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!
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 […]
What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water Discover our top 10 best things to do in Cotswolds around the Bourton-on-the-Water area and get planning your holiday in the Venice of the Cotswolds today with StayCotswold! 1. Model Village A great attraction for all the family is the Model Village which you will find directly in the centre […]
Is there a better way to enjoy the English countryside than with a visit to one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds with outdoor seating. From sun-soaked beer gardens to scenic terraces overlooking rolling hills, these Cotswold pubs offer the perfect spots to relax, dine, and enjoy a drink al fresco. Take a look […]
Sunday Lunch in Oxford and Oxfordshire There is nothing we like more than a traditional Sunday lunch in a quintessential Cotswold pub – after all we think we’ve got the best selection in the country! In this article we’re focussing on the Oxfordshire area of the Cotswolds, stopping off in Burford. First up is The […]
Stow-on-the-Wold is undoubtedly one of the most dog friendly towns in the Cotswolds. Walking around the shops and cafés, you’ll be continuously greeted with welcoming faces and plenty of locals with dog treats in their pockets. It’s a great destination to enjoy some retail therapy when holidaying in the Cotswolds with your four-legged friend. The […]
Winter in the Cotswolds is truly magical, with rolling hills dusted in frost and charming villages full of festive decorations. Whether you’re seeking festive celebrations or cosy winter experiences, the stunning AONB has something for everyone. Discover just a few of our favourite things to do in the colder winter months. Marvel at the Christmas […]
A Foodie’s Guide to The Cotswolds With a diverse culinary scene, the Cotswolds offers a mix of Michelin-starred venues and welcoming pubs. Here we take you on a journey to find the best food in the Cotswolds – a delightful blend of high-end restaurants, inviting gastro pubs, fabulous coffee shops and lively farmers’ markets. Where […]
Combining elements of squash and tennis, padel is an increasingly popular racquet sport that the whole family can enjoy. As the game is easy to learn and incredibly fun, it’s a fantastic activity to incorporate into a family holiday when visiting the Cotswolds. Due to the increased demand, there’s now a handful of padel courts […]
With so much to see and do with our amazing Cotswold family holidays, you can return year on year and stay in a different cottage in a different location each time! One of the best ways to have a true experience of a Cotswold family life is by staying in a holiday cottage – ideal […]
The steep streets of Stroud are infamous in this part of the Cotswolds. Full of independent shops and delicious restaurants, the market town provides an ideal holiday location that combines culture and countryside, and is highly regarded as one of the top places to visit in the Cotswolds. Spend your days exploring the surrounding Cotswold […]
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a solo retreat, UK cottage breaks in the gorgeous Cotswolds are perfect for all ages and interests. Here are all the things our guests tell us that make their breaks in the Cotswolds simply perfect! A Year-Round Cottage Breaks Destination Many of our guests choose […]
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