Ever dreamt of visiting a fantasy land? A destination that could be your dream holiday place? Well, Cotswolds has it for you! I just cannot emphasize the beauty of this place in this short guide. It’s a place that you truly cannot miss if you plan to come down to the UK. Simply combine the historical significance of the place, the intricate detail of a fantasy movie & a stunning landscape, and you will get Cotswold as your answer. Checkout our ultimate guide to Cotswolds and discover picturesque scenes of the village & the rolling hills, filled with small beautiful farms & villages and lively pubs & restaurants. With so many places to visit in Cotswold, you will feel to spend your entire vacation here!
This detailed guide will take you to some of the prettiest & quaintest villages in the town. This is your handy piece of information to the introduction of Cotswold as a tourist destination. There are also plenty of activities to do & experiences to have, and we suggest you take a look at this detailed Cotswold Itinerary for more travel experiences.
WHY VISIT THE COTSWOLD?
Cotswold is a perfect destination for short breaks or full-day excursions. Located only a 60-minute drive away from the main Oxford city, this becomes an ideal destination to add up as an excursion in your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do here for all age groups – from visiting wildlife & adventure parks to breweries & craft workshops and taking up a group expedition.
PLACES YOU CAN’T-MISS TO VISIT IN THE COTSWOLD
With so many villages & beautiful rolling hills to explore, the best way to get around Cotswold is via car. Your traveling will become much easier & accessible to visit everything you can within a day. And trust me, it will be worth every glimpse of the famous spots in Cotswold. Some of the places are best to explore on foot. So if you are taking up a guided tour, more information will be available by your respective tour operators. But for you, I’ve rounded some of the best places to see in Cotswold, so that you can make your Southern England tour memorable.
CIRENCESTER
known as the capital of Cotswold, Cirencester is one classic holiday destination filled with plenty of interesting things to do. This market town brims with its rich & history that showcases truly an enchanting experience. The town is mostly influenced by its former Roman city that can even be seen now. From medieval-styled streets & narrow alleyways, this town is best explored on foot. Some of the important tourist attractions in Cirencester include visiting – St John the Baptist, a classic medieval gothic structure, and the Market Square, considered to be one of the biggest markets in Cotswold. You can also explore the Corinium Museum, housing a large collection of objects & artifacts that represents the Roman, Neolithic & Victoria era. If interested in craft workshops & events, you can opt to visit the New Brewery. The town is also home to charming pubs & restaurants, offering a variety of world-class cuisines.
BIBURY
One of the prettiest places in the UK, Bibury is my favorite town in Cotswold. Just 8 miles northeast of Cirencester, this place gives you ecstatic vibes of Cotswold most picturesque cottages. This beautiful village is clustered around the square of St. Mary’s Church (a Saxon church). You can still find some of the Saxon remains inside the church as replicas, representing the history of the town. The highlight of the town is the Arlington Row, a group of old-fashioned cottages, with steeply pitched roofs, lined up together, dating back to the 16th century. It sits perfectly overlooking a water meadow and river, making your visit worth every while. You simply can’t stop taking photos here & you would even imagine retiring & settle here. The magnificent sights of Bibury have served as a backdrop for many movies & TV series. The town also hosts some independent shops & markets, offering you a pleasant selection of drinks. Do not miss your chance on visiting the Bibury Trout Farm, 15-acre farmland considered to be one of the oldest trout farms in the UK. The Barnsley House Gardens is another such attraction that is worth your visit. A great place for outdoors, if you want to relax & spend some time.
BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER
A perfect place to wander off, Bourton-on-the-water is a classic, relaxing Cotswold village that sits around the gentle River Windrush. Standing back from the river are some of the traditional Cotswolds old wool houses, many of which have become local tourist shops selling souvenirs. This village is considered to be the ‘Little Venice’ of Cotswold because of its river streaming down the elegant low bridges. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Cotswold & home to plenty of pubs, shops, café’s & restaurants. You can take an aromatic tour of the Cotswold Perfumery museum shop where personalized scents are made for Queen herself or you can opt to visit the Model Railway Exhibition, a place with some of the finest indoor models layout of railways. For kids & adults, Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection will be perfect. With numerous vintage car collections & classic cars and motorcycles, you can find almost any intriguing object here. If you don’t mind, you can also take a short detour to visit some of Cotswold best gardens. A located 20-minute drive from Bourton-on-the-Water, you can explore – Bourton House, Hidcote Manor, Snowshill Manor, and Batsford Arboretum.
CHELTENHAM
Considered to be ‘The Western Gateway to the Cotswold’, the town of Cheltenham is a mixture of ancient traditional & contemporary architecture. Situated beneath Cleeve Hill, this town is a favorite amongst tourists. From markets to classy shops & restaurants, this town gives a modern touch to the Cotswold. Cheltenham was selected as one of the best places to live in Britain in March 2014. It still holds the same vibe, making it a perfect place to unwind & relax your body, mind & soul. With 25+ significant festivals happening throughout the year, no traveler visiting the town will miss the opportunity to indulge in the local experience. Some of the notable festivals include – Cheltenham Literature Festival, Cheltenham Paint Festival, Cheltenham International Film Festival, and Cheltenham Wellbeing Festival. If you are wondering the best places to eat & drink in Cotswold then no worries, Cheltenham got you covered. Voted as the most exciting food destination, this town hosts some of the best local & world-class cuisines. Simpsons Fish & Chips, The Brewery Quarter, and Koj are some of the great places to dine. This town is ideal for all shopaholic people, who want to buy clothing brands & accessories.
CHIPPING CAMDEN
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns of Cotswold, Chipping Camden is a must-visit place to experience more of the beautiful villages of the area. The journey takes you to a sublime English countryside, unfolding most of the town’s beautiful settings once you enter. An important center of arts & craft, the town was considered to be a medieval wool town with pretty much rich history. The town has got impressive historical sites that represent the history dating back to centuries. St. James – one of the region’s most impressive churches is famous among tourists. You can also visit the sites of ancient Market Hall and Alms Houses to understand the importance of it. Most of Cotswold’s famous gardens are located at a nearby distance.
OTHER FAMOUS TOWNS & VILLAGES OF COTSWOLD
Stow-on-the-Wold – Crammed with beautiful antique shops, delicatessens, and hotels, this is an ideal place for all tourists to stop by and enjoy the picturesque setting of the town.
Northleach – One of the finest “wool churches” of Cotswold, Northleach is a small village filled with ancient history & traditions.
Moreton-in-Marsh – Make sure you visit the town on Tuesday, because of its outdoor market setting. Famously known for ‘Tuesday Market’, you can get to buy plenty of items here. Two famous attractions – Sezincote & Batsford Arboretum are located in this region.
Chedworth Roman Villa – Influenced by Romano-British villa, this place is a favorite amongst history-lovers. There are audio guides as well taking you back to the establishment of the site.
Blenheim Palace – One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the UK, this country mansion is famous for its history & beautiful gardens. Do visit the Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House, where most of the movie scenes were shit.
Bath – Located towards the south of Cotswold, Bath is one of the most popular historic spa towns. Opt for a walking tour & explore the beautiful Roman Baths. Experience the thermal waters for a nice, warm traditional soak.
HOW TO REACH COTSWOLD?
Cotswold is a 60-minute drive away from Oxford and a 2-hour drive from London. You can also take a train from London’s Paddington Station that ventures straight to Cotswold. Moreton-in-Marsh is the main station, a 53-minute drive to the main city of Cirencester.
As mentioned before, a car is the best transport mode to explore Cotswold on your own. The roads may be narrow but it’s worth every glimpse of the village & town you pass by. You can also follow our detailed itinerary of Cotswold, to ensure you follow a good plan when visiting.
