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The Cotswolds by no means fails to amaze me. Each time I go to, I discover one thing new to like about this stunning nook of England. From rolling hills to quaint villages, it’s a spot that feels each timeless and vigorous.
On this checklist, I’m sharing my prime picks for the ten prettiest villages within the Cotswolds. These aren’t simply locations I’ve visited a couple of times – they’re spots I return to repeatedly, every time discovering one thing new.
I’ve included my private ideas and favourite spots, together with sensible data that will help you plan your go to. Belief me, by the tip of this, you’ll be itching to pack your luggage and see these locations for your self!
1. Bibury
Bibury is usually known as probably the most stunning village within the Cotswolds and a true UK gem. Whenever you go to, it’s straightforward to see why. The village’s stone cottages, significantly these on Arlington Row, are immediately recognizable. They’re iconic and infrequently featured in postcards and calendars.
Strolling alongside the River Coln, you get this sense of peace that’s laborious to come back by. The water flows quietly, virtually prefer it’s in no rush to get wherever. I like to recommend spending a while sitting by the river, watching the geese paddle by.
Should you ask me, one of the best time to go to Bibury is early within the morning. The village is virtually yours, and there’s a stillness that makes every part really feel extra actual.
The native pub, The Swan, is value a go to too. It’s obtained this cozy, no-nonsense vibe that makes it straightforward to settle in for a pint or two. The meals is stable, and you may inform it’s made with care. Bibury doesn’t attempt to be something it’s not, and that’s precisely why I adore it.
2. Bourton-on-the-Water
I’ve all the time considered Bourton-on-the-Water because the Venice of the Cotswolds. The River Windrush flows proper by the center of the village, with charming low bridges crossing it. It’s a sight that by no means will get outdated for me!
Considered one of my favourite spots right here is the Mannequin Village. It’s a miniature reproduction of Bourton itself, and I discover it fascinating. Strolling by it appears like being a large in a tiny world. Children adore it too, however I’ll admit I get pleasure from it simply as a lot as an grownup.
For a singular expertise, I like to recommend the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Even if you happen to’re not large on vehicles, the gathering of classic autos and memorabilia is fairly cool. Plus, it’s an ideal place to duck into if the climate turns – which occurs extra usually than I’d like within the Cotswolds!
3. Fort Combe
I bear in mind my first journey to Fort Combe – it felt like stepping right into a postcard. This village is usually known as the prettiest in England, and I can see why. The streets are lined with Cotswold stone cottages that appear to be they haven’t modified in centuries.
My favourite spot is the Market Cross within the village middle. I wish to seize a espresso from an area store and simply sit there, soaking within the ambiance. It’s peaceable, particularly early within the morning earlier than different guests arrive.
Should you get pleasure from strolling, there’s a pleasant path that loops across the village. It takes you previous St. Andrew’s Church, which is value a glance inside. I all the time find yourself on the bridge over the Bybrook River – it’s an ideal photograph spot. Simply bear in mind to convey good footwear; the paths can get muddy!
4. Winchcombe
Winchcombe holds a particular place in my coronary heart. It’s not as well-known as another Cotswold villages, which I believe provides to its appeal. The streets are lined with timbered homes and native retailers that give it an actual group really feel.
I all the time make time to go to Sudeley Fort once I’m right here. It holds unbelievable historical past – Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s final spouse, is buried within the chapel. The gardens are stunning too. I like to recommend packing a picnic and spending a day exploring the grounds.
For meals, I like to recommend testing The Lion Inn. They serve nice meals, and the ambiance is all the time welcoming. After a meal, take into account strolling it off alongside the Cotswold Method, which passes proper by Winchcombe. The views of the encompassing countryside are beautiful!
5. Burford
Burford really earns its title as one of many prettiest Cotswold villages, and the Excessive Road here’s a actual gem. It slopes right down to the River Windrush, lined with buildings that appear to be they’re straight out of a historical past e-book. It’s laborious to not be impressed by the combination of medieval and Tudor kinds.
St. John the Baptist church is a must-see in Europe. Should you’re up for a little bit of train, climb the tower. The view from up there’s superb – you’ll be able to see the countryside for miles. The church itself is fairly attention-grabbing too, with kinds from completely different time intervals all blended collectively.
Burford was an enormous deal within the wool commerce, and you may inform from the flowery buildings. The Tolsey constructing is now a museum if you wish to study extra. Whenever you want a break, attempt Huffkins Tea Room. It’s an ideal place to recharge and their treats are scrumptious!
6. Stow-on-the-Wold
Perched atop a hill at 800 toes, Stow-on-the-Wold presents a number of the greatest views within the Cotswolds. The market sq. is the center of the place, surrounded by townhouses and retailers which were there for hundreds of years. It’s vigorous, particularly on market days.
St. Edward’s Church is value a glance. There’s a pair of outdated yew timber flanking the north door – they make for an ideal photograph. Inside, you’ll discover some attention-grabbing memorials and stained glass.
Vintage lovers may have a area day right here. The village is stuffed with retailers promoting every part from furnishings to knick-knacks. After looking, I like to recommend stopping at The Porch Home. It claims to be England’s oldest inn, and whether or not that’s true or not, it’s an ideal spot for a meal or a drink. The meals is nice and the ambiance is tough to beat.
7. Higher and Decrease Slaughter
Higher and Decrease Slaughter would possibly sound ominous, however these twin villages are literally a number of the most peaceable spots within the Cotswolds. Related by a delicate mile-long stroll alongside the River Eye, these two little gems within the Cotswolds supply an ideal escape from the busier vacationer locations.
Higher Slaughter is the quieter of the pair. It’s obtained a captivating ford the place the river crosses the street – youngsters love splashing round right here on sizzling days. The Manor Home, now a luxurious lodge, is value a glance even if you happen to’re not staying there.
Decrease Slaughter tends to attract extra guests, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly laid-back. The Outdated Mill is a well-liked spot, with its water wheel and little museum. There’s a pleasant cafe right here too, nice for a fast chunk. Don’t miss the church – it’s obtained some attention-grabbing options and a beautiful churchyard.
The stroll between the 2 villages is a spotlight. It’s straightforward, scenic, and provides you an actual really feel for the Cotswold countryside. Deliver a digital camera – you’ll wish to bear in mind this place.
8. Broadway
Simply 22 miles southeast of Worcester, Broadway actually lives as much as its “Jewel of the Cotswolds” nickname. The second you step onto the Excessive Road, you’ll see why. It’s extremely vast and lined with a number of the prettiest buildings within the Cotswolds.
I all the time advocate taking your time on the Excessive Road. There are such a lot of attention-grabbing retailers and galleries to peek into. Plus, the buildings themselves are like a showcase of Cotswold structure. You could possibly spend hours simply admiring the main points!
Broadway Tower is a little bit of a stroll from the village, but it surely’s value it. The views from up there are superb. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic if the climate’s good.
Should you’re into design or historical past, don’t miss the Gordon Russell Design Museum. It’s not as well-known as another points of interest, but it surely’s actually attention-grabbing.
My tip? Attempt to go to in spring or fall if you happen to can. It’s much less crowded than summer season, and the village appears stunning in these seasons.
9. Painswick
Painswick, usually within the working for the title of prettiest village within the Cotswolds, is an actual stunner. It’s about 6 miles southeast of Gloucester, perched on a hilltop with views that’ll make you wish to keep perpetually.
The village is understood for its parish church of St. Mary’s, surrounded by 99 yew timber. There’s a enjoyable native legend that the satan gained’t let the a centesimal tree develop. I all the time get pleasure from strolling by the churchyard, it’s peaceable and a bit mysterious.
Painswick Rococo Backyard is a must-visit throughout your keep in England. It’s the one full surviving rococo backyard within the UK. Even if you happen to’re not large on gardens, this place is particular. The quirky follies and winding paths make it really feel such as you’re exploring a hidden world.
For one of the best Instagram-worthy views of the village, head as much as Painswick Beacon. The stroll isn’t too robust, and the panorama on the prime is value each step. On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see all the best way to Wales!
10. Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh may not be as well-known as a few of its neighbors, but it surely’s a hidden treasure that’s nicely value exploring. Situated about 35 miles southeast of Birmingham, it’s simply accessible by prepare, which is an enormous plus in my e-book.
The Excessive Road is the center of the village, and it’s a magnificence. It’s vast and lined with charming Cotswold stone buildings. Market day (each Tuesday) is when the village actually comes alive. The stalls promote every part from native produce to antiques – it’s an ideal place to choose up distinctive souvenirs.
Don’t miss the Curfew Tower, an iconic landmark that dates again to the sixteenth century. It’s proper within the middle of city and makes for an ideal photograph op. The close by Redesdale Corridor is one other architectural gem that catches the attention.
For a little bit of nature, head to Batsford Arboretum simply outdoors the village, a must-see amongst issues to do within the Cotswolds. It’s stunning year-round, however particularly beautiful in autumn when the colours change.
Moreton-in-Marsh would possibly fly beneath the radar generally, however for anybody visiting Europe, it positively deserves a spot on any checklist of one of the best villages within the Cotswolds.
Incessantly Requested Questions (FAQs) in regards to the Prettiest Villages within the Cotswolds
Questioning which Cotswold village is probably the most picturesque? Or possibly you’re making an attempt to resolve the place to remain to your journey? This FAQ part will assist you discover the right spot to discover this charming area within the English Countryside.
What’s the prettiest village in Cotswold?
That’s a tricky one! If I needed to choose the prettiest village within the Cotswolds, I’d say Bibury. Its iconic Arlington Row, with its thatched cottages and picturesque stream, is a sight to behold.
Which is one of the best Cotswold village to remain in?
The very best village to remain within the Cotswolds depends upon what you’re on the lookout for. In order for you a vigorous ambiance with loads of retailers and distinctive eating places, Bourton-on-the-Water is a superb alternative. Should you favor one thing quieter and extra peaceable, Painswick could be extra your fashion.
Which Cotswold villages are least touristy?
Whereas the Cotswolds is mostly widespread with vacationers, there are nonetheless a couple of villages that stay comparatively off the crushed path. Broadway and Chipping Campden are each stunning and fewer crowded than a number of the extra widespread villages within the Cotswolds.
Is North or South Cotswolds higher?
I personally favor the North Cotswolds. Its rolling hills, quaint villages, and unspoiled countryside supply a extra genuine and peaceable expertise. Locations like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water really feel much less touristy and extra genuinely Cotswold to me. Nevertheless, the South Cotswolds has its personal attraction, too. It’s a bit extra developed, with bigger cities and extra points of interest. Should you’re on the lookout for a busier ambiance with extra facilities, you would possibly favor the South.
