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
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.
Sycamore Lodge is in a beautiful location close to the Cotswolds and within easy reach of the North Wessex Downs. There are miles of footpaths and cycling routes to enjoy the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, with day trips including sightseeing and shopping in Bath, Bristol, Chippenham and Devizes. The traditional timber lodge sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms and is ideal for families who like lots of space and the opportunity to spend time exploring outdoors in every season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This cosy studio apartment, with bay windows overlooking the canal, is the perfect bolthole for couples looking for a self-catering getaway in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of this pretty market town, or explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. 4 Bancroft Place has everything you might need for cosy nights in, or take advantage of the huge number of pubs, restaurants and attractions on the doorstep.
A charming first floor holiday apartment with lovely views over South Warwickshire rolling countryside. Just two miles from the historic market town of Shipston-on-Stour and within easy driving distance of Moreton in Marsh, Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold, this is an ideal self-catering base for exploring the pretty villages and historic towns of the Cotswolds. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A romantic hideaway with wood-fired hot tub located centrally within the Cotswolds on a hill farm amongst beautiful scenery, offering a taste of country life and panoramic views over woodland and the countryside of Gloucestershire. A great base for exploring the areas many attractions or simply relaxing in a tranquil setting with plenty of fresh air, wonderful walks and a pub within walking distance for long lazy lunches.
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.
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
Merlin House in the Cotswolds is perfect for big families and friends as this lakeside holiday home comfortably sleeps eight across four plush bedrooms. As part of the prestigious Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park, it's perfect for families and friends seeking relaxation and adventure. Enjoy alfresco dining on the deck and indulge in the on-site pool and spa facilities - you have free access with your booking. With its pet-friendly policy, everyone can join in the fun. Lower Mill Estate is a nature lover's paradise, offering birdwatching, walking trails, and spa indulgence. Nearby Cirencester offers historic charm, while Cotswold attractions provide endless exploration. Merlin House promises magical moments in Gloucestershire.
Popular towns in and around The Cotswolds:
Bourton-on-the-WaterBroadwayBurfordCheltenhamChipping CampdenChipping NortonEveshamSouth CerneyStow-on-the-WoldStratford-Upon-AvonStroudWinchcombeSome 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.
