Wondering Where To Stay In The Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is a great day trip from London - a very English experience with some of the prettiest villages in the country. There is so much to see and do.

Figuring out where to stay in the Cotswold’s can be as challenging as pronouncing Stow-on-the-Wold after a few pints of local cider. This enchanting Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty takes in six counties, spans almost 800 square miles and attracts over 23 million visitors each year. It’s pretty big!

An idyllic region of picture-postcard proportions and endless fairy tale villages, scenic countryside trails and cultural landmarks means that the decision about where to stay gets even harder. There is no shortage of places to stay in the Cotswold’s, the hard part is just deciding WHERE!

So, as frequent visitors to this chocolate-box corner of England, we thought we’d help you out with our expertise. Our top 5 suggestions of the best places to stay in the Cotswold’s, with tried and tested hotels and mini travel guides. Honestly, you could spend a whole year touring the Cotswold’s and still not take in every beautiful corner, but we’re hoping this will get you started. The best villages in the Cotswold’s for a lovely little weekend or short break.

Our Top 5 Places To Stay – The Cotswold’s

With over 130 towns and villages in the Cotswold’s, each one with its unique charm and character, you can well imagine that there are plenty of places to stay. Here are our top 5 choices of accommodation in the Cotswolds with mini travel guides, travel tips and insights…

1. The Lygon Arms, Broadway

Perhaps our favourite corner of the Cotswold’s and local to a whole host of interesting things to do, we think Broadway makes a great base. And, as one of the oldest hotels in the country, The Lygon Arms not only takes care of you in luxury and allows you to escape the rat-race, it also allows you to escape this century. With its original wood panelling, vaulted ceilings and stone fireplaces, alongside a portrait of ex-patron Oliver Cromwell, and King Charles I bedroom, you feel like you could’ve stumbled upon a clandestine meeting place of the English Civil War.

Book yourself a cosy double, dine on seasonal artisan dishes at James Martin’s ‘Grill‘ restaurant, and finish each day with an hour in the spa. If you’re after an authentic Olde English experience and wondering where to stay in the Cotswold’s, The Lygon definitely has it all.

For the best deals at the Cotswold hotel The Lygon Arms, click here.

THINGS TO DO NEAR BROADWAY

  • Enjoy the panoramic views along The Cotswold Way as you ascend to the Broadway Tower an hour’s walk from Broadway village.
  • Visit Broadway Tower, an eccentric folly designed by Capability Brown, and a holiday spot for arts and crafts virtuoso William Morris. And don’t miss the cold-war nuclear bunker.
  • Take a ride on a steam train along the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Heritage Railway. With stops at Broadway, Toddington, Winchcombe and Cheltenham you can choose your route, buy your ticket at the station and plan a lovely day out. For more info, click here.
  • Probably my favourite National Trust spot in all of the Cotswold’s – Snowshill Manor. Visit this fascinating 16th-century manor house with its diverse collection of paraphernalia and discover an even more curious tale about its owner.
  • Snowshill Village is also worth a little meander whilst you’re there, and it would be wrong to deny yourself a pint of draught from the old pub the Snowshill Arms.
  • Speaking of pubs, it has been known that we would travel 3 hours just for a visit to The Mount Inn in Stanton. We have a great affection for this establishment, its food, and the great view from the garden – one not to miss when you’re staying in the Cotswold’s.
  • Other Cotswold towns worthy of a visit that aren’t too far away; Stow-On-The-Wold, Winchcombe and Chipping Campden.

2. The Kingham Plough Near Chipping Norton

Perfect for day trips to Blenheim Palace, Oxford and Stratford Upon Avon, we love this area for all its untouched villages, scenic driving routes and country pubs. In fact, it was during a bit of weekend road-tripping that we discovered The Kingham Plough and settled in for one of their infamous Sunday roasts. A non-pretentious gastro-pub, with rooms, that’s managed to nail the details and retain the friendliness. The staff will look after you extremely well, and you will eat like Kings and bathe like Queens in their posh roll-tops.

Unlike some of the other more popular villages and towns in the Cotswold’s, this particular area is a lot quieter and easier to avoid the masses. So if you are looking for the best place to stay in the Cotswold’s that has easy access to attractions but isn’t overcrowded, The Kingham Plough is the perfect retreat.

For the best deals at The Kingham Plough, click here.

THINGS TO DO NEAR CHIPPING NORTON

  • Rub shoulders with the Cotswold Glitterati in Chipping Norton. A perfectly countrified yet quietly ostentatious town where the likes of Jeremy Clarkson and Blur’s Alex James sip Hawkstone beer and debate tractor speeds. And the charity shops are worth scouring for Kate Moss’s old jumble.
  • Walk amongst the remarkable remnants of prehistoric Britain at the Rollright Stones. Older than Stonehenge, equally as baffling, but where it’s quite acceptable to feel and fawn over (better than Stonehenge if you ask me).
  • Take a tour and sample some English whisky at the Cotswold Distillery near Stourton.
  • Watch the sunset and stay for some star gazing at the historic Tysoe Windmill.
  • If you’re a Clarkson fan, you must visit the Diddly Squat Farm Shop.
  • Park up at the beautifully intriguing 12th century Church of St Nicholas in Lower Oddington, followed by a ten minute walk into the picturesque village of Oddington for lunch at The Fox.

3. Stratton House Hotel & Spa near Cirencester

On the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, about halfway down, Stratton House Hotel positions itself in a very convenient spot. With several fast roads fanning out from nearby Cirencester, getting to a large portion of the Cotswolds is made very easy.

We recently stayed for 2 nights at this lovely old Georgian Hotel and actually couldn’t fault it. The floors are wonky, the staircase has you wishing you’d packed a ballgown, and the open fires beckon your return after a day of exploring. And whilst the spa is small, it’s perfect for an hours downtime before dinner. And, guests of the hotel get a really reasonable rate. So if you’re wondering where to stay in the Cotswolds for good access, Stratton House is a good choice.

For the best deals at Stratton House Hotel, click here.

THINGS TO DO NEAR CIRENCESTER

  • Have you even been to the Cotswold’s if you haven’t visited Bibury? William Morris claims it as England’s most beautiful village and it gets so many foreign visitors that the ‘Keep Out’ signs are written in Chinese! However, with digs so close, you can plan a visit for early morning, before 10 am, and enjoy it all to yourself.
  • Burford, probably in my top 3 Cotswold towns, is a great place to while away a few hours. Tea rooms, antique shops, pubs that saw the English Civil War, and a fascinating 800 year history at St John The Baptist Church (pick up the free guide inside).
  • Take a walk through the gorgeous village of Minster Lovell and along the River Windrush to see the historical ruins of Minster Lovell Hall.
  • If you have a National Trust membership, a trip to Lodge Park is a worthwhile attraction and the perfect place for a picnic. The same applies for Chedworth Roman Villa.
  • Another iconic Cotswold town that has become a tourist hot-spot is Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s not just the charming stone bridges, quaint little tearooms and ice cream shops that draw people in, there are several attractions too. There’s a miniature model village, the Cotswold Motoring Museum, The Dragonfly Maze, and Birdland Park and Gardens.
  • Make sure you add Upper and Lower Slaughter to your itinerary when you’re staying in the Cotswold’s. Whether you just drive through or stop for a cuppa is up to you, but you came to the Cotswold’s to see its quintessential beauty so it would be a shame to omit these two photogenic hamlets.

4. The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe

Play Lord of the Wool Manor at The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe and take advantage of evening strolls when the stampeding masses have left for the day. Castle Combe is arguably the prettiest village in the Cotswold’s so as you can expect, traffic is paralyzing and tourists are overbearing. So we feel The Manor House is a smug decision and the perfect way to enjoy Castle Combe. Plus, who doesn’t like refined dining and the expected trimmings of a 5 star hotel.

Built in the 14th century as a castle to protect the village, and untouched since the 17th century, you get an idea of the history trapped in these old walls. But there is nothing old and worn about The Manor House – the hotel has sympathetically blended history with high-end, and all 50 rooms are deluxe and updated to the 21st century. On site is a Michelin starred restaurant too, the Bybrook Restaurant. If you’re looking for impeccable luxury accommodation in the Cotswold’s and a bit of a treat, you can’t go wrong with The Manor House Hotel.

Cottages in the Cotswold village of Castle Combe. England village

For the best deals at the Cotswold hotel The Manor House, click here.

The wealthy medieval wool trade was the backbone of this area of the Cotswold’s and has certainly left its moneyed-mark on local boroughs. So you can well imagine how many stunning villages there are to explore during your stay.

THINGS TO DO NEAR CASTLE COMBE

  • Only half an hour away, the Georgian gem of Bath is a must-visit city.
  • And if you do visit Bath, Solsbury Hill, an Iron Age fort has compelling views of the city below. The air tastes different up there and it’s no wonder Peter Gabriel penned his most famous hit about new beginnings and freedom from this very spot.
  • The village of Lacock may as well be a film set, it’s so achingly perfect. In fact, you might recognise it from scenes in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice.
  • Visit Bradford on Avon, a rich wool town peppered with clothiers mansions and ancient weavers’ cottages. Explore the ancient Saxon Church of St. Laurence, the charming stone bridges and the assortment of independent cafes and vibrant markets.
  • Spend a few hours at Westonbirt Arboretum – a botanical gem with peaceful woodland trails, especially beautiful in Autumn. The park boasts over 15,000 species of trees! And if you have kids, they’ll love the Gruffalo Trail.
  • And another one for horticulturists… The Royal Gardens at Highgrove. All of the gardens are a masterpiece of colour, and a personal passion and vision of King Charles himself.
  • Other towns in and around the southern Cotswold area are; Corsham, Malmesbury and Tetbury.

Malmesbury, Lacock & Westonbirt Arboretum

5. Burleigh Court Hotel, Stroud

As regular readers will know, we cannot resist a view. So when we were planning our trip to the Royal Golden Valley’s area of the Cotswold’s, Burleigh Court Hotel lured us in with her vista’s. Spend the evenings on their patio soaking up the views whilst you tuck into your rosette stamped meal.

Guests are also welcome to take advantage of the Wellness Spa for no extra cost, and you’re guided through some Nordic Cycle Therapy if you wish. Treatments are also available to finish off the pampering experience.

5 valley’s, named ‘Golden’ because of the wealth the Wool Trade brought to the area, converge at the town of Stroud – a worthy town for a wander. But if you’re looking for places to stay in the Cotswold’s where you can access the best walks and hikes with views, you really are in the right spot here.

For the best deals at Burleigh Court Hotel, click here.

THINGS TO DO NEAR STROUD

  • Head up to nearby Painswick Beacon for some beautiful views of the Stroud Valley’s in one direction, and across the Severn to Wales in the other.
  • Visit Painswick, sometimes known as the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’ to see the topiary at St Mary’s Church, have a drink at The Oak, and wander around the town’s art gallery’s and antique shops. (Incidentally, we’ve also stayed at the 4 star luxury Cotswold hotel The Painswick and can also recommend.)
  • Visit one of the Cotswold’s best kept secrets, the Painswick Rococo Gardens. The UK’s only surviving Rococo pleasure gardens, created in the early 1700’s, with follies and a maze.
  • Another Cotswold hidden gem, and not on the beaten path for most visitors is the delightful town of Nailsworth. Babbling brooks, artisan cafe’s and boutique shops, all surrounded by rolling hills and old mills, make Nailsworth worth a trip.
  • Hike some of the Cotswold Way – a Jurassic limestone ridge that geographically creates dramatic scenery and the western boundary of the Cotswolds.
  • Other noteworthy places to visit near Stroud; Frampton on Severn, Gloucester and Cam Peak.

So there you have it – if you’re looking for accommodation in Cotswold’s towns and were struggling to decide which one, we hope this post has helped. Each town offers its own unique perspective in this beautiful region and we know you are going to love your trip. If you have any questions, leave us a comment below and we will endeavor to answer.

As always, we would like to thank our readers for using the links in our posts. Every booking made earns us a small commission at no extra cost to yourselves but goes some way to covering our website expenses and we are very grateful. So, Thank You!

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