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
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.
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
A delightful holiday cottage in an enviable quiet position just a few minutes walk from the heart of the popular village of Broadway - one of the Cotswolds most desirable villages with excellent pubs, restaurants and independent shops to browse. Private off road parking and being dog friendly, with a garden that is enclosed
The Lower Mill Cottages are situated, just up a private road, with private off road parking, also having access to an EV Charger. Set amongst very picturesque grounds with a stream running through, private parking and being dog friendly with an enclosed garden, these two Cotswold Holiday Cottages sit in an enviable idyllic quiet location just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Broadway - one of the Cotswolds most beautiful villages with an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. A great base for exploring Central England or simply relaxing.
Sitting in a tranquil position set up a private road where a stream runs through the grounds, with Private parking (Having an EV Charger) and being dog friendly with an enclosed garden, this welcoming self-catering cottage is only a five minute stroll from the heart of the Cotswolds village of Broadway with its superb independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Lower Mill Cottage Two is a great base for exploring the Cotswolds and Central England.
A holiday in the Cotswolds should be at the top of your "to-do" list, especially when you can stay somewhere like Clock Tower. This spacious self-catering holiday penthouse overlooks the green and market square in historic Stow-on-the-Wold, putting you within steps of incredible places to eat, drink and shop. It sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms, with the option of a travel cot or an extra bed to increase accommodation. Couples, friends and families all love the superb standard of accommodation and a fantastic location close to sights, attractions, and the beautiful countryside walks for which the Cotswolds are famous.
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.
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 (for an extra charge) and available for self-catering holidays all year round.
A beautifully presented 18th Century Cotswold cottage ideally located within a short stroll of the pubs, restaurants and interesting shops in the popular picturesque medieval town of Chipping Campden. An ideal base for exploring the many attractions of the area or simply sampling a taste of Cotswolds life.
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 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.
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.
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.
Beaver Brook is in a terrace located just moments from the Spa and Ballihoo restaurant, overlooking a water garden with trout pool and beside one of the many streams that cross Lower Mill. Great family rental property, stocked full of baby/toddler equipment and games/books. Of course spa access is included for all the family. You can enjoy heated pools, a steam room, sauna and the gym.
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. You have access to the exclusive 'Nines' outdoor heated pool during the warmer months (a facility shared by 9 houses), as well as the main Spa complex with heated pools, steam room, sauna and gym. 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 - with free access to the luxury on-site spa with heated pools, a steam room, sauna and gym! Sleeping 10 guests in 5 bedrooms (2 on the ground floor), 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 on-site you will find a wonderful field-to-fork restaurant Ballihoo, children's play areas, two tennis courts, table tennis facilities and a 450-acre nature reserve.
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.
