Steeped in history, the Cotswolds gained many of its settlements from the mediaeval sheep trade. Its long history in the wool industry generated much wealth which resulted in building the many fine houses that the Cotswolds is so famous for today.
The landscape in the Cotswolds still holds much evidence of its history in the wool trade. With its dry stone walls that once formed enclosures for the sheep, buildings that were formerly factories for processing wool and market squares approached by narrow little alleyways where the sheep were once driven through to market.
Often referred to as the 'Heart of England', the Cotswolds is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations with a huge choice of accommodation and iconic Cotswold cottages to rent. Attracting visitors from all over the world, all year round, this beautiful part of Central England is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. Its proximity to London makes the Cotswolds a perfect destination for weekend breaks in holiday cottages. Read more
A beautifully furnished, family-friendly house across three floors, overlooking a trout pond, on a 450 acre Cotswold nature reserve. Access to a luxury spa complex and a wealth of outdoor activities on site and nearby.
A holiday in the Cotswolds should be at the top of your "to-do" list, especially when you can stay somewhere like Clock Tower. This spacious self-catering holiday penthouse overlooks the green and market square in historic Stow-on-the-Wold, putting you within steps of incredible places to eat, drink and shop. It sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms, with the option of a travel cot or an extra bed to increase accommodation. Couples, friends and families all love the superb standard of accommodation and a fantastic location close to sights, attractions, and the beautiful countryside walks for which the Cotswolds are famous.
With off-road parking, a sunny garden and log burner, this fabulous Grade II listed cottage provides a stylish holiday retreat with immense character in the historic market town of Cirencester. Sleeping up to four guests in two double bedrooms (sorry but no children), The Cottage is just perfect for couples who want a romantic holiday or friends looking for a weekend away catching up. A great base for exploring the Cotswolds at any time of the year.
Varden House is a welcoming barn conversion in rural Worcestershire, close to Pershore and within easy reach of Worcester. There is a wealth of things to do during your stay from fishing onsite to walking through ancient woodland, mountain biking in the Malvern Hills AONB, admiring abbeys, castles and heritage buildings, or exploring historic places like Stratford-Upon-Avon. Birmingham and Cheltenham are easy to reach by car, as are Cotswolds towns like Broadway and Chipping Campden. The holiday cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and has a layout that suits families, extended families and friends.
A two-bedroom cottage in a converted Victorian barn on a family-run farm close to Pershore and Worcester. Broad Iron sleeps four people and suits couples, families, friends and even solo visitors in the area for work. There is fishing onsite and lots of opportunity for walking and cycling through the countryside whilst on holiday. Rural Worcestershire is gorgeous in all seasons with a fantastic mix of space and easy accessibility to places like Worcester, Birmingham, Cheltenham, and Stratford-on-Avon.
Field End is a blissful haven in the Oxfordshire countryside. It's part of the Great Tew Estate, within walking distance of The Boxing Hare pub and within easy reach of Blenheim Palace, Oxford, Bicester Village and Chipping Norton. It's ideal for a romantic break, shopping with the girls (or boys) or a gastronomic treat with farmer's markets, delis, gastropubs, and Michelin starred restaurants close by. Treat yourself to a cooking class at Daylesford Organic, or harness the creativity this landscape inspires with an artists workshop run by the owners.
This beautiful 18th-Century Farmhouse is steps away from The Cotswold Way and offers guests plenty of space to relax both inside and out. With four bedrooms sleeping eight to ten guests (with extra beds/cot), and two reception rooms where people can spread out, it is ideal for large or extended families or groups of friends. Nearby attractions include Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Berkeley Castle, and Westonbirt Arboretum, plus the cities of Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham.
A delightful barn conversion on the outskirts of the Cotswolds providing a great self-catering base for exploring Cheltenham, Bath, the Forest of Dean, Bristol, Gloucester and many historical towns and villages - all within easy reach by car.
Located on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, these two holiday cottages offer comfortable self-catering accommodation conveniently placed within easy reach of Cheltenham, the Roman City of Bath, Forest of Dean, Bristol, Gloucester and the numerous ancient towns and villages of the area. Set within extensive grounds, the cottages offer plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Nestling in a quiet position within eleven acres of the beautiful Windrush Valley in the Cotswolds village of Temple Guiting, this welcoming coach house provides a lovely retreat for couples and is a great base for exploring the many attractions, pretty villages and historic towns of the area including Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Winchcombe to name just a few. Two very good pubs in walking distance.
How can you resist staying in this charming Cotswold cottage? Windsor Cottage is just steps away from Winchcombe High Street with its great pubs like the Plaisterers Arms and the Lion Inn, shops and restaurants. The property can sleep up to four and is popular with families or couples who want the benefit of staying in a pretty village without being overrun by tourists. The Cotswold Way and Gloucestershire Way are just two of seven waymarked footpaths that run through the village, which is a short drive or cycle from well known Cotswold places including Cheltenham, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway. Sudeley Castle is nearby, and the village has a good local museum and lovely church with interesting features. Staying at Windsor Cottage is a wonderful way to experience the charm of the Cotswolds in comfort, with the convenience of a central location in a village favoured by locals but as yet undiscovered by day trippers.
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 to 12 guests.
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 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. Accredited by the Visit England and AA Visitor Welcome Scheme.
Lagoon Villa is in the exclusive Somerford 'Nines' on the Lower Mill Estate overlooking Somerford Lagoon in the Cotswold Water Park. The contemporary holiday home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms and is ideal for families and friends. You couldn't plan a more relaxing self-catering holiday than here, with swimming pools, tennis courts, spa facilities, and watersports readily accessible. You have access to the exclusive 'Nines' outdoor heated pool during the warmer months (a facility shared by 9 houses), as well as the main Spa complex with heated pools, steam room, sauna and gym. The 450-acre park is a haven for birds and wildlife with nature trails and traffic-free cycling routes to make it easy to explore. A well-behaved dog is welcome and the property is child-friendly. Short breaks and extended stays are possible all year round.
Serenity is a huge holiday home in The Nines, an exclusive gated part of the Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park. With four bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, the modern waterfront property is perfect for big families, multi-generational families or friends who love spending time outdoors in beautiful surroundings. Amenities include a hot tub, shared heated swimming pool and mini-gym, and access to a spa, bigger gym, outdoor tennis courts and play areas, bar, restaurant and village shop. You'll love starting and ending every day with uninterrupted views over Somerford Lagoon. Cirencester and Bourton-on-the-Water are nearby, while local attractions include Cotswold Beach and Country Park, Cotswold Farm Park, and Chedworth Roman Villa.
A spacious and modern lakeside holiday house located on the highly desirable Lower Mill Estate on The Cotswold Water Park close to the market town of Cirencester - with free access to the luxury on-site spa with heated pools, a steam room, sauna and gym! Sleeping 10 guests in 5 bedrooms (2 on the ground floor), and with a large decking area overlooking the water for sundowners in the summer and a log burner for cosy winter nights in, Sorrel House is the perfect self-catering retreat for extended family celebrations and special get togethers. This fabulous holiday house also welcomes up to three dogs and on-site you will find a wonderful field-to-fork restaurant Ballihoo, children's play areas, two tennis courts, table tennis facilities and a 450-acre nature reserve.
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.
Beechwood Cottage is perfect for large or multi-generation family holidays in the Cotswolds. The stunning holiday home features panoramic views, a double-height ceiling with full-height windows, a bespoke kitchen, a wood-fired hot tub, and six gorgeous bedrooms to sleep up to twelve people. It's in the village of Sheepscombe, only half a mile from the popular Butcher's Arms pub and two miles from Painswick. Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and Cirencester are all within easy reach. There are beautiful walks from the door and a great choice of cycling routes to help you explore.
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.
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.
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 represent 'quintessential England' and encompass six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, along with Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.
Whatever the weather, the Cotswolds has plenty of great days out with its fine architecture, National Trust properties and gardens, arboretums, museums and pretty villages. There are fantastic, historic towns and cities including the Roman City of Bath, Oxford, Cheltenham and Stratford-Upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
The Cotswolds offers lots of shopping with its local farmer's markets, antique shops, boutiques, gift shops, old-fashioned tea rooms and stylish coffee houses. It is also an incredibly dog-friendly area with plenty of pubs, restaurants, Cotswold accommodation, holiday cottages and attractions welcoming dogs.
Before booking your holiday cottage in the Cotswolds, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete Cotswolds Guide.
Every season delivers its own magic in the Cotswolds. The sparkle of winter frosts is accompanied by the smell of log fires providing a warm welcome in cottages and pubs. A visit in spring or summer allows for a myriad of footpaths like the Cotswolds Way beckon. Autumn is also pretty special, with places like Westonbirt National Arboretum showcasing a dazzling array of colours.
Summers in the Cotswolds are generally mild and warm with some infrequent hotter days. With more daylight, this means that you can spend much of your time outdoors when visiting the Cotswolds during this time. It is typically overcast with average temperatures of around 21°C, providing comfortable weather to enjoy the numerous activities in the county.
The Cotswolds in spring is utterly breathtaking with an array of daffodils and tulips popping up all over the gardens and countryside. Spring is a great time to get active in the outdoors as the temperatures drop to around 15°C, making for comfortable hiking weather.
Winter in the Cotswolds is great for those who are looking for a cosy, festive getaway with multiple Christmas markets popping up throughout the towns. Temperatures drop to a much cooler 7°C, however, there can be the occasional crisp, sunny day during winter.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied on Cotswolds holidays, including walking and cycling the numerous paths and trails, shooting, fishing, golf and hot air ballooning. Horse racing is a popular pastime in the Cotswolds with the famous Cheltenham Festival, along with other renowned equestrian events including Badminton, Blenheim Palace and Gatcombe. That's if you can bare to leave the haven of our holiday cottages, of course!
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to the Cotswolds, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 83 miles
Birmingham: 69 miles
Glasgow: 351 miles
Liverpool: 160 miles
Bristol: 53 miles
Manchester: 150 miles
Leeds: 171 miles
Edinburgh: 357 miles
Newcastle: 260 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to the Cotswolds. Its excellent public transport links mean you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
The Cotswolds is one of England's greatest treasures. Stretching across six counties, its bucolic appeal is protected as the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK. From Bath to Berkeley and Stow-on-the-Wold to Stroud, there is something for everyone whether your tastes are sophisticated or simple.
The scale and diversity of The Cotswolds make it the sort of place you can visit year after year and always discover something new. Two thousand years of history are visible everywhere you look, from the miles of stone walls to the straight Roman roads and elegant Georgian architecture of Bath and Cheltenham.
If you want to stay in one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds then consider our Cotswolds holiday cottages in Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway. However, if you want to be a little off the beaten tourist trail but still in the heart of the Cotswolds, consider Oddington, Kingham, Upper or Lower Slaughter, Bibury, Bruern or the Cotswolds Water Park for those who love water-based outdoor activities not fair from their holiday cottage.
The Cotswolds is mainly famous for its art and antique shops, having the largest offering outside of London. Its quaint villages, rolling countryside and tranquil atmosphere is another reason why the Cotswolds is so popular among tourists, along with the iconic golden stone that many buildings are constructed from. For a truly iconic experience, book one of our luxury holiday cottages that's straight out of a fairytale.
Living in the Cotswolds is known for being particularly expensive, as there are some of the most luxurious properties in the UK situated here. Its rural location and beautiful surroundings provide other reasons why this area is more expensive than others for self-catering accommodation in England.
However, when visiting the Cotswolds you will find that it doesn’t have to cost a lot. With the numerous places to explore in the outdoors, and plenty of towns and villages to stroll around, there are countless things to do here, as well as self-catering holiday cottages, that don’t need to break the bank.
There are a number of pretty towns situated in the Cotswolds, many of which offer their own unique setting. Although, one that stands out in particular is Castle Combe, known for being one of the prettiest villages in England.
The housing here hasn’t been developed since the 1600s, which is why the old cottages have such an ancient feel about them. The historic bridge in the village that hovers over a river and surrounding greenery makes it a picturesque town that is absolutely worth visiting.
