Complete guide for visiting The Cotswolds in 2025

Dreaming of exploring the Cotswolds but not sure where to start? From honey-stone cottages to cosy country pubs, this region is full of classic British charm.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect Cotswolds getaway - from how to get around to the must-see villages and what to see, do and eat in each one.

Here’s each section you’ll find below:

• How to Get Around the Cotswolds

• The Best Cotswolds Villages (Must-Sees + Food/Drink Spots)

• Suggested Cotswolds Routes and Where to Stay

• Final Tips for Visiting

Have a read through everything or skip to the section you are looking for!

How to Get Around the Cotwolds

To get around the Cotswolds, you have 3 different options:

By Car

The easiest way to explore the Cotswolds is definitely by car. Not only does it save you time, but it also gives you the flexibility to see more of each place and discover smaller villages / hidden gems along the way. One thing to keep in mind is that parking spots fill up quickly, especially in the more popular villages. I recommend arriving early or parking a little further out if you’re happy with a short walk in. 

You’ll also have to drive along lots of country roads, so if that’s something you’re not used to, make sure you allow extra travel time and take it slow. 

Public Transport

Travelling around the Cotswolds by public transport is definitely possible - it just takes a little extra planning. Luckily, many major UK cities offer either direct or one-stop train routes to many good starting points. 

One of the best options is Moreton-in-Marsh, which can be reached from London Paddington in as little as 90 minutes. From there, you’ll find reliable bus connections, such as the Pulhams 801, which runs to popular villages including Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold - perfect for exploring Route 2. Day tickets start from around £8, making it a great, cheap option.

Another way is to travel to larger cities like Bath, Oxford or Chippenham and use local bus routes to reach charming villages. This is great for exploring Route 1. With a bit of planning, public transport can be a good, budget-friendly way to explore the Cotswolds.

• Save & plan your train routes now  ➜ Here

• Pulham bus route & information ➜ Here

By Guided Tours

If you’d rather sit back and enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of guided tours that make exploring the Cotswolds in a day really easy. Many start from cities like London, Bath, Oxford, and Birmingham. Below are some highly rated options:

• Tour of The Cotswolds from London ➜ Click Here

• Tour of The Cotswolds from Oxford ➜ Click Here

• Tour of The Cotswolds from Birmingham ➜ Click Here

• Tour of The Cotswolds from Bath ➜ Click Here

For a more detailed guide on exploring the Cotswolds without a car ➜ watch our TikTok video here

Best Cotswolds Villages (Must-Sees + Food/Drink Spots)

With over 50 villages to explore, the Cotswolds are packed full of different destinations with their own unique charms. These places, however, are 7 of the best ones, along with what to do, eat/drink and where to stay in each:

1. Bibury

Often described as the most beautiful village in England, Bibury looks straight out of a storybook. Right on the River Coln, this village is known for its picture-perfect cottages and stunning photography spots. 

Must-sees:

• Arlington Row - The row of honey-stone cottages that’s one of the most photographed spots in England.

• Bibury Trout Farm - One of the oldest in the country, great for a short stop or light lunch.

• The Swan Hotel - Cosy riverside stop for afternoon tea or a drink in the garden.

• River Coln Walk - A gentle stroll past the village green and alongside the water.

Food/Drink Spots:

• The Twig - A cosy café/deli serving artisan coffee, sandwiches, focaccias and pastries. 

• The Catherine Wheel - Traditional English pub with seasonal dishes and local specialities

• The Swan Brasserie - Classic brasserie cuisine with local produce, offering relaxed lunches, dinners and afternoon tea. 

2. Bourton-on-the-Water

  Labelled as the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-On-the-Water is known for its low stone bridges and riverside charm. The village has a lively atmosphere with numerous cafés, shops, and spots to explore, making it one of the best spots for families or first-time visitors.

Must-sees:

• The Model Village - A miniature version of Bourton itself, complete with tiny gardens and bridges.

• Cotswolds Motoring Museum - Vintage cars and nostalgic displays.

• Birdland Park & Gardens - Home to penguins, parrots and beautiful landscaped grounds.

• The Dragonfly Maze - A fun and quirky challenge for both kids and adults.

Food/Drink Spots:

• Bakery on the Water - Artisan bakery/café right by the river selling freshly baked bread, pastries, light lunch and great coffee.

• Bourton Riverside Café - A café with views over the river and village green. Serves breakfast, light lunches, paninis, soups, jacket potatoes and cream teas.

• The Kingsbridge Pub & Restaurant - Traditional country pub food like burgers, fish & chips, pies along with a solid selection of ales and drinks. 

• Bourton’s Little Sweet Shop - A traditional shed-sized candy store, stocked with jars of classic sweets, chocolates and fudge.

3. Stow-on-the-Wold

 Perched high on a hill, Stow-on-the-Wold is a blend of historic market town and classic Cotswold charm. Its stone streets are lined with antique shops and boutiques and the village has a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.

Must-sees:

• St Edward's Church - Famous for its fairytale style door framed by ancient trees, said to have inspired the Door of Durin from The Lord of the Rings.

• The Market Square - Once a medieval trading hub, now filled with historic charm and independent shops.

• Antique Shopping - Stow is known for its impressive selection of antique and vintage stores.

Food/Drink Spots:

• The Kings Arms - A historic inn-restaurant serving hearty classics and pub favourites.

• The Sheep on Sheep Street - A more modern pub vibe with seasonal dishes, sourdough pizzas, steaks, and fresh salads.

• The Hive - A great spot for breakfast or lunch with lighter options like smashed avo, full English and pastries. 

4. Castle Combe

    Often called the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe captures everything people imagine when they think of cute English villages. With its honey-coloured cottages, old stone bridge, and peaceful streets, it perfectly embodies the Cotswolds.

Must-sees:

• The Bridge Viewpoint - The classic photo spot overlooking the village and river.

• St.Andrew's Church - Home to one of England’s oldest working clocks.

• Market Cross - A remnant of the village’s medieval market history.

• Walks around the Valley - Gentle countryside paths offering stunning views back over the village.

Food/Drink Spots:

• Bybrook (The Manor House Hotel) - A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant serving modern British cuisine with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. 

• The Castle Inn - A charming 12th-century pub with a seasonal menu that goes beyond standard pub fare, offering homemade comfort dishes in a historic setting. 

• The Salutation Inn - A charming 12th-century pub in Castle Combe serving hearty British classics with a contemporary twist in a cosy, rustic setting.

5. Upper & Lower Slaughter

     Just a short walk from Bourton-on-the-Water, these twin villages are among the Cotswolds’ most peaceful spots. The gentle stream and little bridges make them feel untouched by time and a nice, quiet break from the busier Bourton-on-the-Water. 

Must-sees: 

• The River Eye Walk - A scenic footpath linking Upper and Lower Slaughter, perfect for a calm countryside stroll.

• The Old Mill (Lower Slaughter) – A charming historic mill with a small museum and gift shop.

• Upper Slaugter Manor - A beautiful Grade II* listed building surrounded by rolling fields.

• Historic Stone Bridges - Some of the most picturesque in the region, especially at golden hour.

Food/Drink Spots:

• The Slaughters Country Inn - A charming country inn serving classic British dishes made with local produce.

• The Slaughters Manor House - An elegant 17th-century manor offering contemporary British cuisine with seasonal ingredients.

• Lords of the Manor - A historic manor house with sophisticated British fare, luxurious surroundings, and a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

6. Chipping Campden

     Full of old-world charm, Chipping Camden is known for its golden stone buildings that glow in the sunlight. The High Street is one of the most beautiful in the Cotswolds, lined with independent shops, galleries and traditional inns. The village also marks the starting point of the Cotswolds Way walking trail.

Must-sees:

• Market Hall - Built in the 1600s, this stone landmark once sheltered local traders and still stands proudly in the town centre.
• Hidcote Manor Gardens - A world-famous National Trust with arts and crafts-inspired gardens.
• St.James Church - A stunning example of Gothic architecture with a rich history.
• Cotswold Way Trail Start Point - Ideal for scenic countryside walks beginning right in the heart of the village.

Food/Drink Spots:

• The Bantam Tea Rooms - A quaint tearoom serving classic British lunches like toasties, omelettes, and ploughman’s platters, plus homemade cakes and scones.

• The Fuzzy Duck - A cosy café offering soups, sandwiches, and light bites at an affordable price, popular with locals and visitors alike.

• Eight Bells Inn - A historic pub with a welcoming atmosphere, serving reasonably priced seasonal British dishes, perfect for a casual lunch.

7. Broadway

     One of my favourite Cotswold villages, Broadway perfectly captures the region’s honey-stone charm. Its wide High Street is lined with independent shops, galleries, and traditional pubs, while the surrounding countryside and cottages make for some stunning views.

Must-sees:

• Broadway Tower - A hilltop tower offering panoramic views across the Cotswolds.

• High Street Shops & Galleries - Browse boutique stores, art galleries and local crafts.

• Snowshill Manor & Garden - A short drive away, this National Trust property is full of quirky collections and beautiful gardens.

• Broadway Museum & Art Gallery - Small but full of local history and art.

Food/Drink Spots:

• Broadway Deli - A deli perfect for quick bites serving freshly sandwiches, salads and cakes.

• Hunters of Broadway - A charming tearoom with a selection of sandwiches, soups and light bites in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Russell’s of Broadway - A popular restaurant serving modern British and European dishes, perfect for a relaxed dinner in the village.

Suggested Cotswolds Routes and Where to Stay

As all these villages span over such a large area, it’s best to choose a few to visit in one go. Here are three route suggestions and places to stay for each to help narrow down the options:

Route 1 - (Southern Charm)

Castle Combe → Bibury

Perfect if you’re exploring the Southern Cotswolds. These two are a little further apart, but both are incredibly beautiful and give you that classic Cotswolds feel. If you’re staying longer, nearby cities like Bath are great additions to this itinerary.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Premier Inn Chippenham Hotel (15 mins drive from Castle Combe) ➜  Book Now
• Mid: The Old House At Home (Ivy-clad country inn by Castle Combe) ➜ Book Now
• Luxury: The Swan Hotel (Charming hotel in the heart of Bibury) ➜ Book Now

Route 2 - (The Popular Picks)

Bourton-on-the-Water → Lower Slaughter → Upper Slaughter → Stow-on-the-Wold

A lovely strip of 4 places that’s close together and easy to do over a weekend. If you are looking for a day trip, I recommend choosing only 1 of the slaughters or skip Stow-on-the-Wold. Expect scenic walks, riverside views, historic museums, British pubs, and cosy tea rooms.

Where to Stay:

• Budget - Premier Inn Chipping Norton Hotel (15 mins from Stow-on-the-Wold) Book Now
• Mid - Old Manse Hotel (Charming river hotel in the heart of Bourton) ➜ Book Now
• Luxury - The Slaughters Manor House (17th-century manor, Lower Slaughter) ➜ Book Now

Route 3 - (Northern Highlights)

Broadway → Chipping Campden

These two villages are close to each other and make a great pairing. Explore Broadway’s honey-stone High Street and Tower, then head to Chipping Campden for history and garden views. If you’re looking for a longer trip, you could also add villages from Route 2, as they’re not too far.

Where to Stay:

• Budget - Crown & Trumpet Inn (Historic Building Inn in the heart of Broadway) ➜ Book Now
• Mid - Cotswold House Hotel & Spa (Town house and gardens in Campden) ➜ Book Now
• High - The Lygon Arms (Honey stone classic hotel on Broadway High Street) ➜ Book Now

If you only have one day, I recommend choosing 1 of the above routes, like Route 2 - a perfect first taste of the Cotswolds without feeling rushed. If you have a weekend or longer, you can easily combine two routes, such as pairing Route 2 with the northern highlights of Broadway and Chipping Campden.

If your looking for apartments or traditional Cotswold cottage like stays, have a look on Air BnB ➜ Here

Final Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds

As mentioned earlier, the Cotswolds can get very busy, especially in popular villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Castle Combe. A good tip is to visit on weekdays if possible, and try to get there earlier in the day. With so much to see, eat and explore, it’s also helpful to check reviews and see what other visitors recommend. You can do this and find more Cotswolds inspiration on TripAdvisor ➜  Here

I hope with all these tips and suggestions you have an amazing Cotswolds trip and don't forget to follow along for more UK destinations and guides!