Set amongst the rural, picturesque hills of the West Midlands of England, the county of Worcestershire features a rich heritage and has played important roles throughout the years from the turbulent middle ages right up to the factory laden industrial age. The area has vast acres of serene and peaceful landscapes and even though it is landlocked and surrounded by six other counties including Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire, its waterways offer a variety of activities for all tastes. Read more
Stay in the peaceful Worcestershire countryside in this fantastic Grade-II listed holiday cottage. The interior is a mix of 17th Century bricks and beams next to contemporary materials and furnishings to create a unique space where couples can relax and enjoy exploring the Wyre Forest, Kidderminster, Stourport and Worcester. The Coach House is in Lincombe, close to the Redstone Caves and with easy access to an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways and cycling routes to make it an excellent year-round location for a romantic holiday for couples or a peaceful retreat for solo travellers.
Linhay Cottage offers incredible views 24x7 whether you are admiring the countryside views over your morning cup of tea or gazing in wonder at the millions of twinkling stars visible thanks to the absolute lack of light pollution. The cottage is peaceful yet near towns 7 miles away - the best of both worlds and just perfect for couples who want easy access to the beautiful Malvern Hills AONB, the charming spa town of Great Malvern, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Worcester and many picturesque towns and villages. With accommodation on one level and a wheelchair friendly layout, this cottage is also perfect for guests with limited mobility.
Has an escape to the country ever looked as good as The Nest? The welcoming 19th-century cottage has been sympathetically restored to offer a luxurious stylish standard of accommodation for up to four people, making it ideal for couples or families. The peaceful location just outside Lincomb and close to Stourport-on-Severn and Kidderminster is within easy reach of the River Severn, Wyre Forest and the ancient city of Worcester, as well as attractions like Hanbury Hall and Arley Arboretum.
Relax in this gorgeous riverfront beauty. Peaceavon sits serenely beside the bank of the River Avon in the charming Worcestershire village of Wyre Piddle. It sleeps eight people in four superbly appointed bedrooms, two with ensuites, with fantastic views from the bedrooms and the living areas. The upside-down layout makes the most of the incredible views and allows for a huge balcony on the upper level and a patio and terraced garden on the ground floor. Pershore is two miles along the river with shops and places to eat and drink. The Cotswolds, Worcester, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwick Castle, and Cadbury World are all within reach for a day out.
With miles of fabulous walks and bike rides on the doorstep, this characterful holiday cottage sits in an elevated position on the slopes of the Malvern Hills in an enviable spot next to the historic Holy Well Spring. Great Malvern with its excellent amenities is just two miles away and there is a restaurant and pubs within walking distance. Easy access to many of Central England's attractions including the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds.
The Swallows is a beautiful penthouse holiday home in a tranquil location close to Droitwich Spa in rural Worcestershire. It's on Elmbridge Farm, overlooking one of three fishing lakes with a decked balcony and space for five people to sleep in two bedrooms plus a sofa bed. The size and the layout are suitable for couples, families or friends. Malvern, the Cotswolds, and places like Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cheltenham are all within easy reach. It's possible to arrange fishing rods, bike hire and yoga sessions through the owner when booking.
Impress your family and delight your friends with a stay at Severn Manor. Built and furnished to host house parties over 150 years ago, this elegant Victorian Manor House is full of charm, with space for 28 adults (plus two children) to sleep in eleven bedrooms (eight in the house and three in the cottage). Amenities include four private acres of grounds, a games room, cinema room, formal dining room, restaurant-standard kitchen, and multiple reception rooms. It's in the rural Worcestershire village of Dunley, within walking distance of the village pub and easy reach of the River Severn, golf courses, country pursuits, and attractions like the West Midlands Safari Park.
Sitting in a tranquil position where a stream runs through the grounds, 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 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.
Set amongst picturesque grounds with a stream running through, these two 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.
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.
This fabulous shepherds hut offers guests remote exclusivity with all the luxuries of self-catering. Nestling on the edge of the Cotswolds, you can escape away from the hustle and bustle of every day life and enjoy an abundance of space where children can run free and adults can soak up the tranquility and beauty of the English countryside. The village of Little Comberton is within walking distance and Elmley Castle is just 2-miles away with an exceptionally good pub for long lazy lunches. Worcester, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stratford-Upon-Avon are all within easy reach, as are the many favourite attractions of the Cotswolds. No ordinary glamping experience, this incredible shepherds hut has heaps of traditional appeal and is one of the largest and most luxurious of its kind, with 80-acres of organic farmland to roam.
Varden House is a welcoming barn conversion in rural Worcestershire, close to Pershore and within easy reach of Worcester. There is a wealth of things to do during your stay from fishing onsite to walking through ancient woodland, mountain biking in the Malvern Hills AONB, admiring abbeys, castles and heritage buildings, or exploring historic places like Stratford-Upon-Avon. Birmingham and Cheltenham are easy to reach by car, as are Cotswolds towns like Broadway and Chipping Campden. The holiday cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and has a layout that suits families, extended families and friends.
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.
If Bridgerton has you yearning for your own slice of Georgian life, then you will love this property. The charming first-floor holiday apartment is above a quiet office on Broadway's High Street. It has recently received a sympathetic facelift with the owners enhancing original, 350-year-old features such as mullioned Cotswold stone windows and oak beams, with the contemporary comforts of smart central heating, wool carpet and high-quality furnishings. The two-bedroom apartment can sleep up to four people and is perfect for couples or friends. Everything you need for a fun and relaxing holiday is mere footsteps away, including a private garden.
A mews style holiday cottage in the heart of the popular Cotswolds village of Broadway providing an ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds and Central England. Shops and superb eateries on the doorstep and lovely walks from the front door.
The Cotswolds and the Vale of Evesham rival each other in their beauty. Redtile's location in Bretforton, within walking distance of the traditional Fleece Inn, gives you easy access to charming villages and market towns, beautiful sights and unforgettable experiences. The Avon River is nearby, as are The Cotswolds Way long-distance footpath and the breathtaking Blossom Trail. Evesham, Broadway and Chipping Campden are only a few miles away, while Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are not much further. Finished to a high standard and perfect for couples, Redtiles offers guests a relaxed yet comfortable experience.
Popular towns in and around The Cotswolds:
BroadwaySearch within Central England
It was within the county that the first skirmish of the English Civil War occurred (at the Battle of Powick Bridge) and it also featured the last major battle of the conflict, the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Embedded in the county is a deep history and there are various historic houses located around the area including Harvington Hall, a moated medieval and Elizabethan manor-house that features Elizabethan architecture and original wall paintings.
The rural makeup of the county offers fantastic outdoor pursuits and the beautiful landscapes are great for photography. Malvern Hills is a vast area of open common land that is ideal for walking whilst soaking up the native wildlife and enjoying the stunning views. Worcestershire is also included in the Cotswolds area which is one of the most popular in England. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is full of rolling hills, relaxing nature trails and quaint little villages that haven't changed in years.
Within the Cotswolds area is the Worcestershire village of Broadway that is often described as the ideal representation of a typical Cotswolds village. Its thatched roofs, winding roads, honey coloured old age limestone buildings that date back to the 16th century in some cases and unique charm make it a great location to explore the rest of the county. It also includes a number of ancient pubs and inns where visitors can experience traditional Worcestershire culinary delights.
The county is not just made up of picturesque rural landscapes, instead it also has some bustling towns such as Worcester itself with its spectacular cathedral and Redditch. Here you can find a curious mix of old and new with tradition arts and crafts stores beside modern shopping centres with high street brands and multinational stores. Families can experience a wide range of activities and the county is welcoming for children with plenty to do. The Safari Park at Bewdley provides a chance to view animals not native to the area, whilst the Transport Museum in the charming village of Wythall offers an insight into the past.
Worcestershire manages to combine modernity and age old tradition in an effective way. From the rural landscapes that offer a scenic view of the area to the busy towns with their modern facilities and lively atmosphere, the county really does appeal to all. Its little market villages show off a way of life unique to the area and the real sense of history makes for a fascinating visit to the county. Old and new, traditional and modern, Worcestershire is one of the most accessible counties in England with a diverse and appealing nature.
Read more about the Cotswolds in our things to do in the Cotswolds guide
