Where to Stay in the Cotswolds: The Best Villages & Hotels
The Cotswolds is one of the most enchanting regions in England, with rolling hills, honey-coloured cottages and market towns full of charm. Deciding where to stay in the Cotswolds can transform your trip, whether you are after a luxury spa escape, a cosy coaching inn or a boutique hideaway.
I have stayed in several Cotswolds hotels myself and will share both my personal favourites and other highly rated options. If you are planning what to do alongside your stay, make sure to read my 72 Hours in the Cotswolds which is the perfect partner to this guide to the best hotels in the Cotswolds..
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The Best Places to stay in the Cotswolds
Where to Stay in Castle Combe
Castle Combe is often described as the most beautiful village in England, with medieval cottages and a quiet market square nestled in the English countryside.
Best things to do in Castle Combe:
→ Stroll the village streets and admire the stone cottages.
→ Visit St Andrew’s Church with its medieval clock.
→ Walk through the scenic By Brook valley.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
The Manor House Hotel
The Manor House Hotel (£££) – One of the best hotels in the Cotswolds. This is a five-star luxury retreat with fine dining and beautiful grounds.
Best hotels in Castle Combe:
- The Castle Inn (££) – A charming historic inn in the heart of the village.
→ Check prices and availability at The Castle Inn
Where to Stay in Bibury
Bibury is often called “the prettiest village in England”, thanks to its iconic Arlington Row cottages and riverside setting.
Best things to do in Bibury:
→ Walk along Arlington Row, one of the UK’s most photographed spots.
→ Visit the Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest in the country.
→ Stroll beside the River Coln for peaceful countryside views.
Top hotel in Bibury:
- The Swan Hotel (£££) – The iconic hotel in Bibury, overlooking the river with cosy interiors and great dining. This is one of the most popular country house hotels in the Cotswolds for a reason.
→ Check prices and availability at The Swan Hotel
💡 The Swan is incredibly popular and often sells out months ahead. Book early if you want to stay in the heart of Bibury.
Where to Stay in Bourton-on-the-Water
Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton is famous for its riverside charm and family-friendly attractions, this is a great option for accommodation in the Cotswolds if you’re a family or looking for a base with plenty of walking routes.
Best things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water:
→ Visit the Model Village, a one-ninth scale replica of the town.
→ Explore Birdland Park and Gardens, home to exotic birds and penguins.
→ Stroll over the low stone bridges and enjoy riverside cafes.
Best hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water:
- Chester House Hotel (££) – Central, welcoming and modern.
→ Check prices and availability at Chester House Hotel - The Dial House (£££) – A stylish boutique hotel perfect for couples.
→ Check prices and availability at The Dial House
Where to Stay in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow is one of the highest towns in the Cotswolds and is a great place to explore the region from. Famous for its antique shops, historic market square and storybook feel, Stow-on-the-Wold is a magical place to stay in the Cotswolds.
Best things to do in Stow:
→ Admire the famous St Edward’s Church door, framed by ancient yew trees. Many believe this doorway inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s description of the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.
→ Browse the antique shops and galleries that Stow is best known for.
→ Enjoy a cream tea or pub lunch in one of the cosy inns around the square.
→ Explore some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds surrounding Stow: Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter and Chipping Norton and Daylesford.
Top hotels in Stow:
- The Old Stocks Inn (£££) – Boutique and stylish, right on the square.
→ Check prices and availability at The Old Stocks Inn - The Porch House (££) – Believed to be England’s oldest inn, dating back to the 10th century.
→ Check prices and availability at The Porch House
Where to Stay in Burford
Burford, often called the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”, is a charming market town with a sloping High Street lined with independent shops and cafes. Being easy to get to from the motorway, this is a great option for easily accessible Cotswolds accommodation.
Best things to do in Burford:
→ Visit Burford Church of St John the Baptist, one of the grandest in the Cotswolds.
→ Explore the Tolsey Museum, housed in a Tudor market building.
→ Spend the day at Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, a favourite family attraction.
Best hotels in Burford:
- The Lamb Inn (££) – A traditional coaching inn full of character.
→ Check prices and availability at The Lamb Inn - The Bay Tree Hotel (£££) – Elegant, historic and refined.
→ Check prices and availability at The Bay Tree Hotel
Where to Stay in Broadway
Broadway is one of the most picturesque Cotswolds villages, with its wide High Street and historic buildings built in Cotswold stone..
Best things to do in Broadway:
→ Walk up to Broadway Tower for panoramic countryside views.
→ Browse the boutique shops and art galleries.
→ Relax with afternoon tea in one of Broadway’s elegant cafes.
Best hotels in Broadway:
- The Lygon Arms (£££) – A historic coaching inn with spa and centuries of history.
→ Check prices and availability at The Lygon Arms - The Broadway Hotel (££) – Elegant yet cosy, in the centre of the village.
→ Check prices and availability at The Broadway Hotel
More luxury in Broadway:
- Dormy House (£££) – Award-winning spa, chic interiors and panoramic views on the Farncombe Estate. With stunning guest rooms, personal service, a gorgeous cocktail bar and amazing facilities, this is one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds.
→ Check prices and availability at Dormy House - The Fish Hotel (££–£££) – Woodland-chic rooms, treehouses and cabins on the Farncombe Estate.
→ Check prices and availability at The Fish Hotel
Where to Stay in Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a Regency spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds, famous for its architecture, shopping, award-winning restaurant options and annual horse racing festival.
Best things to do in Cheltenham:
→ Explore the elegant Montpellier District with boutique shops and cafes.
→ Stroll through Pittville Park and visit the historic Pump Room.
→ Time your trip for the Cheltenham Festival if you love horse racing.
Top hotel in Cheltenham:
- Ellenborough Park (£££) – A five-star manor hotel with spa, situated beside Cheltenham Racecourse.
→ Check prices and availability at Ellenborough Park
Where to Stay in Southrop / Lechlade
Southrop is a small, picturesque village near Lechlade and home to one of the Cotswolds’ most refined luxury hotels.
Best things to do near Southrop:
→ Visit the riverside town of Lechlade-on-Thames.
→ Enjoy countryside walks through the Southrop Manor Estate.
→ Take a day trip to nearby Burford or Bibury.
Top hotel in Southrop:
- Thyme (£££) – A countryside estate with rooms, cookery school, spa and the Ox Barn restaurant.
→ Check prices and availability at Thyme
Where to Stay near Bath (Southern Edge)
Bath is a Georgian spa city that makes a perfect base if you want to combine the city with southern Cotswolds villages like Castle Combe and Lacock.
Best things to do in Bath:
→ Visit the historic Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
→ Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa rooftop pool.
→ Stroll along the Royal Crescent and Circus.
Top hotel near Bath:
- Homewood Hotel & Spa (£££) – A Georgian country house with spa and outdoor hot-tub suites in Freshford, just outside Bath.
→ Check prices and availability at Homewood Hotel & Spa
Where to Stay in Stratford-upon-Avon
While technically outside the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon is often added to itineraries. It is the birthplace of Shakespeare and rich in Tudor heritage.
Best things to do in Stratford:
→ Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and his family homes.
→ See a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
→ Wander the riverside paths along the River Avon.
Top hotel in Stratford:
- Hotel Indigo Stratford (££) – A boutique hotel blending history and modern style.
→ Check prices and availability at Hotel Indigo Stratford
→ See all hotels near Stratford-upon-Avon
→ See all hotels near Castle Combe
Where to Stay in the Cotswolds: My Favourites
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
The Fuzzy Duck
The Fuzzy Duck (Armscote, ££) – I stayed here and loved the boutique feel, stylish rooms and welcoming pub restaurant.
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa (Colerne, near Chippenham, £££)
A country house hotel set in 500 acres with a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the UK’s best spas. On the edge of the southern Cotswolds near some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, it is a true luxury escape.
→ Check prices and availability at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
💡 Lucknam Park is one of the most sought-after hotels in the Cotswolds. Book early.
PERSONAL FAVOURITE
Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, (£££) – A luxury resort set in Wiltshire parkland on the edge of the Cotswolds. With a spa, golf course and beautiful gardens. While technically in Wiltshire, it is often included in Cotswolds hotel roundups thanks to its luxury facilities.
Other Highly Rated Places to Stay in the Cotswolds
Cirencester
Cirencester – often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds” or the “Heart of the Cotswolds”. Being one of the larger towns, there is plenty to do, lots of charm, a farm shop with local produce and restaurants to enjoy.
Things to do: Explore the Corinium Museum for Roman history, shop in the lively town centre and relax in Abbey Grounds Park.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden – known for its arts and crafts heritage and historic high street, it’s also a great base for many walking routes in the Cotswolds.
Best things to do in Chipping Campden: Visit the Court Barn Museum, walk the Cotswold Way trail and explore the beautiful Hidcote Gardens nearby.
Painswick
Painswick – often called the “Queen of the Cotswolds”.
Best things to do in Painswick: Wander the Rococo Gardens, admire the 99 yew trees at St Mary’s Churchyard and hike up to Painswick Beacon.
Eastern Edge Luxury
Estelle Manor (£££) – A breathtaking Oxfordshire country house set within Eynsham Park, home to the spectacular new Eynsham Baths. While not on Booking.com, it is widely marketed as a Cotswolds escape.
Other things to do in the Cotswolds
Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is a beautiful year-round destination, but each season has something unique to offer. Spring and summer bring wildflowers, outdoor dining and lively village atmospheres. Autumn is magical for golden leaves and quieter walks, while winter offers Cotswold inns and pubs with roaring open fires, Christmas markets and a peaceful atmosphere.
For the best mix of good weather and fewer crowds, the best time to visit the Cotswolds is late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are ideal.
How to Get to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is easy to reach from London, Birmingham and Bristol. By train, key stations include Moreton-in-Marsh, Kemble and Charlbury, all with direct services from London Paddington.
If you are driving, the M40, M4 and M5 motorways make access straightforward, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore hidden gems like Castle Combe or Bibury which are not directly served by train. Coaches also run from London to Cirencester and Cheltenham.
Map of the Cotswolds
Final Travel Tips and Booking Advice for Planning a Trip to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the UK’s most popular countryside escapes and hotels fill up quickly, particularly in summer and at weekends.
For spa luxury, Lucknam Park, Dormy House Hotel, Ellenborough Park and Bowood are unbeatable, while boutique inns like The Old Stocks in Stow or The Swan in Bibury deliver that classic Cotswolds experience.
Burford and Stow make lively bases, while Castle Combe and Bibury are quieter and the perfect place for a romantic getaway.
When booking, I recommend securing your overnight stay early and using Booking.com to compare flexible cancellation policies and prices. And if you are building your itinerary alongside your hotel search, do not miss my 72 Hours in the Cotswolds.
Together with this Cotswolds hotel guide, it will give you everything you need to plan where to stay in the Cotswolds for the ultimate Cotswolds getaway.
