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
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.
Amberley is a peaceful village just a few miles from Stroud and surrounded by the picturesque Cotswold countryside. Bakehouse Cottage sits on Minchinhampton Common, a beautiful area managed by the National Trust that gives the village a wonderfully traditional atmosphere. The holiday cottage provides space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms, and is within easy walking distance of two excellent pubs - the Amberley Inn and The Black Horse, and the new community shop and cafe. It is ideal for couples who will appreciate its unique history and welcoming charm. A dog is welcome as are children!
This pretty stone holiday cottage sits on the edge of Minchinhampton Common in the Cotswold village of Amberley. Perfect for couples looking for a slice of paradise in this beautiful part of the world, Bread Cottage offers contemporary self-catering accommodation in a building full of character and charm. If you aren’t wowed by the gorgeous countryside views then the stunning glass staircase spanning three floors is guaranteed to impress! If you can tear yourself away from this charming cottage there is plenty to keep you entertained from beautiful walks, impressive mansions and castles or even a day on the water at Cotswold Water Park. The village has two pubs and a community shop and cafe.
42 Shakespeare Street, with private off street parking, is a welcoming holiday cottage close to the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal and within easy 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, with private off street parking, 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 . 41 Shakespeare Street is a wonderful place to stay at any time of the year.
Mutton Barn provides luxurious holiday accommodation with a wood-fired Hot tub and boasts a wonderful rural location with breathtaking views of Warwickshires spectacular countryside. A haven for wildlife, this impressive barn set in the Heart of England Forest is just 7 miles from Stratford upon Avon and is an ideal base for exploring Central England including Warwickshire and the Cotswolds.
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.
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 cottage can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests but can be refigured to receive small groups. Please contact owner for details.
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.
An idyllic cottage in Ilmington in the north of the Cotswolds, close to Stratford Upon Avon and Chipping Campden and within easy reach of Moreton in Marsh, Chipping Norton, Stow on the Wold, with Cheltenham and Oxford both about 30 miles away. 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 the countryside of the Ilmington Downs. Sansome Cottage is a perfect country escape for couples, families or friends to enjoy in any season.
The Old Grocery is a charming holiday cottage in the picturesque village of Broadway, Cotswolds. Just a short stroll from inviting cafes and pubs like the Swan Inn, this stunning retreat features three ensuite bedrooms, a spacious dining room, and a cosy living room. Enjoy the private garden and embrace the warmth of the cottage’s history with its beautiful bay windows. Perfect for walkers and families, Broadway offers access to stunning landscapes, National Trust properties, and attractions such as Cotswold Wildlife Park and Broadway Tower. Experience a delightful self-catering getaway in this quintessentially English setting.
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.
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.
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.
