Discover the Charm of the Cotswolds' Villages
Embark on a journey to the Cotswolds, a storybook region spanning 800 square miles across five counties, just two hours west of London. With its honey-colored stone buildings, thatched cottages, and medieval squares, the Cotswolds' villages are the epitome of English charm. Declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, the Cotswolds offer a perfect weekend getaway, complete with hiking trails like the Cotswold Way National Trail and a plethora of picturesque villages to explore.
Plan your visit with this guide to the best villages in the Cotswolds.
1. Castle Combe, Wiltshire
![Castle Combe](/media/england-best-villages-in-the-cotswolds-castle-combe-bybrook-sunny-day.jpg)
Castle Combe, often called "the prettiest town in England," is a top Cotswold destination. Its 14th-century market square and ancient cottages offer an authentic glimpse into the past. Enjoy local fare at The White Hart and visit the medieval Castle Combe Clock.
2. Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
![Bourton-on-the-Water](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-bourton-on-the-water.jpg)
Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, is a postcard-perfect village with the River Windrush flowing through it. Attractions include the Dragonfly Maze and the Costwold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection.
3. Painswick, Gloucestershire
![View over the charming village of Painswick](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-painswick.jpg)
Painswick, the "Queen of the Cotswolds," is home to the 14th-century St. Mary's Church and its picturesque churchyard. Don't miss the Rococo Gardens for a taste of 18th-century landscaping.
4. Bibury, Gloucestershire
![Bibury](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-bibury.jpg)
Bibury, with its iconic Arlington Row, is a quintessential Cotswold village. Visit the Bibury Trout Farm for a unique fishing experience.
5. Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
![Stow-on-the-Wold](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-stow-on-the-wold.jpg)
Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest of the Cotswold villages, features a historic market square and the remarkable St. Edward's Church.
6. Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
![Ancient market hall in Chipping Campden](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-chipping-campden.jpg)
Chipping Campden is a bustling village with a beautiful marketplace, teahouses like Badger's Hall Tea Room, and hosts the unique Cotswold Olimpick Games.
7. Burford, Oxfordshire
![Burford](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-burford.jpg)
Burford, the "gateway to the Cotswolds," offers a high street with stunning views, antique shops, and the historic Church of St. John the Baptist.
8. Broadway, Worcestershire
![Broadway in winter](/media/england-best-villages-in-the-cotswolds-broadway-Worcestershire-winter.jpg)
Broadway features a chestnut tree-lined high street and the impressive Broadway Tower with its panoramic views.
9. Upper and Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire
![Cotswold cottage in Upper Slaughter](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-upper-lower-slaughter.jpg)
The Slaughters, connected by the River Eye, are picturesque villages with a rich history and charming cottages.
10. Kingham, Oxfordshire
![Kingham Village](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-kingham.jpg)
Kingham is a tranquil village known for its excellent dining options like The Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit.
11. Cirencester, Gloucestershire
![Parish Church of St. John the Baptist in Cirencester](/media/england-best-villages-in-the-cotswolds-cirencester-gloucestershire-parish-church.jpg)
Cirencester, the "Capital of the Cotswolds," is a bustling village with a striking church and the remains of a Roman amphitheater.
12. Naunton, Gloucestershire
![View of Naunton Village](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-naunton.jpg)
Naunton offers a peaceful escape with its lush green spaces and the historic Black Horse Inn.
13. Snowshill, Gloucestershire
![Lavender fields in Snowshill](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-snowshill.jpg)
Snowshill is surrounded by lavender fields and is home to the unique Snowshill Manor and Garden.
14. Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire
![Minster Lovell](/media/england-cotswolds-best-villages-minster-lovell.jpg)
Minster Lovell is a romantic village with the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote set by the River Windrush.
15. Lacock, Wiltshire
![Lacock Abbey](/media/england-best-villages-in-the-cotswolds-lacock-abbey-gate.jpg)
Lacock is a preserved village famous for its appearances in films and the historic Lacock Abbey.
16. Stanton
![Thatched Cotswold cottage in the village of Stanton](/media/united-kingdom-england-cotswolds-best-villages-stanton.jpg)
Stanton is a timeless village with a medieval church and close proximity to walking trails and historic sites like Shenberrow Hilfort.
17. Asthall
![Rose-covered entrance to Asthall Manor](/media/united-kingdom-england-cotswolds-best-villages-asthall.jpg)
Asthall is a picturesque village with the 12th-century church and the historic Asthall Manor, known for its sculpture exhibition.
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