Luxury Cottages in the Cotswolds

Best locations for a luxury cottage in the Cotswolds

Planning a holiday in the Cotswolds? These are the best locations that all ages will enjoy.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Best for: Its cafe culture

Known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this little tourist haven offers great scenery, beautiful waterways and lots of exploration trails. The village itself is packed with tea rooms, cafes, pubs and shops but it’s also ideally located for a number of walking routes and day trips. A picnic by the river or a pit stop on one of the local benches is a must.

Cirencester

Best for: Something a little more lively

The Cotswolds may be loved for its sleepy feel but it’s also home to bigger and more vibrant towns like Cirencester. The market town is home to lots of shops, bars and restaurants and has a famous market square that you’ll probably recognise. Often dubbed the Capital of the Cotswolds, it’s really easy to get to and makes for a great day trip for the whole family.

Bath

Best for: A unique day trip

Not only is Bath one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cotswolds but also the UK. Offering a slightly more lively day trip, visitors flock to the Thermae Baths, museums and local sights. There’s also plenty of bars and restaurants as well as music nights and comedy clubs to enjoy in the evening.

Stow on the Wold

Best for: Its charming and quaint small town feel

If you’re looking for a traditional Cotswolds village or town, then Stow on the Wold will definitely impress. Boasting ample charm and variety, there’s plenty of things to do - whether you’re into food, adventures, antiques or more. The area also has plenty of family-friendly and dog-friendly cottages to choose from with luxury amenities like hot tubs, swimming pools and private bars.

Chipping Campden

Best for: Its history and architecture

Officially home to one of the most stunning streets in England, here you’ll find impressive buildings, picture-perfect lanes and lots of opportunities to snap away. Spend your mornings exploring the local area and its eye-catching high street before refuelling in one of the many cafes. Come evening, there’s plenty of gastro pubs to choose from.

Best walks in the Cotswolds

Whether new to walking or a seasoned pro, these walks in the Cotswolds are sure to impress.

Warden’s Way

Location: Bourton-on-the-Water

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: Four and a half miles

The Warden’s Way trail is a loop from Lower Slaughter to Bourton-on-the-Water and is ideal for all fitness levels and walking abilities. Starting at Moore Hospital, the paths are flat and easily-accessible making it great for those with dogs as well as pushchairs. Don’t forget your camera though as the views here are fantastic.

Sapperton Valley Circular

Location: CirencesterDifficulty: EasyWalk length: Six miles

Sapperton Valley Circular is a loop trail in the heart of Gloucestershire close to Cirencester Abbey. Ideal for all walking abilities, dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a lead. With a good mix of roads, tracks and paths, you’ll pass rivers, meadows and endless countryside views.

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Location: Bath

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: One mile

In the heart of Bath, the Prior Park Landscape Garden walk is a gentle adventure through forest, countryside and nature. A National Trust trail, there is an option to carry on further for those who want to. Being close to Bath City also means there’s plenty of places to refuel afterwards.

Battle of Stow

Location: Stow on the Wold

Difficulty: Medium

Walk length: Six miles

Battle of Stow is a looped trail around Stow on the Wold. While the paths are easily-accessible, a good level of fitness and walking ability is required as you climb up small elevations and wander along uneven paths. The route will take you past a number of tourist attractions as well as lots of cafes ideal for the perfect pit-stop.

Cotswold Way Circular Walk

Location: Chipping Campden

Difficulty: Easy

Walk length: Three miles, or four and a half miles if you want to continue

The Cotswold Way Circular Walk takes you through the market town of Chipping Campden, past woodland, countryside and quaint village streets. While there are some steep bits, the route is relatively easy and flat. There’s also a choice between a three mile shortcut or a longer trail of around four and a half miles.