The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best places to visit in cotswolds"
Named by 6 of 91. Stow-on-the-WoldThe highest town in the Cotswolds, with seven roads meeting at a market square.Works as a central home base with shops, pubs and day hikes.
Named by 5 of 92. BiburyFamous for Arlington Row, a lane of 14th-century weavers' cottages.William Morris is quoted as calling it the most beautiful village in England.
Named by 5 of 93. CirencesterA Roman-era town about 2,000 years old, with a museum of Roman and Saxon finds.Called the capital of the Cotswolds.
Named by 4 of 94. Bourton-on-the-WaterNicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds for its small canals.The River Windrush runs through the village under small bridges, and a bird park and a model village are on hand.
Named by 4 of 95. BroadwayA well-known village, and a suggested base for the northern half of a week-long trip.Named as one of the most famous north Cotswolds towns.
Named by 4 of 96. Moreton-in-MarshHas the best transport links in the Cotswolds and a busy Tuesday market.Sits on a mainline train route from London.
Named by 3 of 97. Lower and Upper SlaughterTwo quiet, historic villages with a waterwheel and peaceful churches.Upper Slaughter is smaller and quieter, best explored on foot.
Named by 3 of 98. Chipping CampdenRick Steves rates its High Street among the finest in England.Hidcote Manor Garden nearby is laid out as color-themed outdoor rooms.
Named by 2 of 99. PainswickA village in the Cotswold Hills named as one to delight visitors.Recommended for walks among stone cottages and old churches.
Named by 2 of 910. SnowshillA lavender farm nearby has fields of different lavender types.A village set in the Cotswold Hills.
Named by 2 of 911. StroudFive valleys meet at Stroud, where many artists and craftspeople live.The town's museum in a 17th-century mansion shows about 4,000 objects.
Named by 2 of 912. Cotswold Water ParkAbout 150 lakes across 40 square miles, with sports, walks and a beach.Visitors can paddleboard or pedal a boat on the lake.
Named by 2 of 913. BurfordA recommended village for walks, and one of the north Cotswolds towns in every guidebook.
14. Castle CombeA Wiltshire village known for its photographed bridge and old weavers' cottages.Named for a 12th-century castle that once stood to the north.
15. CheltenhamA larger Regency spa town with impressive architecture, stylish shopping and horse racing.
16. TetburyOne of several market towns in the south with local produce markets.
17. WinchcombeAn unspoilt market town and a centre for walkers.
18. Chipping NortonA lively market town that is also a good base for walking.
19. Bourton-on-the-Hill and NauntonQuieter villages off the beaten track that still feel Cotswold.
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When to go
Travel guides don't agree on one best time to visit Cotswolds; its page has the weather and what's on, month by month.
Questions people ask
- How many days do I need in Cotswold?
- One guide recommends at least 3 nights, and a full week for a leisurely pace.
- What is the best way to visit the Cotswolds?
- Driving yourself is recommended for reaching small villages, though a single village or two can be done by train from London.
- What are some hidden gems in the Cotswolds?
- Off-the-beaten-track villages such as Bourton on the Hill and Naunton are described as decidedly Cotswold in character.
- What is the best Cotswold town?
- One writer's standouts were Broadway, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury.
- What is there to do in the Cotswolds for tourists?
- One writer says the best thing to do is to walk around and take in the villages, with small streets to get lost in.
