the fabulous Cotswold countryside and only 10 mins from the countries most picturesque 'honey stone' villages; Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway.
Daisy Chain is a spacious, family-friendly lakeside holiday home on the private Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds, just 90 minutes from London. Sleeping 9 plus 2 cots, it’s ideal for multi-generational family holidays or getaways with friends. With uninterrupted lake views, two ensuite bedrooms, and a glass-fronted living area, it’s the perfect place to relax and reconnect. Families love the canoe, bikes, toys, games, and nearby playgrounds, as well as access to the estate’s luxury spa with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and gym. Surrounded by nature, with walking and cycling trails on the doorstep, Daisy Chain offers the perfect base for Cotswold family holidays, combining outdoor adventure with home comforts and space to unwind.
Formerly the farm stables and granary, this holiday cottage sits within the beautiful countryside of Warwickshire and is close to Stratford-upon Avon and the Cotswolds villages. Guest's also have the use of an indoor swimming pool (shared only with the owners!). A great base for exploring Central England with an abundance of attractions.
The Old House, Broadway, the "Jewel of the Cotswolds," is a charming holiday cottage ideal for four guests. Featuring two ensuite bedrooms, original oak beams, and a sunny courtyard garden, it blends historic character with modern comforts and has been a feature of the High Street since the 1600s. Visitors can easily explore nearby cafes, pubs, and popular attractions that include National Trust properties and Broadway Tower. The area is perfect for keen walkers, offering a wealth of footpaths and bridleways to navigate. This delightful cottage is part of a trio, offering the option to accommodate larger groups. Experience the timeless beauty of the Cotswolds at The Old House.
A quaint self-catering holiday cottage located on the hill of a Cotswold farm, offering panoramic rural views over woodlands and the countryside of Gloucestershire. A great self-catering base for exploring the many attractions of Central England and enjoying a taste of country life with wonderful walks and scenery on the doorstep.
Charming country cottage sleeping up to 18 in 4 bedrooms, with private garden, hot tub, and open fire. Stag & hen parties welcome – perfect for getaways with family and friends, special occasions, and relaxing breaks near Bath and Bristol
Stable Cottage is your ideal Cotswold escape, located in Painswick, the most beautifully preserved Cotswold wool town. This stylish converted stable sleeps up to four, making it great for couples, small families, or friends. With two ensuite bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a cosy living, you will be delightfully comfortable in all seasons, including in warm weather when the private garden is excellent for relaxing or having a BBQ. Just a 10-minute walk away, you'll find the Oak pub and the chic Painswick Hotel for fantastic food and drinks. Explore Painswick’s charming streets, St. Mary's Church, and local trails like the Cotswold Way, and enjoy nearby attractions like Gloucester, Cheltenham Cirencester, and Sudeley Castle.
Stunning Georgian-style home sleeping up to 27 in 7 bedrooms, with indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and landscaped gardens. Stag & hen parties welcome – ideal for large group stays, celebrations, and countryside escapes near Bath and Bristol.
Elegant period home sleeping up to 30 in 6 bedrooms, with landscaped gardens, covered outdoor hot tub, and open fires in both dining room and lounge. Stag & hen parties welcome – ideal for large group stays, special occasions, and countryside escapes near Bath and Bristol.
Stunning Grade II listed farmhouse sitting on the edge of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just a stone's throw away from the city of Oxford and the pretty market towns of Witney, Woodstock and Burford. Sleeping up to 20 people in seven gorgeous bedrooms, and with 3 reception rooms, 8 acres of gardens and paddocks, and a Jacuzzi Hot Tub, New Yatt Farm is perfect for a large family gathering or celebrating a special occasion. There are miles of stunning footpaths on your doorstep as well as stately homes, kids attractions and picturesque villages and towns to explore. Two well behaved dogs are welcome and short breaks are available all year round.
91 Howells Mere brings lakeside luxury and family freedom together at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds. Sleeping eight in four bedrooms, this dog-friendly holiday home has direct lake access, four decks and balconies, a separate TV snug and a private hot tub available for an additional fee. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the estate spa and pools, with tennis, watersports and Ballihoo restaurant a short walk away. A top-floor king suite with air conditioning gives parents or grandparents a little privacy, while younger guests have room to spread out. This stylish self-catering accommodation also offers ultrafast broadband and optional EV charging.
Popular towns in and around The Cotswolds:
Bourton-on-the-WaterBroadwayBurfordCheltenhamChipping CampdenChipping NortonEveshamSouth CerneyStow-on-the-WoldStratford-upon-AvonStroudTetburyWinchcombeSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Cotswolds cottagesLuxury Cotswolds holiday cottagesLast minute Cotswolds cottagesCotswolds cottages with a hot tubRomantic Cotswolds cottagesOr search further afield:
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The Cotswolds covers a large area of south-central England, stretching across parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire. Its towns and villages each have their own character, from lively market towns with independent shops and cafés to peaceful villages surrounded by rolling countryside.
For a different kind of countryside escape, the Cotswold Water Park, near Cirencester and South Cerney, is a network of lakes offering activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, open-water swimming, cycling and fishing.
The Cotswolds offers accommodation for all kinds of breaks. Browse our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds for a special stay in beautiful surroundings, or choose one of our cottages with a hot tub for a relaxing end to a day of exploring.
Planning a romantic escape? Our romantic cottages in the Cotswolds offer a lovely setting for a break for two, whether you're looking for a cosy hideaway or a characterful countryside retreat where you can slow down, switch off and enjoy a little quality time together.
The region is also ideal for a holiday with your four-legged companion, with plenty of walking routes, open countryside and dog-friendly pubs to discover. Find a base for your next adventure among our dog-friendly cottages in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds are lovely at any time of year, with each season offering something different.
Late spring and early autumn can be particularly appealing if you want to explore the countryside while avoiding the busiest summer period. Whatever time of year you visit, you'll find plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds, from historic attractions and gardens to scenic walks and family days out.
Whether you're interested in history, outdoor adventures, local food or simply soaking up the region's quintessential English character, there's something for everyone in the Cotswolds. It's just as well suited to a relaxing countryside escape as it is to an action-packed holiday.
Explore picturesque towns and villages. Wander through honey-coloured villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury, browse independent shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, or admire the historic architecture of Chipping Campden and Broadway.
Visit historic houses and gardens. Discover country houses, castles and landscaped gardens, including Snowshill Manor and Garden, Chastleton House and Sudeley Castle. The gardens at Hidcote are another popular attraction.
Enjoy walking and cycling. Explore quiet country lanes, rolling hills and scenic footpaths, or tackle longer routes through the Cotswolds countryside. The Cotswold Way is a well-known long-distance walking trail offering views across the surrounding landscape.
Try watersports and outdoor activities. The Cotswold Water Park offers opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, swimming, fishing and cycling, making it a good choice for active holidays and family outings.
Discover local food and drink. Traditional pubs, tearooms, farm shops, cafés and local producers provide plenty of opportunities to sample regional food and enjoy the Cotswolds' relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Enjoy a family day out. The Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford is a great choice for families, with fascinating animals including giraffes, rhinos, lions and lemurs, alongside beautiful gardens and a woodland adventure playground with treehouses, rope bridges and slides. Children can also enjoy the Children’s Farmyard and a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, which runs seasonally.
The Cotswolds is accessible by car, train and bus, although the best option depends on where you plan to stay.
The M4, M5 and M40 provide road access to different parts of the region. Travelling by car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring smaller villages, country houses and rural walking routes. Be prepared for narrow country lanes and busy car parks at some of the most popular destinations.
Travelling by train is a good alternative for a short break. Direct services connect London Paddington with Moreton-in-Marsh in around 90 minutes, while Cheltenham Spa and Stroud are useful stations for other parts of the region. Local bus services connect some towns and villages, although routes and frequencies vary. A car-free Cotswolds holiday is possible with careful planning, particularly if you choose accommodation near a railway station or regular bus service.
The best area depends on the type of holiday you're planning. Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford and Chipping Campden are popular for their historic buildings, independent shops and traditional pubs. For outdoor activities, the Cotswolds Water Park is a good choice, while smaller villages and quieter rural areas just a little off the beaten tourist trail offer opportunities to enjoy the countryside away from the busiest tourist spots.
Three to four days is a good starting point for a first visit, allowing time to explore several villages, enjoy a countryside walk and visit a historic house or garden. With five to seven days, you can explore at a more leisurely pace, discover quieter parts of the region and enjoy a wider range of attractions.
The Cotswolds is best known for its honey-coloured limestone villages, rolling countryside, historic market towns and traditional English country pubs. The area is also home to beautiful country houses and gardens, scenic walking trails and attractions such as the Cotswold Water Park. Its distinctive architecture and picturesque rural landscapes make it one of the UK's most popular destinations for a countryside holiday.
For a truly iconic experience, book one of our luxury holiday cottages that's straight out of a fairytale.
Costs vary depending on where you stay, the season and the type of accommodation you choose. Popular villages and peak summer dates can be more expensive, but walking, exploring villages and enjoying the countryside can be inexpensive. Staying outside the busiest destinations or travelling in spring or autumn may also offer better value. Check our last-minute Cotswolds cottage offers for potential savings.
What a tricky question! There are a number of pretty towns in the Cotswolds, many of which offer their own unique setting. If we had to choose one the honey-coloured stone cottages, flower-filled gardens, ancient bridge and peaceful village streets in Castle Combe probably hits the number one spot. The old cottages are full of character and charm and the historic bridge that hovers over a river and surrounding greenery makes it a picturesque village that is absolutely worth visiting.
Chipping Campden is also a strong contender. Its elegant High Street is lined with historic Cotswold stone buildings, independent shops, galleries, pubs and cafés, while its surrounding countryside is beautiful for walking. Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are also particularly attractive, each offering a slightly different take on the classic Cotswolds character.
Looking for more ideas for your stay? Explore our guides to the best places to visit, walks, pubs and other experiences in the region.
