Picturesque British Escape: The Cotswolds

This week, we are sharing some of our favorite things to do and see in the Cotswolds, one of the most stunning regions in the UK.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are a region located in south-west and south-central England. It’s a range of rolling hills that stretches across parts of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and other counties like Somerset, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire. A large part of the Cotswolds has been designated as a National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONB); the area is known for its incredible landscape and architecture. It’s a must-visit destination for travelers interested in history, hikers who love scenic adventures, and those who simply want to slow down and soak in the charm of the English countryside.

The Cotswolds is about 1.5 hours by train from London, or a 2-hour drive. Depending on where you are traveling from, the Cotswolds is a lovely weekend getaway, but there is also enough to do and see to make this an interesting and varied 7+ day trip.

Stay

For a quintessential Cotswolds stay, we love The Pig Hotel, a beautifully restored, cottage-style property with lush gardens originally designed by the legendary English garden designer Rosemary Verey. The interiors are elegant yet relaxed, blending rustic charm with refined comfort. During your stay, enjoy seasonal, farm-to-table dining (with much of the produce grown on-site and the rest sourced within 25 miles), wander the expansive gardens, and unwind with bespoke spa treatments tailored to your needs. While all the rooms here are special in their own right, our favorite is The Secret Garden Suite; it’s romantic and cozy with a large soaking tub, a walled garden, and private entrance.

Thyme is another top choice. Set on a historic English country estate, the rooms are in restored 17th century cottages surrounded by a lush 150-acre estate. For the most charming stay, choose Old Walls, a quirky and cozy 3-floor historic cottage. The cottage features exposed wood beams, a wood-burning stove, and a private garden. For a luxurious stay, choose one of the Divine or Exquisite Rooms – these still recall the same history but are restored and feature all the amenities you’d expect from a top-quality luxury hotel. These rooms may also be more suitable for older guests or those with mobility issues.

Eat and Drink

Soho House members will be delighted to discover Soho Farmhouse, a charming branch of the members-only club set on a beautiful farm in the Cotswolds. There are, of course, excellent accommodations on site but our favorite part of the property is dining inside the huge restored barn. There you’ll enjoy a plant-forward menu (although not exclusively vegetarian – the menu features, such as ribeye, rotisserie chicken and more) highlighting seasonal produce. We particularly love the garden vegetable broth, the grilled artichokes, and the beetroots.

The Wild Rabbit is another favorite. Stop first for a drink in the cozy pub then head to the stone-walled dining room, a restaurant awarded 3 AA Rosettes. Enjoy fresh produce, house-baked bread, Sunday roast, local artisanal cheeses, and more. For something more casual, head to The Woolpack, a historic pub with hillside views and a traditional British pub menu. On the other end of the fine dining spectrum, visit The Royal Oak for a Michelin-starred meal. Dating back to 1168, it is one of the oldest village pubs in the country. Enjoy top quality food in a warm and inviting atmosphere (complete with a lively bar, pool table, and darts!).

Explore

Plan to wander and get lost. This is a trip for leisurely discovering book stores, charming views, and quaint pubs. Don’t try to pack too much into one day. We suggest picking a few villages to visit and allowing ample time in each one. Bibury is perhaps the most scenic on the list; it was once described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England,” and that description absolutely still holds true. Bourton-on-the-Water is another special area we’d highly recommend to travelers visiting the area for the first time; referred to as “Venice of the Cotswolds,” the area is known for its bridges and waterfront stone cottages. Here you’ll also find Birdland Park & Gardens, 9-acres of gardens with 130+ species of birds, including parrots, penguins, pelicans, flamingoes, and ostriches. Castle Combe is another charming choice, as is Stow-on-the-Wold (particularly for antique lovers and those seeking a proper afternoon tea). Architecture lovers will enjoy the Gothic spires of Painswick, while history buffs can spend an afternoon at Sudeley Castle or nearby Blenheim Palace, Winston Churchill’s birthplace.

The Cotswold Way is over 100 miles of walking trails through charming towns and countryside beginning in Chipping Campden in the north and ending in Bath in the south. Choosing even just short stretches of the trail to explore will undoubtedly lead to some of the most stunning pastoral views in the world.

What time of year is best to visit The Cotswolds?

Spring and summer are ideal for long countryside walks, with mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and lush green hills at their peak. Autumn brings a stunning display of red, orange, and gold leaves; fall is a great time to enjoy warmer days walking among the trees and colder evenings indoors sipping spiced cider. While winter may mean less time on the trails, it’s a magical time to explore the Cotswolds’ historic villages dusted with snow, warm up by the fire in a centuries-old pub, and enjoy the quieter, slower pace of the season.

In short, there’s no bad time to visit — it all depends on the kind of experience you’re after.

Cotswolds Lavender Fields

Open June 18 through August 6 this year, the Lavender Fields are 45-acres of absolutely gorgeous and fragrant lavender. Kid-friendly, dog-friendly, and very romantic, this is a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon.

Gloucester Cathedral

For history and architecture lovers, as well as Harry Potter fans (the church appears as areas of Hogwarts in many of the films), this is a must-see in the Cotswolds. The Cathedral is open daily, entry is by donation, and all are welcome.

Book Sellers

Click here for a list of the best independent bookstores in the Cotswolds, including those who specialize in rare editions.

British American Household Staffing

The Cotswolds: Discover the Picturesque and Historic Area