Must-Visit Villages in the Cotswolds
Some Great Places to Hit When you Next Visit…
Out of all the places that I’ve been to, the Cotswolds is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s just magical and there’s no beauty like it. There are so many places to visit, so many in fact that even I didn’t get to see them all. The perfect excuse to go back again soon!
However, if your time is limited, you want to make sure you hit the places that are ideal for you. As I said, there are some great villages that are going to melt your heart. So that you can plan out your trip to perfection, here are my must-visit villages in the Cotswolds that you’re going to want to see…
BILBURY.
Bilbury is nestled on the banks of the River Coln and has one of the most famous streets in all the Cotswolds, Arlington Row (did you know that a drawing of it is on the inside of our passports?). If you’re looking to get some Instagram-worthy images, you have to hit this spot. Aside from taking pictures, there are some cute nature walks and even a trout farm which was fun to go and see. Be warned, this village can get busy due to its popularity. So I would recommend going early morning or late afternoon/ evening.
Aside from the cute cottages, there’s a few tea houses and the very famous Swan Hotel. It has gorgeous gardens (even an actual swan hotel!) and serves some great food. We didn’t go inside to eat, the courtyard is very adorable.
THE SLAUGHTERS.
The Slaughters are two tiny twin villages, split as the Upper and Lower Slaughters. These villages are totally picturesque and very quaint. If you want to experience a quieter way of life. Both villages are a four-minute drive or a 20-minute walk, so perfect for doing a nice countryside walk.
Within The Slaughters, there is The Slaughters Manor House, a gorgeous manor house with stunning gardens. There is also The Slaughters Country Inn, right on the edge of the water in Lower Slaughter. Again, another gorgeous outdoor dining space to enjoy a cocktail and some good pub food.
Along with fabulous cottages to see, there’s Old Mill Museum to go and have a look at and cobbled streets to wander down.
BURTON-ON-THE-WATER.
This gorgeous village is perched on the River Windrush and is one not to miss out on seeing. It has a heap of historical properties and is just a stunning place to walk around and spend a couple of hours. There’s a couple of hidden gems that you’re going to want to see.
This village is home to a model village, a motoring museum and some great restaurants that are on the water’s edge. This village is also home to a Cotswolds Distillery store, so you’re going to want to pick up some local gin to take home with you. Another one of the must-visit villages in the Cotswolds.
STOW-ON-THE-WOLD.
One of the first villages we went to was Stow-on-the-Wold. This needs to be added to the must-visit villages in the Cotswolds list. Perched on a hill, it’s a stunning village to visit. The must-visit place in the village is St. Edward’s Church, with its very famous door. Another photoshoot spot that you’re going to want to get some images for The Gram.
This village is great to wander around, look at the vintage shops and get soak in typical Cotswold life. There’s also The Cotswold Cheese Company shop that you’re going to want to have a nosy around. If you love interiors, then you need to go into The Cotswold Company store. It’s filled with countryside-chic homewares. I’m surprised I didn’t take the entire store home with me. Another store to hit up in the village is Cutter Brooks. Again, another dreamy store that I could have easily spent a lot of money in.
For a bite to eat, you cannot go wrong with Lucy’s Tearoom, quintessential British afternoon tea. For a pint and something a little more filling, you need to visit The Porch House. It’s the oldest inn in England and serves some great food.
Relatively close to the village is the stunning Jacobean Chastleton House. Built in the early 17 Century, it’s great to visit for an afternoon.
GREAT TEW.
The village of Great Tew is where we stayed and did a little bit of exploring within. This village is home to great thatched cottages that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. There are also some fabulous pubs that you’re going to want to visit, such as The Falkland Arms which was recommended to us by our hosts.
Not far from the village is Blenheim Palace, a world heritage site. It’s the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill. It’s a stunning place that I’ve always wanted to visit. Though we didn’t get to explore this time around, I cannot wait to spend the day when we next visit the Cotswolds.
Also nestled in Great Tew is Soho Farmhouse. Not open to the public, but you can drive past it and imagine what it might be like to be a member. If you’re lucky enough to be a member, have fun exploring the grounds.
KINGHAM.
Kingham is near Chipping Norton and is a fabulous, gorgeous village. One that you are not going to want to miss. Again, filled with some stunning cottages and a quaint church. One place you’re going to want to stop off at is The Wild Rabbit, gorgeous food and fabulous cocktails.
Also nearby is Daylesford, a gorgeous farm with a great farm shop and garden centre. You’re going to want to buy all the food from here, plants and stop for a gorgeous coffee. It’s one of my new favourite places ever and I cannot wait to go visit again.