The 18 best places to visit in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is at the top of the list for many visitors to the UK for a reason. It’s charming villages made of beautiful honey-coloured stone are iconic, and the region is one of the most-visted destinations in the UK outside of London. Visiting the Cotswolds was a memorable moment for me during my first year in the UK — it almost felt like a fairytale. I’ve been back many times since. This post is a guide to the best places to visit in the Cotswolds, from villages to stately homes, walks and gardens.

The best villages to visit in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is full of charming villages, some more quaint than others, and it can be tricky to decide where to go. Here are the most popular villages to visit in the Cotswolds:

Bourton on the Water: for beautiful bridges

Bourton is filled with charming low bridges that cross the River Windrush. Visitors can take a stroll along the river or visit the Model Village, a one-ninth scale replica of the village itself. I’ve visited Bourton about 5 times before seeing the Model Village, and please don’t make the same mistake I did. It’s absolutely adorable.

Stow on the Wold: for independent shops

With its market square and historic buildings, Stow on the Wold is a quintessential Cotswold village. Visitors can browse independent shops like the beautiful Cutter Brooks.

Broadway: for a bustling high street

This village is known for its wide High Street and beautiful views over the Vale of Evesham. Visitors can explore art galleries, antique shops, and independent boutiques, and Broadway is also home to the best Sunday roast I’ve ever had at the Swan Inn. Broadway Tower is nearby, make sure not to miss a walk to the iconic viewpoint.

Castle Combe: for the iconic views

With its honey-coloured stone cottages and winding streets, Castle Combe is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. I’d say this is the most iconic of all the villages, and the view over the bridge to the cottages is a common one on Instagram. There are lots of charming honesty boxes for things like fresh cakes and jams and the church is beautiful. The Manor House is a gorgeous hotel and I always sneak into the grounds from the churchyard to see the staircase leading down to its beautiful architecture.

Snowshill: for the countryside charm

This village is located on the slopes of the Cotswold Hills and offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside. There are a couple of very popular pubs offering delicious food and it is next door to one of my favourite National Trust properties, Snowshill Manor.

Lower and Upper Slaughter: for bucolic walks

These two villages are located just a mile apart and are known for their idyllic setting along the River Eye. Come here to take a stroll around the villages, visit the historic water mill, or enjoy a picnic by the river. There is an ice cream stall at the water mill in warm months—perfect.

Bibury: for the row of pretty cottages

This village is home to one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds, the picturesque row of weavers' cottages known as Arlington Row. There is also a charming hotel, The Swan Hotel, with a quaint little islet of lounge chairs framed by passing ducks and swans. This is one of the tiniest villages, and one I would suggest avoiding during busy times—tour busses sometimes come through and swamp Arlington Row.

Tip: Because the Cotswolds is such a popular destination, the villages can get crowded quickly, taking away from the quiet charm and making parking very difficult, but also making me feel a bit icky for overrunning the lives the residents. If visiting villages, I like to do so early in the morning or towards the late afternoon to try and miss the rush of tourists. If visiting in the off season, chances are good that the villages will be quiet during the days.

The best gardens to visit in the Cotswolds

Sudeley Castle Gardens

These stunning gardens are set within the grounds of Sudeley Castle and feature a mix of formal and informal planting, including a knot garden, herb garden, and water features. The gardens also offer views of the surrounding Cotswold Hills.

Painswick Rococo Garden

This 18th-century garden is known for its playful and whimsical design, featuring ornate garden buildings, follies, and water features. Visitors can explore the woodland walks and enjoy the seasonal planting displays.

Hidcote Manor Garden

This world-famous garden is located near Chipping Campden and is known for its intricate design and varied planting. Created by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, the garden is divided into a series of outdoor "rooms," each with its own theme and planting scheme. Visitors can explore the intricate hedges, colorful borders, and tranquil water features. Hidcote also offers stunning views over the surrounding Cotswold Hills.

Kiftsgate Court Gardens

These gardens are located next to Hidcote Manor and feature a mix of formal and informal planting, including a rose garden, water garden, and wildflower meadow. The gardens also offer stunning views over the Vale of Evesham.

Westonbirt Arboretum

While not technically a garden, Westonbirt is a must-visit for nature lovers. This vast arboretum is home to over 15,000 trees from around the world, including some of the oldest and rarest specimens in the UK. Visitors can explore the woodland walks and enjoy the seasonal displays of color.

Stately homes and National Trust sites in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is filled with stunning stately homes and many are accessible as part of the National Trust. I think most visitors to the Cotswolds are there to experience the cosy, charming feeling of the area and visiting historic properties is a great addition to the Cotswolds villages. There are many properties in the Cotswolds National Trust, as well as independent stately homes. These are my favourites.

Snowshill Manor

Snowshill Manor, a standout among my favorite National Trust destinations, exudes charm and quirkiness. Once the residence of the eccentric Charles Wade, the manor is a curated treasure trove of peculiar objects from around the world. Wade, uninterested in luxury, chose a minimalist lifestyle in the adjacent barn, turning the manor into a captivating stage for his eclectic collections. A visit promises a delightful exploration, setting Snowshill Manor apart from other National Trust properties.

The enchanting gardens, featuring a miniature village and a picturesque dovecote, add to the allure. The small village of Snowshill, nearby, may be diminutive but offers undeniable charm, making it a delightful spot for leisurely wandering.

Buscot Park

Buscot Park, Lord Faringdon's residence, boasts an extraordinary art collection within a stunning estate featuring fishing lakes, sculpture gardens, and a walled garden adorned with enchanting wisteria arches. The estate, home to Chinese terracotta warriors, maintains a unique allure as a privately inhabited National Trust site. Open from April to September (closed Mondays and Tuesdays), each visit to Buscot Park promises delightful surprises.

The breathtaking walled garden, most enchanting in May, features wisteria-adorned arches surrounding a central fountain and blooming peonies in the borders. Exiting the garden reveals a surprise collection of Terracotta Warriors, while the lakeside offers charming scenes of local families enjoying fishing activities. Though the house interior remains unexplored, the prospect of discovering its fabulous art collection beckons on future visits.

Asthall Manor

Asthall Manor is a hidden gem in the Cotswolds near Burford. This stunning manor, once home to the Mitford sisters, selectively opens its doors for sculpture exhibitions. Hosting the impressive On Form exhibition, the lush gardens become an art haven with carefully placed sculptures, creating a seamless blend of nature and artistic expression. Exploring the grounds is a joy, with sculptures scattered throughout.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace isn't your typical stately home—it's a regal masterpiece in the heart of the Cotswolds, boasting rich history and elegance. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, it stands proudly among England's iconic estates. This architectural marvel showcases breathtaking Baroque aesthetics and offers a captivating blend of 18th-century art and contemporary exhibitions.

With its grand proportions and English Baroque grace, Blenheim Palace is the epitome of elegance. The gardens, crafted by Capability Brown, enchant with their naturalistic style and echoes of Versailles' grandeur. Amid blooming roses and an old-fashioned hedge maze, the air is infused with romance. The Blenheim Art Foundation, initiated in 2014, adds a modern twist, bringing international contemporary art to this historic setting.

Sezincote

Sezincote isn't your typical Cotswolds attraction—it's a hidden marvel that intrigues from the start. Step onto its grounds and be mesmerized by an architectural wonder blending Indian and British influences, crafted by Samuel Pepys Cockerell. Despite being a family home, exclusive guided tours provide a captivating glimpse into its diverse styles with timed tickets and a strict no-photo policy inside.

The exploration doesn't stop there. An ornate orangerie extends gracefully, hosting a charming tea room. Beyond, the extensive gardens with ponds, fountains, and sculptures add enchantment to the Sezincote experience.

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park offers a captivating entrance view with a stroll through expansive parkland leading to a baroque country house. Though undergoing restoration, the site compensates with remarkable gardens, including an orangerie and chapel for added charm.

The gardens steal the spotlight, featuring beautiful plants and flowers, from formal sections to a bustling kitchen garden and wildflower meadow—perfect for picnics, walks, and nature enthusiasts.

Home to a thriving deer population, Dyrham Park adds bucolic magic to the countryside. The formal garden at the back stands as a breathtaking view, rivaled only by the captivating entrance vista.

See my full guide to stately homes in the Cotswolds here: