The Cotswold’s Cutest Villages & Where to Stay

I adore the Cotswolds, and I’m so blessed to live right on the doorstep of this beautiful part of England. With Covid-19 running rampant I, like most, am hesitate to travel abroad and have instead used this time to explore more of the beauty that England has to offer. So, to inspire you next weekend away, either from the UK or from abroad, I urge you to visit the stunning Cotswolds and fall in love with England. Maybe for the first time, or maybe all over again.

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5 of the Cotswold’s Cutest Villages & Where to Stay

1. Broadway

I adored Broadway pretty immediately. This stunning, classic Cotswold village reeks of history and culture. You’ll find cute alleyways, quaint shops, cosy pubs. Frankly, it’s a must-see and number one on my list! As it’s a little more North, it’s also quieter than the more popular central-Cotswolds villages. And if you, like me, prefer to steer clear of the crowds then you’ll love it!

STAY: Buckland Wood Barn, located in the grounds of the 16th century gamekeeper's cottage which has some 50 acres including a private wood and stream. It has a lovely, secluded garden where you can sit out and enjoy the peace and quiet. The barn is situated on a hillside a mile above Broadway, the setting has breath-taking views across the valley (designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) up to Broadway Tower.

BUCKLAND WOOD BARN - BROADWAY

2. The Slaughters

Don’t be off by the odd name (though you’ll find quite a few odd names in the Cotswolds), Upper and Lower Slaughter are small, idyllic villages connected by a pretty stream and a sprinkling of quaint bridges. The best way to explore the English countryside is on foot, so pack some water and wander down to Lower Slaughter in the morning, then across the fields to Upper Slaughter to explore the mill, shops and tuck into a lazy lunch on the lawn of The Slaughters Country Inn.

Upper Slaughter

The Slaughters Country Inn

The Mill - Upper Slaughter

STAY: Nellie’s Barn is set amongst the most stunning landscape in the Cotswolds. Nestled in the Windrush Valley, the barn offers the utmost peace and tranquillity with The Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow on the Wold and other beautiful Cotswold villages near by. Nellies Barn is located in a popular area of the Cotswolds on a peaceful, but working arable farm. Walking opportunities and wildlife watching are in abundance in this area. Various deer, owls and pheasants have all been seen on this farm.

NELLIES BARN, NAUNTON NEAR THE SLAUGHTERS

3. Bourton-on-the-Water

Just a 2 minute drive from the Slaughters is Bourton-on-the-Water. A more popular spot, but understandably so - located on the river Windrush with picturesque bridges, delicious eateries and shops to browse to your hearts content it’s hard not to fall in love! Bourton-on-the-Water is also home to a Model Village, Motor Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Perfumery. One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored.

Backstreets of Bourton-on-the-Water

Backstreets of Bourton-on-the-Water

STAY: Moore Cottage, is a two bedroom cottage situated in a quiet position next to Moore House, just a two minute walk from the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water. Moore Cottage is dog friendly and has consistent 5 star reviews.

MOORE COTTAGE, BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

4. Stow On The Wold

Perhaps the Cotswolds’ most iconic and popular town, and yet still a firm favourite of mine. I love wondering these idyllic streets and have, more than once, laid waste to the local chocolatier and cheese shops. I also LOVE spending a winter’s afternoon sipping tea and eating scones with cream and jam at The Hive.

STAY: The Old Antique Shop is now a tasteful and contemporary property accommodating up to four guests on a single level with both bedrooms benefiting from their own shower room. Converted from an antique shop and situated on the famous Roman road (The Fosse Way) which traverses the Cotswolds, this property has access to all that Stow-on-the-Wold has to offer just minutes from the front door as well as a wide choice of walking routes.

THE OLD ANTIQUE SHOP - STOW ON THE WOLD

5. Bibury

I save the best for last. You can’t visit the Cotswolds without visiting the beautiful village of Bibury! It’s a National Trust area with a strong history dating back to the 14th century. Make sure to visit the famous Arlington Row, which is quintessential Cotswolds at its finest!

Arlington Row, Bibury. Photo x Harry Burgess

STAY: Hope Cottage, this beautifully presented Cotswold period home for six guests comprises of a spacious open plan kitchen/dining room with snug area, separate sitting room with cosy wood burning stove, three delightful bedrooms one of which is en-suite and a family bathroom. Large French doors open from the kitchen onto a raised terrace, perfect for al fresco dining area, and a beautiful enclosed country garden beyond. Hope Cottage is a 15 minute stroll to the local pub in Quenington, within easy reach of Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, the Slaughters, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold.

HOPE COTTAGE, QUENINGTON NEAR BIBURY

And there you have it. The Cotswolds is full of stunning little spots, so I recommend a full week away, sans WiFi if possible so you can truly relax and soak up all this old English magic.