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 and renowned for its beautiful rolling landscape, fantastic gastropubs, historic market towns and honey-coloured pretty villages. Its close proximity to London makes the Cotswolds a perfect destination for weekend breaks. Read more
This lovely modern holiday cottage has a timeless charm and is on a quiet residential road in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Guests are a short stroll from the River Windrush, shops, tea rooms and pubs, as well as favourite attractions like the Model Village and the Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum. Hire a bicycle or a classic car to tour the surrounding countryside, visiting the Slaughters, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford and other scenic spots. Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cheltenham, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Bicester are all within easy reach for a day trip. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has a private courtyard garden and off-street parking.
A 200 year-old detached holiday cottage providing a comfortable, cosy retreat on a quiet working farm in Gloucestershire near to the Cotswolds. Just half a mile from the village of Whitminster where you can enjoy a meal out, and the many attractions of Central England are within easy driving distance. Tourist board rating: 3 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.
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.
The Granary at Oaks Barn Farm offers a taste of country life on a small working farm in a peaceful rural location, yet it is only ten minutes drive from Stratford-Upon-Avon. With a salt water hot tub as an optional extra, you can soak up the tranquility of the countryside by day, and by night, enjoy the clear star-filled skies watching the flickering flames of the Kandai fire bowl. Centrally located in England, The Granary is a great base for exploring the many attractions of Warwickshire as well as the nearby Cotswolds.
The Coach House at Oaks Barn Farm is in a peaceful rural location on a working farm just ten minutes from the excitement of Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend your days exploring all of Warwickshire's best attractions (including the Cotswolds), cycling through country lanes or even boating on the River Avon, and your evenings relaxing by the outdoor Kandai fire bowl as you enjoy star-filled skies. The cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is a comfortable choice for couples, families or friends. Oaks Barn Farm has another cottage and several shepherd's huts which can be booked together with The Coach House to accommodate larger groups.
Shepherds View is located at Oaks Barn Farm along with two other stylish holiday homes. A working farm nestling amongst tranquil countryside, this stylish lodge is only ten minutes drive from Stratford-upon-Avon, a vibrant town full of culture, good places for a meal out, shops and attractions. A salt water hot tub as an optional extra allows guests to relax and enjoy the tranquility by day, and the star-filled skies by night whilst watching the flames flickering in the Kandai fire bowl. Centrally positioned in the country, Shepherds View is well located for discovering the beauty of Warwickshire and the nearby 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.
This fabulous property sleeps ten in comfort and has a fantastic completely private heated indoor swimming pool for your exclusive use - ideal for groups of friends or large families who wish to holiday together in complete comfort. Just three miles from Stratford-upon–Avon and with loads of restaurants and numerous attractions to visit locally.
Peace, quiet and stunning views of the Swere Valley will be your lasting impression of Swereview Cottage. The charming annexe is built on the grounds of the owner's property to provide very comfortable accommodation for up to four people. Although perfectly set up for easy self-catering, it is within walking distance of the excellent Boxing Hare Pub (and restaurant) if you do not feel like cooking. Chipping Norton, Blenheim Palace and Banbury are all nearby, while Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon are also within reach. There are some wonderful walks around the area, including to the ancient Rollright Stones. Swereview Cottage is a great choice for couples and families.
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 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
Why take a day trip to the Cotswold's most beautiful village when you can stay there? Arlington House is in Lower Slaughter, within walking distance of the River Eye and the Slaughters Country Inn. Set back from a quiet lane behind private gates and with plenty of off-street parking, this three-bedroom cottage offers everything for families or groups of up to six friends to relax and unwind. Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and dozens of other picturesque sights are within a few miles, and there are lovely country walks and bike rides from the front gate.
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 six people in three 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.
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 encompasses six counties, namely Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, along with Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.
Steeped in history, the Cotswolds gained many of its qualities from its medieval sheep trade. Its long history in the wool trade generated much wealth which resulted in building the many fine houses that the Cotswolds is so famous for today. Its landscape 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.
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 puts the fun back into shopping with its local farmers 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.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied too, including walking and cycling the numerous paths and trails, shooting, fishing, golf and hot air ballooning. Horse racing is a popular past time in the Cotswolds with the famous Cheltenham festival, along with other famous equestrian events including Badminton, Blenheim Palace and Gatcombe.
With a wide range of self catering accommodation centrally located in the country, the Cotswolds is perfect for a short break, weekend break or longer holiday at any time of the year.
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, The Slaughters, Bibury, Bruern or the Cotswolds Water Park for those who love water-based outdoor activities..
Many of our Cotswolds cottages are within easy driving distance of Cheltenham Races. Use our map facility to find the closest locations.
There is a regular train service from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham. Many parts of the Cotswolds are also covered by a regular bus service for travelling to your holiday cottage or exploring the area. The cottage owner should be able to help provide local public transport and taxi details.
Every season delivers its own magic. The sparkle of winter frosts are accompanied by the smell of log fires providing a warm welcome in cottages and pubs; or visit in the spring and summer when 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 colour.
