The Cotswolds is often overlooked as a rural retreat, with people opting for the more popular Lake District and Peak District instead.
Located smack bang in the middle of the country, the Cotswolds is less than a few hours drive from both London and Birmingham, making it a perfect place to visit for students in either city.
It’s filled with quaint limestone villages, picturesque public footpaths and plenty of traditional pub grub, making The Cotswolds the perfect city break.
Where to stay
Covering an area of 800 square miles, organising a weekend getaway in the Cotswolds can be slightly overwhelming. Here are our top picks for where to stay.
Chipping Campden
Once a wool trading centre in medieval times, Chipping Campden is now a quaint village with plenty of historic charm. Although it is less popular than other towns in the Cotswolds, this comes at no expense to its sightseeing opportunities.
Take a walk down photographic Hoo Lane, buy a sheepskin at the old market or visit the 12th century St James’s Church.
Bourton-on-Water
It’s no surprise that this pleasant village, dissected by a tranquil river and full of distinctive bridges, is one of the most photographed towns in The Cotswolds.
As a result, it has aptly been named the ‘Little Venice of The Cotswolds’. Being one of the more popular towns to stay at, you will need to book well in advance to get a room here.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Known for its antique dealers, organic local produce and an antique doorway that inspired JRR Tolkien, Stow-on-the-Wold is an eclectic town well worth your time.
Much smaller than the other villages in the Cotswolds, the ambience here is much more laid back, ideal for those looking for a town that’s off the beaten track.
Moreton-on-Marsh
Known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Moreton-on-Marsh is one of the most accessible spots in the Cotswold thanks to its direct rail links with London Paddington.
However, it’s much more than just a convenient rail station. Take a wander around town to discover it’s impressive 16th century architecture and the plethora of markets selling local produce.
Burford
Sitting on the top of a hill in the middle of the Cotswolds, Burford provides visitors with some of the best views of the surrounding countryside.
Abundant with honey-coloured stone cottages and a dominant 12th century church, you can’t get more quintessentially British than this.
What to see
No matter where you stay in the Cotswolds, there is always plenty to see and do. Here are our top must-sees while you’re there.
Berkley Castle
Designated as an English Heritage Site, Berkley Castle gives visitors a chance to experience life as it was in the 11th century.
With a huge garden full of historical monuments and an ancient castle to explore, this is one of the most popular attractions in the Cotswolds.
Westonbirt Arboretum
The most famous arboretum in the United Kingdom, the Westonbirt Arboretum is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Cotswolds.
Stretching across 600 acres, these gardens are filled with over 15,000 types of tree from all over the world. The grounds are beautiful year-round, however, the lush greenery in spring and golden haze in autumn are both truly spectacular.
The Model Village
This impressive one-ninth scale replica of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water is much more fascinating than you might initially think.
The quirky model village is incredibly detailed. From intricate hanging flower baskets to a singing choir in the church, it truly captures the essence of this charming village.
Royal Gardens
Open on selected dates throughout the year only, it’s worth trying to coincide your visit with one of the guided tours at the Royal Gardens.
Owned by the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, these formal gardens have been cultivated and nurtured since 1980. Today they are considered to be some of the most impressive in the UK.
Cotswolds Distillery
The Cotswolds Distillery is arguably one of the most beautiful in England. With a backdrop of the Cotswold Countryside, visitors can come here to enjoy some locally produced whisky or gin.
Go on a tour of the distillery and end it with several exciting and innovative tastings!
Where to eat
With an abundance of organic farms on their doorstep, it is no surprise the pubs and restaurants in The Cotswolds produce some of the tastiest food in the UK. Here’s where to find it!
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham
This charming 18th century pub pioneered the farm to table movement in the Cotswolds.
Serving modern pub grub, using seasonal ingredients from their own organic farm, this is arguably some of the best food in the Cotswolds.
Daylesford Cookery School, Daylesford
The Daylesford Cookery School is just down the road from The Wild Rabbit and run by the same group.
Known within the culinary world for providing some of the best cookery lessons in the UK, a class at Daylesford will have you picking ingredients fresh from the ground before transforming them into a delicious dish.
The Lamb Inn, Burford
Known for its fine dining atmosphere and spectacular Sunday lunches, it is worth popping into The Lamb Inn if you are happy to spend a little more money on dinner.
Alternatively, cosy up on an armchair next to the open fire with a drink from their extensive English beer menu.
The Fox, Lower Oddington
If you’re looking for traditional pub grub, The Fox in Lower Oddington is the place for you.
Serving classic English food in a quaint 16th century stone cottage, complete with original wooden beams, this is what The Cotswolds is all about.
Over Farm Market, Gloucester
For a chance to meet the farmers and buy the freshest produce, head to the Over Farm Market.
Originally just a small outlet, this award-winning farm now sells a wide range of fresh produce as well as jams, home-distilled beers, chutneys and pickles.
