The Ultimate Cotswolds Travel Companion: Top 50 Villages of The Cotswolds Information Guide 2026
- Rom A
- Jan 15
- 12 min read
Curated by Rom, founder of The Cotswolds Day Tours Company.
Tell us you favourite Cotswolds village to visit
Castle Coombe
Bibury
Bourton-on-the-Water
Broadway
You can vote for more than one answer.
COTSWOLDS TOP 50 VILLAGES
The Cotswolds Day Tours company has curated Cotswolds Top 50 villages to visit and explore, with what to see, experience and insider tips.
The "Famous Five" (Iconic Villages)
1. Castle Combe
What to See: The 14th-century Market Cross and the iconic Bybrook River bridge.
The Experience: Wander the narrow valley to see honey-stone cottages that have featured in War Horse and Stardust.
Insider Tip: Visit the "Honesty Stalls" outside residents' homes for homemade cakes and flowers.
2. Bibury
What to See: Arlington Row, a line of 17th-century weavers' cottages owned by the National Trust.
The Experience: Walk along the River Coln to the Bibury Trout Farm where you can catch your own dinner.
Insider Tip: Arrive before 9:00 AM to see the Row without the tour bus crowds.
3. Bourton-on-the-Water
What to See: The five low arched stone bridges spanning the shallow River Windrush.
The Experience: Explore the Model Village (a 1/9th scale replica of the town) and the Motoring Museum.
Insider Tip: Dip your feet in the river by the green on a hot summer afternoon—it’s a local tradition.
4. Broadway
What to See: The "Jewel of the Cotswolds" High Street and the dramatic Broadway Tower on the hill.
The Experience: Browse high-end art galleries and enjoy luxury afternoon tea at The Lygon Arms.
Insider Tip: Hike from the village to the Tower for a view that covers up to 16 counties.
5. Stow-on-the-Wold
What to See: St. Edward’s Church with its "Tolkien-esque" north door flanked by ancient yew trees.
The Experience: Shop for antiques in the massive Market Square where 20,000 sheep were once sold at a time.
Insider Tip: Grab a coffee at Lucy’s on the Square for the best people-watching spot in town.
Northern Gems (Golden Stone)
6. Chipping Campden (Cotswolds Day Tours Company favourite!)
What to See: The 1627 Market Hall and the "Wool Church" of St. James.
The Experience: Walk the start of the 102-mile Cotswold Way trail located right by the town hall. Have high tea in Bantam Tea rooms.
Insider Tip: Visit the Old Silk Mill to see modern silversmiths continuing the Arts & Crafts tradition.
7. Snowshill
What to See: Snowshill Manor (National Trust) and the nearby lavender fields (seasonal).
The Experience: Discover the eccentric collection of 22,000 objects hidden inside the hillside manor.
Insider Tip: The village was used as a filming location for Bridget Jones’s Diary—look for the church green.
8. Stanton
What to See: Completely unspoilt 17th-century architecture with virtually no commercial signage.
The Experience: Hike the "Cotswold Way" path that runs directly through the main street.
Insider Tip: Ride a horse through the village; local stables offer "pub rides" that stop at The Mount Inn.
9. Blockley
What to See: Unusual silk-mill heritage and the church featured in the Father Brown TV series.
The Experience: Walk along the brook that once powered 12 separate water mills.
Insider Tip: Visit the Blockley Cafe - it’s a community-run gem with exceptional local food.
10. Broad Campden
What to See: A high concentration of beautiful thatched-roof cottages and the quirky "Quaker Meeting House."
The Experience: A peaceful alternative to its busier neighbor, Chipping Campden.
Insider Tip: Stop for a pint at The Bakers Arms, a classic local pub with a roaring fire.
11. Ebrington
What to See: Traditional village greens and the award-winning Ebrington Arms.
The Experience: Experience a true "working" village where farming is still the heart of the community.
Insider Tip: The pub’s "Yubby" ale is brewed specifically for the village—it’s a must-try.
12. Mickleton
What to See: The northernmost village in Gloucestershire, known for its rich market gardening history.
The Experience: Home to the world-famous Pudding Club at the Three Ways House Hotel.
Insider Tip: If you visit on a Friday, the local farm shops are stocked with the freshest seasonal produce.
13. Ilmington
What to See: Tucked-away stone cottages at the foot of the highest point in Warwickshire.
The Experience: Explore the many apple orchards that surround the village.
Insider Tip: Find the "Lions of Ilmington"—small stone carvings hidden around the village.
14. Moreton-in-Marsh
What to See: The wide Georgian High Street and the historic Curfew Tower.
The Experience: Visit the huge Tuesday street market, the largest open-air market in the Cotswolds.
Insider Tip: The Bell Inn is said to be the inspiration for "The Prancing Pony" in Lord of the Rings.
15. Lower Brailes
What to See: The "Cathedral of the Feldon," a massive and historic parish church.
The Experience: Enjoy the dramatic views of Castle Hill, a Norman motte-and-bailey earthwork.
Insider Tip: Hike to the top of the hill for a 360-degree view of the northern Cotswold escarpment.
Central Wonders (The Slaughters & Windrush Valley)
16. Lower Slaughter
What to See: The 19th-century water mill with a working waterwheel and a riverside craft shop.
The Experience: Walk the path alongside the River Eye, voted one of the most romantic walks in Britain.
Insider Tip: The Old Mill parlor serves incredible artisanal ice cream—try the "Cotswold Cream" flavor.
17. Upper Slaughter
What to See: The ford where the river crosses the road (perfect for photos).
The Experience: A "Doubly Thankful" village that feels like a quiet sanctuary.
Insider Tip: Look for the "Manor House" hotel; even if not staying, their gardens are stunning for a quick stroll.
18. Burford
What to See: The steep High Street lined with medieval and Georgian frontages.
The Experience: Visit the massive St. John the Baptist church, full of history from the English Civil War.
Insider Tip: Explore the "hidden" courtyards tucked behind the shops on the main street.
19. Kingham
What to See: An elegant village green surrounded by some of the UK’s best gastropubs.
The Experience: A foodie’s paradise, located just a mile from the Daylesford Organic farm.
Insider Tip: The "Big Feastival" (Alex James’s food/music festival) happens here every August.
20. Naunton
What to See: The rare 17th-century Dovecote and the River Windrush winding through the village.
The Experience: A quiet, non-touristy village where you can see racehorses being exercised in the mornings.
Insider Tip: The Black Horse Inn offers a very traditional, no-frills Sunday roast.
21. The Oddingtons (Upper & Lower)
What to See: The 12th-century St. Nicholas Church in Lower Oddington with its rare "Doom" wall painting.
The Experience: Walk the footpath between the two villages through open meadows.
Insider Tip: The Fox at Oddington is a stylish, renovated pub that serves amazing local seasonal dishes.
22. Guiting Power
What to See: A perfectly preserved village square with a traditional bakery and a tiny post office.
The Experience: Visit during the "Guiting Music Festival" in July for world-class classical and jazz.
Insider Tip: The Cotswold Farm Park (Adam Henson’s farm) is just up the road- great for families.
23. Great Tew
What to See: Uniform ironstone cottages with thatched roofs, part of a private historic estate.
The Experience: Visit the Falkland Arms, one of the most atmospheric pubs in England with jugs hanging from the ceiling.
Insider Tip: Look out for celebrities—this village is a favorite for the "Soho Farmhouse" crowd.
24. Windrush
What to See: A tiny, peaceful hamlet overlooking the valley with a beautiful Norman church.
The Experience: Pure serenity; the village has no shops or pubs, just quiet lanes and stone walls.
Insider Tip: The churchyard has some of the finest "Swelled-head" chest tombs in the region.
25. Asthall
What to See: The Jacobean Asthall Manor, childhood home of the famous Mitford sisters.
The Experience: Walk through the churchyard to find the simple graves of the Mitford family.
Insider Tip: Visit The Farmer’s Dog (Jeremy Clarkson’s pub) located nearby on the roundabout.
26. Minster Lovell
What to See: The atmospheric ruins of Minster Lovell Hall sitting right on the riverbank.
The Experience: Explore the "Ghostly" history of the hall, which is free to enter and perfect for picnics.
Insider Tip: The Old Swan is one of the most photographed thatched inns in the country.
27. Swinbrook
What to See: The "Fettiplace Monuments" in the church—six stone effigies of knights lying on their sides.
The Experience: Enjoy the riverside setting of The Swan Inn, another Mitford family connection.
Insider Tip: This is a top-tier spot for fly-fishing on the River Windrush (permits required).
28. Northleach
What to See: The magnificent "Cathedral of the Cotswolds" church with its famous brasses.
The Experience: Visit the Old Prison, now a cafe and heritage center focusing on rural life.
Insider Tip: The village square was a primary filming location for the dark comedy This Country.
29. Chedworth
What to See: One of the largest and best-preserved Roman Villas in Britain (National Trust).
The Experience: Walk through the woods to see 4th-century mosaics still in their original positions.
Insider Tip: The village itself is "long and thin"- park at one end and walk the length to see the tiered gardens.
30. Painswick
What to See: The 99 clipped yew trees in the churchyard and the nearby Rococo Garden.
The Experience: Known as the "Queen of the Cotswolds," built from a distinct, pale silver stone.
Insider Tip: Try to find the 100th yew tree - legend says the devil always kills it off.
Southern & Western Treasures
31. Tetbury
What to See: The 17th-century Market House and the many antique shops on Long Street.
The Experience: Visit the Highgrove Shop for products from King Charles III's nearby estate.
Insider Tip: The "Woolsack Races" in May involve locals running up a steep hill carrying 60lb bags of wool.
32. Cirencester
What to See: The Corinium Museum (Roman history) and the massive St. John Baptist church.
The Experience: Known as the "Capital of the Cotswolds," it offers great shopping and a weekly craft market.
Insider Tip: Visit the Abbey Grounds for a peaceful walk among Roman wall ruins.
33. Malmesbury
What to See: The stunning 12th-century Abbey and the "Abbey House Manor" gardens.
The Experience: Explore England's oldest borough, perched on a hill surrounded by the River Avon.
Insider Tip: Look for the grave of Hannah Twynnoy - the first person in Britain to be killed by a tiger!
34. Lacock
What to See: The medieval Abbey and the perfectly preserved village streets (no power lines visible).
The Experience: A time-capsule village used in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pride & Prejudice.
Insider Tip: Visit the Fox Talbot Museum, dedicated to the inventor of the photographic negative.
35. Biddestone
What to See: The picturesque duck pond on the village green and the Saxon-origin church.
The Experience: A classic film-set village - it was the main location for the Agatha Raisin series.
Insider Tip: The White Horse pub is a great spot for a local ale overlooking the pond.
36. Sherston
What to See: The wide "French-style" main street and the historic church with its Norman tower.
The Experience: Visit during the "Boules Day" in July when the whole street is turned into a sand-covered court.
Insider Tip: The local butchers (T.H. Burrow) is legendary for its traditional Cotswold sausages.
37. Minchinhampton
What to See: The massive Minchinhampton Common, where cows roam freely among the houses.
The Experience: A hilltop town with incredible views and unique "Market House" on stilts.
Insider Tip: Watch out for the cows! They have the "right of way" on all roads across the common.
38. Amberley
What to See: Dramatic views over the Woodchester Valley and the "eye-catcher" follies.
The Experience: A favorite for hikers; the village is scattered along the edge of the common.
Insider Tip: The Black Horse pub offers some of the best sunset views in the southern Cotswolds.
39. Bisley
What to See: The "Seven Wells," an ancient water source where "Well Dressing" takes place every year.
The Experience: Steep, winding streets and high stone walls give this village a very private, ancient feel.
Insider Tip: The Bear Inn has a fascinating history as a former courthouse and priest hole site.
40. Miserden
What to See: A timeless estate village with a wonderful plant nursery and "walled garden" cafe.
The Experience: Virtually unchanged for centuries; it feels like walking into a 1920s postcard.
Insider Tip: The "Pop-up" glasshouse cafe in the nursery is a hidden gem for lunch.
41. Tewkesbury
What to See: The massive Tewkesbury Abbey and the many black-and-white timber-framed buildings.
The Experience: A riverside town famous for its medieval battle history and "Mustard."
Insider Tip: Take a boat trip where the River Severn and River Avon meet.
42. Winchcombe
What to See: Sudeley Castle, the only private castle in England to have a queen buried in its grounds.
The Experience: Known as the "Walking Capital," it’s the intersection of several major trails.
Insider Tip: Look for the "Gargoyles" on St. Peter's Church - they are based on local 15th-century characters.
43. Prestbury
What to See: Historic timbered houses on the edge of the Cheltenham racecourse.
The Experience: Famous as one of the most haunted villages in England; home to the "Black Abbot" ghost.
Insider Tip: The Plough is a classic thatched pub that feels world's away from the nearby city.
44. Woodstock
What to See: The gates to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Churchill's birthplace.
The Experience: An elegant Georgian town with high-end boutiques and historic coaching inns.
Insider Tip: You can enter the Blenheim Park grounds for free via local footpaths (ask a local for the gate).
45. Fairford
What to See: St. Mary’s Church, containing the only complete set of medieval stained glass in the UK.
The Experience: A quiet market town situated on the River Coln, famous for the annual Air Tattoo.
Insider Tip: Walk along the river to the old "mill leat" for a peaceful nature spotting session.
46. Lechlade-on-Thames
What to See: The "Halfpenny Bridge" and the church that inspired the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
The Experience: The highest navigable point of the Thames; perfect for renting a canoe or motorboat.
Insider Tip: Visit "Christmas Shop" (it’s open all year round!) for a bit of festive magic in July.
47. Southrop
What to See: The tiny Norman church and the Thyme estate - a luxury "village within a village."
The Experience: Ultra-chic and peaceful; it's a favorite getaway for the London elite.
Insider Tip: The Swan is the village’s only pub and serves world-class, farm-to-table food.
48. Coln St Aldwyns
What to See: A stunning high street of grand stone houses leading down to the river.
The Experience: Consistently voted one of the best places to live in England for its beauty and community.
Insider Tip: Hike from here to Bibury (about 2 miles) through the beautiful Coln Valley meadows.
49. Quenington
What to See: The 12th-century church with its spectacular carved "Tympanum" doorways.
The Experience: Home to the "Fresh Air" sculpture biennial, where modern art is displayed in historic gardens.
Insider Tip: Look for the old "Knights Hospitaller" gatehouse—a rare piece of Crusader history.
50. Uley
What to See: Hetty Pegler's Tump, a prehistoric burial mound you can actually climb inside.
The Experience: A village set in a steep "coombe" (valley) with a thriving local arts center (Prema).
Insider Tip: Hike up to Uley Bury, an iron-age hill fort with some of the best views in the West Country.
What to See and Do in the Cotswolds All Year Round
The Cotswolds offers timeless appeal, with activities adapting to each season. From our handpicked experiences like Clarkson's Farm trails to greener options, here's a guide to keep your adventure exciting year-round. General tips: Pack layers for variable weather, wear sturdy shoes for walks, and book ahead for popular spots.
General Activities (Any Time of Year)
Walking and Hiking: Traverse the 102-mile Cotswold Way National Trail or shorter paths through valleys and hills. Highlights: Broadway Tower views, Uley Bury hill fort, or canal strolls along the Kennet and Avon.
Cycling Adventures: Rent bikes for scenic routes; family-friendly trails in Cotswold Water Park or challenging escarpment rides.
Guided Tours and Local Insights: Join private tours to hidden gems like Great Tew estate or film locations (Harry Potter, Downton Abbey). Try our Clarkson's Farm trail with stops at Diddly Squat Shop and The Farmer's Dog pub.
Unique Experiences: Forage for seasonal produce, learn dry stone walling, or enjoy farm-to-fork dining at Daylesford Organic or Worton Kitchen Garden.
Pubs and Gastropubs: Cosy up in historic spots like The Bull in Charlbury (UK's best gastro pub 2025) or Falkland Arms in Great Tew.
Markets and Shopping: Weekly markets in Moreton-in-Marsh or Stroud; antiques in Tetbury or Chipping Campden.
Wildlife and Nature: Birdwatching at Frampton on Severn or otters at Lower Moor Nature Reserve.
Historic Sites: Explore Blenheim Palace, Sudeley Castle, or Roman ruins in Cirencester.
Family Fun: Steam railway rides on Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway; animal encounters at Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Spring (March-May): Blooming Beauty
Witness wildflowers in North Meadow (Cricklade) or lambs in fields.
Garden visits: Rousham Gardens (Monty Don's favorite) or Hidcote Manor with blooming displays.
Easter events: Egg hunts at Sudeley Castle or spring festivals in Chipping Campden.
Outdoor starts: Mild walks in Painswick or cycling along blooming hedgerows.
Summer (June-August): Sunny Escapes
Picnics in Cirencester Park or by the River Windrush.
Water activities: Boating on the Thames in Lechlade or lakes in Cotswold Water Park (swimming, kayaking).
Festivals: Three Counties Show (June), Chipping Campden Music Festival, or Air Tattoo in Fairford.
Alfresco dining: Beer gardens in pubs like The Bell in Charlbury or farm-to-fork at Quince and Clover.
Autumn (September-November): Golden Hues
Leaf-peeping walks: Westonbirt Arboretum's colorful trees or Broadway Tower trails.
Harvest experiences: Apple picking, foraging workshops, or farmers' markets in Stroud.
Halloween events: Ghost tours in haunted villages like Lacock or autumn fairs.
Cozy retreats: Fireside pubs in Stow-on-the-Wold or wine tastings at local vineyards.
Winter (December-February): Festive Charm
Christmas markets: Blenheim Palace light trails, Sudeley Castle illuminations, or Chipping Campden stalls.
Cosy indoor activities: Tea rooms in Bourton-on-the-Water or museums like Edward Jenner in Berkeley.
Winter walks: Snow-dusted paths in Snowshill or crisp hikes to Tyndale Monument.
Holiday cheer: Pantomimes in Cheltenham, racing ducks in Bourton-on-the-Water, or festive pub roasts.
Final Tips
Getting Around: Use our premium SUVs for transfers from Oxford, London, or airports. Opt for greener choices like electric vehicles.
Accessibility: Many villages have uneven paths; contact us for tailored options.
Sustainability: Choose eco-friendly experiences and support local producers.
More Info: Visit cotswoldsdaytours.co.uk for bookings or enquire about bespoke multi-day tours.
Thank you for choosing Cotswolds Day Tours—let's make your adventure unforgettable!
Closing Statement
"We hope this guide inspires you to explore beyond the famous landmarks. The real magic of the Cotswolds is found in the quiet lanes and local stories of these 50 villages."
Kind Regards, Rom,
Comments