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
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.
The Granary is a charming holiday cottage in Broadway, Cotswolds, ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking a peaceful getaway. Tucked away neatly behind The Old Grocery, this Cotswold stone property features a private courtyard garden, perfect for enjoying sunny breakfasts. Guests can explore nearby tea shops, boutiques, restaurants and pubs. Broadway is known as the "Jewel of the Cotswolds," offering stunning walks along the Cotswold Way and access to attractions like Broadway Tower and Snowshill Manor. Enjoy car-free adventures on the Gloucestershire Steam Railway or cycle through picturesque countryside, making The Granary a perfect self-catering base for relaxation and exploration.
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.
A quaint self-catering holiday cottage located in an elevated position on a Cotswold farm offering panoramic rural views over woodland and the countryside of Gloucestershire. Sitting in a haven for wildlife, this beautiful valley is dotted with arts and crafts workshops, cheese makers, farmers markets, microbreweries and pubs within walking distance - a pleasure to visit at any time of the year!
March Hare Cottage is a 1800's holiday cottage in picturesque Bretforton, in The Vale of Evesham, Worcestershire, sleeping up to three guests. It’s a self-catering cottage, with a mix of older features and more recent updates, plus an enclosed garden that's ideal if you’re bringing a dog. The famous Fleece Inn, owned by The National Trust, is a short walk away, which makes lunchtimes or evenings easy. This holiday rental in the Vale of Evesham suits couples or a small family with a dog looking to be in the centre of this old gem of a Village, with Broadway and several Cotswold villages and towns only few miles away for days out.
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.
Tucked inside the private Lower Mill Estate nature reserve near Cirencester, Farm House Barn is one of the Cotswold Lakes’ few thatched holiday homes and a beautifully restored hideaway that sleeps eight. The barn pairs heritage charm with effortless modern living: think flagstone floors, exposed beams, a wood burner and a private garden that runs down to a gentle brook. By staying here, you'll enjoy complimentary access to the exclusive on-site spa, tennis courts and pools, along with lakeside trails and water sports. Farm House Barn is a rare find for families or friends seeking luxury self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Sandpiper is a stunning lakeside holiday home on the exclusive Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds, sleeping up to 10 guests in stylish comfort. With direct access to Somerford Lagoon, a private hot tub, and panoramic views, it’s perfect for luxury family escapes and multigenerational getaways. Enjoy designer interiors, open-plan living, and access to on-site facilities including a luxury spa, heated pools, tennis courts, nature trails and watersports. Cirencester, Bibury and Broadway are all within easy reach, but with so much to enjoy on the estate, you may never want to leave. One dog welcome. Parking and ultrafast Wi-Fi included.
Chiff Chaff is a beautiful family holiday cottage on the sought-after Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds Water Park. This spacious self-catering home accommodates up to eight guests across four bedrooms and features three bathrooms, private hot tub, direct lake access, and a waterfront deck. Enjoy nearby amenities such as the Ballihoo restaurant, tennis courts, and Spa. With dog-friendly policies, it's perfect for the whole family. Explore nature trails, paddleboarding, and local attractions like Cirencester's Roman ruins and boutiques. Book your idyllic getaway at Chiff Chaff and experience the beauty of the Cotswolds!
Minety Dawn, a luxurious lakeside Lower Mill Estate retreat, offers up to ten guests a blissful holiday experience. This family-friendly home features plush bedrooms, use of the Lower Mill Spa, and direct lake access for activities like paddleboarding. Nearby, Cirencester, the Capital of the Cotswolds, has a blend of historical sites, shopping, and dining. Local attractions are the famous Cotswold Wildlife Park and Cotswold Farm Park, Bowood House and Gardens, WWT Slimbridge, and outdoor activities at Cotswold Country Park. Minety Dawn is an ideal Cotswolds holiday home for those seeking relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting.
Merlin House in the Cotswolds is perfect for big families and friends as this lakeside holiday home comfortably sleeps eight across four plush bedrooms. As part of the prestigious Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park, it's perfect for families and friends seeking relaxation and adventure. Enjoy alfresco dining on the deck, a soak in the private hot tub, and indulge in the on-site pool and spa facilities - you have free access with your booking. With its pet-friendly policy, everyone can join in the fun. Lower Mill Estate is a nature lover's paradise, offering birdwatching, walking trails, and spa indulgence. Nearby Cirencester offers historic charm, while Cotswold attractions provide endless exploration. Merlin House promises magical moments in Gloucestershire.
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.
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.
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.
Set within the sought-after Lower Mill Estate, Dunnock House is a spacious, contemporary lakeside holiday home in the heart of the Cotswolds. Ideal for couples, families or larger groups, it offers stylish open-plan living, a well-equipped kitchen, and private decking overlooking the water. The house is large, with huge windows and door allowing light to stream in, and easily accommodates 8 guests, and the dog of course! Guests can enjoy free access to on-site spa facilities including indoor and outdoor heated pools, and a range of activities including walking, cycling and water sports. With beautiful countryside and charming Cotswold villages nearby, it’s the perfect base for a relaxing self-catering break. Lower Mill Estate itself is a 450-acre nature reserve set within The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a plethora of flora and fauna right on your doorstep. Perfect day-trip places like Cirencester and Westonbirt Arboretum are easily accessible. Ballihoo on-site restaurant is a treat and The Bakers Arms is only a 15 minute walk away. It's the perfect place where families can enjoy being together, relaxing and having fun.
The Manor Wychwood is a delight in contradictions. The luxurious barn conversion is quiet and rural yet just a short drive from Witney, Woodstock, Blenheim Palace and Oxford. It can sleep up to 24 people in 10 bedrooms yet retains the welcoming feeling of a family home. The layout is ideal for getting together to celebrate milestone occasions, but there are also quiet corners where guests can retreat for peace and privacy. The Manor Wychwood is in the Cotswold AONB and managed as part of the Cotswold Manor Estate, so you know you and your guests will enjoy a high standard of accommodation with excellent facilities and support when planning the perfect holiday or celebratory break with extended family or friends.
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.
