The Cotswolds is a stunning region in south-central and southwest England, renowned for its gently rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and postcard-perfect countryside. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it stretches across six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, and Somerset.
Having lived fairly close to Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds has always been just a short drive away for us. We even spent some time living in the village of Long Compton, and we still find ourselves heading back to familiar spots like Chipping Norton for little day trips. Blenheim Palace is also nearby and we’ll be sharing a dedicated blog post about our visits there very soon.
There’s so much to explore across the region, and we’ll be sharing our top finds and must-visit locations here on the blog. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, the Cotswolds has something for everyone.
Top 10 Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
- Bourton-on-the-Water – Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, with charming bridges over the River Windrush.
- Bibury – Famous for Arlington Row and picturesque riverside walks.
- Chipping Campden – A historic market town with beautiful architecture and lovely shops.
- Broadway Tower – Offers panoramic views and a perfect spot for walking and photography.
- Stow-on-the-Wold – A classic market town with antique shops and cozy tearooms.
- The Slaughters (Upper & Lower) – Quintessential Cotswold villages, peaceful and postcard-worthy.
- Burford – A charming high street and beautiful church, ideal for a relaxed afternoon.
- Cirencester – Often called the Capital of the Cotswolds, full of history and Roman heritage.
- Painswick – Known for its wool history and iconic churchyard yew trees.
- Castle Combe – A fairy-tale village often featured in films, perfect for a peaceful walk.
Our Recent Trip to Bourton-on-the-Water
On a recent visit, we explored Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds and it really lives up to the name! The River Windrush runs through the heart of the village, crossed by charming stone bridges with inviting shops and cafes. It’s a fantastic spot for families, with plenty to see and do.
There are two main car parks available – we used Rissington Road Car Park, which was ideal. From there, the Dragonfly Maze was the first attraction we came across. Just a short walk beyond is Birdland Park & Gardens, followed by The Model Village, which we did manage to visit (and loved!). Further along is the Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum – one for next time!
Although we only made it to The Model Village and some of the lovely local shops, we really enjoyed just strolling around. In the village centre, we picked up sweets from Sweets and Treats and grabbed a vegan Jude’s ice cream from The Den – both perfect pit stops on a sunny afternoon.
It was fairly busy when we went, so we’re planning a return visit in the autumn – we imagine the fallen leaves will make it even more magical (and hopefully a little quieter too).
What’s Next?
On the way to Bourton, we passed through Burford, which is now on our list for the next trip. We’re also planning a day out in Chipping Norton soon – partly so I can finally visit Daylesford Organic! I’ve wanted to go for ages, and while I’m grateful we can get their items on Ocado, nothing beats the real thing.
We’ll continue to share our adventures as we revisit our favourite spots and discover new hidden gems across the Cotswolds. Stay tuned!
