Steeped in history, the Cotswolds gained many of its settlements from the mediaeval sheep trade. Its long history in the wool industry generated much wealth which resulted in building the many fine houses that the Cotswolds is so famous for today.
The landscape in the Cotswolds still holds much evidence of its history in the wool trade. With its dry stone walls that once formed enclosures for the sheep, buildings that were formerly factories for processing wool and market squares approached by narrow little alleyways where the sheep were once driven through to market.
Often referred to as the 'Heart of England', the Cotswolds is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations with a huge choice of accommodation and iconic Cotswold cottages to rent. Attracting visitors from all over the world, all year round, this beautiful part of Central England is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. Its proximity to London makes the Cotswolds a perfect destination for weekend breaks in holiday cottages. Read more
The Cotswold Water Park is a perennial favourite for its superb amenities and beautiful surroundings. You'll love this waterfront holiday home facing Isis Lake, with deck and outdoor hot tub, two man kayak and stylishly furnished rooms. Green Woodpecker Lodge sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has a versatile layout that suits families and friends. You can stroll to South Cerney village with its well-stocked village shop and friendly pubs or stay on-site and make the most of the park's restaurant, play areas, tennis courts, table tennis pavilion and games room. Walking, cycling, fishing, and other watersports are all easily accessible, with equipment hire locally. Free use of a kayak on Windrush Lake is included.
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 delightful holiday cottage in an enviable quiet position just a few minutes walk from the heart of the popular village of Broadway - one of the Cotswolds most desirable villages with excellent pubs, restaurants and independent shops to browse. Private off road parking and being dog friendly, with a garden that is enclosed
The Lower Mill Cottages are situated, just up a private road, with private off road parking, also having access to an EV Charger. Set amongst very picturesque grounds with a stream running through, private parking and being dog friendly with an enclosed garden, these two Cotswold Holiday Cottages sit in an enviable idyllic quiet location just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Broadway - one of the Cotswolds most beautiful villages with an excellent choice of pubs, restaurants and independent shops. A great base for exploring Central England or simply relaxing.
Sitting in a tranquil position set up a private road where a stream runs through the grounds, with Private parking (Having an EV Charger) and being dog friendly with an enclosed garden, this welcoming self-catering cottage is only a five minute stroll from the heart of the Cotswolds village of Broadway with its superb independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Lower Mill Cottage Two is a great base for exploring the Cotswolds and Central England.
A delightful period stone cottage ideal for large gatherings of friends or families in a quiet street in the heart of the ancient Cotswolds market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Great shops, pubs and restaurants on the doorstep and a host of attractions within easy reach.
The Coach House at Oaks Barn Farm is in a peaceful rural location on a working farm just ten minutes from the excitement of Stratford-upon-Avon. Spend your days exploring all of Warwickshire's best attractions (including the Cotswolds), cycling through country lanes or even boating on the River Avon, and your evenings relaxing by the outdoor Kandai fire bowl as you enjoy star-filled skies. The cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms and is a comfortable choice for couples, families or friends. Oaks Barn Farm has another cottage and several shepherd's huts which can be booked together with The Coach House to accommodate larger groups.
Shepherds View is located at Oaks Barn Farm along with two other stylish holiday homes. A working farm nestling amongst tranquil countryside, this stylish lodge is only ten minutes drive from Stratford-upon-Avon, a vibrant town full of culture, good places for a meal out, shops and attractions. A salt water hot tub as an optional extra allows guests to relax and enjoy the tranquility by day, and the star-filled skies by night whilst watching the flames flickering in the Kandai fire bowl. Centrally positioned in the country, Shepherds View is well located for discovering the beauty of Warwickshire and the nearby Cotswolds.
The Granary at Oaks Barn Farm offers a taste of country life on a small working farm in a peaceful rural location, yet it is only ten minutes drive from Stratford-Upon-Avon. With a salt water hot tub as an optional extra, you can soak up the tranquility of the countryside by day, and by night, enjoy the clear star-filled skies watching the flickering flames of the Kandai fire bowl. Centrally located in England, The Granary is a great base for exploring the many attractions of Warwickshire as well as the nearby Cotswolds.
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.
42 Shakespeare Street, with private off street parking, is a welcoming holiday cottage close to the Stratford-Upon-Avon Canal and within walking distance of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as favourite attractions like Shakespeare's Birthplace and the Royal Shakespeare Company. The three-bedroom property sleeps six people and has off-street parking and an enclosed patio garden. It's ideal for families, including those with a dog, being close to all of the sights that make Stratford-upon-Avon perfect for a relaxed holiday in any season. You can walk or cycle along the canal and into the beautiful Warwickshire countryside or take a day trip to Oxford, Birmingham, Bicester, Blenheim Palace, Warwick, and Leamington Spa, which are easily accessible from the cottage.
Why would you even consider going abroad for your holiday with the beautiful Cotswold Water Park as an option? The 40-square mile nature reserve boasts over 150 lakes and has been carefully developed to protect the natural habitat for birds and wildlife while still being superbly comfortable for holidaymakers. Grey Heron Lodge is a waterfront holiday home with ample space for up to six people, with three comfortable bedrooms, an open-plan living area and a huge wrap-around deck, with private jacuzzi. Guests have use of onsite facilities that include watersports, play areas, and a bar and restaurant. They can fish next to the lodge, and the owners have provided a two-person kayak for them to use on Windrush Lake. Dogs and children are very welcome, making Grey Heron Lodge a firm favourite with families and friends, as well as couples who appreciate a great location, pet friendly accommodation and extra space.
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.
Surround yourself with luxury at ARC Painswick. Perfect for a group self-catering stay, this gorgeous holiday home is in a highly desirable location opposite St Mary's and close to The Oak pub, cafes and shops. There is space for 24 people to sleep in nine beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with an ensuite or a private shower room. Stay at home and make great use of the heated swimming pool, pizza oven, and elegant reception rooms, or get out and explore with a day at Cheltenham Racecourse, sightseeing and shopping in Bath or Stratford-Upon-Avon, or walking the long-distance Cotswold Way.
A stunning, spacious house that offers luxury living, set in the fabulous Cotswold countryside and only 10 mins from the countries most picturesque 'honey stone' villages; Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden and Broadway.
This welcoming holiday cottage has a wealth of features including an inglenook with wood burner and walled garden for enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple in the sunshine, giving it all year round appeal. With a choice of three pubs, as well an a Victorian Brewery in the village, Rose Cottage in Hook Norton is perfect for exploring Central England including the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and Shakespeare's very own Stratford-upon-Avon. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A charming stone holiday cottage ideally situated in the lovely market town of Winchcombe in the heart of the North Cotswold's with excellent eating establishments and amenities on the doorstep. A great self-catering base for exploring Central England and its many attractions.
A delightful barn conversion on the outskirts of the Cotswolds providing a great self-catering base for exploring Cheltenham, Bath, the Forest of Dean, Bristol, Gloucester and many historical towns and villages - all within easy reach by car.
A quaint self-catering holiday cottage located in an elevated position on a Cotswold farm offering panoramic rural views over woodland and the countryside of Gloucestershire. Sitting in a haven for wildlife, this beautiful valley is dotted with arts and crafts workshops, cheese makers, farmers markets, microbreweries and pubs within walking distance - a pleasure to visit at any time of the year!
Stable Cottage is your ideal Cotswold escape, located in Painswick, the most beautifully preserved Cotswold wool town. This stylish converted stable sleeps up to four, making it great for couples, small families, or friends. With two ensuite bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a cosy living, you will be delightfully comfortable in all seasons, including in warm weather when the private garden is excellent for relaxing or having a BBQ. Just a 10-minute walk away, you'll find the Oak pub and the chic Painswick Hotel for fantastic food and drinks. Explore Painswick’s charming streets, St. Mary's Church, and local trails like the Cotswold Way, and enjoy nearby attractions like Gloucester, Cheltenham Cirencester, and Sudeley Castle.
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:
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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.
