14 Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds (That Are Worth Your Time)

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds and aren’t sure where to begin, you’re not alone. With so many villages, towns, and walking routes spread across a wide area, it can be hard to know which places are worth your time — especially if it’s your first visit.

As someone who lives in the UK, I’ve travelled to the Cotswolds many times, both in summer and winter. I also used to design custom itineraries for the Cotswolds when I worked as a travel advisor, and I’ve spent years researching and writing in detail about it.

This guide pulls together the most worthwhile places I’ve visited — based on firsthand experience — with practical tips to help you plan efficiently.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer holiday, this article will help you decide the best places to visit in the Cotswolds. You will also learn where to walk, where to eat, and what to skip if you’re short on time.

1. Bibury

Bibury is often described as one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, best known for Arlington Row — a historic row of 17th-century weavers’ cottages.

This National Trust property is one of the most photographed spots in the region, and it’s even possible to stay overnight in one of the cottages by booking directly through the National Trust.

To visit Arlington Row, the easiest place to park is at Bibury Trout Farm, which is located just across the River Coln. The trout farm is also a popular local attraction, offering the chance to catch fish or buy fresh trout and local produce from the shop.

For those looking to explore further, the Bibury and Bibury Court Estate Circular is a gentle 6.6 km walk through farmland, woodland, and the surrounding countryside. The route begins in the village and provides a peaceful way to enjoy the area away from the crowds.

I visited Bibury in winter, and despite the chill, the blue skies and crisp air made it a wonderful time to see the village. Arlington Row stood out as one of the most memorable places we visited in the Cotswolds.

If you’re in the area, Cirencester — often considered the capital of the Cotswolds — is also nearby and makes for a good addition to your itinerary.

2. The Slaughters: Upper and Lower Slaughter

Lower and Upper Slaughter are two small villages in the Cotswolds, often visited together due to their proximity and scenic walking route between them. While both are largely residential, they offer some of the most authentic and unspoilt architecture in the region.

I finally visited the Slaughters on my most recent summer trip while walking the Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter, and Bourton-on-the-Water Circular.

Upper Slaughter is quiet and peaceful, with a charming parish church that’s open to visitors. You can walk around the grounds and step inside to admire the simple yet beautiful interior. A small stream runs through the village with a low ford crossing for cars and a footbridge for pedestrians — a unique detail that adds character to the setting.

On the way from Upper to Lower Slaughter, you’ll pass Lords of the Manor Hotel, an impressive country house hotel surrounded by well-kept grounds.

Lower Slaughter is home to the Old Mill, which now houses a small café and gift shop — a good place to stop for a drink and rest. Like its neighbour, Lower Slaughter feels completely residential, with no shops or tourist attractions beyond the mill, yet this only adds to its charm.

The houses are picture-perfect, with golden stone façades and flower-filled gardens. Be sure to walk along Copse Hill Road, known as the most romantic street in Britain, for some of the best views of the village.

The Slaughters Manor House is another stunning property, although it was closed for a private event during our visit so we couldn’t visit on-site.

3. Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular towns in the Cotswolds — and with good reason. Built around a gently flowing stream crossed by stone footbridges, the town is undeniably attractive. However, it gets hectic, especially on weekends and during peak holiday seasons.

The key to enjoying Bourton-on-the-Water is to arrive early. We parked easily at Rissington Road Car Park around 9:30 AM on a Saturday in June.

There are public toilets available there (paid), but you may wish to grab a coffee or pastry from a local café and use their facilities instead. We stopped for treats at The Cornish Bakery, but Bakery on the Water is another popular spot for fresh, local bakes.

In the morning, before the crowds arrive, Bourton-on-the-Water is peaceful and incredibly scenic. The shallow stream running through the centre was full of dogs splashing and people dipping their toes on a hot day.

There are also several cafés, restaurants, and independent shops where you can pick up ice cream or something to drink.

By midday, however, the town becomes extremely crowded. By the time we returned to our car around noon, it felt almost unrecognisable from the quiet morning.

Bourton-on-the-Water is also where we began the circular walk to Upper and Lower Slaughter, a lovely route that passes through rolling hills and classic countryside.

If you are looking for other trips in the UK with great walks, you should also consider a trip to the Peak District and Isle of Skye in Scotland has great walks.

4. Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold sits at one of the highest points in the Cotswolds and has long been a key market town in the region. Compared to smaller villages nearby, it feels livelier and more built-up, with a good range of independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants.

We visited early on a Sunday morning to grab pastries from Coach House Coffee. The croissants were decent, though they didn’t taste freshly baked — possibly due to the day of the week — but the cinnamon bun was excellent. If you’re not in a rush, the Coach House Coffee has seating upstairs with views over the square, offering a quiet spot to sit and enjoy your breakfast.

One of the most popular reasons to visit Stow is to see the North Door at St Edward’s Church. Framed by two ancient yew trees, the doorway is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Door of Durin in The Lord of the Rings. Whether or not the rumour is true, it’s an impressive and unusual sight.

Stow also stands out for its dining options. The Old Butchers, listed in the Michelin Guide, is one of the best-known restaurants in town. There’s also The Porch House, which claims to be England’s oldest inn (dating back to 947 AD), and The Sheep on Sheep Street, a stylish pub and hotel with a modern feel.

Also check out the Old Stocks Inn for accommodation and the restaurant.

The Fox Inn, Broadwell

We ate lunch one day at The Fox Inn in the tiny village of Broadwell, which is just 5 minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold. It served excellent food – I loved the chicken milanese, plus they had some tasty ciders on tap.

The Fox Inn is a great alternative to the more crowded restaurants in Stow if you are happy to drive there.

Daylesford Organic Farm Shop

Located just outside Kingham, Daylesford is one of the best-known farm shops in the UK. It’s a destination in itself, with a deli, bakery, homewares store, garden centre, and even a spa and cookery school.

I had a rhubarb & geranium leaf sorbet from Daylesford Organic and it was incredible.  I was tempted to buy some kitchen utensils and plates, but I couldn’t carry them back on the train after dropping off our rental car.

You could include it as a short detour if you’re visiting Stow-on-the-Wold, The Slaughters, or Bourton-on-the-Water, as it’s around a 10–15 minute drive from each.

5. Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton is a lively market town on the northern edge of the Cotswolds. It’s less touristy than many of the neighbouring villages but still has plenty to offer, with a good mix of shops, pubs, and easy access to the surrounding countryside.

One of the most well-known attractions nearby is Diddly Squat Farm Shop, made famous by Jeremy Clarkson’s Clarkson’s Farm series on Amazon Prime. It’s technically just outside of town but often associated with Chipping Norton.

Diddly Squat Farm Shop sells quirky merchandise, locally produced items, and food from the farm. The line to enter is usually long, but if you’re a fan of the TV show or just curious, it’s worth a look.

The Chequers Pub, Churchill

Just a short drive from Chipping Norton is The Chequers pub in the village of Churchill. While not in the town centre, it’s close enough to include in a visit to the area.

The pub has a stylish but cosy feel, with subtle nods to Winston Churchill throughout the décor. The food here was outstanding — I had one of the best Sunday roasts I’ve ever eaten, and I’d happily return on my next visit to the Cotswolds.

6. Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside Woodstock, on the edge of the Cotswolds. It’s best known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is a popular destination year-round, especially during the festive season when it hosts its famous Christmas Lights Trail.

If you’re planning to visit for Christmas, especially on a weekend, you’ll need to book well in advance — tickets for prime dates often sell out months ahead. I tried for 2 years in a row to get tickets, but I always ended up looking too late.

The Blenheim Palace website recommends booking online to secure your spot, though we found tickets still available the day before we visited in summer.

We chose to explore the grounds rather than go inside the palace. Even without the interior tour, we easily spent several hours walking through the formal gardens, parkland, and lakeside trails.

There’s also a Churchill exhibition, which gives a good overview of his early life, and access to a roof restoration walk, which offers unique views of the estate. Be aware that this activity is not recommended for those with a fear of heights — I found it quite nerve-wracking.

Getting there: We visited with our rental car, and parking was straightforward, with the large car park with plenty of space. If you’re travelling by public transport, it’s also possible to take the train to Oxford, then catch the S3 or S7 bus to Blenheim Palace gates in Woodstock — an easy connection that takes around 20–30 minutes from the station.

There’s a café on site for lunch or snacks, but we chose to eat at The Chequers in the nearby village of Churchill afterwards. The roast dinner there was one of the best I’ve ever had.

7. Burford

Burford’s charm is immediately clear — even just driving down the main high street. The sloping road is lined with historic stone buildings that house independent shops, cafés, and galleries, making it a pleasant place to explore.

Take time to browse the local shops or head down one of the side streets for quieter corners and photo-worthy scenes of traditional Cotswold architecture.

Just a five-minute drive from Burford is The Farmer’s Dog, Jeremy Clarkson’s newly opened pub featured in Clarkson’s Farm. I visited The Farmer’s Puppy, the tent that serves drinks in the garden of the pub. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the establishment that I had learnt about from the Amazon Prime TV show.

I had a glass of the farm’s own Hawkstone cider at the tented seating area and then bought some merchandise and produce from the mini Diddly Squat Farm Shop. For something more substantial, you can also book a table in the pub’s restaurant, which serves a menu focused on local ingredients.

Other Places to Visit in the Cotswolds

If you have more time in the Cotswolds or are looking to explore a bit further, here are a few more places worth adding to your itinerary:

1. Lacock – A perfectly preserved historic village owned by the National Trust, often used as a filming location for period dramas and Harry Potter.
2. Castle Combe – Often called the prettiest village in England, it’s known for its untouched appearance, stone cottages, and a scenic bridge over the Bybrook River.
3. Bath – A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and literary ties to Jane Austen.
4. Chipping Campden – A market town known for its elegant high street, wool trade history, and as the starting point of the Cotswold Way walking trail.
5. Painswick – A small but beautiful village with narrow streets, historic buildings, and a striking churchyard filled with perfectly clipped yew trees.
6. Broadway – A picturesque village with honey-coloured cottages, a wide main street, and the nearby Broadway Tower, which offers panoramic views across the countryside.
7. Stonehenge – While not technically in the Cotswolds, this iconic prehistoric site is often visited as part of a wider trip to the region.

How to Plan a Trip to the Cotswolds?

Ready to plan your Cotswolds adventure? Here are some practical next steps to get you started:

Transportation

• Book a car rental – Having a vehicle is essential for exploring the Cotswolds efficiently and reaching the villages.
• Train tickets to Moreton-in-Marsh – If you prefer public transport, book train tickets via Trainline to this convenient Cotswolds gateway station.

Accommodation

• Book your hotel – The Cotswolds has wonderful options from cosy B&Bs to luxury country house hotels, but popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Here are some hotels to consider are:

• The Swan Hotel, Bibury – an excellent location close to the iconic Arlington Row
• The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold – another well-located hotel with a excellent restaurant
• Lords of the Manor Hotel, Upper Slaughter – An impressive country house hotel in Upper Slaughter with beautiful grounds
• Slaughters Manor House, Lower Slaughter – Another stunning property in the area (though check availability as it hosts private events)
• The White Hart Royal, Moreton-in-Marsh – my in-laws stayed at this hotel during their trip to the Cotswolds and it was a beautiful hotel serving delicious food in their restaurant (we ate there one night)

Conclusion

The Cotswolds offers an incredible variety of experiences, from postcard-perfect villages to historic market towns and world-class attractions.

For the shorter trips, the best places to visit in the Cotswolds are Bibury for its iconic Arlington Row, The Slaughters for authentic unspoilt beauty, and Bourton-on-the-Water for its charming stream and stone bridges – just remember to arrive early to beat the crowds.

For a longer experience, Stow-on-the-Wold has excellent dining options and the famous Tolkien-inspired church door. Blenheim Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Churchill’s history set within magnificent grounds.

Burford makes a perfect gateway town, and if you’re a fan of Jeremy Clarkson’s show, both Diddly Squat Farm Shop near Chipping Norton and The Farmer’s Dog pub are must-visits.

The key to enjoying the Cotswolds is timing – visit popular spots early in the morning, allow plenty of time for spontaneous discoveries, and don’t try to pack too much into one day.

Looking for more UK travel inspiration? Check out my guides to:

• Other places to visit in the UK for a long weekend
• Best Peak District weekend itinerary
• Scotland itineraries: 4-day, 10-day, and 2-week trips