This gorgeous stone cottage is in the grounds of the Grade II listed former Manor Farm in the Cotswolds village of Biddestone. It's utterly captivating, sleeping four people in two bedrooms with gardens lovingly tended by the owner. Guests love the location near the village green and within walking distance of the pub. Bath, Lacock, and Castle Combe are all within a few miles, and there are lots of opportunities for country walks, playing golf, and day trips to places like Bristol, Stonehenge, Westonbirt Arboretum, and Swindon's designer shopping outlet. Families and couples are welcome in all seasons.
Formerly the farm stables and granary, this holiday cottage sits within the beautiful countryside of Warwickshire and is close to Stratford-upon Avon and the Cotswolds villages. Guest's also have the use of an indoor swimming pool (shared only with the owners!). A great base for exploring Central England with an abundance of attractions.
Farthing Cottage is a pretty stone Cotswolds cottage in an enviable position sitting in a quiet backwater with off-road parking and garden, just two minutes stroll from the centre of the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Beautiful countryside, great restaurants, pubs and independent shops on the doorstep and a host of attractions within a short drive make this romantic retreat with log burner and four poster bed an excellent choice right in the very heart of the Cotswolds.
A 200 year-old detached holiday cottage providing a comfortable, cosy retreat on a quiet working farm in Gloucestershire near to the Cotswolds. Just half a mile from the village of Whitminster where you can enjoy a meal out, and the many attractions of Central England are within easy driving distance. Tourist board rating: 3 Star
On the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds, this self catering holiday cottage offers a comfy affordable base to explore this lovely area and sits in the village of Chadlington with good village pub and butcher. Between Woodstock and Chipping Norton, the areas many attractions are within easy reach of Stable Cottage.
With miles of fabulous walks and bike rides on the doorstep, this characterful holiday cottage sits in an elevated position on the slopes of the Malvern Hills in an enviable spot next to the historic Holy Well Spring. Great Malvern with its excellent amenities is just two miles away and there is a restaurant and pubs within walking distance. Easy access to many of Central England's attractions including the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds.
A holiday in the Cotswolds is a thing of joy. The Old Chapel is a beautifully converted period chapel in the quiet village of Cleveley and only a few miles from Chipping Norton and Soho Farm House. It sleeps five people in three bedrooms and suits couples, families or friends. Perfect for a country escape and beautiful walks from the doorstep. Enjoy sitting on the deck surrounded by a large private garden. The area is wonderfully rural yet within easy reach of Blenheim Palace, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bicester Village, Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon, and the spires of Oxford. It's perfect for a holiday in any season.
Lantern House is exceptionally family-friendly and offers spacious holiday accommodation for five adults/children plus two babies/toddlers under two years in the Wiltshire village of Sherston within the Cotswolds AONB. Close to Westonbirt National Arboretum and the areas many attractions (including Tetbury), this well presented character Cotswolds house provides a good base for exploring Central England.
Why take a day trip to the Cotswold's most beautiful village when you can stay there? Arlington House is in Lower Slaughter, within walking distance of the River Eye and the Slaughters Country Inn. Set back from a quiet lane behind private gates and with plenty of off-street parking, this three-bedroom cottage offers everything for families or groups of up to six friends to relax and unwind. Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and dozens of other picturesque sights are within a few miles, and there are lovely country walks and bike rides from the front gate.
This lovely Victorian Cotswold stone holiday cottage has a timeless charm and is on a quiet residential road in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Guests are a short stroll from the River Windrush, shops, tea rooms and pubs, as well as favourite attractions like the Model Village and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Hire a bicycle or a classic car to tour the surrounding countryside, visiting the Slaughters, Stow-on-the-Wold, Biford, Burford and other scenic spots. Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cheltenham, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Malvern are all within easy reach for a day trip. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has a private courtyard garden and private off-street parking.
Varden House is a welcoming barn conversion in rural Worcestershire, close to Pershore and within easy reach of Worcester. There is a wealth of things to do during your stay from fishing onsite to walking through ancient woodland, mountain biking in the Malvern Hills AONB, admiring abbeys, castles and heritage buildings, or exploring historic places like Stratford-Upon-Avon. Birmingham and Cheltenham are easy to reach by car, as are Cotswolds towns like Broadway and Chipping Campden. The holiday cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and has a layout that suits families, extended families and friends.
A romantic hideaway with wood-fired hot tub located centrally within the Cotswolds on a hill farm amongst beautiful scenery, offering a taste of country life and panoramic views over woodland and the countryside of Gloucestershire. A great base for exploring the areas many attractions or simply relaxing in a tranquil setting with plenty of fresh air, wonderful walks and a pub within walking distance for long lazy lunches.
This clean and comfortable Cotswold Cottage is well equipped with modern amenities. Three bedrooms on the first floor, offer a Main Superking Bed with ensuite shower, a second King Bedroom with shared Family Bathroom and Twin Room with a trundle pull-out bed, which can be set up for single or double occupancy. The downstairs area has a WC, open plan kitchen and dining room as well as a comfortable lounge space with SmartTV and high speed internet. We have spared no expense on quality mattresses by the award-winning manufacturer Harrison Spinks and 300 thread-count bed linen, so you will be guaranteed a good night's sleep. We do have a travel cot and high Chair which will be provided, if requested in advance. This is a pet-free home to cater to people with pet allergies. Wheelchair access from your vehicle into and around the ground floor (WC / Kitchen/Lounge) is possible but you would need to climb stairs to get to the bedrooms) Our bathroom products have been sourced from MadeKind, as they are eco-friendly, plant-based, non-toxic and cruelty-free. The property benefits from Electric Vehicle charge points and a lockable Bike Shed.
Holiday Rental for Groups of Families and Friends. Cotswold Spa House, Badminton, Gloucestershire, sleeps 10-25 in 7 bedrooms.
Holiday Rental for Groups of Families and Friends. Cotswold Manor House, Badminton, Gloucestershire, sleeps 10-28 in 6 bedrooms.
Merlin House in the Cotswolds is perfect for big families and friends as this lakeside holiday home comfortably sleeps eight across four plush bedrooms. As part of the prestigious Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park, it's perfect for families and friends seeking relaxation and adventure. Enjoy alfresco dining on the deck and indulge in the on-site pool and spa facilities - you have free access with your booking. With its pet-friendly policy, everyone can join in the fun. Lower Mill Estate is a nature lover's paradise, offering birdwatching, walking trails, and spa indulgence. Nearby Cirencester offers historic charm, while Cotswold attractions provide endless exploration. Merlin House promises magical moments in Gloucestershire.
Beaver Brook is in a terrace located just moments from the Spa and Ballihoo restaurant, overlooking a water garden with trout pool and beside one of the many streams that cross Lower Mill. Great family rental property, stocked full of baby/toddler equipment and games/books. Of course spa access is included for all the family. You can enjoy heated pools, a steam room, sauna and the gym.
Lagoon Villa is in the exclusive Somerford 'Nines' on the Lower Mill Estate overlooking Somerford Lagoon in the Cotswold Water Park. The contemporary holiday home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms and is ideal for families and friends. You couldn't plan a more relaxing self-catering holiday than here, with swimming pools, tennis courts, spa facilities, and watersports readily accessible. You have access to the exclusive 'Nines' outdoor heated pool during the warmer months (a facility shared by 9 houses), as well as the main Spa complex with heated pools, steam room, sauna and gym. The 450-acre park is a haven for birds and wildlife with nature trails and traffic-free cycling routes to make it easy to explore. A well-behaved dog is welcome and the property is child-friendly. Short breaks and extended stays are possible all year round.
A spacious and modern lakeside holiday house located on the highly desirable Lower Mill Estate on The Cotswold Water Park close to the market town of Cirencester - with free access to the luxury on-site spa with heated pools, a steam room, sauna and gym! Sleeping 10 guests in 5 bedrooms (2 on the ground floor), and with a large decking area overlooking the water for sundowners in the summer and a log burner for cosy winter nights in, Sorrel House is the perfect self-catering retreat for extended family celebrations and special get togethers. This fabulous holiday house also welcomes up to three dogs and on-site you will find a wonderful field-to-fork restaurant Ballihoo, children's play areas, two tennis courts, table tennis facilities and a 450-acre nature reserve.
Popular towns in and around The Cotswolds:
Bourton-on-the-WaterBroadwayBurfordCheltenhamChipping CampdenChipping NortonEveshamSouth CerneyStow-on-the-WoldStratford-Upon-AvonStroudWinchcombeSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Cotswolds cottagesLuxury Cotswolds holiday cottagesLast minute Cotswolds cottagesRomantic Cotswolds cottagesOr search further afield:
Search within Central England
The Cotswolds represent 'quintessential England' and encompass six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire, along with Wiltshire, Somerset and Worcestershire.
Whatever the weather, the Cotswolds has plenty of great days out with its fine architecture, National Trust properties and gardens, arboretums, museums and pretty villages. There are fantastic, historic towns and cities including the Roman City of Bath, Oxford, Cheltenham and Stratford-Upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
The Cotswolds offers lots of shopping with its local farmer's markets, antique shops, boutiques, gift shops, old-fashioned tea rooms and stylish coffee houses. It is also an incredibly dog-friendly area with plenty of pubs, restaurants, Cotswold accommodation, holiday cottages and attractions welcoming dogs.
Before booking your holiday cottage in the Cotswolds, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete Cotswolds Guide.
Every season delivers its own magic in the Cotswolds. The sparkle of winter frosts is accompanied by the smell of log fires providing a warm welcome in cottages and pubs. A visit in spring or summer allows for a myriad of footpaths like the Cotswolds Way beckon. Autumn is also pretty special, with places like Westonbirt National Arboretum showcasing a dazzling array of colours.
Summers in the Cotswolds are generally mild and warm with some infrequent hotter days. With more daylight, this means that you can spend much of your time outdoors when visiting the Cotswolds during this time. It is typically overcast with average temperatures of around 21°C, providing comfortable weather to enjoy the numerous activities in the county.
The Cotswolds in spring is utterly breathtaking with an array of daffodils and tulips popping up all over the gardens and countryside. Spring is a great time to get active in the outdoors as the temperatures drop to around 15°C, making for comfortable hiking weather.
Winter in the Cotswolds is great for those who are looking for a cosy, festive getaway with multiple Christmas markets popping up throughout the towns. Temperatures drop to a much cooler 7°C, however, there can be the occasional crisp, sunny day during winter.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you occupied on Cotswolds holidays, including walking and cycling the numerous paths and trails, shooting, fishing, golf and hot air ballooning. Horse racing is a popular pastime in the Cotswolds with the famous Cheltenham Festival, along with other renowned equestrian events including Badminton, Blenheim Palace and Gatcombe. That's if you can bare to leave the haven of our holiday cottages, of course!
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to the Cotswolds, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 83 miles
Birmingham: 69 miles
Glasgow: 351 miles
Liverpool: 160 miles
Bristol: 53 miles
Manchester: 150 miles
Leeds: 171 miles
Edinburgh: 357 miles
Newcastle: 260 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to the Cotswolds. Its excellent public transport links mean you can journey by train or bus from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
The Cotswolds is one of England's greatest treasures. Stretching across six counties, its bucolic appeal is protected as the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the UK. From Bath to Berkeley and Stow-on-the-Wold to Stroud, there is something for everyone whether your tastes are sophisticated or simple.
The scale and diversity of The Cotswolds make it the sort of place you can visit year after year and always discover something new. Two thousand years of history are visible everywhere you look, from the miles of stone walls to the straight Roman roads and elegant Georgian architecture of Bath and Cheltenham.
If you want to stay in one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds then consider our Cotswolds holiday cottages in Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway. However, if you want to be a little off the beaten tourist trail but still in the heart of the Cotswolds, consider Oddington, Kingham, Upper or Lower Slaughter, Bibury, Bruern or the Cotswolds Water Park for those who love water-based outdoor activities not fair from their holiday cottage.
The Cotswolds is mainly famous for its art and antique shops, having the largest offering outside of London. Its quaint villages, rolling countryside and tranquil atmosphere is another reason why the Cotswolds is so popular among tourists, along with the iconic golden stone that many buildings are constructed from. For a truly iconic experience, book one of our luxury holiday cottages that's straight out of a fairytale.
Living in the Cotswolds is known for being particularly expensive, as there are some of the most luxurious properties in the UK situated here. Its rural location and beautiful surroundings provide other reasons why this area is more expensive than others for self-catering accommodation in England.
However, when visiting the Cotswolds you will find that it doesn’t have to cost a lot. With the numerous places to explore in the outdoors, and plenty of towns and villages to stroll around, there are countless things to do here, as well as self-catering holiday cottages, that don’t need to break the bank.
There are a number of pretty towns situated in the Cotswolds, many of which offer their own unique setting. Although, one that stands out in particular is Castle Combe, known for being one of the prettiest villages in England.
The housing here hasn’t been developed since the 1600s, which is why the old cottages have such an ancient feel about them. The historic bridge in the village that hovers over a river and surrounding greenery makes it a picturesque town that is absolutely worth visiting.