The best villages in the Cotswolds to visit
Date published: 30 Jul 2026
The Cotswolds is packed with places that are easy to fall for, from lively market towns to sleepy streets where life seems to move at a gentler pace. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer break, exploring the best Cotswold villages is one of the highlights of any visit.
Some are famous for their picture-perfect streets, while others are quieter spots where you'll spend more time wandering than ticking off attractions. Between cosy pubs, scenic walks, independent shops and centuries of history, the most beautiful Cotswold villages each have their own personality.
From iconic favourites like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water to hidden gems such as Stanton and Snowshill, there's no shortage of memorable places to explore. However you like to spend your days, these villages are well worth adding to your Cotswolds itinerary.
Bibury
Tiny but famous, Bibury has a habit of stopping people in their tracks. Arlington Row is the headline act, but it's worth wandering beyond the cameras to find the village's quieter corners, riverside walks and cosy cafés. The River Coln drifts through the centre, creating the sort of peaceful backdrop that makes slowing down feel like the obvious thing to do. Arrive early or linger into the evening for a calmer side of this much-loved spot.
Castle Combe
If you've ever watched a period drama and wondered where it was filmed, there's a good chance it looked a lot like Castle Combe. With no new houses built in centuries, the village has held onto its historic character without feeling stuck in the past. Wander across the old stone bridge, admire the medieval market cross and settle into a traditional pub before exploring the lanes that wind gently through the village.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Known for the low bridges crossing the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of those places where it's easy to lose an afternoon. Browse independent shops, grab an ice cream and watch ducks paddle past while people perch along the riverbanks. There's plenty for families too, from museums to model villages, making it just as popular with children as it is with anyone simply looking for a relaxed day out.
Lower Slaughter
Despite its dramatic name, Lower Slaughter is wonderfully peaceful. A gentle stream runs through the village, with little stone bridges, an old water mill and cottages that look almost too perfect to be real. It never feels like there's a rush to get anywhere here, which is exactly the point. If you're happy to swap busy attractions for quiet walks and good pubs, you'll quickly see the appeal.
Upper Slaughter
Just a pleasant walk from Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter feels even quieter, with fewer visitors and plenty of timeless charm. The village is all winding lanes, honey-coloured cottages and open green spaces where very little seems to happen, in the best possible way. It's an easy place to wander without checking the time, especially if you finish with a long lunch or a pint at the local pub.
Broadway
Broadway has a little more buzz than many Cotswold villages, and that's part of what makes it so enjoyable. The wide high street is lined with independent shops, galleries, cafés and inviting pubs, so there's always somewhere to pop into next. It's also the perfect starting point for a walk up to Broadway Tower, where you'll earn those far-reaching countryside views before heading back for coffee and cake.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Built on one of the highest points in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Its market square is surrounded by independent shops, antique dealers and characterful pubs that make it easy to spend longer than planned. Keep an eye out for the famous north door of St Edward's Church too, framed by ancient yew trees and looking like something straight out of a fantasy novel.
Burford
Burford's steep high street gives the village plenty of character before you've even stepped inside a shop. Wander downhill past old stone buildings, delis, bakeries and independent boutiques, then pause by the historic church before finding somewhere for lunch. It's a lively place without feeling hectic, making it a brilliant base for exploring the surrounding countryside as well as the rest of the Cotswolds.
Painswick
Often called the 'Queen of the Cotswolds', Painswick has a slightly grander feel than many of its neighbours, thanks to its elegant buildings and handsome streets. The churchyard is famous for its neatly clipped yew trees, while the nearby Rococo Garden adds a splash of colour in spring and summer. Throw in welcoming cafés and scenic walking routes, and you've got an easy place to while away a day.
Snowshill
Snowshill may be small, but there's plenty to tempt you into staying longer. Quiet lanes weave between beautiful cottages, while the surrounding countryside is made for leisurely walks. Just outside the village you'll find Snowshill Manor, packed with fascinating collections, and in summer the nearby lavender fields burst into vibrant purple. It's the sort of place that rewards anyone happy to wander without much of a plan.
Stanton
Stanton feels wonderfully untouched, even by Cotswold standards. There aren't crowds of attractions competing for your attention here, just handsome stone cottages, peaceful streets and views across the Vale of Evesham. It's an ideal place to stretch your legs before rewarding yourself with lunch at the village pub. Sometimes the best days out don't need a packed itinerary, and Stanton proves exactly that.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden's high street is one of the finest in the Cotswolds, lined with beautiful limestone buildings that hint at the town's wealthy wool-trading past. Today it's packed with independent shops, cafés and galleries that are perfect for an unhurried browse. It's also the starting point of the famous Cotswold Way, making it a great choice whether you're planning a gentle stroll or something a little more adventurous.
After exploring the best villages in the Cotswolds, you'll want somewhere equally inviting to come back to. Browse everything from cosy country escapes to cottages with hot tubs for a little extra indulgence, or choose one of our dog-friendly cottages so your four-legged explorer doesn't have to miss out on the adventure. Wherever you stay, you'll be perfectly placed to discover even more of this unforgettable corner of the country.
Meet the author
Ian LewisIan's worked in travel for over 15 years and has written about destinations across the whole of the UK (and beyond). He loves all kinds of getaways with every member of the family on two legs or four, seeking out the more unique and interesting properties wherever he can.
