I hadn’t heard of the Cotswolds before moving to England over a month ago. However, when I was flicking through an English guide book trying to put together a list of places and things I wanted to see this year, the Cotswolds was the first thing that caught my eye. I said to myself that my first trip around the country would be a roadtrip covering this area in the heart of England, which I have just returned from. I thought I had an idea of just how beautiful part of England was from having looked at so many pictures over the last month, but turns out there is just no preparing yourself for the overwhelming untouched beauty of the Cotswolds. What also caught me by surprise was finding myself falling in love not with the classic Cotswolds towns (Broadway, Chipping Camden, Stow on the Wold), but with the small surrounding villages. That’s why I’ve put together this short list of what in my opinion are the five most beautiful Cotswold villages. Although be forewarned: once you get off the beaten path, there is no turning back!
1. Bibury
Bibury was famously referred to by the English designer William Morris as the most beautiful village in England, and I think he may have been right. Visiting Bibury feels like stepping into some kind of medieval age Disneyland. Although there isn’t much to do in this small village other than walking around, it is a very popular spot, so try and get there early if you don’t want to be pushing your way through others.
2. Burford
Although I would technically classify Burford as a small town more than a village, it has somehow managed to retain that small-village feel to it, unlike some of the other towns in the Cotswolds. Its most attractive feature lies in its long and steep main street, lined with beautiful old houses, not one of which feels out of place. Make sure to walk all the way to the top of the street and take in the amazing views over the whole town.
3. The Duntisbournes
The Duntisbournes isn’t just one village but a succession of three tiny ones: Middle Duntisbourne, Duntisbourne Leer and Duntisbourne Abbots, each one cuter than the other. They are nothing more than groups of cottages hidden away in a valley, but it is precisely in that where the attraction lies. As off-the-beaten path as it gets!
4. Lower Slaughter
Close to the popular Bourton on the Water (but slightly less crowded) you can find Lower Slaughter another quaint small Cotswold village based around a small river. Much like the other villages, there is not much to do other than walk around and daydream of which house you’d live in if you ever won the lotto. Don’t miss the old mill hidden away at the very back of the village.
5. Stanton
Located close to Broadway are three small villages worth visiting: Buckland, Laverton and Stanton. The one that stands out the most however, is definitely Stanton. You will find some of the most beautiful and opulent cottages in the whole of the Cotswolds here, as well as some very expensive and classy cars.
Have you visited some of the Cotswolds villages? Which ones are your favorites?
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I love the Cotswolds! Upper and Lower Slaughter are two of my favourite villages. Stow-on-the-Wold is also lovely, although more of a town than a village. Lots of nice pubs and tea rooms, which is always nice! It gets very busy with tourists in the summer, but I’ve been a couple of times in autumn/winter and it’s much less crowded.
We actually stayed in Stow on the Wold and I agree with you! It’s one of my favorite towns, and it wasn’t too busy when we were there, at least not in the early morning anyway =)
I am always very fascinated living in villages and off beaten locations.
Me too!!
Oh my God! Why haven’t I ever heard of Cotswolds. The pics are so beautiful. Wish I had read your post when I was in London! Thanks for such a detailed article!
I know, I thought the exact same thing when I first found out about it!
When I first clicked on your post I thought, “Hmm..I’ve never heard of this place.” Then I read your first line and was like, “Oh great, I’m not the only one.” lol. Great post. I love finding gems and off the beaten path places. I’ll definitely have to save this post should I find myself over that way.
hah no you are not the only one! 😛 I don’t really get how this area isn’t more popular outside of England!
Looks like a very quiet village… you could definitely get some peace and quiet there!
Wonderful photos, by the way!
Thanks! Definitely very peaceful!
Wow, these small villages are just gorgeous! Upper and Lower Slaughter – haha, what weird names are that !
Yes, the English have a knack for giving places weird names! 😛
This looks so traditional and English. Looks beautiful. Nice that you’ve shown what to expect in each area.
Thanks!
The Cotswolds are amazing! Winchcombe, Bradford on Avon and Stow-on-the-Wold are my favourites, but I’ll definitely have to check some of these out 🙂