The sleepy hamlets of golden stone, nestled in the rolling green hills sheep graze; a vacation in the Cotswolds is just what the doctor ordered to beat the stress of daily life. If you want to escape to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to some of England’s most beautiful farmland, we’ve put together a list of the finest Cotswolds hotels that will seize your heart and inspire your next trip.
Continue reading to explore picturesque hamlets split by meandering streams, where cosy chocolate-box cottages are adorned with trailing roses and bustling market towns brimming with a plethora of boutiques, museums, art galleries, and ancient inns with roaring open fires.
You may also take a look at our lovely holiday cottages in the Cotswolds by clicking the button below if you’d rather get started booking exciting weekend getaways right away.
Burford: best for afternoon tea
Burford’s High Street, which runs gently down the hill towards the gently flowing River Windrush, is a picture-perfect Cotswold scene. There are endless possibilities to indulge in an afternoon tea here, as the street is lined by a continuous line-up of cafes, tearooms, delis, and historic pubs all encased within striking 17th and 18th-century architecture.
After tea and cake, there’s much more to see in this charming medieval town. Admire the black and white timbered Tolsey structure, which was a meeting place for medieval wool merchants, look for Reavley Chemist – England’s oldest pharmacy, and discover a plethora of fascinating relics at St. John the Baptist Church, which is recognized as one of the country’s best. Throw in a variety of antique stores, speciality boutiques, and the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, which makes it an appealing location to visit on holiday in the Cotswolds.
Bibury: best for view seekers
Bibury, with one of the Cotswolds’ most photographed locations, Arlington Row, and notably described by renowned artist William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England,” is one of the finest places to stay in the Cotswolds for individuals who appreciate a fantastic view. This idyllic hamlet sits along the tranquil banks of the Colne River near Gloucestershire’s charming countryside.
Capture the perfect shot of the iconic higgledy-piggledy Arlington cottages, then take a leisurely stroll along the adjacent Rack Isle water meadow. It is also owned by the National Trust and provides an important habitat for animals and water-loving plants, similar to the cottages. The village also has a lovely Saxon church, as well as Bibury Trout Farm, one of England’s oldest and most well-preserved trout farms where you can fish for your supper in the “catch your own” fishery.
Gloucester: best for shopping
The variety of stores in Gloucester is one of the city’s most appealing aspects. If you enjoy niche boutiques, visit the Westgate Quarter, which is one of the city’s oldest areas, or head to Eastgate or King’s Walk shopping malls if you’re searching for high-street favourites. The Gloucester Quays Outlet also has designer labels at reduced prices if you like a good bargain.
Gloucester also has a wealth of activities, restaurants, and history to offer. You may admire the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, which served as the Hogwarts backdrop in the Harry Potter movies, tour narrowboats and tall ships at Gloucester Docks, or watch a game at one of England’s finest rugby clubs, Kingsholme Grounds.
Chipping Norton: best for couples
Chipping Norton is an ideal location for couples interested in seeing some of the finest sights and attractions in the Cotswolds. Within this lovely market town, which is known for its wool and tweeds manufacturing, there are a variety of tearooms, pubs, and restaurants to dine out at, as well as a theatre that showcases touring companies, stand-up comics, and movies appropriate for a romantic night.
Locally, you may visit Blenheim Palace, wander 2,000 acres of gardens and view the Japanese Flowering Cherries at Batsford Arboretum, or participate in a tour and tasting at the Cotswolds Distillery for some peace and quiet. Down the road, you can go to the atmospheric Rollright Stones to discover the stories and legends that surround this enigmatic collection of standing stones.
If you’re looking to visit the Cotswold area, why not visit StayCotswold?
