The Cotswolds are a vast area covering approximately 800 square miles. They’re defined by their rolling hills, or ‘wolds’, which makes for many a stunning view. The region’s scenic viewpoints along its walking trails and picturesque villages make it popular for walking tours.
Spanning across six different stunning English counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, Somerset, and Worcestershire, the Cotswolds are a must-see countryside destination, offering varied views of England’s most beautiful counties.
The Cotswolds were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 – and it’s easy to see why. Brimming with beautiful countryside and chocolate box villages, every corner of the region will charm you. But where can you find the very best views in the Cotswolds?
Cleeve Hill
Located near the beautiful village of Cheltenham, Cleeve Hill offers undoubtedly one of the best views in the Cotswolds, with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s the highest point in Gloucestershire (1,083 feet above sea level) and can be climbed from a walk beginning in Cheltenham itself. Once at the top, you will be afforded wondrous views of the spa town, its surrounding villages, the nearby River Severn, and also of Winchcombe. If you fancy another great hill walk in Cheltenham, you should also consider the nearby Leckhampton Hill, which is extremely popular with dog walkers.
Our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds on Foot and our Cotswold Circle Walking Tour stop at Cheltenham, making Cleeve Hill an easy addition to your walking holiday itinerary.
The Bourton-on-the-Water Bridges
The stone bridges positioned across the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-water are one of the most iconic sights in the whole of the Cotswolds, and are undoubtedly one of the region’s very best views. Often described as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, the bridges date back to 1654 and offer visitors a true slice of traditional Cotswold history. An already picturesque village in its own right, Bourton-on-the-Water is an especially charming destination in the English countryside due to these quaint, fairytale stone bridges that act as viewpoints, dotted throughout the village.
Our Best of the Cotswolds and Heart of the Cotswolds walking tours visit this charming village.
Broadway Tower
No analysis of the best views of the Cotswolds is complete without mentioning the incomparable Broadway Tower. Often referred to as the ‘Highest Little Castle’ in the Cotswolds, the Tower’s base stands 1,024 feet (312 meters) above sea level, making for spectacular views of the Cotswold hills. On a clear day, many visitors have claimed to have seen views that stretch across an incredible sixteen counties. Located on the Cotswold Way national trail, Broadway Tower is a must-visit for walkers.
Broadway features on many of our tours, including our Best of the Cotswolds walking tour, and our Cotswolds Interlude short walking tour.
Dover’s Hill
Visitors to Chipping Campden, Broadway, Weston Sub Edge, and Evesham are just a short walk from Dover’s Hill. It is a natural amphitheatre in the Cotswold countryside, managed by the National Trust. Because of its position 230 meters above sea level, Dover Hill’s views are truly breathtaking. Interestingly, because of its shape, the hill was also home to the original English Olympic Games. As the British Olympic Association notes, when referring to Dover’s Hill: “This was the pre-dawn of the Olympic Movement, and the Cotswold Games began the historical thread in Britain that was ultimately to lead to the creation of the modern Olympics”.
Crickley Hill
In 1974, Crickley Hill became a biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire. It is a prominent spur of the Cotswold escarpment, which is today managed by the National Trust.
Standing 896 feet above sea level, views from the top of Crickley Hill are magnificent. Walkers can see Robinswood Hill and May Hill, and on to the Brecon Beacons in Wales.
Picture-Perfect Cotswold Villages with Views Aplenty
In addition to the iconic viewpoints of the Cotswolds, you’ll find postcard-worthy scenes in any Cotswold town. Here’s a quick list of some of our favourites in arguably the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
Snowshill
Perched on a quiet hillside, Snowshill is a true Cotswold gem, known for its tranquillity and storybook charm. The village’s highlight is Snowshill Manor, a National Trust property filled with the quirky collections of Charles Wade.
In spring and summer, nearby lavender fields burst into vivid purple, drawing visitors and photographers to its scenic lanes and honey-stone cottages. Peaceful and picturesque, Snowshill is one of the Cotswolds’ most enchanting stops.
Bibury
Bibury is a classic Cotswold village, complete with quaint stone buildings and quiet surrounding pastures. These alone make it a beautiful village to visit on your Cotswold holiday, but one of the sites Bibury is known for is Arlington Row, a row of iconic weavers’ cottages initially built in 1380. The row is one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds due to it’s untouched storybook beauty.
Our Heart of William Morris Country Walking Tour includes a stop at this iconic Cotswold town.
Castle Combe
Tucked away in Wiltshire on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is often hailed as “the prettiest village in England.” Its picture-perfect high street, framed by honey-coloured stone cottages and the gentle flow of the Bybrook River, is irresistibly charming. The stone bridge at the village’s centre is one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds.
Highlights include the 14th-century church of St Andrew, home to the Castle Combe Clock, believed to be the oldest working medieval clock in England. The village’s timeless beauty has also caught Hollywood’s eye; Steven Spielberg filmed scenes for War Horse here in 2011.
Our Bath and the Cotswolds Walking Tour includes a visit to this enchanting village.
Burford
Known as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” Burford is a picturesque medieval town that gently slopes toward the River Windrush. Its high street brims with character, lined with independent shops, galleries, and cafés tucked inside honey-stone buildings.
Once a thriving wool town, Burford is home to the 15th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, rich in history and ornate detail. Visitors can stroll to the old arched bridge or relax beside the river, soaking up the timeless charm that makes Burford one of the Cotswolds’ most beautiful villages.
Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter
The Slaughters are peaceful Cotswold hidden gems, set along the River Eye and surrounded by rolling fields and honey-stone cottages. Despite their name — derived from the Old English slothre, meaning “muddy place” — the Slaughters are the picture of rural charm.
In spring, lamb-filled meadows and blossoming trees make them especially magical. Don’t miss Copse Hill Road, once crowned “The Most Romantic Street in Britain,” or the elegant gardens of Lower Slaughter Manor nearby.
Both villages feature on our Cotswolds Highlights Cycling Tour and Cotswolds Guided Walking Tour.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Perched high in Gloucestershire, Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds, offering sweeping views over Stow Hill. This historic market town is famed for its antique shops, charming streets, and deep-rooted history stretching back to the Iron Age and Roman times.
A highlight is St. Edward’s Church, whose fairytale-like wooden door is a favourite with photographers and visitors alike.
Several walking trails begin here, and our Best of the Cotswolds Walking Tour includes a visit to this picturesque village.
The Cotswolds are world-famous for their enviable landscapes and beautiful scenery. It seems that no matter what hill you climb, or what village you venture into, every Cotswold view is inspiring and unique.