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
On the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds, this self catering holiday cottage offers a comfy affordable base to explore this lovely area and sits in the village of Chadlington with good village pub and butcher. Between Woodstock and Chipping Norton, the areas many attractions are within easy reach of Stable Cottage.
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.
Lantern House is exceptionally family-friendly and offers spacious holiday accommodation for five adults/children plus two babies/toddlers under two years in the Wiltshire village of Sherston within the Cotswolds AONB. Close to Westonbirt National Arboretum and the areas many attractions (including Tetbury), this well presented character Cotswolds house provides a good base for exploring Central England.
A charming stone holiday cottage ideally situated in the lovely market town of Winchcombe in the heart of the North Cotswold's with excellent eating establishments and amenities on the doorstep. A great self-catering base for exploring Central England and its many 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 five 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.
This clean and comfortable Cotswold Cottage is well equipped with modern amenities. Three bedrooms on the first floor, offer a Main Superking Bed with ensuite shower, a second King Bedroom with shared Family Bathroom and Twin Room with a trundle pull-out bed, which can be set up for single or double occupancy. The downstairs area has a WC, open plan kitchen and dining room as well as a comfortable lounge space with SmartTV and high speed internet. We have spared no expense on quality mattresses by the award-winning manufacturer Harrison Spinks and 300 thread-count bed linen, so you will be guaranteed a good night's sleep. We do have a travel cot and high Chair which will be provided, if requested in advance. This is a pet-free home to cater to people with pet allergies. Wheelchair access from your vehicle into and around the ground floor (WC / Kitchen/Lounge) is possible but you would need to climb stairs to get to the bedrooms) Our bathroom products have been sourced from MadeKind, as they are eco-friendly, plant-based, non-toxic and cruelty-free. The property benefits from Electric Vehicle charge points and a lockable Bike Shed.
Holiday Rental for Groups of Families and Friends. Cotswold Spa House, Badminton, Gloucestershire, sleeps 10-25 in 7 bedrooms.
Holiday Rental for Groups of Families and Friends. Cotswold Manor House, Badminton, Gloucestershire, sleeps 10-28 in 6 bedrooms.
A fabulous Cotswolds home just a short walk from the many shops and eating establishments on the historic High Street of Chipping Campden - perfect for a weekend away with friends or family and as a self-catering base for exploring the Cotswolds many attractions.
Mellowstones is a Cotswold cottage in Broad Campden, just over a mile from Chipping Campden and within easy reach of Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, and Stratford-Upon-Avon. Offering 3 bedrooms (one ensuite) and comfortably accommodates five to six people, with an ideal layout for couples, families or friends. It's a fantastic location for a holiday in the Cotswolds, with excellent access to footpaths, cycling routes, picturesque towns and villages and favourite attractions that make the Cotswolds one of the most popular places in England.
Beaver Brook is in a terrace located just moments from the Spa and Ballihoo restaurant, overlooking a water garden with trout pool and beside one of the many streams that cross Lower Mill. Great family rental property, stocked full of baby/toddler equipment and games/books.
The party starts here! Cheltenham Chase is a big holiday home in the Cotswolds. Sleeping 24 people in a quiet location three miles from Cheltenham, the 10-bedroom property is perfect for your hen weekend, family reunion, or hosting your wedding party and guests for your celebration. The house has superb self-catering facilities and an acre of landscaped grounds, an indoor swimming pool, a games room and a terrace with a barbecue. Spend a day relaxing by the pool before getting ready to dine out and hit the town or explore picturesque villages and historic market towns.
Indulge in 5-Star Gold luxury within walking distance of famous sights and fantastic amenities at Heritage Mews. The modern holiday cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon is only a 10-15 minutes walk from places like Shakespeare's Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and the River Avon, offering a very high standard of accommodation for three people in two bedrooms. The cottage has a beautiful private courtyard garden, off-street parking for two cars, and lots of touches that will ensure you're very comfortable in every season. It's a perfect choice for exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and the wider Warwickshire countryside and the nearby Cotswolds. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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. 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. Sleeping 10 guests in 5 bedrooms, 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 has access to an on-site spa as well as children's play areas, two tennis courts 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, 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, contemporary family home in a sought after waterfront location on the Lower Mill Estate in Gloucestershire. Guests have direct access to tennis courts, play areas and a 450-acre nature reserve, as well as a luxurious spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools. There is also a man-made beach within 2 minute drive. The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is on the doorstep, while places like Cirencester and Westonbirt Arboretum are nearby. It's the perfect place where families can enjoy being together, relaxing and having fun.
The beauty of the English countryside beckons from this gorgeous Cotswold cottage. Well Furlong Cottage is within walking distance of Little Comberton. It sleeps up to eight people in four ensuite bedrooms and features loads of luxurious extras including a tennis court and an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room. Worcester, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stratford-Upon-Avon are all within easy reach, as are favourite Cotswold attractions, footpaths and cycling routes.
With space for up to 20 guests, The Manor Stables has wide appeal with a log burner, exclusive hot tub, lovely rural views, private patio area and the shared use of 70 acres of beautiful parkland with plenty of space including ponds, vineyard and Games Barn. Beautifully presented throughout, this superb holiday home is one of a collection of nine exclusive properties thoughtfully designed with large parties in mind and sits on The Cotswold Estate on the outskirts of the Oxfordshire village of Lew. The popular Lord Kitchener pub is within walking distance and the Cotswolds many attractions including the Cotswold Wildlife Farm, Oxford's dreaming spires and Blenheim Palace are all within easy driving distance. A perfect choice for anyone looking to get together with friends and family or celebrate a special occasion (hen parties and stag weekends welcome!). The owner is able to arrange fun activities including zorbing, clay pigeon shooting, team building events and mini-olympic games.
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-AvonStroudTewkesburySome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Cotswolds cottagesLuxury Cotswolds holiday cottagesLast minute Cotswolds cottagesRomantic 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.
