The Cotswolds is a living treasure trove of natural beauty, arts, culture and history. Throw in some world class eating and retail and you have somewhere with something for everyone.
If you’re lucky enough to visit – and with so much choice – where are the best places to go in the Cotswolds? What would be considered a Cotswold must-see? And where are the prettiest places in the Cotswolds?
With StayCotswolds by your side, you’re in the perfect place to find the very best places to visit in the Cotswolds. Our Cotswold Guide takes you through some of the highlights of this incredible region. Whether you’re after Michelin Star dining or the best place to walk your dog, we’re on hand to steer you in the right direction.
Quite often, you’ll hear towns and places in the Cotswolds described as ‘chocolate box’. And with good reason. The prettiest places in the Cotswolds are without doubt some of the most memorably eye-catching locations you can visit. From the cultural hotspots of Bath and Cheltenham to the smaller but no less breathtaking towns of Broadway and Stow-on-the-Wold, the Cotswolds is home to some of the prettiest places you could wish to visit. As a starter, take a look at our guide to the Cotswolds best villages
Of course, the Cotswolds is also home to some must-see historic buildings too. Perhaps the most famous is Blenheim Palace, once home to Winston Churchill. Whilst the Corinium Museum takes you on a journey from pre-historic times to modern day Cotswold life via the Roman occupation.
It’s fair to say that if anyone asked ‘what is the Cotswolds’ it would take time to do justice to this amazing region. A melting pot of rural splendour and metropolitan sophistication, it’s safe to say the best places to visit in the Cotswolds are well worth the effort!
A visit to Oxford is a wonderful addition to your Cotswolds holiday itinerary. Offering a change of pace after a few days amongst the honey-coloured houses and country pubs, Oxford boasts a different kind of beauty. Just a short journey from many Cotswold villages, the city offers an extensive array of culture, history, and architecture […]
A Downton Abbey Day Out in the Cotswolds There’s no better time to revisit your favourite Downton moments by exploring filming locations of the TV show and films right here in the Cotswolds. Let’s start with Downton Village, better known to us as Bampton. Browse our places to stay near Downton Abbey in Bampton. St […]
Amongst the rolling hills of West Oxfordshire you’ll find the town of Burford, the gateway to the Cotswolds, which has a wonderful selection of dog friendly cafés. Not much has changed here over the years, which makes it the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to enjoy the history and traditional culture that the Cotswolds […]
Your One Stop Guide to The Cotswolds The Cotswolds attracts over 35 million visitors per year and many of our guests stay with us time and time again. Covering such a vast expanse, you can return to The Cotswolds every year and still find new places to visit. If you’d like to get a real […]
With some savvy planning, you can book an incredible staycation without stretching your budget. Here’s how to secure the perfect cheap Cotswold breaks while still indulging in a touch of luxury. When to Book: Timing Is Everything To make the most of cheap Cotswold breaks, timing is key. Booking your stay during the off-peak season […]
The Cotswolds are famous for quaint villages, incredible views and over 3,000 miles of public footpaths to explore. So whether you’re exploring the Cotswolds with your four-legged friend or simply seeking scenic routes through one of England’s most charming regions, these dog-friendly walks in the Cotswolds offer something for everyone. Cotswolds Dog Walks Each of […]
The Best Luxury Cotswold Rentals Nestled in the picturesque heart of England, the Cotswolds offer a timeless escape for those seeking tranquillity and charm, making it the perfect place to relax in Cotswolds luxury holiday homes. With its rolling hills, charming villages, and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder that the Cotswolds have become a favourite […]
Held each year at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is one of the biggest international airshows in the UK. Spread over three days, in 2026 it will take place between the 17th and the 19th July. The three day event has been running for over 50 years and raises funds […]
An impressive hillside town with honey-coloured buildings lining the steep main street, Burford is a great Cotswold destination to visit with your dog. Whether you’re searching for some quintessential thatched cottages covered in wisteria or some classic Cotswold stone stretched out across the rolling countryside, you’ll find it all around the beautiful town of Burford. […]
Holidays where dogs are welcome The Cotswolds is one of my favourite dog friendly places to visit, not least because of all the wonderful walks and stunning scenery, but also because there is so much to see and do without leaving your furry friend behind. Here are some of my favourites: Head to Cotswold Wildlife […]
Badminton Estate Horse Trials and Events Badminton Estate is home to some of our favourite Cotswold events including Badminton Horse Trials, taking place from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th May 2026. One of the best equestrian sporting events in the world, you can enjoy the international competition kicking off with the horse inspection and the […]
Once an under-the-radar market town, Charlbury has slowly been gaining a reputation as one of the top foodie destinations in the Cotswolds. The direct train links to and from London make the town an accessible place for all to enjoy so much so, that you could hop on a train at Paddington Station and be […]
If you’re considering a getaway in a holiday cottage in the Cotswolds you’ll want to know exactly where you can visit, what you can do, what’s on in the Cotswolds and where you can refuel. Cotswold cottage holidays We made a film about some of our favourite things to do in the Cotswolds – watch […]
Lying along the River Windrush in Gloucestershire, the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water is a delight to visit throughout the year. In summer, you can sit along the banks of the crystal clear streams and happily watch the world go by. In winter, you can marvel at the iconic Christmas tree, traditionally placed in the middle […]
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