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The Cotswolds are a range of gentle limestone hills in south-central England, spread across several counties including Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Much of the area is designated a National Landscape for its rolling farmland and villages built from warm, honey-colored stone. In the Middle Ages the region grew wealthy from the wool trade, which paid for its grand churches and market halls.
Bibury is known for Arlington Row, a line of old weavers' cottages beside a stream, while Bourton-on-the-Water has low footbridges over the River Windrush. The tiny villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter sit close together, linked by a short footpath. Stow-on-the-Wold, a hilltop market town, has a large square lined with shops and inns, and Chipping Campden's curving High Street displays fine wool-merchant buildings. Broadway lies below Broadway Tower, a folly with views over several counties. Garden lovers head to Hidcote Manor Garden, history fans to Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, and Cirencester, a major town in Roman times, sits not far from the remains of Chedworth Roman Villa.
The Cotswolds suit slow travel, country walks and pub lunches. A car makes exploring easiest, though walking routes such as the Cotswold Way link several villages. The most famous villages get busy on summer weekends.
WiserMap travel guideCotswolds England Honey Stone Villages and Castle CombeExplore the Cotswolds: Bibury's Arlington Row, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow, Chipping Campden, Broadway Tower, Sudeley Castle and Castle Combe, with route tips.Read the guide
Bibury is a small village on the River Coln, and Arlington Row is its terrace of 17th-century weavers' cottages in honey-colored stone, one of the most photographed views in England. The Bibury Trout Farm sits beside the river. Arrive early morning, as coaches fill the tiny village from late morning.
Bourton-on-the-Water is called the Venice of the Cotswolds for the shallow River Windrush that flows through its center under low stone footbridges. Attractions include the Model Village, a one-ninth scale copy of the village, and Birdland Park. It is one of the busiest villages, so visit on a weekday.
Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are two tiny, unspoiled villages about a mile apart, linked by a footpath along the River Eye through fields. Lower Slaughter has a working-looking old water mill with a small shop and cafe. The walk continues on to Bourton-on-the-Water. Wear boots after rain.
Castle Combe in the southern Cotswolds is often called the prettiest village in England, with stone cottages leading down to a bridge over the By Brook. Its 14th-century market cross and St Andrew's Church are in the center. It has appeared in many films. Park in the village car park at the top and walk down.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a hilltop market town with a large square of antique shops, tea rooms and old inns. Behind St Edward's Church, a north door framed by two ancient yew trees is said to have inspired Tolkien's Doors of Durin. Stow makes a good central base for exploring the northern villages.
Chipping Campden is a wool town with one of the finest high streets in the Cotswolds, lined with honey-colored stone buildings and the arched 1627 Market Hall. St James' Church is a grand wool church. The Cotswold Way long-distance path starts here and heads south to Bath. Dover's Hill nearby has fine views.
Cirencester was Corinium, the second-largest town in Roman Britain, and is now the main market town of the Cotswolds. The Corinium Museum displays Roman mosaics and finds, and the parish church of St John Baptist is among England's largest. Markets are held on Mondays and Fridays in the Market Place.
Broadway is a handsome village with a wide main street of stone houses and shops. On the hill above stands Broadway Tower, an 18th-century folly built on one of the highest points in the Cotswolds, with views over many counties on a clear day. The tower has small exhibits, and a cafe is nearby.
Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe is a castle and gardens linked to Tudor history; Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, lived and is buried here. Visitors tour exhibitions, ruined banqueting halls and themed gardens. Winchcombe is a small market town on the Cotswold Way. Check opening months.
Chedworth Roman Villa is one of the largest Roman villas in Britain, set in a wooded valley and run by the National Trust. Visitors see colorful mosaic floors, bath houses and a water shrine, with walkways over the remains. The lanes to reach it are narrow. Allow about two hours with the small museum.
Hidcote is a celebrated Arts and Crafts garden near Chipping Campden, created by Lawrence Johnston in the early 1900s. It is laid out as a series of outdoor rooms divided by hedges, each with its own planting and character. It is run by the National Trust. It is best from late spring to early autumn.
Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury holds about 15,000 trees from around the world along miles of paths, including a treetop walkway high in the canopy. It is famous for autumn color, when its Japanese maples glow red and orange in October. Weekends in autumn are very busy, so book parking ahead.
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