8 of the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds
Full of rustic charm, honey-hued stone cottages and idyllic countryside, the Cotswolds are a popular destination for many. But...
There’s something timeless about the Cotswolds. Rolling green hills stretch into the horizon, golden-stone cottages glow in the sunlight, and every village seems lifted straight from a storybook. Spanning nearly 800 square miles across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is full of charm, history, and quintessential English countryside character.
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family adventure or a solo escape, the Cotswolds offers an ever-changing landscape of experiences throughout the year. No two visits are ever the same, and that’s precisely the beauty of it.
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When Is the Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds’ story is steeped in prosperity and craftsmanship. During the Middle Ages, sheep farming and the wool trade brought great wealth to the region. Magnificent “wool churches” and elegant manor houses remain proud reminders of that golden era.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Arts and Crafts movement found its spiritual home here, with artisans and designers celebrating traditional skills and natural beauty. Today, that heritage continues to shine through in the region’s architecture, craftsmanship and local pride.
While its roots run deep, the Cotswolds has evolved into a vibrant and modern destination. You’ll find an inspiring mix of farm-to-table dining, independent boutiques, music and food festivals, and a flourishing arts scene. Many towns host seasonal markets filled with local produce, handmade crafts and cosy cafés perfect for a leisurely afternoon. The result? A region that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
Typically, the most budget-friendly months are November to February, excluding Christmas. You’ll find fewer crowds, better accommodation rates and a more peaceful pace. Many local attractions remain open, and winter scenery, frost-tipped meadows and quiet lanes make this a truly magical time for a cosy cottage escape.
Every trip to the Cotswolds can be as unique as you are. Your stay depends on your budget, interests and availability. We usually recommend three to five days for a short break, enough time to explore several villages and enjoy leisurely meals, or a whole week to dive deeper into the region’s beauty. However long you stay, the Cotswolds reward those who slow down and savour it.
As the days grow longer and the countryside bursts into colour, spring in the Cotswolds feels like a fresh beginning. Lambs leap across green fields, blossom dusts the lanes, and historic gardens reopen their gates.
Enjoy countryside walks among daffodils and bluebells, visit National Trust gardens such as Hidcote and Snowshill, or explore the Cotswold Way as it wakes from its winter slumber. This is also the season for food and garden festivals, celebrating local produce and creativity.
Try fresh, seasonal menus at The Wild Rabbit in Kingham or The Potting Shed in Crudwell. At this time of year, afternoon teas feel extra special: think homemade scones and tea served in sun-dappled courtyards.
Painswick, with its blossom-lined streets, is simply stunning. Broadway and Chipping Campden offer easy access to gardens and walking trails, while Snowshill is postcard-perfect when its lavender fields start to stir. The blossom trees in Bourton-on-the-Water are well worth a visit too!
Summer is the Cotswolds at its most vibrant long, golden evenings, flower-filled meadows and bustling market squares alive with festivals and laughter.
Wander through lavender fields in Snowshill or Broadway, hire a paddleboard on the Cotswold Water Park, or enjoy a slow afternoon exploring honey-stone lanes. Open-air concerts and craft fairs fill the calendar, and it’s a brilliant time for family activities.
Dine al fresco at a riverside pub like The Swan Hotel in Bibury, or sip local cider in a garden terrace. Many restaurants feature seasonal menus bursting with fresh berries, cheeses and herbs.
Cirencester often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds” offers lively markets and green parks. Bourton-on-the-Water is a family favourite for its riverside charm, while Burford’s High Street is perfect for leisurely shopping.
The Cotswolds transforms into a painter’s dream when the leaves turn gold and amber. It’s quieter after the summer rush yet mild enough for outdoor adventures.
Take in the colours along the Cotswold Way, visit harvest festivals, or browse antique markets in Tetbury and Stow-on-the-Wold. Autumn also brings vineyard tours and cosy evenings by the fire.
This is comfort-food season. Think Sunday roasts at The Lamb Inn or local game dishes at The Kingham Plough. Pair with a glass of red beside a crackling fire.
Stow-on-the-Wold and Winchcombe offer excellent walking routes, while Tetbury’s Georgian charm and antique shops make it a stylish seasonal choice.
The Cotswolds in winter is pure magic, roaring fires, fairy-lit streets, and frost-kissed countryside. It’s the perfect time for a romantic escape or a snug family retreat.
Visit Christmas markets in Cheltenham or Cirencester, explore historic houses dressed for the season, or take a brisk walk before returning to your cosy cottage. Many attractions host festive events right through December.
Savour hearty comfort food, beef and ale pies, mulled wine, and sticky toffee pudding. The Ebrington Arms and The Fleece in Cirencester are local favourites for winter dining.
Broadway and Chipping Campden are picture-perfect under a dusting of frost, while Bourton-on-the-Hill offers peaceful countryside charm and traditional stone cottages.
Families: May and July–August half-term offer the best weather and attractions.
Photographers: April–May and October provide stunning light and colour.
For couples: November–February brings peace, romance, and roaring fires.
No matter when you visit, each season in the Cotswolds reveals a new side of its beauty, from sun-lit meadows to snow-dusted villages.
So pack your walking boots, plan your countryside adventures, and let Manor Cottages help you find the perfect place to stay. Your Cotswolds story is waiting to unfold.
There a number of activities which can be enjoyed in the Cotswolds, from family-friendly to solo adventures. Enjoy getting active with watersports at Cotswolds Water Park or why not go on a bike ride by the lavender fields in Snowshill? Even a walk over the rolling hills of Cotswolds is spectacular and a great way to spend time with loved ones.
There’s also a number of indoor activities which can be enjoyed, particularly in those “brisker” months. Why not check out one of our art galleries or museums? Or perhaps spend an afternoon moseying around our boutique highstreets? There’s plenty to do for every member of the family!
You’ll find a wealth of tearooms, cafes, restaurants and pubs in the Cotswolds. Enjoy dining on everything from finger sandwiches to hearty, gastropub meals during your stay.
No matter where you choose to visit in the Cotswolds, it promises to be a fantastic trip. Continue reading more about the Cotswolds on our travel blog or you can always call one of our friendly Travel Experts for more advice on booking your next Cotswolds holiday.
Hi, I'm Charlotte and I joined the team in November 2018. Favourite UK destination: The South West will always hold a special pla...
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Full of rustic charm, honey-hued stone cottages and idyllic countryside, the Cotswolds are a popular destination for many. But...
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Whether you’re arriving for the day or planning an extended stay, Burford promises a tranquil escape that feels worlds...
