Where Are the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds?
Bibury is widely considered the prettiest village in the Cotswolds, famously described as ‘the most beautiful village in England’. Castle Combe in Wiltshire runs it close, with its perfectly preserved medieval houses and no modern intrusions. Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters, Broadway, and Burford all rank among the most beautiful Cotswolds villages, each with its own distinct character and charm.
The Cotswolds is famous for its beautiful villages and picturesque cottages built from honey-coloured stone. Here are the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds that you should not miss on your trip.
Best Villages in the Cotswolds
There is something magical about the Cotswolds, especially its picturesque villages. From Bibury to Broadway, each provide stunning architecture and an abundance of quaint pubs and restaurants to explore.
An official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds is spread over five English counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. The Cotswolds region covers almost 800 miles of English countryside. As well as beautiful villages, there are some charming Cotswolds towns such as Cirencester that are worth a visit.
These are are some of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds. Most of these Cotswolds villages are easily accessible by road or rail.
| Village | County | Best Known For | Luxury Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bibury | Gloucestershire | Arlington Row, ‘most beautiful village in England’ | n/a |
| Bourton-on-the-Water | Gloucestershire | River Windrush, Model Village, Birdland | n/a |
| Broadway | Worcestershire | Wide high street, antiques, Broadway Tower | The Dormy House Hotel, The Lygon Arms |
| Burford | Oxfordshire | Medieval market town, St John the Baptist church | n/a |
| Castle Combe | Wiltshire | Prettiest village in England, preserved medieval houses | The Manor House Hotel |
| Chipping Campden | Gloucestershire | Medieval high street, Market Hall (1627) | n/a |
| Chipping Norton | Oxfordshire | Chipping Norton Set, chic independent shops | n/a |
| Daylesford | Gloucestershire | Daylesford Organic Farm Shop, Bamford Wellness Spa | n/a |
| Kingham | Oxfordshire | Village green, The Wild Rabbit (Michelin star) | n/a |
| Lower Slaughter | Gloucestershire | River Eye, 19th century mill, Double Thankful Village | n/a |
| Minster Lovell | Oxfordshire | 15th century Minster Lovell Hall ruins, The Old Swan | The Old Swan and Minster Mill |
| Painswick | Gloucestershire | Queen of the Cotswolds, Rococo Gardens (1740s) | n/a |
| Stow-on-the-Wold | Gloucestershire | Norman market town, The Porch House (est. 947 AD) | n/a |
1. Bibury
This popular Cotswolds destination has been described as “the most beautiful village in England”. Bibury is one of the world’s prettiest villages, and the Huffington Post featured it in an article entitled “The Most Charming Towns In Europe You’ll Want To Visit ASAP”.
You’ll spot many enchanting Cotswold stone cottages on a walk around Bibury village. The narrow streets are beautifully maintained by its residents.
Arlington Row was built in 1380 to store wool and converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. These beautiful golden stone buildings are actually owned by The National Trust.
There’s a nice walk from the main road, over a bridge to the cottages and past the nearby trout farm and shop. St Mary’s Church dates from Saxon times.
2. Bourton-on-the-Water
This Cotswolds village on the river Windrush is one of the most picturesque places in England. It has quite a few tourist attractions including the Model Village, which recreates the local buildings in perfect detail.
There’s also the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, as well as Birdland Park and Gardens, which has a lifesize collection of model dinosaurs as well as real birds.
3. Broadway
This large village in the county of Worcestershire is known for its wide main street and array of antique shops. The Jewel of the Cotswolds, as Broadway is nicknamed, has several luxury hotels including The Dormy House Hotel and The Lygon Arms. Oliver Cromwell stayed here in 1651 before the Battle of Worcester.
Check out The Gordon Russell Design Museum, which celebrates the work of the 20th century furniture designer, Sir Gordon Russell. Broadway is also a good base from which to go hiking along the Cotswold Way, and a photogenic place to spend Christmas.
Head up to Broadway Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding Cotswolds countryside. Built by the 6th Earl of Coventry, the tower was an artists’ retreat popular with famous painters such as William Morris. He set up a printing press in the tower!
4. Burford
This is one of England’s most attractive medieval Cotswold market towns, 20 miles west of Oxford. The best place to park is by the church and the river, as it’s free and you can stay as long as you want.
Take a look inside St John the Baptist church. This is one of the oldest buildings in Burford and more like a cathedral in its scale.
There are quite a few interesting shops on Burford High Street too. You can stock up on Burford cheese and Cotswolds food specialties at the Cotswold Cheese Company.
The Lamb Inn on the appropriately named Sheep Street in Burford is a good option for lunch. It has 2 Rosettes and won Oxfordshire ”Gastronomique” Restaurant of the Year. We visited in Autumn but it’s beautiful at any time of year.
5. Castle Combe
Often described as the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe is located in Wiltshire. Part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding National Beauty, the village takes its name from the castle that stood here in the 12th century.
Although there’s no longer a castle here, the medieval houses are extremely well preserved. The luxurious Manor House hotel is a great place to stay. If you’re feeling energetic, Castle Combe Circuit is popular for motor racing.
6. Chipping Campden
Although it’s often considered as a market town rather than a village, Chipping Campden is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds. Known for its long, wide high street with its medieval buildings, this is a vibrant hub for the local community.
Chipping Campden Market Hall was built in 1627 and is still used by traders today. If you like horticulture, don’t miss Kiftsgate Garden and Hidcote Gardens which are both located nearby.
7. Chipping Norton
One of the best villages in the Cotswolds, Chipping Norton is home to some very chic gift shops and cafes. This West Oxfordshire parish is the epicentre of the “Chipping Norton set”. These are rockstars and politicians who have houses or second homes in the area.
8. Daylesford
This privately owned village is well known for Daylesford Organic Farm. Visitors flock to the pretty Cotswolds village, located close to Stow-on-the-Wold, for its organic food and flower shop.
Nearby, Daylesford House is the Gloucestershire residence of Lord and Lady Bamford. They have successfully developed the farm shop and added the popular Bamford Wellness Spa.
9. Kingham
Just 4 miles from Chipping Norton, Kingham is a quaint and peaceful Cotswolds village. However, it has a railway station on the Cotswold Line, with regular Great Western Railway trains.
Kingham has a large village green and many picturesque honey colored cottages. The church of St Andrew has a Gothic tower dating from the 14th century.
The main attraction is The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, a stylish gastropub. Located in an 18th century building, The Wild Rabbit boasts a Michelin star for its delicious food.
10. Lower Slaughter
In spite of their rather ominous sounding names, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter are two of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. The name comes from the old word “slothre” or “slough” which means muddy place.
Lower Slaughter is a small village situated on the River Eye and crossed by two footbridges. The old 19th century mill is built from red brick, however most of the houses are constructed with golden Cotswold limestone.
You can easily walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter, it’s about 1 mile. Known as a Double Thankful Village, meaning that all the inhabitants survived both World Wars, it has a luxury Cotswold hotel: The Lords of the Manor.
11. Minster Lovell
This charming village and civil parish on the River Windrush has three areas: Little Minster, Old Minster and New Minster. The ruins of 15th century Minster Lovell Hall are very atmospheric.
The Old Swan and Minster Mill is a short drive from Burford and Bibury, and a fantastic base for a Cotswolds break. Set on the river, it’s a luxury Cotswolds hotel and restaurant, with a very relaxed vibe.
It’s best to reserve dinner at The Old Swan, particularly if you wish to eat in the bar area. The log fires and oak beams certainly give it a cosy touch.
Enjoy a hearty dinner with very generous portions, prepared by head chef David Mwita, who uses the very best local ingredients. You can also dine outside in Summer and enjoy a game of outdoor chess on their giant chess sets.
The Old Swan has traditional rooms and next door in the Mill the rooms have a more contemporary and casual feel. It’s an easy 40 minute drive to the luxury outlet shopping at Bicester Village.
The Old Swan has a luxury spa and shopping package, which entitles you to a reduction on spa treatments and gives you a VIP Invitation to Bicester Village, where you are presented with a VIP Day card, entitling you to additional savings at over 130 British and international designer stores.
12. Painswick
With a beautiful location near Stroud, Gloucestershire, Painswick is nicknamed the Queen of the Cotswolds.
Large enough to be considered a town, it retains the charm of a Cotswolds village, with many fine limestone buildings. It is a great stop along the Cotswold Way walking itinerary.
Painswick is known for its 18th century Rococo Gardens. These beautiful gardens were designed in the 1740s and are located in a hidden valley.
13. Stow-on-the-Wold
Set on top of Stow Hill, Stow-on-the-Wold was founded by the Normans. This attractive Cotswolds village has been an important trading hub for many years.
The Porch House on Digbeth Street is England’s oldest inn. Astonishingly, it dates from around 947 AD!
Underrated and Hidden-Gem Cotswolds Villages Worth Seeking Out
Most visitors follow the same trail: Bibury, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water. That is no bad thing, but the Cotswolds rewards those who venture a little further. Snowshill is one of the most atmospheric villages in the region, a cluster of steep lanes and stone cottages tucked below a ridge near Broadway. The National Trust’s Snowshill Manor is filled with an eccentric collection of Japanese armour, Tibetan prayer wheels, and antique bicycles.
The village itself sees far fewer visitors than Broadway, despite being only a short drive away. Asthall, in the Windrush Valley near Burford, is barely a hamlet but its Norman church and Elizabethan manor house make it feel like a film set. The Slaughters are well known, but Upper Slaughter in particular retains an almost eerie quietness even in high summer.
Finally, Northleach sits at the crossroads of two Roman roads and has a largely overlooked 15th century wool church that rivals anything in Cirencester for grandeur. These villages will not disappoint if you have the time to seek them out.
Best Time to Visit the Prettiest Cotswolds Villages
The Cotswolds looks beautiful in every season, but the timing of your visit makes a real difference to what you experience. Spring (March to May) brings golden wildflowers along the verges and relatively thin crowds. The honey-stone villages glow in the low spring light and accommodation is easier to book than in summer.
Summer (June to August) is peak season. The villages are at their most lush and green, but Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Castle Combe can feel very busy, especially at weekends. If you visit in summer, aim for a weekday and arrive early in the morning. Autumn (September to November) is arguably the finest time to come.
The trees turn copper and gold, the light is warm, and the tourist crowds thin out noticeably from September onwards. The Lamb Inn in Burford and The Wild Rabbit in Kingham are especially cosy during autumn. Winter (December to February) brings frost and occasionally snow to the Cotswold hills, which makes the stone villages look truly magical. Christmas markets appear in Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden, and crowds are at their lowest. Check the official Cotswolds website for current seasonal events and opening hours before you travel.
Key Takeaways
●Bibury is the most-named prettiest village in the Cotswolds, beloved by visitors and celebrated by the Huffington Post and William Morris alike.
●Castle Combe in Wiltshire is the best-preserved medieval village in the region, with its flawless stone streetscape and no modern intrusions.
●The Slaughters (Upper and Lower) are the quietest and most serene double village in the Cotswolds, perfect for a peaceful escape.
●Kingham is a hidden gem: a peaceful village with easy rail access and the Michelin-starred Wild Rabbit gastropub.
●Autumn is the best season to visit, offering fewer crowds, golden light, and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere at the region’s best pubs and hotels.
●The Cotswolds AONB covers almost 800 miles across five English counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire.
●Broadway Tower offers the best panoramic views in the Cotswolds and was once an artists’ retreat used by William Morris himself.
Final Thoughts on the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds
After visiting the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, you will understand why this destination is highly regarded as one of the loveliest places in the UK. There truly is something here for everyone and its charm lies in the incredible array of picturesque villages and quaint country towns.
The beauty of this region is undeniable, as each village is almost a timeless story etched against a tranquil backdrop of rolling hills and idyllic countryside. Whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet or an energising adventure, your experience in the Cotswolds won’t be forgotten any time soon.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Have you ever visited?
To satisfy your wanderlust further, make sure to check out our other articles about travelling around different corners of England. Enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most beautiful part of the Cotswolds?
The stretch between Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters, and Burford in the central Cotswolds is widely considered the most beautiful part of the region. This area combines the River Eye, golden limestone villages, and easy walking routes in a compact area. Broadway and Chipping Campden in the north are close runners-up.
What are some underrated villages in the Cotswolds?
Snowshill, Asthall, Upper Slaughter, and Northleach are all underrated Cotswolds villages that receive far fewer visitors than Bibury or Castle Combe. Snowshill in particular is worth seeking out for its atmospheric lanes and the eccentric National Trust manor filled with Japanese armour and antique bicycles. Kingham is another quiet gem, best known for The Wild Rabbit gastropub and its Michelin star.
What is the prettiest town in the Cotswolds?
Burford is one of the most attractive medieval market towns in the Cotswolds, set on a steep hill 20 miles west of Oxford. Chipping Campden, with its long medieval high street and Market Hall built in 1627, is another strong contender. Painswick, nicknamed the Queen of the Cotswolds, is known for its fine limestone buildings and 18th century Rococo Gardens.
How many counties does the Cotswolds cover?
The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spans five English counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. The region covers almost 800 square miles of English countryside, making it one of the largest AONBs in England.
Is the Cotswolds good for walking?
The Cotswolds is outstanding for walking. The best villages in the Cotswolds are connected by a network of footpaths and bridleways, with the long-distance Cotswold Way running 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. Broadway is a particularly popular starting point for hikes up to Broadway Tower, which rewards walkers with panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
How do I get around the Cotswolds villages?
A car is the most flexible way to get around, allowing you to reach smaller villages such as Castle Combe, Minster Lovell, and the Slaughters with ease. However, several of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds are accessible by rail. Kingham has a station on the Cotswold Line with regular Great Western Railway services, and Moreton-in-Marsh is another useful rail hub. Local bus services connect some of the larger villages, though services can be infrequent, so it is worth checking timetables in advance.
Where should I stay in the Cotswolds?
There is a wide range of accommodation across the region to suit every budget and taste. For a luxurious stay, The Old Swan in Minster Lovell is set on the River Windrush and combines beautiful rooms with a Michelin-quality restaurant. The Dormy House Hotel and The Lygon Arms in Broadway are both excellent options in the north Cotswolds. The Manor House hotel in Castle Combe is ideal if you want to be based in one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages in Wiltshire. Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold both offer a good selection of inns and boutique hotels in a central location.
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What a beautiful part of the country to live in, lucky you
Thanks Lucy, the coat certainly keeps me warm. The food was delicious and just what I needed with a cold!
Yes we had a great time, fitted in some shopping at Bicester too!
It’s one of my favourite parts of the country, there’s nothing like it elsewhere in the world!
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