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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 energetic.
On this record, I’m sharing my high 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 many times, every time discovering one thing new.
I’ve included my private suggestions and favourite spots, together with sensible data that will help you plan your go to. Belief me, by the top of this, you’ll be itching to pack your luggage and see these locations for your self!
1. Bibury
Bibury is commonly known as essentially the most stunning village within the Cotswolds and a true UK gem. While you go to, it’s straightforward to see why. The village’s stone cottages, notably 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 onerous to come back by. The water flows quietly, virtually prefer it’s in no rush to get anyplace. I like to recommend spending a while sitting by the river, watching the geese paddle by.
When 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 all the pieces really feel extra actual.
The native pub, The Swan, is price a go to too. It’s acquired this cozy, no-nonsense vibe that makes it straightforward to settle in for a pint or two. The meals is strong, 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 way of the guts of the village, with charming low bridges crossing it. It’s a sight that by no means will get outdated for me!
One in all my favourite spots right here is the Mannequin Village. It’s a miniature duplicate of Bourton itself, and I discover it fascinating. Strolling by way of it looks like being a large in a tiny world. Youngsters adore it too, however I’ll admit I take pleasure in it simply as a lot as an grownup.
For a novel expertise, I like to recommend the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Even when you’re not large on automobiles, the gathering of classic autos and memorabilia is fairly cool. Plus, it’s an amazing place to duck into if the climate turns – which occurs extra usually than I’d like within the Cotswolds!
3. Fort Combe
I keep in mind my first journey to Fort Combe – it felt like stepping right into a postcard. This village is commonly known as the prettiest in England, and I can see why. The streets are lined with Cotswold stone cottages that seem like they haven’t modified in centuries.
My favourite spot is the Market Cross within the village heart. 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.
When you take pleasure in strolling, there’s a pleasant path that loops across the village. It takes you previous St. Andrew’s Church, which is price a glance inside. I all the time find yourself on the bridge over the Bybrook River – it’s an amazing photograph spot. Simply keep in mind to deliver good sneakers; 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 feel provides to its appeal. The streets are lined with timbered homes and native outlets that give it an actual group really feel.
I all the time make time to go to Sudeley Fort after I’m right here. It holds unimaginable 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 trying out The Lion Inn. They serve nice meals, and the ambiance is all the time welcoming. After a meal, think about strolling it off alongside the Cotswold Method, which passes proper by way of Winchcombe. The views of the encompassing countryside are gorgeous!
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 seem like they’re straight out of a historical past guide. It’s onerous to not be impressed by the combination of medieval and Tudor types.
St. John the Baptist church is a must-see in Europe. When you’re up for a little bit of train, climb the tower. The view from up there may be superb – you’ll be able to see the countryside for miles. The church itself is fairly fascinating too, with types from completely different time durations all combined 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. While you want a break, strive Huffkins Tea Room. It’s an amazing place to recharge and their treats are scrumptious!
6. Stow-on-the-Wold
Perched atop a hill at 800 ft, Stow-on-the-Wold affords a number of the finest views within the Cotswolds. The market sq. is the guts of the place, surrounded by townhouses and outlets which were there for hundreds of years. It’s vigorous, particularly on market days.
St. Edward’s Church is price a glance. There’s a pair of outdated yew bushes flanking the north door – they make for an amazing photograph. Inside, you’ll discover some fascinating memorials and stained glass.
Vintage lovers can have a area day right here. The village is filled with outlets promoting all the pieces from furnishings to knick-knacks. After shopping, 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 amazing spot for a meal or a drink. The meals is nice and the ambiance is difficult to beat.
7. Higher and Decrease Slaughter
Higher and Decrease Slaughter may 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 acquired a captivating ford the place the river crosses the highway – youngsters love splashing round right here on sizzling days. The Manor Home, now a luxurious resort, is price a glance even when you’re not staying there.
Decrease Slaughter tends to attract extra guests, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly laid-back. The Previous 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 acquired some fascinating options and a stunning 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. Carry a digital camera – you’ll need to keep 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 broad 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 fascinating outlets 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 price it. The views from up there are superb. It’s an amazing spot for a picnic if the climate’s good.
When 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 fascinating.
My tip? Attempt to go to in spring or fall when you can. It’s much less crowded than summer time, and the village seems to be stunning in these seasons.
9. Painswick
Painswick, usually within the operating 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 need to keep without end.
The village is thought for its parish church of St. Mary’s, surrounded by 99 yew bushes. There’s a enjoyable native legend that the satan received’t let the a hundredth tree develop. I all the time take pleasure in strolling by way of 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 when you’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 high is price 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 price exploring. Situated about 35 miles southeast of Birmingham, it’s simply accessible by practice, which is an enormous plus in my guide.
The Excessive Road is the guts of the village, and it’s a magnificence. It’s broad and lined with charming Cotswold stone buildings. Market day (each Tuesday) is when the village actually comes alive. The stalls promote all the pieces from native produce to antiques – it’s an amazing place to select up distinctive souvenirs.
Don’t miss the Curfew Tower, an iconic landmark that dates again to the sixteenth century. It’s proper within the heart of city and makes for an amazing 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 exterior the village, a must-see amongst issues to do within the Cotswolds. It’s stunning year-round, however particularly gorgeous in autumn when the colours change.
Moreton-in-Marsh may fly underneath the radar generally, however for anybody visiting Europe, it undoubtedly deserves a spot on any record of one of the best villages within the Cotswolds.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions (FAQs) concerning the Prettiest Villages within the Cotswolds
Questioning which Cotswold village is essentially the most picturesque? Or possibly you’re attempting to resolve the place to remain to your journey? This FAQ part will enable you discover the proper 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 decide 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 perfect village to remain within the Cotswolds will depend on what you’re searching for. In order for you a vigorous ambiance with loads of outlets and distinctive eating places, Bourton-on-the-Water is a superb alternative. When you want one thing quieter and extra peaceable, Painswick may be extra your model.
Which Cotswold villages are least touristy?
Whereas the Cotswolds is mostly widespread with vacationers, there are nonetheless just a few villages that stay comparatively off the overwhelmed 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 want 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. When you’re searching for a busier ambiance with extra facilities, you may want the South.
