

Why we love the Cotswolds
Famous for its lush rolling pastures, pretty stone villages and rambling rivers, this rural belle has graced countless books, artworks and TV shows – but does it live up to the hype? Absolutely. From the willow-shaded banks of the River Thames, and Blenheim Palace’s lavish decor, to the honey-coloured cottages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden and Burford – it’s all just as idyllic as you imagine.
The Cotswolds was designated a National Landscape in 1966, an accolade it more than lives up to – but this scenery isn’t just for admiring. There are ancient castles to explore, wild lakes to kayak, local wines to taste, and endless trails to hike, cycle and ride.
Totalling nearly 800 square miles (2,000 square km), the region spans five west-central counties, yet is just 90 minutes from London. With so much to see, do and discover, here’s how to plan your trip.
Photo by: VisitBritain
Location: Cotswolds

Find the prettiest spot
Which is the fairest village of all? With rose-covered cottages, antique shops and steeple-topped churches, the Cotswolds’ rural towns and villages are utterly charming – such as Snowshill, Asthall and Stow-on-the-Wold. Castle Combe might look familiar: it was a filming location for Downton Abbey.
Photo by: VisitBritain

Get a date in the diary
Music, arts, literature, food… the Cotswolds’ festival calendar is full to the brim. For artisan food and big-name bands, check out The Big Feastival (August), while The Cotswold Show (July) promises craft stalls, falconry, dog shows and more. Other highlights include the Cotswold Beer Festival, live music at Barn on the Farm, and global culture at WOMAD.
Photo by: Cotswolds Plus/Jonathan Bradley

Go behind the scenes
The Cotswolds is brimming with A-list landmarks. Period drama lovers: recognise Woodchester Mansion from The Crown, or perhaps Chavenage House from Poldark? For more Cotswolds filming locations, follow in the footstep of Guy Ritchie’s Gentlemen to the Badminton Estate, or stroll along Tetbury’s picturesque streets, as seen in Rivals.
Photo by: VisitBritain

Relax at the spa
The Cotswolds’ spas are seriously sumptuous. Pamper-seeking locals head to Calcot Manor, Dormy House and Thyme – which even has a springwater swimming pool. Or, indulge your spiritual side with Bamford Wellness’ sound-bath healing, breathwork and meditation sessions.
Photo by: VisitBritain
Location: Cotswolds

Plan a big day out
Dawn ’til dusk, fill your days with adventure: from meeting giraffes at Cotswold Wildlife Park and feeding the penguins at Birdland, to exploring the cute model village at Bourton-on-the-Water. Love puzzles? Visit the Dragonfly Maze. Celebrating? Raise a toast at Cotswold Distillery. There really is a day out in the Cotswolds for everyone.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes
Location: Blenheim Palace

See a different side of history
The Cotswolds’ historic houses and museums are packed with fun things to do – such as sculpture trails and movie screenings at Sudeley Castle, festive lights and live music at Longleat House, and festivals galore at Blenheim Palace. The National Trust’s Chastleton House also runs behind-the-scenes tours.
Photo by: VisitBritain/Cotswold Country Park
Location: Cotswolds

Go wild on the water
Make waves! With its sandy beach, nature reserves and watersports centres, Cotswold Lakes is idyllic in summer – whether you’re wild swimming, kayaking, windsurfing or jet skiing. There are 150 lakes to explore, plus water-view hotels, glamping lodges and a floating obstacle course.
Things to do in the Cotswolds
Featured things to do
Photo by: vivlee123

New challenge
Start the spring with a hike through the region’s rolling countryside, following the Cotswold Way. Whether you tackle a small section of this glorious trail or walk its entire length, from Chipping Campden to Bath, you’ll be rewarded with tip-top views.
Learn more about the Cotswold WayPhoto by: realflowerpetalconfetti

Flower power
Take a sweet-scented walk through the Cotswold Lavender meadows, as they bloom a magnificent purple – or discover the pink and lilac blossoms at Wyke Manor’s Confetti Fields.
Learn more about Cotswold LavenderPhoto by: VisitBritain/Pete Seaward

Spooky season
Feel the crunch of the autumn leaves beneath your feet as you explore beautiful Blenheim’s parkland and its patchwork of paths. Star of the show this season is Halloween at Blenheim Palace, a family-friendly trail with spooks around every corner. Warm up with a frighteningly good hot chocolate, or toast marshmallows over the crackling fire.
Discover autumn at Blenheim PalacePhoto by: Getty Images/Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury

Seasonal sparkle
Feast on gingerbread and glühwein in the Cotswolds’ Christmas markets: the likes of Broadway, Burford and Cirencester are full of festive cheer, while Bourton-on-the-Water’s twinkling Christmas tree sits right on the river.
Places to stay in the Cotswolds
Heritage hotels
If walls could talk, the Cotswolds’ historic hotels would tell tales of holidaying monarchs and noble families. If you love fine dining, plush decor and five-star service, look no further.
Rental cottages
Make yourself at home in a picture-perfect stone cottage. In villages and towns all over the region, these traditional homes often feature log burners, roll-top baths and gardens.
Quirky glampsites
Take your pick from bell tents, shepherd’s huts and cosy yurts, all set in woodlands and wildflower meadows. Simple pleasures are paramount, such as picnics and long country walks.
Explore nearby
Getting to the Cotswolds
With the likes of Oxford, Bristol and Bath on its doorstep, the Cotswolds is easy to reach by rail, and direct trains between London Paddington and Moreton-in-Marsh take just 90 minutes. If you’re arriving internationally, London Heathrow is around a two-hour drive, while Bristol Airport and Birmingham Airport are just over an hour’s transfer away.
Getting around
Travelling by public transport to the Cotswolds is recommended – especially in summer, when the narrow roads can get congested. Regular trains run throughout the region, but buses venture deeper into the smaller villages and hamlets. Hire a bike in the Cotswolds to explore even further on traffic-free trails and bridleways; if you’re pedalling long-distance, Luggage Transfers can transport your suitcases.
By steam train
For a spectacular steam-powered journey between Cheltenham and Broadway, hop on board the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
By public transport
With a Cotswolds One Day Discoverer pass, you’ll enjoy unlimited travel on the region’s plentiful buses and local trains.
By car
If you choose to drive, opt for an electric car if possible: there are charging points all over the Cotswolds, and at many hotels too.
Want to know more?
The Cotswolds’ official website is packed with local tips and fun things to do – including the top walks, sights and villages.
The Cotswolds is a region that refers to a scenic area spanning six of England’s counties, mainly across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire but also including parts of Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, and Somerset. It is England’s largest National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Cotswolds is a National Landscape area spanning multiple counties in England. It’s a strip of land known for its beauty, nature, and history, drawing in visitors from all around the world.
The Cotswolds spans roughly 787 square miles, (2,038 square kilometres) and stretches 24 miles (40km) by 90 miles (140km). It is England’s largest National Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). This means it is protected to conserve the area’s nature, views and heritage.
As the Cotswolds covers a sizeable geographic area, it includes many towns and villages. Some of the most popular among visitors include:
- Burford – known for its medieval architecture and often referred to as the ‘entrance to the Cotswolds’.
- Stow-on-the-Wold – located in a central part of the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold is a historic market town offering plenty to see.
- Cirencester – another popular spot surrounded by rolling hills with lots of Roman history and impressive architecture.














































