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 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. Read more
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.
An idyllic cottage in Ilmington in the north of the Cotswolds, close to Stratford Upon Avon and within easy reach of Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham and Oxford. The two-bedroom courtyard cottage sleeps up to four people and is within a short walk of the village shop and two friendly pubs. Beautiful footpaths and cycling routes go through nearby woodlands and the countryside of the Ilmington Downs. Sansome Cottage is a perfect country escape for couples, families or friends to enjoy in any season.
This gorgeous stone cottage is in the grounds of the Grade II listed former Manor Farm in the Cotswolds village of Biddestone. It's utterly captivating, sleeping four people in two bedrooms with gardens lovingly tended by the owner. Guests love the location near the village green and within walking distance of the pub. Bath, Lacock, and Castle Combe are all within a few miles, and there are lots of opportunities for country walks, playing golf, and day trips to places like Bristol, Stonehenge, Westonbirt Arboretum, and Swindon's designer shopping outlet. Families and couples are welcome in all seasons.
42 Shakespeare Street is a welcoming holiday cottage close to the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal and within 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.
This comfortable early Victorian holiday cottage 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 AONB. 41 Shakespeare Street is a wonderful place to stay at any time of the year.
This welcoming holiday cottage has a wealth of features including an inglenook with wood burner and walled garden for enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple in the sunshine, giving it all year round appeal. With a choice of three pubs, as well an a Victorian Brewery in the village, Rose Cottage in Hook Norton is perfect for exploring Central England including the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and Shakespeare's very own Stratford-upon-Avon. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
Mutton Barn provides luxurious holiday accommodation and boasts a wonderful rural location with breathtaking views of Warwickshires spectacular countryside. A haven for wildlife, this impressive barn is just 7 miles from Stratford upon Avon and is an ideal base for exploring Central England including Warwickshire and the Cotswolds.
A spacious two bedroom ground floor holiday lodge located in the grounds of a country house with indoor swimming pool. Stratford-upon-Avon and Henley in Arden are only three miles away with an abundance of attractions and great days out within easy reach. A good self-catering base for exploring Central England.
Located in a peaceful village in the middle of the rolling Cotswolds countryside, Vine Cottage is a stunning stone holiday cottage that has been tastefully refurbished to provide luxury self-catering accommodation in the village of Paxford. Sleeping eight guests in four beautiful bedrooms, with an Aga, open fire and enclosed garden, it is the perfect holiday pad for families and friends at any time of the year. Enjoy walks from the front door, pottering around the nearby picturesque market towns, exploring historic castles and gardens, or simply relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings.
Picture-postcard pretty, this gorgeous thatched holiday cottage for two oozes character with beams on the ceiling, flags on the floor, a log burner for cosy nights and a lovely garden for relaxing when the sun shines. Perfectly placed in a highly desirable position on the outskirts of Chipping Campden town within walking distance of pubs, restaurants and shops. Lovely walks from the front door and a great base for exploring the Cotswolds Hills whether you do it by car, bike or foot.
High House offers the rare opportunity to stay in an authentic Arts and Crafts house close to the centre of Chipping Campden. Designed by Robert Ashbee and sympathetically renovated to sleep six people in three bedrooms, it is wonderfully comfortable and convenient for shops, cafes, restaurants, and other amenities you need for a self-catering holiday in the Cotswolds. The holiday home is within easy reach of farm parks, gardens, market towns and museums, and under an hour from Bicester, Blenheim Palace, Oxford and Stratford-Upon-Avon for days of shopping and sightseeing.
Is there anything quite as lovely as a holiday in the Cotswolds? Number Six is a beautiful terraced stone holiday cottage on historic Sheep Street in Chipping Campden. Although only a short stroll from bars, cafes, pubs, restaurants and fantastic shops, it's still peaceful and quiet - especially in the courtyard garden. Spend happy days exploring the scenic countryside and visiting picturesque towns and villages, including Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Oxford, and Blenheim Palace. The cottage sleeps four people and suits couples and families.
A cosy Cotswolds cottage for four in an idyllic position in the charming Cotswolds village of Ebrington with an excellent pub and superb walks on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions close by including Chipping Campden and Hidcote Manor just a short drive away.
Crafty Cottage is in the heart of historic Chipping Campden, one of the most picturesque of the Cotswold wool towns. It's a beautiful holiday cottage for couples and individuals, with a spacious ensuite bedroom, cosy log burner, and pretty garden inspired by those just a few miles away at Hidcote. Bars, cafes, delicatessens, independent shops, and Chipping Campden's market square are all within a short walk of the door. Favourite Cotswold attractions, Cheltenham, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Gloucester and Blenheim Palace are also within easy reach. Crafty Cottage is dog-friendly and available for holiday bookings all year round.
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 desk 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.
Pretty inside and out, this Cotswolds stone 18th Century cottage has lots of original character and provides a welcoming holiday retreat ideally placed in the village of Middle Barton in Oxfordshire. The vibrant town of Chipping Norton is close by with a good range of shops, pubs and restaurants, and an abundance of attractions are within easy reach including nearby Blenheim Palace in Woodstock and Oxford City centre.
Farthing Cottage is a pretty stone Cotswolds cottage in an enviable position sitting in a quiet backwater with off-road parking and 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 and four poster bed an excellent choice right in the very heart of the Cotswolds.
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.
Popular towns in and around The Cotswolds:
Bourton-on-the-WaterBroadwayBurfordChipping CampdenChipping NortonSouth CerneyStow-on-the-WoldStratford-upon-AvonStroudTewkesburySome local suggestions:
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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, cottages and attractions welcoming dogs.
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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, 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
