Where to stay in the Cotswolds: Couples edition
Date published: 11 Feb 2026
Looking to slow down and escape with your loved one on a getaway that feels like you’re stepping back in time? Then the Cotswolds are the perfect romantic destination for you.
A patchwork of countryside spanning 800 square miles across five counties, from Gloucestershire to Oxfordshire and beyond. Part of the appeal of visiting is the unmistakable Cotswold signatures: the honey-toned stone, rolling hills known as ‘wolds’, and villages that look as if they’ve been gently ageing in place for centuries. We’re talking about falling in love with the quirky draw of creaky floors and low beams.
Finding a small place that feels like your own for a few days, whether it’s a snug cottage, a village hideaway, or a stone barn, is the best way to immerse yourself in slow rural life. So we’ve rounded up the best romantic places to stay in the Cotswolds for couples – stays that leave plenty of room for long breakfasts, slow evenings, and more “us time” than itinerary-ticking.
Rock Cottage: Minchinhampton, Stroud
Tucked up against the edge of Minchinhampton Common, Rock Cottage sits in one of the Cotswolds’ most quietly appealing corners. The cottage itself dates back around 200 years and still wears its age well, with original stonework and period details that give it real character. The wood burning stove keeps things cosy, while a reading snug on the second floor gives it even more charm. Outside, there’s a south-west facing courtyard garden, a sheltered little spot that catches the afternoon light.
You can easily wander into Minchinhampton, too, for hand-in-hand strolls of its butcher, coffee shops and pub.
The Small House: near Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham
The Small House is a compact charmer right in the heart of one of the Cotswolds’ tiniest villages, Great Rissington. This spacious property has all the traditional touches, like wooden beams, original stone flooring and an AGA, mixed with luxury finishes like a free-standing bath and Molton Brown toiletries.
It’s also in a prime postcode, with beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water just down the road. Burford and Cheltenham are also within easy reach for a romantic couples’ day out.
Hadcroft Cottage: Chipping Campden
Set in the heart of one of the Cotswolds’ most attractive towns of Chipping Campden, Hadcroft Cottage leans fully into classic country-cottage charm. Picture beams, a big inglenook fireplace and a garden with resident barn owls.
It suits couples wanting proper peace and quiet, without feeling cut off from the wider Cotswolds scene. You’re well placed for exploring the northern Cotswolds. Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh are both close by, making day trips simple without turning the stay into a constant drive-fest.
The Old Dairy: Nettleton, Wiltshire
The Old Dairy is a cosy, made-for-couples cottage set on a working farm in Nettleton, Wiltshire. Designed as a reverse-level retreat, it makes the most of open countryside views, with an open-plan living space and original exposed beams.
Tucked away from the busier parts of the village, it offers a real sense of escape while remaining practical, with off-road parking and easy access to the local river, shop and pub by car. A quiet, romantic base for exploring the surrounding countryside, then retreating somewhere that feels properly tucked away.
1 Chestnut Corner: Stanton, Tewkesbury
1 Chestnut Corner is set in a quiet part of Stanton, near Tewkesbury, and bustling Broadway. The honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottage is full of character, blending traditional features, like flagstone floors and a wood burning stove, with modern comforts, like super-king size beds and a fancy roll-top bath.
Stanton itself is a classic Cotswold village, known for its stone cottages, medieval parish church and the much-loved Mount Inn, where walkers flock for the far-reaching views. The Cotswold Way runs right through the village, making it ideal for scenic strolls as a two.
Cockshutt Cottage: Chalford, Stroud
Cockshutt Cottage sits high on a working farm, above nearby Stroud. As you can imagine, the views are something else – think wildflower meadows and woodland. You can join footpaths straight from your front door, including routes along the canal towards Stroud, with its lively Saturday market. Or, wander across the countryside to the nearby village pub in Frampton Mansell. We can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend…
Eastcombe Annexe: Stow-On-The-Wold
Eastcombe Annexe is a snug, well-placed retreat for two, set on the edge of Stow-on-the-Wold. It’s close enough to walk into the heart of this historic market town, yet tucked away in a quiet residential spot with open countryside views. Step out for independent shops, cafés and relaxed places to eat, then wander back to a setting that feels calm and rural.
The annexe itself is up-to-the-minute in style, with a modern kitchen and flooring. But you can still expect classic Cotswold touches like floral blinds and exposed brickwork to keep things nice and cosy.
1 Bed Cottage: Wotton-under-Edge, Stroud
1 Bed Cottage is just half a mile from the historic market town of Wotton-under-Edge, near Stroud. This charming bolthole puts independent shops, cafés and local food spots within easy reach. The surrounding area suits walkers particularly well, with a network of waymarked footpaths nearby, including access to the Cotswold Way as it winds between Chipping Campden and Bath.
There’s plenty to explore further afield too, from Berkeley’s medieval deer park to long, traffic-free stretches of canal ideal for relaxed cycling. Back at the cottage, the interior blends country character with a clean, modern finish, and the outdoor hot tub adds a well-earned extra layer of indulgence after a day out.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our handpicked suggestions on where to stay in the Cotswolds for couples. From tucked-away cabins with hot tubs to characterful countryside retreats, browse our full range of last-minute Cotswolds cottages today.
