The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that lies across several English counties. They are famous for their typical English landscape of rolling hills, stone walls and charming villages. So, if you are planning a trip to the Cotswolds, be sure to visit their most beautiful villages.
Here are the top 5 best villages to add to your itinerary that will allow you to soak up the beauty of the idyllic English countryside and learn about its fascinating history and historic landmarks.
Tips:
- How to get there? The best way to get around the Cotswolds would be by car, since public transport is quite limited in the area, and the villages are dispersed.
- Where to stay? The Cotswolds are a big area so we’d recommend you to stay in a central town. Just make sure the place you stay has ample parking space.
- We visited all these places in 2 days:
- Day 1: Castle Combe and Lacock. In the evening we also went to Bath, although it is not part of the Cotswolds, it was close to Lacock.
- Day 2: Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is often described as the “the prettiest village in England”. It is home to a 14th-century market cross, a medieval church, and a stunning manor house that dates back to the 17th century.
There is a car park at the top of the village, so I highly recommend you to use this. From there is just a short walk to the village.
Take a stroll around the village, which might take around 1-2 hours. You can also have lunch there before heading to Lacock, which is an 18 minute drive from Castle Combe.
Lacock
Lacock is a picturesque village used as a film location for several productions, including “Harry Potter” and “Pride and Prejudice”. To see the full list of filming locations visit the Lacock National Trust website and download the pdf.
Some of the most popular houses used in film locations are James and Lily’s Potter house and Horace Slughorn’s hideaway.
The Lacock village is also home to a 13th-century abbey, once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, photographic pioneer. Lacock Abbey has also stood in as part of Hogwarts for two Harry Potter films, and Fantastic Beasts. The entry fee is £17 per adult and you can get the ticket from their website.
There are many quirky independent shops in Lacock. One of our favourites was Lacock Bakery, where you can get all sorts of patisserie as an afternoon snack.
Bibury
Bibury is a postcard-perfect village that is often cited as one of the most picturesque in the Cotswolds. Its quaint cottages and tranquil river make it a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bibury is also famous for their iconic Arlington Row cottages. These were originally built in the 14th century as a wool store and then converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. They are considered one of the most photographed and iconic row of cottages in England, and have even appeared on the inside cover of UK passports.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to its low stone bridges and tranquil river, Bourton-on-the-Water is a must-visit village. It is also home to several popular tourist attractions, such as the Cotswolds Motoring Museum, the Model Village, and Birdland Park and Gardens.
Its picturesque high street is lined with shops, cafes, and pubs, making it a great place to spend an afternoon. We particularly enjoyed the “Small Talk” Tearoom, a very cute and cosy place with a varied menu.
Broadway
Broadway is a beautiful village with charming honey-coloured stone buildings and scenic countryside views. The village is also famous for its elegant Georgian buildings and its lively arts and culture scene.
Take a walk along the High Street and explore the village’s charming independent shops and galleries, before heading to Broadway Tower. The tower is a striking landmark that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, and is well worth a visit.
All in all, the Cotswolds is home to many beautiful villages, each with its own unique charm and character. If you are planning a visit to the region, be sure to add these five best villages in Cotswolds to your itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
