The county of Gloucestershire is located in South West England, near the Welsh border and is well-known for its areas of preserved natural beauty. Visitors to Gloucestershire can visit the expansive hills of the Cotswolds or travel to more densely populated areas, such as Gloucester and Cheltenham, to experience ancient architecture, notable museums and galleries, prominent historic sites and locations seen in some of the UK’s most famous works of film and television. Read more
Nestled in the idyllic Gloucestershire village of Apperley, Cricketers Cottage epitomises the quintessential country holiday cottage. This Grade 2 Listed guests love that it's comfortable, spacious and suitable for children and dogs. A stone's throw from the Farmers Arms pub, your stay at Cricketers Cottage will feature scenic landscapes, gorgeous walks, and fishing along the Severn and Avon rivers. Nearby, Tewkesbury entices with a bustling market and a vibrant food scene. Adventure awaits with Cheltenham's shopping and racing, Gloucester's majestic cathedral, and the enchanting Cotswolds AONB all only a short drive from the door.
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.
Why would you even consider going abroad for your holiday with the beautiful Cotswold Water Park as an option? The 40-square mile nature reserve boasts over 150 lakes and has been carefully developed to protect the natural habitat for birds and wildlife while still being superbly comfortable for holidaymakers. Grey Heron Lodge is a waterfront holiday home with ample space for up to six people, with three comfortable bedrooms, an open-plan living area and a huge wrap-around deck, with private jacuzzi. Guests have use of onsite facilities that include watersports, play areas, and a bar and restaurant. They can fish next to the lodge, and the owners have provided a two-person kayak for them to use on Windrush Lake. Dogs and children are very welcome, making Grey Heron Lodge a firm favourite with families and friends, as well as couples who appreciate a great location, pet friendly accommodation and extra space.
The Cotswold Water Park is a perennial favourite for its superb amenities and beautiful surroundings. You'll love this waterfront holiday home facing Isis Lake, with deck and outdoor hot tub, two man kayak and stylishly furnished rooms. Green Woodpecker Lodge sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has a versatile layout that suits families and friends. You can stroll to South Cerney village with its well-stocked village shop and friendly pubs or stay on-site and make the most of the park's restaurant, play areas, tennis courts, table tennis pavilion and games room. Walking, cycling, fishing, and other watersports are all easily accessible, with equipment hire locally. Free use of a kayak on Windrush Lake is included.
A delightful period stone cottage ideal for large gatherings of friends or families in a quiet street in the heart of the ancient Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Great shops, pubs and restaurants on the doorstep and a host of attractions within easy reach.
Full of character, Cloisters is an attractive Grade II listed stone holiday cottage ideally placed in one of the Cotswolds most popular holiday destinations, Bourton-on-the-Water (lovingly known as the 'Little Venice of the Cotswolds'). Right in the heart of the Cotswolds, this is a great self-catering base for exploring the many attractions of both the Cotswolds and Central England, if you can tear yourself away from this picturesque village setting with its eateries, shops, attractions and river running through.
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.
Riverside is a prestigious Cotswold holiday home on the bank of the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water. Built from the characteristically beautiful Cotswold Stone with mullioned stone windows and an AGA, it sleeps six people in three bedrooms with three bathrooms and a walled garden. The self-catering cottage is perfect for families or friends, including those with children. You're close to fantastic restaurants, pubs and independently owned shops and within easy reach of favourite Cotswold attractions, towns and villages for days out.
A stunning, spacious house that offers luxury living, set in the fabulous Cotswold countryside and only 10 mins from the countries most picturesque 'honey stone' villages; Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway.
The cottage can comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests but can be refigured to receive small groups. Please contact owner for details.
A charming period stone cottage sitting in an enviable position in the heart of the popular village of Bourton-on-the-Water often referred to as the 'little Venice of the Cotswolds'. An ideal self-catering base for exploring the Cotswolds and its many attractions with excellent eateries, shops and attractions on the doorstep.
Beechwood Cottage is perfect for large or multi-generation family holidays in the Cotswolds. The stunning holiday home features panoramic views, a double-height ceiling with full-height windows, a bespoke kitchen, a wood-fired hot tub, and six gorgeous bedrooms to sleep up to twelve people. It's in the village of Sheepscombe, only half a mile from the popular Butcher's Arms pub and two miles from Painswick. Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud and Cirencester are all within easy reach. There are beautiful walks from the door and a great choice of cycling routes to help you explore.
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.
Tucked inside the private Lower Mill Estate nature reserve near Cirencester, Farmhouse 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. Farmhouse Barn is a rare find for families or friends seeking luxury self-catering accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Sandpiper is a stunning lakeside holiday home on the exclusive Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds, sleeping up to 10 guests in stylish comfort. With direct access to Somerford Lagoon, a private hot tub, and panoramic views, it’s perfect for luxury family escapes and multigenerational getaways. Enjoy designer interiors, open-plan living, and access to on-site facilities including a luxury spa, heated pools, tennis courts, nature trails and watersports. Cirencester, Bibury and Broadway are all within easy reach, but with so much to enjoy on the estate, you may never want to leave. One dog welcome. Parking and ultrafast Wi-Fi included.
Chiff Chaff is a beautiful family holiday cottage on the sought-after Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds Water Park. This spacious self-catering home accommodates up to eight guests across four bedrooms and features three bathrooms, private hot tub, direct lake access, and a waterfront deck (hot tub is on order!). Enjoy nearby amenities such as the Ballihoo restaurant, tennis courts, and Spa. With dog-friendly policies, it's perfect for the whole family. Explore nature trails, paddleboarding, and local attractions like Cirencester's Roman ruins and boutiques. Book your idyllic getaway at Chiff Chaff and experience the beauty of the Cotswolds!
Minety Dawn, a luxurious lakeside Lower Mill Estate retreat, offers up to ten guests a blissful holiday experience. This family-friendly home features plush bedrooms, use of the Lower Mill Spa, and direct lake access for activities like paddleboarding. Nearby, Cirencester, the Capital of the Cotswolds, has a blend of historical sites, shopping, and dining. Local attractions are the famous Cotswold Wildlife Park and Cotswold Farm Park, Bowood House and Gardens, WWT Slimbridge, and outdoor activities at Cotswold Country Park. Minety Dawn is an ideal Cotswolds holiday home for those seeking relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting.
Popular towns in and around The Cotswolds:
AndoversfordBadmintonBathBiburyBisleyBlockleyBourton On The WaterBourton-on-the-HillBourton-on-the-WaterBristolBroadwayBroadwellChalfordCheltenhamChipping CampdenChipping NortonChristchurchCirencesterColefordCotswold Water ParkCotswolds Water ParkDeerhurstDursleyEldersfieldForest Of DeanGloucesterGuiting PowerHartpuryIlmingtonLechladeLonghopeLydbrookLydneyLyndneyMiddle DuntisbourneMinchinhamptonMonmouthMoreton In MarshMoreton-in-marshNailsworthNewentNewnhamNorthleachNr CirencesterOddingtonPainswickPitchcombeRoss-on-WyeSouth CerneyStow-on-the-WoldStroudTemple GuitingTetburyTewkesburyThe Forest Of DeanTown2UleyWinchcombeWotton-under-EdgeSearch within Central England
The Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are located mostly within Gloucestershire, although the entire area of the Cotswold Hills spans over six different counties and offers miles of almost untouched countryside. The area is also home to numerous small towns and villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, a village which regularly hosts more tourists than locals due to its popular scenery and boutique shopping.
Aside from the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean is perhaps Gloucestershire’s best-known scenic attraction. The peaceful forest is said to have inspired many great artistic and literary works, including Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forest. The Forest of Dean covers over 40 square miles and is a popular spot for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities.
Gloucester, the county’s only city, offers numerous historic attractions, situated alongside all the convenient amenities one would expect from a city. Gloucester Cathedral, located near the River Severn, is an ancient example of Gothic architecture that has also been used as a filming location for modern British classics such as Harry Potter and Doctor Who. Gloucester’s faithfully restored 18th century docks also offer an interesting insight into the city’s history; here visitors can find the National Waterways Museum, as well as various shops and cafes. Travellers who visit Gloucester on a Friday can also visit the local farmers’ market and taste a wide range of local specialities and produce.
Historic sights outside of the city include Berkeley Castle, located in the small town of Berkeley, which was first built in the 11th century and is widely believed to be the location of the murder of King Edward II.
The town of Cheltenham also has plenty to offer travellers, including notable Regency architecture and several seasonal festivals. The town contains four theatres, as well as the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, which displays numerous antique works of art.
The attractions listed here are only a small selection of what Gloucestershire has to offer. Those visiting the county will also have the opportunity to visit many historic churches and royal manors, as well as examples of modern architecture, lakes and rivers where visitors can rent canoes and a diverse range of shops and restaurants.
