When it comes to planning a trip to the Cotswolds, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. This picturesque region in south-central England is renowned for its quaint villages, rolling hills, and historic towns, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With so many charming towns and villages to choose from, selecting the right place to stay can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, UK, to help you make an informed decision and make the most of your trip.
Overview of the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that covers nearly 800 square miles of countryside across six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Worcestershire. The region is characterized by its limestone villages, historic market towns, and stunning countryside, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a relaxing getaway.
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What to Expect from Your Stay in the Cotswolds
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a family-friendly holiday, or an action-packed adventure, the Cotswolds has something for everyone. From luxurious boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, self-catering cottages, and camping sites, the region offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, including popular towns, villages, and hidden gems, to help you find the perfect base for your trip.
Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds, UK
The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England, known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and historic towns. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs and self-catering cottages.
Luxury Hotels
For a luxurious and indulgent stay in the Cotswolds, consider one of the following top-rated hotels:
- Barnsley House, near Cirencester – This 18th-century mansion offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- The Greenway Hotel and Spa, near Cheltenham – This elegant hotel features stylish rooms, a spa, and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant.
- The Lygon Arms, in Broadway – This historic hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, set in a picturesque village.
- The Manor House Hotel, in Castle Combe – This 14th-century manor house features luxurious rooms, a spa, and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
These luxury hotels offer exceptional service, fine dining, and luxurious amenities, making them perfect for special occasions or romantic getaways.
Boutique Hotels
For a more intimate and unique stay in the Cotswolds, consider one of the following boutique hotels:
- The Painswick, in Painswick – This 18th-century hotel features stylish rooms, a restaurant, and a bar, set in a picturesque village.
- The Rectory Hotel, in Crudwell – This boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
- The Wild Rabbit, in Kingham – This stylish hotel features luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar, set in a charming village.
- The Swan Hotel, in Bibury – This boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a picturesque village.
These boutique hotels offer a more personalized and unique experience, with stylish decor, delicious food, and exceptional service.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
For a more homely and affordable stay in the Cotswolds, consider one of the following top-rated B&Bs and guesthouses: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Japan)
- The Old School B&B, in Bourton-on-the-Water – This charming B&B offers comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a warm welcome.
- The Coach House B&B, in Stow-on-the-Wold – This 17th-century coach house features comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a picturesque location.
- The Old Bakery B&B, in Chipping Campden – This charming B&B offers comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a warm welcome, set in a historic building.
- The White Hart Inn, in Winchcombe – This 16th-century inn features comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a warm welcome, set in a picturesque village.
These B&Bs and guesthouses offer a more personal and affordable stay, with comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts, and a warm welcome.
Self-Catering Cottages and Apartments
For a more flexible and independent stay in the Cotswolds, consider one of the following self-catering cottages and apartments:
- Cotswold Cottage Holidays, in various locations – This collection of cottages offers a range of self-catering options, from cozy one-bedroom cottages to larger family-friendly homes.
- Sykes Cottages, in various locations – This collection of cottages offers a range of self-catering options, from romantic one-bedroom cottages to larger family-friendly homes.
- Holidaycottages.co.uk, in various locations – This collection of cottages offers a range of self-catering options, from cozy one-bedroom cottages to larger family-friendly homes.
- Cotswold Holiday Lets, in various locations – This collection of apartments and cottages offers a range of self-catering options, from cozy one-bedroom apartments to larger family-friendly homes.
These self-catering cottages and apartments offer a more flexible and independent stay, with the freedom to come and go as you please, and the option to cook your own meals.
Towns and Villages to Stay In
The Cotswolds is home to many picturesque towns and villages, each with its own unique character and charm. Here are some of the most popular places to stay:
- Bourton-on-the-Water – This picturesque village is known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” and features a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs.
- Stow-on-the-Wold – This historic market town is a popular base for exploring the Cotswolds, with a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to self-catering cottages.
- Chipping Campden – This charming town is known for its historic architecture, picturesque streets, and range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs.
- Cirencester – This historic town is known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds” and features a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to self-catering apartments.
- Broadway – This picturesque village is known for its historic architecture, picturesque streets, and range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs.
Each of these towns and villages offers a unique and charming experience, with a range of accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets.
Things to Do in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies alike. Here are some of the top things to do in the region:
- Walking and Hiking – The Cotswolds is home to many scenic walking trails, including the Cotswold Way and the Oxfordshire Way.
- Visit Historic Houses and Gardens – The region is home to many historic houses and gardens, including Blenheim Palace, Chastleton House, and Hidcote Manor Garden.
- Explore Quaint Villages – The Cotswolds is home to many picturesque villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Chipping Campden.
- Food and Drink – The region is known for its local produce, including Cotswold lamb, Gloucestershire cheese, and Bath Oliver biscuits.
- Attend Local Events – The Cotswolds hosts many local events throughout the year, including the Cotswold Show, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Bourton-on-the-Water Festival.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, or simply a relaxing break, the Cotswolds has something for everyone.
Getting Around the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a rural region, and public transportation can be limited. Here are some of the best ways to get around: (See Also: Best Places To Stay On Blue Ridge Parkway)
- Car – The most convenient way to get around the Cotswolds is by car, with many scenic routes and parking options available.
- Bus – There are several bus services operating in the Cotswolds, including the Cotswold Explorer and the Pulham’s Coaches.
- Taxi – Taxis are widely available in the Cotswolds, with many companies operating in the region.
- Bicycle – The Cotswolds is a popular destination for cyclists, with many scenic routes and bike hire options available.
- Walking – The region is also perfect for walkers, with many scenic walking trails and picturesque villages to explore.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, the Cotswolds is a beautiful region to explore, with its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and historic attractions.
Conclusion
The Cotswolds is a unique and charming region, offering a range of accommodations, activities, and attractions to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs, and from outdoor adventure to cultural attractions, the Cotswolds has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ve explored the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, from luxury hotels to self-catering cottages, and highlighted the top towns and villages to visit. We’ve also discussed the best things to do in the region, including walking and hiking, visiting historic houses and gardens, and exploring quaint villages.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or simply a relaxing break, the Cotswolds is a must-visit destination. So why not start planning your trip today and discover the beauty and charm of this unique region?
Town/Village | Accommodation Options | Things to Do |
---|---|---|
Bourton-on-the-Water | Luxury hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages | Walking, hiking, visiting the Cotswold Motoring Museum |
Stow-on-the-Wold | Luxury hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages | Walking, hiking, visiting the Stow-on-the-Wold Market |
Chipping Campden | Luxury hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages | Walking, hiking, visiting the Chipping Campden Market |
Cirencester | Luxury hotels, B&Bs, self-catering apartments | Visiting the Corinium Museum, walking, hiking |
Broadway | Luxury hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages | Walking, hiking, visiting the Broadway Tower |
This table provides a summary of the top towns and villages to visit in the Cotswolds, along with their accommodation options and things to do.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, and has inspired you to plan your trip to this beautiful region.
Remember to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak season, and to plan your itinerary according to your interests and preferences.
Happy travels! (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Sedona For Couples)
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds, UK
What are the most popular towns to stay in the Cotswolds?
Some of the most popular towns to stay in the Cotswolds include Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, and Cirencester. These towns offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs, and are well-located for exploring the surrounding countryside and attractions.
Are there any pet-friendly accommodations in the Cotswolds?
Yes, many accommodations in the Cotswolds are pet-friendly, including hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages. It’s always best to check with the individual property beforehand to confirm their pet policy and any restrictions or fees that may apply.
What is the best way to get around the Cotswolds without a car?
While having a car can be convenient, it’s not necessary to explore the Cotswolds. There are regular bus services connecting many of the towns and villages, and some attractions are also accessible by train. Additionally, many accommodations offer bike rental or can arrange taxi services for guests. You can also consider booking a guided tour that includes transportation.
What are some of the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds?
Some of the top luxury hotels in the Cotswolds include the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe, the Lygon Arms in Broadway, and the Calcot Hotel and Spa in Tetbury. These hotels offer luxurious amenities, fine dining, and stunning surroundings, making them perfect for a special occasion or romantic getaway.
Can I find budget-friendly accommodations in the Cotswolds?
Absolutely! While the Cotswolds is known for its luxury accommodations, there are also many budget-friendly options available, including hostels, camping sites, and self-catering apartments. You can also consider staying in a nearby town or village, which may offer more affordable options. Additionally, consider visiting during the off-season (usually November to March) when prices tend to be lower.