The rolling uplands of the Cotswolds represent the quintessence of rural England, as immortalized in countless books, paintings, and films. In eloquently named settlements from Bourton-on-the-Water to Stow-on-the-Wold, you can taste the glories of the old English village—its stone slate roofs, low-ceiling rooms, and gardens; the atmosphere is as thick as honey, and equally as sweet.
We are spoilt for choice with so many picturesque and historic towns and villages to discover. The quaint atmosphere of villages nestled in the Cotswold hills provide a great day out as you explore winding roads on foot, enchanting gardens and fantastic pubs with all of their local produce. Old towns with excellent shopping and dramatic history await with experiences that will make your getaway truly special.
WE’VE LISTED OUR TOP VILLAGES TO EXPLORE WHILST IN THE COTSWOLDS:
These three villages are around 30 minutes drive from Burford and through lovely countryside so they can be easily combined for a lovely day out in the Cotswolds.
Burford
Burford’s steep main street is teaming with history and stunning Cotswolds architecture. Some dating back to the 17th and 18th Century, this place has a lovely atmosphere. The medieval bridge sits at the bottom of this main street and stands over the River Windrush. Just like Tetbury, this town is renowned for its antiques shops so keep a look out for something to take home!
It would be hard to visit Burford and not see Cotswolds Wildlife Park and Gardens. You will surely be surprised when you see species such as giraffes and rhinos wandering around, with the gothic manor house as their backdrop. The magnificent gardens are home to the 260 animal species at the centre and you can spot some of them from the great open-air train.
Bourton on the Water
One of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds for its quintessential English feel. The clear waters of the River Windrush run through the town itself and the many low bridges that crisscross the waterway have given this village the name of “Venice of the Cotswolds”. All this makes its an obvious choice if you are on a romantic weekend away.
There are a few things you must do whilst in the village. Birdland Park is a fantastic attraction for all of the family with over 500 birds inhabiting the woodland, river and water gardens. Meet king penguins and vibrant pink flamingos and enjoy feeding displays and walking guides. For classic car enthusiasts, the Cotswolds Motor Museum will take you on a journey through 20th century automobile history. Boutique shops are aplenty here and make sure you head to the Cotswolds Perfumery for a sensory tour into how perfume is made. You can even do a course to make your own scent! Be sure to save time to take your pick of idyllic spots to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.
Broadway
PUBS
If you’re looking for the quintessential English pub, look no further than the Cotswolds. These often honey coloured establishments have been the focal point of village life here for hundreds of years, usually on a market square, perched by a slow flowing river or facing onto a village green. Local ales and gastro local food menus are enjoyed with roaring fires in colder months, and in flower scented beer gardens in the summer. What better way to unwind. Try out the large variety of local ales, bitters and lagers coming from both long established breweries and up and coming ones.
OUR TOP GUIDE TO PUBS IN THE COTSWOLDS: coming soon
TEA ROOMS
Join the long standing tradition thought to have been started by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford in the 1800’s, after three meals a day was simply not enough. Ordering her servants to serve tea and cakes at exactly 5pm the tradition slowly became popular. There really isn’t a much better way to relax in the summer than in one of the famous Cotswolds tearooms. Small sandwiches and a selection of delicious cakes with of course, a pot of English tea. A book in hand and a beautiful English landscape stretching off in front. One of the most popular types of afternoon tea consists of scones, jam and fresh cream – the famous ‘cream tea’. Fear not though, this is not just a summer tradition. Heartier toasted teacakes and chocolate cakes are enjoyed throughout the winter months in company of a roaring open fire.
Two of our favourite spots for a Cotswold afternoon tea are Bourton on the Water and Stow on the Wold. ‘Huffkins’ come highly recommended serving up fabulous afternoon teas in Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Witney and Cheltenham. You can also get fantastic hampers here for those special picnics down by the lake or anywhere you find in the rolling countryside.
MICRO BREWERIES
GOLF
