A Guide to the Cotswolds, England
Season 3 of Bridgerton is here, and along with plenty of drama and romance, the show offers a glimpse of the Cotswolds, a gorgeous region of England known for its castles and rolling hills. So what are the Cotswolds and why should you plan a visit there? Here are our recommendations.
What Are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is a region of England that is recognized as an “area of outstanding natural beauty.” It covers nearly 800 square miles of countryside, from the upper River Thames to the Severn Valley, and is home to over 50 charming towns and villages. Because of its scenery and charisma, the Cotswolds is one of England’s most popular tourist destinations.
Where Are the Cotswolds?
This region of England is located in the southwest of the country, about 100 miles from London. The southernmost corner of the Cotswolds starts just outside of the city of Bath, and it extends north and east from there. While the easiest way to reach the Cotswolds, England is by car from London, they’re also accessible by train. You can even fly to the region’s one airport: Cotswold Airport located in Kemble within Gloucestershire.
Villages in the Cotswolds
While there are over 50 villages in the Cotswolds, a few stand out. Here are some of our favorites:
Bourton-on-the-Water
As the name suggests, this Cotswolds village is located on the water—specifically, the River Windrush. This town is known for its five stone bridges (the oldest of which was built in 1654) that have earned Bourton-on-the-Water the nickname of “Venice of the Cotswolds.” It’s often regarded as one of the prettiest towns in all of England, and attracts visitors to the Birdland Parks and Gardens, a diverse selection of local stores, a number of interesting museums, and plenty of walking paths.
The Slaughters
These two villages in the Cotswolds (near Bourton-on-the-Water) are known collectively as The Slaughters, made up of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter connected by the River Eye. Although Lower Slaughter is better known, Upper Slaughter has a lot to offer as well—namely a grand manor and other historic buildings as well as a number of footbridges and paths. Lower Slaughter is home to an old mill museum, England’s “most romantic street,” Copsehill Road, and the Cotswold Farm Park, where families can stay in lodges or luxurious tents on farm property.
Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is often known as the “Jewel of the Cotswolds,” thanks to its central market square, historical landmarks like Old Campden House and the Almshouses, and a number of picture-perfect gardens. The Chipping Campden Open Gardens event is a highlight of each year, when many of the village’s private homes open their gardens to the public. While in town, make sure to take a stroll through Chipping Campden High Street!
Bibury
Bibury is located a short drive away from the Cotswolds capital, Cirencester. This is another of the Cotswolds villages thought to be one of the most beautiful in all of England, thanks to Arlington Row, an Instagram-worthy lane lined with quaint cottages that looks like it materialized from the pages of a storybook. Thanks to its convenient location, Bibury is easily incorporated into a trip to Cirencester and Burford.
Tetbury
Tetbury is the second-largest village in the Cotswolds, and retains much of its 16th and 17th-century spirit. It’s home to the Market House that still serves as the community gathering place, a quirky collection of antique shops, and events like the Woolsack Races, a tradition maintained over the last three centuries in which participants run up a hill carrying wool sacks. The town is also home to Highgrove, one of the homes of King Charles that offers garden tours in the spring, summer, and early fall.
Stratford-upon-Avon
This medieval market town in the Cotswolds, England is best known as the birthplace (and burial site) of the playwright William Shakespeare. If you’re a Shakespeare fan, you can visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage where he wooed his future wife or his daughter’s former home or even his grave. Other attractions include the Bancroft Gardens, outdoor activities on the canal, the Stratford Butterfly Farm, the classic theater, and more.
Winchcombe
This medieval Saxon town located in a scenic valley is another place where time seems to stand still. Wander streets lined with shops and cottages, visit the 15th-century St. Peters Church, and check out Sudeley Castle, home to 10 incredible gardens on its 1,200-acre parcel of land in the hills. You can take a guided tour of the grounds, dine in the castle’s cafe, or even book the property for your next event.
Oxford
You’ve surely heard of Oxford University, which is located in this city in the Cotswolds, England. Visit Oxford to explore the university and its grounds, of course, but also to see the Botanic Garden and the Covered Market, a foodie’s paradise. While you’re wandering around, keep an eye out for locations you’ll recognize from the Harry Potter films!
Bath
Some scenes in season 1 of Bridgerton were filmed in Bath, the city at the south of Cotswolds known for its famous Roman baths. So if you’re a Bridgerton fan, Bath will look familiar! (Hint: the scenes of people walking around “London” were really filmed here, and the Modiste dress shop is actually The Abbey Deli.) You may also want to visit the Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and The Jane Austen Centre.
Excited to visit these villages in the Cotswolds? Contact us to start planning a customized trip!
Things to Do in the Cotswolds
In the Cotswolds, England, you’ll never run out of things to do. Here is just a small selection to serve as Cotswold vacation inspiration:
● Go Town Hopping. Each village in the Cotswolds has its own unique character, and they’re all worth a visit. You could spend your entire trip in the region hopping from one town to another!
● Spend Time in Nature. England is known for its walking paths, and the Cotswolds region has plenty. If you’re interested in what the British call a “walking holiday,” head out on the Cotswold Way, a 100-mile trail that starts in Chipping Campden and ends up in Bath. You can also rent a canoe and paddle the region’s rivers, hop on a bike to explore the countryside on two wheels, or visit one of the region’s many gardens, each more beautiful than the next.
● See Real-Life Film Sets. Whether you’re a Bridgerton or Harry Potter fan, there are plenty of filming locations you can visit in the Cotswolds. Immerse yourself in the fictional worlds of both Harry Potter and Bridgerston with a visit to Bath, or imagine moving in with Daphne and Simon at Badminton House! Some of the steamiest scenes of season 3 of Bridgerton is filmed at Blenheim Castle, which made its Bridgerton debut as part of the Queen Charlotte prequel.
● Relax at a Spa. With its gorgeous scenery and old-world charm, it may not come as a surprise that the Cotswolds region is home to a number of day spas. Let LuxEurope book you a relaxing massage or pamper you with a treatment at one of the Cotswolds spas. You won’t find a more tranquil spa setting!
● Attend a Festival. The Cotswolds is a quiet, rural region, but it’s also home to a number of exciting festivals throughout the year. That includes the Wilderness music festival, the Cotswold Beer Festival, the Cotswold Big Swim Festival race, and more.
Where to Stay in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is home to a number of gorgeous villas and quaint inns, so there is no shortage of places to stay within the region. Let us book your stay, whether that’s at an upscale hotel, a family-run bed and breakfast, or even a private cottage.
Restaurants in the Cotswolds
England may not be known for its cuisine, but there are lots of great restaurants in the Cotswolds. Some of the best pubs in the Cotswolds include The Bell Inn (thought to have served as J.R.R. Tolkien’s inspiration for The Prancing Pony pub in the Lord of the Rings series) and the classic The Wild Rabbit at Kingham, where fine dining meets an old-school British pub. At The Swan in Bibury, chow down on a modern menu or try a Sunday Lunch, complete with typical dishes like sirloin with cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire pudding.
Book a Trip to the Cotswolds
If you’re dreaming of a vacation in England, don’t miss out on the Cotswolds. Rather than taking on the research and planning for yourself, get in touch with us and we’ll use our decades of experience to craft a bespoke itinerary that shows off the best of the Cotswolds, England. Interested in learning more? Send us a message!