Best Cotswolds Villages
FAMOUS 5 + OUR PICKS
AT A GLANCE
BEST OVERALL
Chipping Campden, Castle Combe, Broadway
BEST COTSWOLDS STONE
Broadway, Chipping Campden
MOST TRANQUIL
Upper & Lower Slaughter, Taynton
MOST OVERRATED
Airlington Row, Bourton-on-the-water, Stow-in-the-wold
Intro
These are the villages we most often recommend for first-timers and repeat visitors - chosen for beauty, walkability, atmosphere and how easily they combine into a sensible route. Use this list to build a one-day plan, weekend itinerary, or a longer trip. Where relevant, we include practical tips on timing and crowd levels.
The Famous 5 Cotswolds Villages
1. Castle 1. Castle Combe | The Prettiest Village in England
2. Bibury | The Iconic Cotswold View
3. Bourton-on-the-Water | The Venice of the Cotswolds
4. Broadway | The Jewel of the Cotswolds
5. Stow-on-the-Wold | The Historic Market Hub
Our Additional Top Picks
6. Chipping Campden
7. Slaughters (Upper & Lower)
8. Painswick
FAMOUS 5
Castle Combe | Prettiest Cotswolds Village
Often cited as the most beautiful village in the country, Castle Combe is frozen in time with no modern streetlights or overhead cables.
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Insider Tip: Best for guests who love film history (War Horse, Stardust).
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Value Proposition: We collect guests early to avoid the midday coach crowds.
Upper & Lower Slaughter
Why go: classic cottages, lovely connecting walk
Combine with: Bourton-on-the-Water
5. Stow-on-the-Wold | The Historic Market Hub
The highest town in the Cotswolds, famous for its massive Market Square and the "Tolkien Door" at St. Edward’s Church.
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Insider Tip: Mention the "Yew Tree" door to attract fans of Lord of the Rings.
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Value Proposition: We can secure table bookings at our partner gastropubs here for the perfect lunch break.
FAQ
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How many villages can you see in one day?
Most visitors enjoy 3–5 villages in a day depending on distances and stops. -
Do I need reservations for popular pubs/restaurants?
Often yes, especially weekends and school holidays - book ahead when possible. -
Is it possible to visit without a car?
Yes, but you need the right bases. See [Link: /guides/itineraries/without-a-car/] and [Link: /guides/getting-around/without-a-car/].
