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
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.
Honeysuckle Cottage is a beautifully presented magical Cotswold cottage quietly located on the edge of a lovely village in the heart of the Cotswolds surrounded by countryside close to Stow on the Wold. Ideally situated for exploring the nearby towns and villages offering a host of pubs, restaurants, independent shops, coffee houses and tea rooms together with numerous wonderful walks through the rolling countryside with other attractions just a short drive away.
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.
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
A delightful period stone cottage ideal for large gatherings of friends or families in a quiet street in the heart of the ancient Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Great shops, pubs and restaurants on the doorstep and a host of attractions within easy reach.
Riverside is a prestigious Cotswold holiday home on the bank of the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water. Built from the characteristically beautiful Cotswold Stone with mullioned stone windows and an AGA, it sleeps six people in three bedrooms with three bathrooms and a walled garden. The self-catering cottage is perfect for families or friends, including those with children. You're close to fantastic restaurants, pubs and independently owned shops and within easy reach of favourite Cotswold attractions, towns and villages for days out.
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.
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.
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.
Full of traditional character and charm, Rose Cottage is a delightful self-catering retreat conveniently positioned just a short walk from the market square of Stow-on-the Wold with an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants, coffee houses and shops. An ideal location for exploring the Cotswolds and popular holiday destinations. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
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.
Endless Sky is a gorgeous contemporary lakeside holiday cottage in the Cotswolds, sleeping eight guests at the sought-after Lower Mill Estate near Somerford Keynes. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and plenty of outdoor space make it well-suited to family holidays, with a roof terrace and balconies overlooking the water. Guests have complimentary access to the estate's Leisure & Wellness Club, plus watersports, tennis, cycle hire, play areas and 450 acres of private nature reserve to explore. Restaurants are on site, while Cirencester, Tetbury and some of the Cotswolds' favourite family attractions are within easy driving distance.
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!
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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Often referred to as the 'Heart of England', and spanning over six counties - Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, along with Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire - the Cotswolds is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations.
There is a long list of iconic Cotswolds towns and villages that are popular places to stay and visit. Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” is famous for its low stone bridges and the River Windrush. Or the market towns of Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Burford, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden are all well known for their elegant buildings, independent shops and array of galleries, pubs and cafés.
Head out to the idyllic villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter to enjoy the peaceful countryside whilst the village of Bibury is famous for Arlington Row, a line of historic weavers’ cottages that has become one of the Cotswolds’ most recognisable sights. Alternatively, if you are looking to combine the quintessential charm of the Cotswolds with an inland sandy beach and a variety of water sports head to the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester and South Cerney. It offers a completely different side to the Cotswolds, where you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, open-water swimming, waterskiing, cycling, walking and fishing.
The Cotswolds is the perfect place to escape with your four-legged friend, with plenty of beautiful walks and dog-friendly places to discover. Browse our selection of dog-friendly cottages and find the perfect base for your countryside adventure. For a truly indulgent stay, why not live like royalty for a few days in one of our luxury cottages, or unwind in your own private hot tub after a day exploring.
Planning a romantic escape? Our romantic cottages make the perfect setting for a special break for two, from cosy hideaways to characterful retreats where you can slow down, switch off and enjoy a little quality time together.
The Cotswolds are lovely at any time of year, but late spring and early autumn are particularly appealing. May and June bring longer days, blooming gardens, lush green countryside and plenty of opportunities for walking, while September and early October offer softer light, autumnal colours and generally fewer visitors than the height of summer. These seasons are ideal for exploring the villages, gardens, country houses and walking routes without the busy summer crowds.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, with warm days and a lively atmosphere. However, the best-known villages can be busy, particularly at weekends. Spring is a great time to visit the gardens and admire the array of daffodils and tulips popping up all over the countryside. Winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric Cotswolds. The sparkle of winter frosts accompanied by the smell of roaring log fires in cosy cottages and country pubs makes it a great time for a relaxing cottage break.
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 to visit.
A Cotswolds holiday is all about exploring beautiful villages, enjoying the countryside and soaking up the region’s quintessential English character. Wander through honey-coloured villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Castle Combe, browse independent shops and galleries in towns such as Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden, or follow one of the many walking trails through rolling countryside. There are also plenty of historic houses, castles and gardens to discover, including Snowshill Manor and Garden, Chastleton House, Sudeley Castle and the gardens at Hidcote.
For something more active, head to the Cotswold Water Park for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, swimming and cycling, or explore the area on horseback or by bike. Food lovers can enjoy traditional country pubs, farm shops, cafés and local producers, whilst families can visit attractions such as the Cotswold Wildlife Park.
You can also spend a day simply browsing antique shops, exploring a farmers’ market and finding a peaceful village pub and enjoying the scenery — making the Cotswolds equally suited to a relaxing break as well as to an action packed holiday.
The Cotswolds are relatively easy to reach, with good road and rail connections from across the UK. If you want to get off the beaten track and explore lots of smaller villages driving is the best option. The M4, M5 and M40 provides easy access to different parts of the region. Once there, however, be prepared for narrow country lanes and busy car parks at some of the most popular villages.
Travelling by train is a great alternative, particularly for a short break. Direct trains run from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh in around 90 minutes, while other useful stations include Cheltenham Spa and Stroud. Local buses then connect several of the better-known villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden, making a car-free Cotswolds holiday possible with a little planning.
If you want to stay in the most popular towns and villages in the Cotswolds then consider our Cotswolds holiday cottages in Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway and Painswick. However, if you want to be a little off the beaten tourist trail but still in the heart of the Cotswolds, there are plenty of smaller villages to choose from. The Cotswolds Water Park is perfect for those who love water-based outdoor activities just a stones throw from their holiday cottage.
If you only have enough time for a short break, three to four days is a good amount of time for a first Cotswolds holiday. This gives you enough time to explore a couple of the famous villages without feeling as though you are constantly rushing from one place to another. You can also fit in a country house or garden, enjoy a few walks and spend some time relaxing in traditional pubs and cafés.
If you have five to seven days, you can explore at a much more leisurely pace and discover some of the quieter corners of the Cotswolds. You could venture off the usual tourist trail, visit historic houses and gardens, and spend your days exploring some of the pretty towns and villages. A longer stay also gives you more flexibility to explore different areas, rather than trying to see everything in a short break.
The Cotswolds are best known for its beautiful honey-coloured stone villages, rolling countryside and classic English character. The area is also famous for its historic market towns, traditional country pubs, independent shops, large array of antique shops and tearooms.
The Cotswolds are also renowned for their stately homes, castles and beautiful gardens. Add in excellent walking and cycling, local food and drink, charming country cottages, and attractions such as the Cotswold Water Park, and it is easy to see why the Cotswolds are such a popular destination for a classic English countryside holiday.
For a truly iconic experience, book one of our luxury holiday cottages that's straight out of a fairytale.
The Cotswolds can be more expensive than some other UK countryside destinations, particularly in the most popular villages and during the summer months. However, you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy the Cotswolds. There are plenty of affordable self-catering cottages while many of the best things to do — including walking, exploring villages and enjoying the countryside — are free. Staying slightly outside the most famous villages and visiting in spring or autumn can also help keep costs down.
Why not see if you can pick up a last minute bargain on our Last Minute Offers page?
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 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 that hovers over a river and surrounding greenery makes it a picturesque village that is absolutely worth visiting.
For a town, 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.
