Being in the Cotswolds is like being in an English fairytale. It’s just so pretty! You know when you see something in pictures and you think ‘I’m sure its not really that nice’, well the Cotswolds really are! You will be in photographer heaven on a visit here, I found myself just not being able to put my camera down- I wanted to photograph anything and everything.
There is something incredibly romantic about the Cotswolds villages too. It’s that fresh country air, the smell of flowers lined up on every path and the sound of children playing in the running streams. Its idyllic. The charming honeycomb cottages, edged by sparking streams and the lush green countryside. Quintessentially English is an understatement.
So here are 9 of the best villages in the Cotswolds…
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is one of the first villages you will come across if driving from London. The village is frequently named one of the prettiest in England and was one of my favourites for sure (although so hard to choose!). The small high street leading down to a little bridge over a gorgeous stream really makes this village picture-perfect. There are a few different side streets with cute tea and coffee shops and obviously a church (every village has a church!).
Bibury
Bibury is just past the bigger town of Cirencester and is an idyllic little village, with welcoming cottages all lined up opposite a small stream. This tiny street is one of the most photographed in the Cotswolds. I enjoyed people watching from the bridge over the stream, kids playing in the water and the pace of life in the English countryside. Every cottage is lovingly kept and decorated with hanging flower pots.
Bourton on the Water
VERY popular in summer with locals and tourists spilling out onto the stream that runs through the village. This is a good size village with plenty of cafes and souvenir shops to keep you occupied. There is also the motoring museum and a model village of the town. It was really busy when I visited but I can see why as it is such gorgeous place to enjoy the English summertime.
Lower Slaughter & Upper Slaughter
Not gonna lie, I am still confused about which is which, as these two pretty villages just seem to merge into one another (although most images are from Lower Slaughter I think). This was another favourite place of mine and a lot quieter than some of the other villages. The Slaughters are very quiet and green and great for just wandering. There is a small stream (always a stream it seems!) and a little church. Even a couple of girls on horseback rode past, just as the sun was lowering, giving a golden glow to everything it touched. I mean…just perfect.
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Stow on the Wold
This old market town is where me and my boyfriend stayed overnight at a gorgeous little Airbnb, complete with ‘Romeo and Juliet’ balcony! Took a few cheesy photos- couldn’t resist!
I’ve never travelled with a boyfriend so being in the Cotswolds was such a romantic place to visit- including St Edwards church. Walk around to the other side and you will find 2 trees perfectly situated on either side of the wooden church door. I feel more cheesy romantic shots coming…!
Stow on the Wold has many choices of cuisine and the pub at the end of the street plays live music in the evenings. Lots of quirky antique shops and art galleries to explore in the daytime too.
Chipping Campden
This charming historic town has a fairly substantial high street compared to the smaller villages. The stone buildings line the main street in an elegant fashion, with many tea/coffee rooms and souvenir shops to choose from. There is a pretty impressive church and gardens too.
Snowshill
This sweet little village is pretty small with views over green rolling hills. It has its name due to the village being on a hill, so when it snows it lands there first. This pocket sized town is much less touristy than the others.
Close by are the Cotswolds Lavender fields which are definitely worth a look in summer. The smell is incredible and its just English countryside at its best!
Blockley
Blockley has some great countryside walks and a mill stream winding through into the valley. I only had a short time here, just passing through but found it to be very quiet and the least touristy places of all the villages. The village is known for it’s silk production, reflected in the buildings looking a little bit different from other Cotswolds villages.
Broadway
Broadway is another popular spot for tourists and local alike, with a big main street and plenty of antiques shops, museums and places to eat. The honey coloured buildings burst with historic architecture, as demonstrated by The Lyon Arms Hotel.
Hope you enjoyed reading about these gorgeous little villages. There are just too many to pick from! For sure I will be going back here as I didn’t get a chance to see half of what I wanted. Just gives me an excuse now to go back now- perhaps in winter. If you haven’t seen what the Cotswolds look like in the snow then google that now (trust me- amazing!).
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