The Cotswolds are an 800 square mile area of quintessential English countryside, known for its majestic rolling hills and picturesque villages, complete with old honey-coloured stone buildings, cosy English pubs, and peaceful views to boot.
As a protected landscape and celebrated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds are captivating, charming, and beautiful. But of all the pretty Cotswold villages, which are the most picturesque?
1. Bibury
English artist William Morris once said that the prettiest village in the whole of England is Bibury. We have to agree it’s certainly one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. Located 10 kilometres north of Cirencester, today Bibury is best known for ‘Arlington Row’ – a row of quintessentially Cotswold weavers’ cottages that were first constructed in 1380 and were used in the filming of the 2007 romantic fantasy Stardust.
Bibury is perfect for a day trip, not just because of its picture-postcard feel, but it’s also home to many tea rooms, cafes, and small independent stores loved by tourists. Other popular sites include the Bibury Trout Farm, the historic St. Mary’s Church, and the soothing River Coln that flows through the village.
Housing a population of only 627 people, it’s quaint, quiet and peaceful, making it one of the nicest villages in the Cotswolds.
Our Heart of William Morris Country Walking Tour begins in this village, called ‘the most beautiful village in England’ by Morris himself.
2. The Slaughters
The stunning sister villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter are beautiful and secluded hamlets tucked away in the heart of the sleepy Cotswolds. On the banks of the River Eye, these Cotswold villages epitomise English countryside living, with quiet roads and footpaths, fields dotted with sheep, and classic Cotswold honey-coloured stone buildings.
If you’re planning a spring trip to the Cotswolds, the Slaughters are a must-visit stop. With lambs in the surrounding fields and an abundance of blossoming trees, these villages are an English spring delight, and undoubtedly two of the best Cotswold villages at this time of year.
Don’t be put off by the name ‘slaughter’; it derives from the Old English word ‘slothre’, meaning ‘muddy place’! In reality, the Slaughters are home to quaint honey-coloured stone architecture, tiny little cottages, and the famous Copse Hill Road, which won the Google Street View Award for “The Most Romantic Street in Britain”. With five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, the nearby Lower Slaughter Manor Gardens is another beautiful spot worth exploring.
Several of our tours pass through these picture-perfect sister villages, including our Cotswolds Highlights Cycling Tour and our Best of the Cotswolds Walking Tour.
3. Bourton-on-the-Water
If you’re on the hunt for pretty places to visit in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is undeniably one of the most picturesque villages in the whole of England. This top Cotswold village is best known for its five tiny stone bridges, which were erected over the River Windrush, which runs through the village. They were built between 1654 and 1953, leading to the village adopting the famous moniker of the “Venice of the Cotswolds”.
Bourton-on-the-Water is not only one of the most beautiful Cotswold villages, it’s also centrally located, so an easy stop no matter what your itinerary looks like, and it’s one of the largest Cotswold villages, offering plenty of tea rooms, boutiques, and restaurants to explore.
Bourton-on-the-Water features as a stop on our Cotswold Circle Walking Tour, our South Cotswolds Ring Walking Tour, our Heart of the Cotswolds Walking Tour, and our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds on Foot.
4. Castle Combe
Nestled in Wiltshire in the southern Cotswolds, Castle Combe’s idyllic high street is perhaps its greatest draw. You can see why it’s often called “The Prettiest Village in England”; nestled on the edge of the Bybrook River, its streets are lined with pretty Cotswold stone cottages. The bridge in the heart of the village is one of the most photogenic places in the region, securing its place as one of the Cotswolds’ best villages.
Another popular destination in Castle Combe is the 14th-century church of St. Andrew, which houses the Castle Combe Clock, said to be the oldest English medieval clock still in use today.
Castle Combe is another Cotswold village with a cameo in the film world. In 2011, Castle Combe was a shooting location for Steven Spielberg’s wartime epic, War Horse. The village’s breathtaking landscapes provided a fitting and authentic backdrop to the 20th-century story, and it’s this same quality that makes Castle Combe a true contender for the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds.
Our Bath and the Cotswolds Walking Tour passes through the gorgeous Cotswolds village of Castle Combe.
5. Broadway
The Cotswold village of Broadway is renowned for its stone cottages, picturesque streets and medieval architecture. Home to tea rooms, small shops, world-class accommodation, and an incredible adventure playground, Broadway draws in a great number of tourists each year, and it is considered by many as one of the best villages in the Cotswolds.
Often referred to as ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ and the ‘Show Village of England’, Broadway is home to the Cotswolds’ highest castle, ‘Broadway Tower’, which stands 65 feet tall and commands views over sixteen counties. The tower is set in a tranquil park populated by friendly deer.
Our Grand Tour of the Cotswolds on Foot and our Cotswolds Interlude Walking Tour stop at Broadway.
6. Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire is the highest of the Cotswold villages, affording it beautiful views over Stow Hill and making it one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, without a doubt. Known for its historic atmosphere and antique shops, this village has plenty to see and explore. Stow-on-the-Wold is an old market town with Iron Age and Roman sites to visit. With so much to see and do in this little village, Stow-on-the-Wold has to be one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds.
St. Edward’s Church is a must-see hidden gem at Stow-on-the-Wold, with its iconic wooden door, which looks straight from a fantasy world.
Several walking trails begin here, and our Best of the Cotswolds Walking Tour stops in this historic village.
7. Chipping Campden
Chipping Campden is a showstopper of a village, celebrated for its elegant terraced High Street and historic stone buildings, which date from the 14th to 17th centuries. Once a wealthy wool trading hub, the village retains its grandeur through sites like the 17th-century Market Hall and the stunning St. James’ Church.
Surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, Chipping Campden is also the starting point of the famous Cotswold Way National Trail. From here, walkers can head south on a scenic route through some of the region’s most iconic countryside. Whether you’re here for the history, the architecture, or the sweeping views, Chipping Campden deserves its place on the list of pretty villages in the Cotswolds.
Our Cotswold Way Long Distance Walking Tour, our Best of the Cotswolds Walking Tour, our Cotswold Circle Walking Tour, and both of our cycling tours visit Chipping Campden.
8. Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is a vibrant and accessible Cotswold town, bustling with life and full of charm. Located on the mainline train route from London, it’s one of the most convenient spots to begin a Cotswolds adventure. The wide main street is framed by 18th-century inns, antique shops, cafes, and one of the most popular weekly markets in the area.
While it’s a bit larger than some of the other villages, Moreton-in-Marsh has a cosy, welcoming feel. Not far from town, you’ll find Batsford Arboretum and the Cotswold Falconry Centre, both fantastic day trip options. Our Best of the Cotswolds Walking Tour begins or ends in Moreton-in-Marsh, making it a natural inclusion in any Cotswolds itinerary.
Moreton-in-Marsh features on several of our walking tours, including the Grand Tour of the Cotswolds on Foot, the Cotswold Circle Walking Tour, and the Cotswolds Interlude Short Break Walking Tour.
9. Snowshill
Tucked into a quiet hillside, Snowshill is a hidden gem that captures the heart of the Cotswolds with its peace, charm, and postcard-worthy scenery. This tiny village is famed for Snowshill Manor, a National Trust property housing an eccentric collection of curiosities gathered by Charles Wade.
In spring and summer, the surrounding lavender fields bloom into a sea of vibrant purple, attracting photographers and flower-lovers alike to this quaint village. With narrow winding lanes, sweeping views of the countryside, and beautifully preserved stone cottages, Snowshill is a peaceful and unforgettable stop.
10. Burford
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” Burford is a postcard-perfect medieval town that spills down a gentle hill to the River Windrush. Its charming high street is lined with independent shops, art galleries, and cosy cafes, many housed in ancient stone buildings with beautifully sloping roofs.
Burford’s heritage as a wool town is reflected in its stunning 15th-century church, St. John the Baptist, which holds a fascinating array of tombs and historical artifacts. For a scenic stop, wander down to the old arched bridge over the river, or enjoy a peaceful moment in one of the riverside pubs. With its quiet charm and character, Burford is undeniably one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds are brimming with picturesque, enchanting villages to explore, and you won’t be disappointed no matter where you choose to visit. But if you’re lost for where to start in terms of Cotswolds places to visit, our Best of the Cotswolds Walking Tour encompasses the best of the area, from the beautiful outdoors to popular countryside attractions and, of course, the best Cotswold villages.