Discover The Cotswolds
Key Information and Why Visit?
The Cotswolds is one of England’s most beautiful regions, officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Stretching across five counties, it’s famed for its golden-stone villages, rolling green hills, bustling market towns, and timeless countryside charm. Just under two hours from London, the Cotswolds offers the perfect escape—whether you’re exploring historic sites, wandering scenic walking trails, shopping in artisan farm shops, or relaxing by a cosy pub fire. With its mix of history, natural beauty, and authentic English culture, the Cotswolds is a must-visit all year round.
What is The Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) stretching across five English counties — Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. It is famous for its golden stone villages, rolling hills, charming market towns, and a timeless countryside atmosphere.
Why visit The Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds offers the perfect blend of history, beauty, and authentic English charm. Visitors come for picture-perfect villages, cosy pubs, antique shops, stunning gardens, and countryside walks. Whether it’s summer wildflowers or winter log fires, the Cotswolds is a year-round destination.
What To Do When you Get to the Cotswolds?
Explore market towns like Stow-on-the-Wold, wander riverside villages such as Lower Slaughter, or climb Broadway Tower for sweeping views. Visitors enjoy walking trails, country pubs, gardens, castles, shopping, and farm-to-table food. Private tours are one of the best ways to discover hidden gems.
How do I get to the Cotswolds from London?
The Cotswolds is less than two hours from London, making it the perfect choice for a day trip or a relaxing short break.
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By Train: Take a direct service from London Paddington to Oxford or Moreton-in-Marsh — both excellent gateways to the region.
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With Us: For the easiest and most comfortable experience, join one of our Cotswolds Day Tours. We offer convenient pickups from Oxford, London's Notting Hill and most airports, with private SUV transport and expert local guides.
From Notting Hill, we can have you in the heart of the Cotswolds in just 1 hour and 20 minutes — so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
Do David Beckham and Ellen DeGeneres Live in the Cotswolds?
Yes — both David and Victoria Beckham own a home in the Cotswolds, as does Ellen DeGeneres, who reportedly spends time in a countryside estate here. The region has become a celebrity favourite for its privacy, charm, and proximity to London.
Which other famous people live in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is home to a number of high-profile residents including Simon Cowell, Kate Moss, Jeremy Clarkson, Amanda Holden, J.K. Rowling, Elizabeth Murdoch and Hugh Grant. Former Prime Ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron, also live in the Cotswolds. Many choose the area for its seclusion, stunning scenery, and luxury countryside living.
Famous Cotswolds Locals
Kate Moss
Supermodel with a home near Little Faringdon.
Actor known to have lived in a Cotswolds mansion.
Simon Cowell
The entertainment mogul purchased a farmhouse near Chipping Norton
JK Rowling
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling owns a property in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Boris Johnson
Prime Minister of the UK from July 2019 to September 2022.
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David Cameron
Prime Minister of the UK from May 2010 to July 2016.
Jeremy Clarkson
His Diddly Squat farmhouse made famous by the Amazon Series has quickly become a cultural landmark
The Beckham family
Their country estate near Great Tew is often in the spotlight.
Ellen DeGeneres & Portia DeRossi
Recently sold and bought a home in the Cotswolds.
Home to Esetlle Manor and Soho Farmhouse
The Cotswolds is also home to some of the UK’s most exclusive countryside retreats. Estelle Manor, a luxury country house hotel near Oxford, and Soho Farmhouse, the private members’ club near Chipping Norton, attract international visitors, celebrities, and those seeking the very best in comfort and style. These destinations combine modern luxury with the Cotswolds’ trademark charm, making the region a hub for both relaxation and high-end experiences.
Famous Film & Shows filmed in the Cotswolds
Famous Shows and Movies Filmed in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds’ honey-coloured stone villages and rolling countryside have made it a favourite filming location for decades. Some of the most famous productions include:
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Downton Abbey – Bampton village doubled as Downton village in the hit TV series and film.
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Bridget Jones’s Diary – Snowshill and Gloucestershire villages featured in the films.
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Harry Potter – Gloucester Cathedral, just on the Cotswolds’ edge, was used as Hogwarts interiors.
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Poldark – Scenes filmed in Corsham and Cotswold villages.
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Sherlock (BBC) – Lacock Abbey featured as a key location.
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Father Brown – Much of this long-running TV series is filmed in Blockley and surrounding villages.
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The Holiday – The charming cottage scenes were filmed in Shere (nearby Surrey) but the Cotswolds inspired its aesthetic.
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Stardust – Castle Combe became the magical village setting.
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War Horse – Filmed across Gloucestershire countryside.
The region continues to attract filmmakers for its timeless landscapes and perfectly preserved English charm.
JD Vance the Vice President of the USA, visits Daylesford Farm in the Cotswolds, Aug 2025
Donald J Trump the President of the USA, visits Blenheim Palace (the childhood home of Winston Churchill) in the Cotswolds, July 2018
Donald J Trump the President of the USA, formal state reception at Blenheim Palace Cotswolds, July 2018