The Top 10 most picturesque villages in the Cotswold.

The Cotswolds is set in an area of outstanding beauty and you can definitely see why. There are many villages that look like they are straight out of a fairy tale, with their cobbled winding streets, idyllic streams running through them, and honey-hued stone cottages, it really is the definition of picturesque.

I am extremely lucky to live in this area of the country and often spend days exploring new villages and market towns and I am always amazed at how charming some of these places are. I am also surprised that some of these places don’t get the attention they deserve, so I want to make sure if you are visiting, that you don’t miss out.

Below I give you the top 10 villages you should definitely go to and some recommendations on what to do and where to stay when you visit.

Bibury

If you have ever been to the Cotswolds before or even just seen a photo, then this image probably springs to mind. Bibury is extremely popular with tourists and there is often a bus or two parked up doing a tour of the Cotswolds. I would recommend getting here nice and early if you want to explore without the crowds.

Make sure you walk up Arlington Row as this is a beautiful spot for a photo and explore the many different footpaths and lanes in this village so you don’t miss any of the idyllic cottages.

If you are looking for something to eat I would go to the Swan Hotel as it does a great selection of food and drink and is very pretty inside. Looking somewhere to stay? Then just a short drive away in the next village of Barnsley (well worth a visit too!) is Barnsley House and Spa which is as elegant from the outside as it is on the inside.

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Lower and Upper Slaughter

So I’m giving you a two for one here, you’re welcome! But both the Slaughters are so picturesque they both had to be featured. Now don’t be put off by the names as I appreciate they don’t sound like the nicest places but you honestly won’t be disappointed when you visit.

You can walk between both villages which is a great way to explore them both further. Make sure you head to the mill in Lower Slaughter for a great photo opportunity.

If you are looking at somewhere to stay and eat, then I would head to Lower Slaughter and go to The Slaughters Manor House.

Minchinhampton Common

I may be quite biased about this place as it holds some of the best memories for me but it really is breathtaking. It has the best views of the Stroud Valley below and If you come between May and October you should be able to see the 100’s of cows, horses and the one lonely donkey that roam the common.

You can park up anywhere on the common or in the village of Minchinhampton and then explore this beautiful area by wondering around the many footpaths, surrounding villages or just walking around the common.

If you need somewhere to stay then The Old Lodge or The Bear at Rodborough are probably your best bets and offer amazing food as well. If you aren’t looking for a pub lunch then pop to Henry’s coffee house and dairy for a great selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and homemade local cheese!

Broadway

Broadway is a beautiful village with trees lining the main road and lots of lovely shops to spend your money in. It’s lovely to walk away from the shops as well and explore the villages many stunning houses and if you fancy a bit of a longer walk then why not make your way up the hill to Broadway Tower. Not only will it give you the best views around but there is so much to explore up there too.

Broadway has many coffee shops, deli’s, and pubs to visit so you will be spoilt for choice but I would recommend The Lygon Arms, The Broadway Hotel or The Market Pantry.

Looking for somewhere to stay which is serious hotel goals and will make everyone jealous? Then check out either The Fish Hotel or Dormy House which are just a short drive from Broadway.

Castle Combe

Again this is probably a picture you have seen before as its an iconic image of the Cotswolds. Castle Combe is a very small village so there isn’t too much to see or do here to be honest but its a lovely place for a little walk around.

Many films have also been filmed such as War horse and Star dust here due to its old fashioned look, so you will literally feel you have stepped into a period drama as you walk around here.

Painswick

Painswick is a sweet little place filled with higgledy-piggledy houses and with many footpaths to explore, it makes a great base for walkers.

Walk to Painswick Beacon to get the most incredible views across to the Severn Valley, and to the Welsh mountains and beyond. Visit Painswick Rococo Gardens to explore a quirky garden from the 1700s and immerse yourself in the countryside, woodland, and buildings that occupy the grounds.

I would definitely go to The Painswick, even if it’s just for a drink as it’s just wow! The food is amazing too and they do have rooms if you are looking for an indulgent weekend away.

Chipping Camden

This is a popular place in the Cotswolds and often one on peoples list to visit and you won’t be disappointed. There are many wonderful shops and places to eat and the most idyllic cottages lining the main high street.

Visit Hidcote House and Gardens to be transformed to a different world and get lots in the most influential Arts and Crafts garden in Britain.

Why not stay in the Cotswold House Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a spa treatment and a G&T in their stunning gardens.

Kingham

Nestled just outside of Chipping Norton this wonderful little village will tick all your boxes. It looks like something out of a movie with every cottage as picture-perfect as the last.

Just a short drive away is Daylesford, and this is a farm shop like no other! Filled with organic, local produce, the best wines in the world, and home decor that will make you want to redecorate your whole house. Even if you don’t need anything it’s worth a visit just to look at the many beautiful things on offer.

Definitely go to The Wild Rabbit to either stay or have food as its just so sweet and charming you will definitely want to take photos of every corner of this place.

Burford

Burford is known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and with it’s attractive Tudor and Georgian frontages lining the road you can see why. There is a lot to explore here from the many shops, surrounding countryside or just wondering around the winding paths of the town.

Pop into the Burford Garden Centre for wonderful homemade treats, the best garden plants and home interiors you could ask for. Have children with you then why not go to The Cotswolds Wildlife Park (it’s dog friendly too) or Crocodiles of the World.

Stanton

Just outside the busy streets of Broadway, lays a peaceful village forgotten in time. It’s a village of unspoilt beauty and charm that is sometimes hard to come by these days so it truly is one to put on your list to visit.

Stop at The Mount Inn for a pint and some classic pub food and take in the spectacular views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills and Welsh mountains beyond.