The Cotswolds Blog


20 North Cotswold Villages We Love More Than Bourton-on-the-Water

Discover 20 beautiful Cotswold villages we love more than Bourton-on-the-Water, from Stanton and Snowshill to Naunton, Swinbrook, Kingham and Adlestrop.

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First Visit to the Cotswolds: 12 Mistakes to Avoid

Visiting the Cotswolds for the first time? Discover 12 common mistakes to avoid, from overplanning and parking to busy villages, driving times and lunch reservations.

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A Romantic Cotswolds Itinerary for Couples

Planning a romantic Cotswolds getaway? Discover the best villages, hotels, walks, gardens and experiences for a perfect two- or three-day couples’ escape.

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Accessible Cotswolds: Touring with Limited Mobility

Visiting the Cotswolds with limited mobility? Discover accessible villages, attractions and practical tips for planning a comfortable private Cotswolds tour.

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The Cotswolds for Multigenerational Families: How to Plan a Day Everyone Enjoys

Planning a family trip to the Cotswolds? Discover how to create the perfect multigenerational itinerary for children, parents and grandparents.

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The Cotswolds by Foot | Walking & Private Cotswold Tours

Discover how to combine Cotswold walks with private touring, including Chipping Campden to Broadway Tower, Stanton to Stanway and the Slaughters.

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The Best Cotswold Walks with a Country Pub Lunch

Discover three of the best Cotswold walks ending at traditional country pubs, with distances, difficulty, footwear advice and private collection at the finish.

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Best Luxury Hotels in the Cotswolds | Where to Stay & Why

Discover the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds for couples, families, spas, food, countryside privacy and private touring, with recommendations based on our guests' experiences.

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Best Cotswold Villages & Towns to Stay In | Local Guide

Discover the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, from Broadway and Chipping Campden to Tetbury and Cirencester, with local advice on dining, atmosphere and touring.

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A Food Lover’s Guide to the Cotswolds | Farms, Pubs & Local Producers

Discover the Cotswolds through its food, from farm shops and artisan cheese to bakeries, country pubs, seasonal markets and private farm-to-fork experiences.

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10 Unique Cotswolds Experiences Beyond the Villages

Discover 10 unique Cotswolds experiences, from sheepdog demonstrations and farm visits to private gardens, cottage teas, falconry, cookery and guided walks.

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How to Avoid the Crowds in the Cotswolds

Discover the best times to visit famous Cotswold villages, quieter alternatives and local routes that help you experience the Cotswolds away from the crowds.

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The Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds: A Month-by-Month Guide

Discover the best time to visit the Cotswolds with our month-by-month guide to weather, gardens, spring lambs, lavender, autumn colours, Christmas experiences and crowds.

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Is a Cotswolds Day Trip from London Worth It?

Is a Cotswolds day trip from London worth it? Discover realistic travel times, train versus private car options, what you can see in one day and when to stay overnight.

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London to the Cotswolds: Train, Rental Car or Private Driver?

Travelling from London to the Cotswolds is relatively straightforward, but deciding how to make the journey is slightly more complicated.

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How to Visit the Cotswolds Without a Car

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether you can visit the Cotswolds without hiring a car.

The answer is absolutely yes.

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Where Should You Stay in the Cotswolds: North, South or West?

Discover the best areas to stay in the Cotswolds, from the North and South Cotswolds to Oxford and Bath, and choose the right base for your trip.

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The Perfect Three-Day Cotswolds Itinerary, Designed by Local Guides

Plan three days in the Cotswolds with a locally designed itinerary combining North Cotswold villages, private countryside experiences, Bath, Oxford and Blenheim Palace.

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One Day in the Cotswolds: What Can You Realistically See?

Discover how many Cotswold villages you can realistically visit in one day, with itinerary ideas for first-time visitors, families, garden lovers and food-focused travellers.

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The Cotswolds Through the Eyes of Our Local Guides

Discover the Cotswolds through the stories, favourite places, local food recommendations and hidden insights of five experienced local guides.

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Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds: 3 Private Experiences

Discover three exclusive secret garden experiences in the Cotswolds, with private access, personal hosts and visits paired with Bath, Highgrove and picturesque villages.

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5 Beautiful Cotswold Gardens to Visit Beyond Hidcote

Discover five exceptional gardens beyond Hidcote, including Kiftsgate, Sezincote, Iford Manor, Bourton House and historic Rousham.

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Meet the People Behind Our Cotswolds Farm Experiences

The landscape may provide the setting, but it is often the people our guests meet who make a countryside experience memorable.

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Cotswolds Farm Experiences: Why Guests Love Them

Why Farm Experiences Have Become Our Most Popular Private Cotswolds Tours

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The 10 Pub Lunches We Recommend Most Often in the Cotswolds

"No sponsorships. No paid recommendations. These are simply the pubs our guides genuinely enjoy themselves and recommend to guests almost every week."

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The Most Overrated and Underrated Villages in the Cotswolds (According to Local Guides)

Some villages deserve their reputation. Others quietly steal your heart.

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Bibury vs Castle Combe vs Bourton-on-the-Water: Which Cotswold Village Is Right for You?

If you're planning a visit to the Cotswolds, you'll quickly discover three villages that appear on almost every itinerary: Bibury, Castle Combe, and Bourton-on-the-Water.

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15 Cotswold Villages We Visit That Tour Buses Never Reach

Discover the quieter side of the Cotswolds through villages that most visitors never see.

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Christmas Carols in the Cotswolds

There’s nowhere quite like the Cotswolds at Christmastime. Honey-stone villages glow under twinkling lights, local markets spill over with warm mince pies and handmade gifts, and centuries-old churches fill with the sound of carols drifting through frosty air. Whether you’re drawn to historic cathedrals, cosy village celebrations, or festive family days out, the Cotswolds offers a Christmas season as magical as a storybook.

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Golden Leaves and Cozy Fires: Autumn Escapes in the Cotswolds

There’s something magical about the Cotswolds in autumn. As summer quietly slips away, the honey-stone villages and rolling hills take on a new richness — hedgerows brimming with berries, woodsmoke curling into crisp blue skies, and the landscape ablaze with shades of amber, russet, and gold. If you’re craving that perfect mix of natural beauty, seasonal color, and old-world charm, autumn in the Cotswolds is an experience not to miss.

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June in the Cotswold Gardens: A Blooming English Paradise

June is a magical time in the Cotswolds, when its rolling hills and honey-hued villages are framed by lush gardens in full bloom. Often described as the "heart of England," this region transforms in early summer into a living tapestry of roses, foxgloves, delphiniums, and lavender, creating an unforgettable sensory experience for locals and visitors alike.

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Historic Cotswold Landmarks: Unveiling the Region's Rich Heritage

The Cotswolds is more than just rolling hills and charming villages — it's a region steeped in centuries of history. From ancient abbeys and Roman roads to grand country houses and medieval market halls, every corner of the Cotswolds tells a story. For travelers seeking a connection to the past, the region offers a rich tapestry of historic landmarks to explore, each revealing something unique about England’s cultural and architectural legacy.  Here’s your guide to some of the most remarkable historic sites in the Cotswolds, and the stories they continue to share today.

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Unforgettable Family Adventures: Exploring the Cotswolds Best Kid-Friendly Activities

The Cotswolds isn't just a dream destination for adults — it's a wonderland for children too. With its rolling countryside, storybook villages, friendly animals, castles, and hands-on experiences, the region is bursting with family-friendly adventures that blend fun, nature, and a touch of magic. Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, you'll find unforgettable moments waiting around every corner. From farmyard fun to falconry flights, here’s your guide to the best kid-friendly things to do in the Cotswolds.

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Cotswolds on Screen: Exploring Its Famous TV and Movie Locations

The Cotswolds' timeless beauty — with its honey-hued cottages, winding lanes, and rolling hills — has made it a favorite backdrop for filmmakers and TV producers around the world. Whether it's a sleepy village masquerading as a bustling town, or a country manor becoming a royal palace, the Cotswolds' cinematic charm is unmistakable. For film lovers, visiting these locations offers a magical chance to walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters and explore the stunning scenery that has graced both the big and small screen.

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Exploring the Cotswold Villages: Top Picks for a Day Trip

Each of these villages has its own character, history, and charm, making them perfect for a leisurely day trip.

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Quaint North Cotswold Pubs: Enjoying Traditional Brews and Country Charm

The Cotswolds is a tapestry of honey-stone villages, winding lanes, and breathtaking countryside — but perhaps nothing captures the spirit of the region more than its quintessential pubs. Steeped in history, oozing charm, and serving up hearty fare alongside perfectly poured local ales, these cozy inns offer an authentic glimpse into Cotswold life. Whether you're seeking a fireside pint, a sunny garden lunch, or just a place to rest your walking boots, here are some of our favorite Cotswold pubs — and the villages that make visiting them even more unique.

   

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Relaxation and Wellness: Spas and Retreats in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds, with its serene landscapes and charming villages, is the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, this region is home to some of the finest spas and wellness retreats in the UK. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious spa day, a restorative retreat, or simply a moment of peace, the Cotswolds offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top spots to indulge in relaxation and wellness:

   

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What to Look Forward to in 2025 in the Cotswolds

2025 brings exciting new opportunities to explore the charm of the Cotswolds!    

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Retail Therapy Amidst Rustic Charm: Exploring Shopping Delights in the Cotswolds!

Join Us for a Customized Cotswold Shopping Tour! Whether you’re in search of antiques, crafts, food, or fashion, we’ll create an itinerary that suits your interests, helping you uncover the best shopping spots in the Cotswolds.  

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What's On in the Cotswolds: Winter 2024

Winter in the Cotswolds is a season of charm and enchantment, with picturesque villages dusted in frost, cozy fireside nooks in historic pubs, and festive events that celebrate the heart and heritage of the region. Here’s a look at the top events and seasonal highlights you can look forward to this winter in the Cotswolds.

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June in the Cotswolds

June is the Cotswolds is usually the start of a very busy British Summer, the strawberries are ripening ready for Wimbledon, the lambs are bursting with momentum in the fields, our Cotswold towns and villages are a full with visitors and the roses are shining in all their glory. With the wonderful late sunsets we get in June be sure to complete your vacation with a sunset hot air balloon ride complete with a champagne toast on our family farm! Watch Video

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May in the Cotswolds

May in the Cotswolds, arguably, is the best month of the year to visit the Cotswolds. It is often sunny, with a clear freshness in the air and the trees and flowers are in full bloom. May in the Cotswolds has traditionally been a time to take part in ancient rituals, hoping that by doing so, country folk will ensure a good crop in Autumn. Our favourite tour to take in May is our Cotswold Garden Tour as the life in the gardens are busting with great colours and wonderful smells.
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April in the Cotswolds

As the nights begin to lengthen and the darkness of a northern hemisphere winter starts to fade into the distance, the Cotswolds is certainly one of the best places to be in the whole of our beautiful country in April. This year, of course, brings an April in the Cotswolds we shall never forget! Watch Video

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Chastleton House

During a Cotswold tour you will see an abundance of glamorous homes and manor houses dotted around the countryside in many thanks to our rich wool heritage. One of the houses we incorporate seeing when we visit Daylesford Farmshop and the Rollright Stones is the stunning Chastleton House. Chastleton House is one of the finest Jacobean Houses in England. Watch Video

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5 Types of Cotswold Stays

With such a wide variety of accommodation choices in the Cotswolds, we've put together 5 amazing places to stay that suit many budgets, places that are great for families, romantic couples having a weekend away and high-end luxury Cotswold stays.

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4 of Our Favourite Cotswold Drinks

When travelling or visiting a new part of world one of the most fun and satisfying experiences is what you’re eating and drinking when you’re there.  Lucky for us the Cotswolds is full of master brewers , vintners and spirit markers so there is plenty of choice for some amazing Cotswold drinks!

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5 Amazing Cotswold Desserts

We have put down our 5 Favourite desserts that are super delicious, local and worth every calorie!

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Our Favourite 4 Cotswold Quick Treats

When travelling or visiting a new part of world one of the most fun and satisfying experiences is what you’re eating when you’re there. Here are 4 truly local Cotswold Foods, that are off the beaten track edible gems that you cannot miss when visiting the Cotswolds.

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