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Planning the perfect countryside escape? Here’s a run-down of the best areas to stay in the Cotswolds to help you plan the perfect trip.
Rolling hills, honey-coloured stone cottages, seemingly endless tranquil footpaths, and dozens of almost impossibly pretty villages… the Cotswolds is one of the UK’s most charming countryside escapes. Stretching across several counties, the region is bigger than many first-timers expect, and each town has its own character, so figuring out where to stay can be a challenge.
The following guide starts with the three “main” areas – the most popular resorts on the island – then delves into some of the smaller and less visited spots for anyone who wants something a little different.
Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you have a fantastic trip to this idyllic corner of rural England. Enjoy..
Quick Overview: Best Areas to Stay in the Cotswolds
Looking for a VERY quick guide? I’ve got some speedy bullet points below of the main areas to stay – you’ll find more information on each later on down the page.
The three most popular bases:
The three most popular bases are located in the northern Cotswolds, which is generally where you’ll find most of the region’s best-known sights and attractions. This region is where you’ll find the biggest selection of hotels in the Cotswolds, but there’s plenty of accommodation across the whole region, with something to suit every budget and every style of traveller – from campsites to sprawling country manors!
Bourton-on-the-Water – iconic riverside village with family-friendly attractions and a central location.
Stow-on-the-Wold – historic market town with great dining, antique shops and good transport links.
Broadway – elegant, upmarket and home to some of the region’s best boutique hotels.
Other great areas (depending on your trip style)
Bibury – famously picturesque and home to Arlington Row.
Cirencester – lively Roman market town with great restaurants and shops.
Painswick – refined, peaceful, and perfect for walkers.
Winchcombe – great for hiking and home to Sudeley Castle.
Tetbury – antiques, gardens, and easy access to Westonbirt Arboretum.
Bourton-on-the-Water: Perfect for First Time Visitors
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most recognisable villages in the Cotswolds, known for the River Windrush flowing through its centre and its series of low stone bridges. It’s often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” and is one of the region’s most popular destinations.
The village is packed with attractions, including Birdland Park & Gardens, the Cotswold Motoring Museum, the Model Village, and riverside walking routes. Its central location also makes it easy to explore nearby villages like Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter.
Main sights nearby:
- Birdland Park & Gardens
- Cotswold Motoring Museum
- Lower Slaughter
- Greystones Nature Reserve
Who it suits: first-timers, families, couples.
Stow-on-the-Wold: Best for Foodies & Antique Lovers
A historic hilltop market town with a large central square, antique shops, independent boutiques and great pubs. Stow is also home to the famous tree-framed door at St Edward’s Church; one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds.
Its location makes it easy to reach nearby villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter and Moreton-in-Marsh.
Main sights nearby:
- St Edward’s Church
- Market Square
- Daylesford Organic (short drive)
- Upper and Lower Slaughter
Who it suits: food lovers, non-drivers, weekenders.
Broadway: Best for Boutique Hotels & Luxury Escapes
Broadway is known for its elegant high street lined with galleries, boutiques and golden coloured stone buildings. It’s also home to Broadway Tower, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Cotswold, surrounded by parkland and some lovely walking trails.
Main sights nearby:
- Broadway Tower
- Snowshill Manor
- Cotswold Way walking routes
Who it suits: couples, luxury travellers, spa lovers.
More Great Areas to Stay in the Cotswolds
Bibury: A Classic Cotswolds Village
Bibury is home to Arlington Row, a 14th-century terrace of former weavers’ cottages that’s one of the most photographed scenes in England. The River Coln runs through the village, adding to the postcard feel. The only drawback is that Arlington Row is incredibly popular, leading to traffic congestion and crowds at peak times. However, if you’re staying in the village, you’ll have the sights all to yourself once all the coach tours have left for the day!
Main sights nearby:
- Arlington Row
- Rack Isle nature reserve
- River Coln walks
Who it suits: photographers, couples, slow travellers.
Cirencester: Best for a Lively Town Base
Often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cirencester is a bustling market town with Roman history, great restaurants, and excellent shopping. It’s also close to the Cotswold Water Park for lakeside walks and activities.
Main sights nearby:
- Corinium Museum
- Cirencester Park
- Cotswold Water Park
Who it suits: non-drivers, families, year-round travellers.
Painswick: Best for Walkers & Peaceful Escapes
Known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” Painswick is a refined, peaceful village with narrow lanes and beautiful views. It’s a key stop on the Cotswold Way and home to the beautiful Rococo Garden.
Main sights nearby:
- Painswick Rococo Garden
- Cotswold Way
- Painswick Beacon
Who it suits: hikers, couples, quiet-seekers.
Winchcombe: Best for Castles & Countryside
Winchcombe is a charming town surrounded by walking trails and home to Sudeley Castle, one of the region’s most significant historic sites. It’s a great base for exploring the northern Cotswold, and you don’t need to have a car as the 606 bus service connects with Broadway and other nearby villages.
Main sights nearby:
- Sudeley Castle
- Belas Knap long barrow
- Cotswold Way and Winchcombe Way
Who it suits: hikers, history lovers.
Tetbury: Best for Antiques & Gardens
Tetbury is a slightly more “off the beaten track” choice, situated in the southwest of the Cotswolds. known for its antique shops and its proximity to Westonbirt Arboretum, one of the UK’s most spectacular tree collections. The arboretum is particularly beautiful in autumn, which is also a much quieter time to visit the Cotswolds, ideal if you want to skip the summertime crowds.
Main sights nearby:
- Westonbirt Arboretum
- Highgrove Gardens
- Tetbury Market House
Who it suits: garden lovers, shoppers, couples.
A Quick Summary
If it’s your first trip to the Cotswolds, basing yourself in one of the “main” areas in the northern half of the region is probably the best bet. These are well set up for tourists and have plenty of accommodation choices – plus, they’re well located for exploring the more popular attractions. But if you prefer things a little quieter and want to soak up the countryside vibes or enjoy long, scenic walks, head for villages like Painswick or Tetbury and discover the southern Cotswolds instead.
Wherever you choose to base yourself, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, postcard-perfect cottages, and some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.
