Top 19 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Cotswolds

This protected area is one of the most famously beautiful places to visit in England because the resident cottages are made from the distinctive honey-colored Cotswold stone.

The Cotswolds is the place that lingers with you long after you leave and has even been officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Expect to see impossibly gorgeous golden villages, pretty thatched cottages, miles of green unspoiled landscapes, and fine historic mansions. Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds…

Top 3 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
1.
1 5 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Charming Village
Castle Combe
  • Castle Combe, Wiltshire, UK
2.
2 8 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Hiking
Cotswold Way
  • Cotswold Way, The Cotswolds
3.
3 8 l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Spa Town
Cheltenham
  • Cheltenham, The Cotswolds
Best For Charming Village

Castle Combe

Castle combe - best places to visit in Wiltshire

Castle Combe is a quaint village in the Cotswolds in Wiltshire, England. Visiting this civil parish village feels like entering a time capsule and traveling back in time.

With no new houses built since the 1600s, Castle Combe preserves its old-school charm and cozy honey-toned stone cottage look. The town offers scenic valley views against a winding river and a Manor House from where you can boat out into the river.

There is also a lovely marketplace with trails into the woodlands, the beautiful St Andrew’s church featured in the original Doctor Dolittle movie, and a nearby golf course.

Along with a rich history and picturesque scenery, the village is home to the Castle Combe Circuit, where drivers can test different cars and bikes on the rally course. Listed as one of the UK’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe and its neighborhood is a real-life fairytale.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

5-star Manor House Hotel

Picturesque Italianate garden

Must Do

Stroll by historic Cotswold stone cottages

Experience a supercar thrill

What Is It?

It boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times, with remnants of a medieval castle, a 14th-century market cross, and a racing circuit. It's a picturesque blend of heritage and charm.

Why Go?

Time-travel to the 1600s in this honey-toned village with riverside charm, a historic church, and even a thrilling race track.

Best Months to Visit:

October-November

Best For Hiking

Cotswold Way

Cotswold Way

Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile-long foot trail along the Cotswold Edge escarpment of the Cotswold Hills in England. This beautiful path was officially inaugurated as a National Trail in 2007.

Displaying the quintessential English countryside, this scenic trail passes through pristine woodlands, green grasslands, and picturesque pastoral farmlands.

Apart from the awe-inspiring views, you can also find stunning churches, historic castles, ancient battle sites, Neolithic burial grounds, and lovely villages on this route. This route offers unique itineraries to customize your journey through the stunning English countryside.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Areas with seating facilities

Accommodation booking services

Must Do

Capture panoramic views at viewpoints

Explore historic castles and churches

What Is It?

The Cotswold Way, a 102-mile footpath, winds along the Cotswold Edge, offering panoramic views from Severn Estuary to Welsh hills. Landmarks include Broadway Tower and historic sites like Hailes Abbey.

Why Go?

Explore Cotswold Way's 102-mile trail for quintessential English landscapes, historic sites, and customizable itineraries.

Best Months to Visit:

October-November

Best For Spa Town

Cheltenham

Cheltenham - best places to visit in the Cotswolds

Located in Gloucestershire, England, Cheltenham is known as a Regency Town and one of the few traditional English towns where cultural and contemporary architecture complement each other.

The fantastic architecture includes Regency Buildings, the Wilson Fine Art Museum, the Victorian Everyman Theatre and Auditorium, broad streets, and lovely parks.

This inland spa town is renowned for its medicinal waters that can be enjoyed at the Pittville Pump Room, whose blue dome rises above the lakes of Pittville Park. The lake is the only source of natural alkaline water in England!

Cheltenham, often known as ‘The Western Gateway to the Cotswolds,’ also hosts the famous Cheltenham Festival, a horse jump and racing festival.

With its exciting farmer’s markets, elegant restaurants, and boutique shops, this iconic town has even been voted one of Britain’s top five shopping streets in 2011.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Spa and wellness centers

Diverse shopping options

Must Do

Explore Regency Buildings and parks

Indulge in Pittville Park's alkaline water

What Is It?

Cheltenham, known as the Garden Town of England, is a spa town in Gloucestershire that boasts Regency charm and mineral springs discovered in 1716. It is famous for cultural festivals and historic landmarks.

Why Go?

Visit Cheltenham in the Cotswolds for Regency charm, diverse architecture, Pittville Park's healing waters, and vibrant festivals.

Best Months to Visit:

October-November

Best For Beautiful Countryside

Broadway Hill and Tower

Broadway Hill Cotswolds

This beautiful place to visit in the Cotswolds is located near Broadway Village. The gorgeous Broadway Hill is the second-highest point in the Cotswold and a popular spot with walkers. 

Head for the iconic Broadway Tower, which stands at a height of 65 feet and, once visited, offers genuinely beautiful views of the Cotswolds countryside. 

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Visitor center

Refreshment area

Must Do

Ascend Broadway Tower for panoramic views

Explore scenic trails around Broadway Hill

What Is It?

Perched on Broadway Hill, this 18th-century limestone folly offers panoramic views at 1,024 feet. A three-story tower with battlements, it's now part of a country park with exhibitions and amenities.

Why Go?

Standing tall at 1,024 feet in the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower offers historic charm, breathtaking views, and a glimpse into Cold War history.

Best Months to Visit:

June-August

Best For Market Town

Cirencester

Cirencester Cotswolds

Cirencester Cotswolds

Situated to the west of London, on the banks of River Churn, in Gloucestershire, England, Cirencester is the largest town in the Cotswolds. Cirencester is a beautiful market town with an impressive history.

Often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester was once the second-largest city after London. This flourishing town has charming culture, cobble-stoned footpaths, honey-hued stone houses, unique craft shops, and antique boutiques.

The central marketholds different markets like a farmers’ market, antique market, home and garden bazaar, and craftsman’s market on other days of the week.

Other attractions include the Corinium Museum, Roman Amphitheatre, Victorian brewery, Cirencester Park, and Abbey Grounds. Besides its picturesque setting, Cirencester’s central location makes it an excellent base for travelers to visit nearby villages and areas.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Diverse marketplaces

Various dining options

Must Do

Explore the historic Corinium Museum exhibits

Stroll through the charming market square

What Is It?

Cirencester, a market town in Gloucestershire, features historic charm and a Roman legacy. Home to the Royal Agricultural University, it offers scenic landscapes, Roman relics, and cultural venues.

Why Go?

Visit Cirencester in the Cotswolds, the region's capital, for historic charm, markets, and cultural treasures.

Best Months to Visit:

June-August

Best For Quaint Village

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water Cotswolds

Located in a small valley in rural Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is a genuinely breathtaking village. This famous village is called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ because of its lovely low bridges crossings the River Windrush that flows through the town.

The Cotswold Motoring Museum features a collection of vintage cars and children’s toys. Birdland Park and Garden consists of exotic bird species, including parrots, owls, kin, penguins, and life-size model dinosaurs.

The Model Village is a 1/9th scale replica of the village. Model Railway Exhibition, The Dragonfly Maze, Cotswold Perfumery, and the nearby Salmonsbury Meadows Wildlife Nature Reserve are other sights to see and enjoy.

With an unusual tradition of playing football in the river in summer and a beautiful ceremony of placing the town’s Christmas tree in the river, Bourton is charming all year round! 

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Quaint local shops

Diverse dining options

Must Do

Stroll the charming low bridges

Explore Cotswold Motoring Museum's vintage cars

What Is It?

Nestled in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is famed for its riverside charm, five-stone bridges, and Cotswold architecture. Attractions include a model village, medieval football, and diverse museums.

Why Go?

Bourton-on-the-Water enchants with its 'Venice of the Cotswolds' allure. Explore model villages, vintage cars, and spot wildlife.

Best Months to Visit:

July-August

Best For Walking

Crickley Hill Country Park

Crickley Hill Cotswolds

This gorgeous beauty spot is managed jointly by the National Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

It’s a wonderful place with beautiful countryside, great walking trails, fantastic views over the Severn Vale, the Brecon Beacons, and Black Mountain, and facilities like a picnic area and a cafe.

It’s also recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to wildflowers and many birds, reptiles, and mammals. Also, don’t leave without visiting the Iron Age Hill Fort, which you can still see today. 

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Picnic area

Charming on-site cafe

Must Do

Explore Iron Age Hill Fort

Enjoy panoramic Severn Vale views

What Is It?

Crickley Hill Cotswolds, spanning 143 acres on the Cotswold escarpment, captivates with its archaeological richness and panoramic vistas. Managed by the National and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, it boasts waymarked trails, a visitor center, and diverse wildlife.

Why Go?

Embark on captivating walks amid wildflowers and discover an Iron Age Hill Fort at Crickley Hill Cotswolds.

Best Months to Visit:

April-September

Best For Cathedral City

Gloucester

Gloucester and Gloucestershire Cathedral in Cotswolds Gloucester Cathedral

The beautiful cathedral city of Gloucester lies on the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, between the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. As the country’s most inland port, Gloucester’s history and progress date back over 2000 years to Roman times.

Gloucester boasts of a rich heritage and numerous historic architectural sights. 

The most remarkable is the Gloucester Cathedral, formerly called the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, in Gloucester, England, built in 678 and dedicated to Saint Peter.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

The Museum of Gloucester

Must Do

Marvel at Gloucester Cathedral's stunning architecture

Attend the Three Choirs Festival for musical delights.

What Is It?

Nestled along the River Severn, Gloucester, a cathedral city, offers a blend of history and modernity. Notable for Gloucester Cathedral, the city boasts medieval architecture, including timbered houses.

Why Go?

Visit Gloucester Cathedral, a historic city with 2000 years of Roman heritage. Marvel at its magnificent architecture and rich cultural legacy.

Best Months to Visit:

April-September

Best For Market Town

Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton-in-Marsh Cotswolds

Moreton-in-Marsh is a small but prominent market town in the Evenlode Valley, Gloucestershire, England. This thriving market town, dating back 1000 years, is made up of a wide main street and numerous back lanes.

The main high street contains exquisitely designed 16th to 18th-century buildings, including the king’s manor (White Hart Royal), a curfew tower with its original clock and bell, the Parish church of St. David, and the town’s main public hall.

The street is also lined with houses, shops, tearooms, and cafes, all in custom Cotswold stone buildings.

Nearby attractions include Batsford Arboretum, Cotswold Falconry, and Bourton House Garden & Sezincote Gardens, with its well-known Moreton Eight walking trail. At the edge of Moreton-in-Marsh is the Four Shire Stone that marks the ancient meeting point of four English counties.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Quaint tearooms and cafes

Diverse shops

Must Do

Stroll the historic main street

Visit the White Hart Royal inn

What Is It?

Nestled in the Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh charms with its market-town allure. Set within an area of outstanding natural beauty, it boasts a rich history, flat landscapes, and the historic significance of the Four Shire Stones.

Why Go?

Visit Moreton-in-Marsh, a historic market town in the Cotswolds. Explore charming streets, ancient landmarks, and nearby gardens.

Best Months to Visit:

September

Best For Scenic Adventure

Gloucestershire Steam Railway

Gloucestershire Steam Railway

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is a heritage railway line that runs along the border of the Cotswolds, England. This volunteer-operated service is a 28-mile round-trip route that takes 1.5 hours to return from Cheltenham to Laverton.

Also called ‘The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds’, the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Steam Railway offers spectacular countryside views and an opportunity to ride in a historic rail car drawn by steam or diesel.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Gift shop with railway memorabilia

Onboard refreshment

Must Do

Enjoy scenic vistas from vintage railcars. Take a 1.5-hour round-trip journey.

What Is It?

This volunteer-run heritage railway along the Cotswolds border in England offers a 28-mile round trip from Cheltenham Race Course to Broadway. It has historic trains, scenic routes, and regular special events.

Why Go?

Experience Cotswolds charm on the railway—a 28-mile historic journey from Cheltenham to Laverton. Discover scenic landscapes and ride in vintage rail cars.

Best Months to Visit:

April-September

Best For Medieval Architecture

Tewkesbury Abbey

Tewkesbury Abbey Cotswolds

Tewkesbury Abbey is the Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire, England. This Parish Church dates back to nearly the 10th Century, initially founded as a Benedictine monastery.

The glorious church is more significant than 14 British cathedrals, and its interiors are furnished with elegant fabric and furnishings.

The Abbey also contains chantry chapels of some of the most influential families from the time and a Norman tower made in refined Norman architecture from the 15th Century, with stained glass and unique roof bosses.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Audio-guided tours available

Gift shop

Must Do

Admire medieval stained glass art. Explore Norman tower architecture.

What Is It?

Tewkesbury Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery turned parish church, boasts iconic Norman architecture and the largest Romanesque crossing tower in Europe. Visitors explore the historic churchyard and precincts.

Why Go?

Step into history at Tewkesbury Abbey, a medieval masterpiece—marvel at grandeur, stained glass, and Norman treasures.

Best Months to Visit:

June-September

Best For Iconic Village

Broadway

Broadway village Cotswolds

The gorgeous village of Broadway in Worcestershire, England, is a popular and pretty destination throughout the year.

As its name suggests, Broadway is primarily built around one broad main street lined with restaurants, cafes, delis, stores, and antique shops. The magnificent main street offers an array of shopping and eating options.

The natural beauty of Broadway can be witnessed in the valley of Evesham Vale. The St Eadburgha’s Church and Broadway Tower are must-see attractions on Broadway, and the views of the town landscape from the 312 mt high tower are simply beautiful. 

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Antique shops

Diverse dining options

Must Do

Explore Broadway Tower's panoramic views. Visit St Eadburgha's Church for history.

What Is It?

It’s a Cotswold village which showcases a wide grass-fringed main street with 16th-century limestone buildings. It’s notable for its Arts and Crafts heritage, quaint shops, and scenic charm.

Why Go?

Visit Broadway, the 'Show Village of England,' for its charming main street, scenic Evesham Vale, and Broadway Tower's breathtaking town views.

Best Months to Visit:

June-August

Best For Hilltop Park

Robinswood Hill Country Park

Robinswood Hill Country Park

This is a large 250-acre park and a fantastic place to walk in the Cotswolds. Located on a hill, it’s a reasonably steep climb, but once you have reached the top, the views are well worth it.

Once at the top, you can see Severn Bridge to the South, the Malvern Hills to the North, and the Black Mountains to the West.

It’s a great place to visit with the family as there’s also a traditional orchard, and this area also provides a habitat for resident foxes, badgers, and red kites. 

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Well-maintained walking trails

Picnic areas

Must Do

Enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop. Explore charming traditional orchards.

What Is It?

Robinswood Hill Country Park, south of Gloucester, offers a 250-acre expanse with walking trails, showcasing panoramic views of Severn Bridge, Malvern Hills, and Black Mountains. It is ideal for family outings with wildlife habitats.

Why Go?

Robinswood Hill Country Park offers stunning Cotswold views, a steep climb with a rewarding panorama. It’s an ideal family spot with an orchard and wildlife habitat.

Best Months to Visit:

April-September

Best For Nature Reserve

Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden Cotswolds

Chipping Campden Cotswolds

One of the prettiest small towns in the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden is a market town in Gloucestershire, England, comprising a refinery from the 14th to 17th centuries.

The village’s main street is lined with unbroken ancient stone houses, and the town is known for its limestone craftsmanship.

“Chipping” means market from the old English “Ceping”. As the name suggests, Chipping Campden was an essential and famous medieval wool town throughout Europe—a gilded masterpiece of limestone and craftsmanship. “Campden” draws its name from the Saxon “Campadene,” meaning a valley or enclosure of cultivated land.

The attractive town of Chipping Campden is home to St James Church, the finest ‘wool’ church in the Cotswolds. The church has a remarkable 120 ft. tower and is known for its luxurious interiors and for having one of the oldest altar tapestries and the giant brass in England.

The Court Barn Museum and Old Silk Mill display the craftsmanship of the Cotswolds.

With its well-preserved history and architecture, this fine town is full of bustle, color, and lively events.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Local craft shops

Charming tea rooms

Must Do

Stroll the historic High Street. Explore St James Church interiors.

What Is It?

Robinswood Hill, a 650-ft country park near Gloucester, showcases stunning Cotswolds and Malvern Hills views. Once a vital water source, it offers recreational spaces, diverse wildlife, and a local Nature Reserve.

Why Go?

It’s a pretty historic wool town with limestone charm, 14th-17th-century houses, St James Church, and vibrant events.

Best Months to Visit:

July-August

Best For Flowers and Trees

Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt Arboretum

Managed by Forestry England, the National Westonbirt Arboretum is a nursery in Gloucestershire and is the most well-known arboretum in England. It consists of 15,000 trees and plants of over 2,500 unique tree species, where each specimen tree is individually labeled.

Planted during the Victorian plant hunting in the mid-19th Century, this 600-acre area includes 12 miles of marked nature trails studded with Gruffalo sculptures that lead to rare and exotic global plants.

There are other walking and running routes, trails for plant sightings and bird watching, and a treetop walkway.

A unique experience is the Silk Wood trail, which showcases many exotic plantings but is mainly a traditional working woodland dating back to the 13th Century. Westonbirt Arboretum is truly a magical tree garden where you can explore trees from all over the globe.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Visitor centre

Cozy cafés

Must Do

Wander Silk Wood's timeless trails. Stroll the Gruffalo-adorned nature trails.

What Is It?

It’s a renowned site managed by Forestry England, invites visitors with 15,000 trees from 2,500 species worldwide across 600 acres. Explore marked paths, picturesque landscapes, and rare plants.

Why Go?

Visit Westonbirt Arboretum for a 15,000-strong tree collection, 2,500 unique species, Gruffalo sculptures, and an enchanting Silk Wood trail.

Best Months to Visit:

October-November

Best For Ancient Fortress

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle

Built-in 1153 by the Berkeley family, whose 27th generation still lives here, Berkeley Castle was originally a historic fortress. Over the centuries,  it has changed from a defense to a welcoming family home.

This ancestral property includes plenty of rooms, a dungeon, a medieval kitchen, and gardens with a tropical butterfly house.

The drawing rooms are decorated with antique furniture, elegant fabrics, upholstery, chandeliers, silver lamps, and paintings. There is a unique spider’s-web ceiling.

The 8-acre terraced gardens with exclusive plants also have a lovely tea room, gift shop, and plant sales area. Discovering the fascinating history of the Berkeley family makes this beautiful sight a must-visit!

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Gift shop with memorabilia

Tea room offering refreshments

Must Do

Explore the medieval kitchen and dungeon. Admire the unique spider’s-web ceiling.

What Is It?

It’s a Grade I listed building in Gloucestershire which features scenic views, historic structures, and open access for visitors from April to November.

Why Go?

Berkeley Castle is a 12th-century fortress turned family home. Wander through history in elegant rooms, a dungeon, and gardens.

Best Months to Visit:

July-August

Best For Picturesque Villages

Upper and Lower Slaughter

Lower Slaughter Cotswolds

Upper Slaughter Cotswolds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharing an intriguing name, Upper and Lower Slaughter are connected by the tiny River Eye, a tributary to the River Windrush. The villages in Lower Slaughter are one of the prettiest in the area.

With unrivaled natural beauty, they are often used in filming and production.

An interesting sight is Lower Slaughter Mill & Café, which began as a Slaughter Mill in the 14th Century and is recorded in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Equally delightful is Upper Slaughter, which is a short walk from Bourton-on-the-Water.

This beautiful area is a ‘sainted village’ because it lost nobody in the First World War.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Charming Cafés

Historic Mill Tours

Must Do

Wander along River Eye's scenic banks. Visit Lower Slaughter Mill & Café's ancient site.

What Is It?

Upper Slaughter, a picturesque village in Gloucestershire, England, graces the banks of the River Eye. With its twin village, Lower Slaughter, both boast charming Cotswold limestone homes and historic sites, including a 19th-century water mill.

Why Go?

Upper and Lower Slaughter, picturesque Cotswold villages boast historic mills, stunning scenery, and an interesting history of wartime resilience.

Best Months to Visit:

June-August

Best For Natural Beauty

Painswick Beacon

Painswick Beacon Cotswolds

The Cotswolds village of Painswick is beautiful, home to a pretty church and very typical Cotswolds cottages. I’d recommend staying here first, donning your walking shoes, and heading to nearby Painswick Hill. 

It’s a lovely spot to walk, offering gorgeous Cotswolds scenery, and when you reach the top, fantastic views of the Cotswold Hills, the Severn Vale, the Forest of Dean, and even the Brecon Beacons mountains. It’s also the site of an Iron Age hill fort.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Charming local eateries

Informative visitor center

Must Do

Hike Painswick Hill for stunning Cotswolds views. Explore the ancient Iron Age hill fort.

What Is It?

Painswick Beacon in the Cotswolds is a quaint village adorned with picturesque cottages and a historic church. Embark on a scenic walk to the hill's summit for breathtaking views and the remnants of an Iron Age hill fort.

Why Go?

Visit Painswick Beacon in the Cotswolds for stunning village views, scenic walks, an Iron Age hill fort, and tranquility.

Best Months to Visit:

December-February

Best For Royal Residence

Highgrove Gardens

Beautiful places to visit in the Cotswolds

The Royal Gardens at Highgrove in the Cotswolds are the private residential gardens of their royal highness, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

This Gloucestershire royal residence is located near Tetbury, and the Prince creatively designed these elegant gardens over the last 38 years.

The beautiful landscape of organic gardens and extensive variety of exotic plants reflects his commitment to sustainable gardening and preserving natural beauty. Tours of these manicured grounds include visiting a charming tea room and the gift shop.

Pros

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Cons

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Facilities

Tea room with tours

Gift shop for souvenirs

Must Do

Explore organic garden's diverse plant life. Join a guided tour for insightful narratives.

What Is It?

Highgrove House, the residence of King Charles III, offers visitors picturesque gardens, including a wild garden and a walled kitchen garden. Tours showcase eco-friendly practices, sculptures, and a Sundial Garden.

Why Go?

A Cotswolds gem, it showcases Prince Charles' 38-year dedication to sustainable, elegant landscapes. It offers guided tours, a tea room, and gifts.

Best Months to Visit:

April-September

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