Are you looking for the best places to visit in the Cotswolds? Here are my top picks for the most beautiful and scenic villages in the Cotswolds…
The Cotswolds is one of the most charming areas in England… And there are so many beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds (you’ll be spoilt for choice!).
Filled with amazing little cafes, beautiful landscapes, stunning cottages, and endless hidden trails to explore, finding scenic and beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds isn’t difficult! However, if you’re new to the Cotswolds, you may not know where to start.
Don’t worry though, we’ve got you!\
This list of the best (and prettiest) places to visit in the Cotswolds will come in handy, and hopefully, give you loads of ideas and inspiration! We’ve cobbled together a list of 15 beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds… Whether you’re looking for a tiny village that’s tucked away down a winding road or you’re looking for information on one of the more popular hotspots, this list should help!
So, buckle up and get ready to head out on an adventure, as we’ve got 15 fantastic options for you to consider for your next trip to the Cotswolds.
Bibury
First on my list of places to visit in the Cotswolds, it’s Bibury. If you want to visit somewhere a little bit different, then Bibury is an excellent place to check out. Though it’s rather small, it’s got a whole lot of charm.
You may think your eyes are playing tricks on you, but those little crooked cottages that line the area are a signature trait of this small village, so be sure to take some photographs that represent those adorable tilted houses.
This place is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds, so don’t miss out!
Burford
Burford is next on my list of places to visit in the Cotswolds, and it’s a classic choice! Another beautiful place to visit in the Cotswolds, Burford has beautiful scenery and views to enjoy.
With tons of Cotswold stone buildings that are set against rolling hills, you’ll have your work cut out for you trying to cover them all!
Though the main draw is the architecture here, there are also some great attractions for children too. With an amazing wildlife park and the Crocodiles of the World Zoo, there’s plenty of things to do in Burford to keep those little ones occupied, which is why this is such a great option for places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Bourton-on-the-Water
One of my favourite places to visit in the Cotswolds… Bourton-on-the-Water is just gorgeous. You have to see it!
If you love villages on the water, then be sure to check out Bourton-on-the-Water. One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds on account of its stunning waterways and lovely bridges, it should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a romantic getaway.
Be sure to check out the Cotswolds Motoring Museum & Toy Collection if you’re travelling with children too! And if you’re visiting in the spring or summer, prepare to take a little paddle in the shallow river running through the town. It’s a popular activity amongst visitors and so much fun!
Read more: 20 fun things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
Blockley
Another one of the Cotswolds’ beautiful villages that happens to start with a ‘B’ is Blockley. Blockley is next on my list of places to visit in the Cotswolds, and it is one of the larger villages in the Cotswolds, so you certainly won’t run out of things to do here.
Whether it’s birdwatching or finding a quaint café, this is one of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds in which to pass the time with a cuppa, or head out on some lovely Cotswold walking routes.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds, and it’s absolutely packed with amazing antique shops and lovely cafés.
Though this isn’t necessarily the best village to visit if you’re after massive outdoorsy walks, it’s perfect for people that are looking for a place to relax and unwind with some great food and drink!
The little highstreet is full of lovely independent stores and charity shops, making this one of my top options for places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Stanton
If you’re after a look at some authentic Cotswold stone, then be sure to pay a visit to Stanton, which is next on my list of places to visit in the Cotswolds. As most buildings in this area are made from Cotswold stone, you’re certain to come across numerous photo opportunities in this area!
We highly recommend checking out the stunning countryside views whilst you’re here, and with amazing restaurants dotted around the area, you’re sure to leave with a full belly too!
Broadway
Though the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name of this village might be New York City, Broadway also happens to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds!
In fact, this area was so highly regarded for its beauty that it featured in a great number of 19th century paintings – neat, huh?
Be sure to check out the views on offer in Broadway, as they tend to offer some of the finest photo opportunities in the Cotswolds.
Chipping Campden
Another charming area of the Cotswolds is Chipping Campden. Though this place is not one for the outdoorsy types necessarily, it does have some amazing historic buildings and great community events that anyone can partake in, plus that classic English countryside charm that the Cotswolds is so well known for.
So, if you’re looking to visit one of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds whilst also getting a taste of the area’s finest cultural offerings, Chipping Campden should absolutely be on your itinerary.
Stratford-upon-Avon
We couldn’t do a guide to the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds without mentioning Stratford-upon-Avon! Whilst it’s not technically in the Cotswolds, it’s close enough and only a short drive from some of the other towns on this list of places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Home to Shakespeare’s home and host to his finest theatrical works, Stratford-upon-Avon is a must-visit area for any culture buff. However, not only is it fantastic for the arts, but it’s also a beautiful town too.
One of the most visited places in England, you should make sure this one makes it onto your list. It’s a typical English town full of character, history, shops and cafes. Perfect!
Read more: 40+ fun things to do in Warwickshire
Cirencester
Next on my list of places to visit in the Cotswolds… It’s Cirencester. Though there are tons of reasons to visit this stunning market town, we love it for its numerous restaurants and amazing market square.
However, if that isn’t enough to tempt you, it does also have an amazing church that’s known as the Capital of the Cotswolds. It truly is a marvel and earns this town a spot on our list of the most beautiful places to visit in the area!
Bath
Bath is a must-visit if you’re heading to the Cotswolds, it’s such a lovely option for places to visit in the Cotswolds. It’s a little more south than most places on this list as it’s not in the heart of Cotswold countryside, but it’s one of the prettiest towns in the UK, hands down.
Not only is it perhaps the most historic places in the Cotswolds, but it’s home to the Roman Baths – how cool is that? With numerous museums, restaurants, and sight-seeing spots, it’s a great all-rounder town that will keep you occupied from dusk ‘til dawn. There are so many things to do in Bath, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
This is one of my favourite places to visit in the Cotswolds, it’s beautiful and it’s utterly charming.
Naunton
If you want to avoid the mass of tourists that may be present in areas such as Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon, why not consider heading to Naunton?
With excellent views of the area’s church and the town, it’s a stunning place to head to if you’re looking to decompress. It’s a quieter option on this list of places to visit in the Cotswolds, but just as beautiful.
Read more: The top 15 castles to visit in England
Painswick
One of the largest towns in the Cotswolds is Painswick. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds, as it’s absolutely surrounded by the countryside.
So, if you’re an avid hiker and are looking to escape into nature, then this should absolutely be on your list of places to visit in the Cotswolds. A lovely place to visit in the Cotswolds!
Fairford
Next up on my list of places to visit in the Cotswolds, it’s Fairford. If you want to see an impressive wool church, then you’ll want to head to Fairford! Located very close to Cirencester, Fairford is the perfect place to head to for a flying visit.
Though there’s probably not enough here to justify basing yourself here, Fairford is home to numerous fantastic pubs and restaurants. So, be sure to fill up before you leave!
Gloucester
The final area on our list of the most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds is Gloucester. One of the largest areas on our list, this city is packed with shops, museums, and restaurants.
Though this isn’t the place to visit if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the natural world, it’s an excellent place to visit if you’re after entertainment. Be sure to head to the Beatrix Potter museum if you’re in the area – it’s a stunning museum that’s sure to lift your spirits!
Bonus location… Castle Combe!
OK, you got me. I couldn’t pick only 15 places to visit in the Cotswolds. So here’s a bonus location! Castle Combe is a beautiful village in the Cotswold that ticks all the boxes of beauty!
With quaint little bridges and stone cottages, it’s everything you’d expect an English countryside town to be!
We hope that this list of the 15 most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds has inspired you to pay the area a visit!
With so much to do and so much variety to be seen, you better start booking that trip now! There are so many wonderful places to visit in the Cotswolds, you’ll want to tick off as many as possible!
