Timeless. Beautiful. Quintessential rural England. The Cotswolds are celebrated the world over. Stretching across the stunning counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire, the Cotswolds are vast. But what is the region most famous for?

Its Villages

Honey-coloured, chocolate-box Cotswold-stone cottages define the region. And Cotswold villages, with their charming greens, beautiful settings, and distinctive architecture, are synonymous with all that is celebrated throughout the Cotswolds. Visitors enjoy experiencing each village’s unique and distinctive character. From the tranquility of Snowshill village, to the elegance and charm of Broadway, Cotswold villages offer up a picturesque slice of Cotswold life.

The Cotswold Way

Another famous landmark in the Cotswolds is The Cotswold Way. Covering 102 miles, the Cotswold Way is a beloved walking route that journeys through picturesque Cotswold villages, stunning countryside, and famous ancient and historical sites. Steeped in both history and bucolic landscapes, every step of the Cotswold Way rewards walkers with a magical experience. The Cotswold Way begins in the market town of Chipping Campden and finishes in the World Heritage City of Bath.

Its Historical Sites

The Cotswolds are also well known for their interesting historical sites and landmarks. One of the largest Romano-British villas can be found at Chedworth. The Abbey at Tewkesbury is a former Benedictine Abbey that stands as the second-largest parish church in the country. Located near Cheltenham, Sudeley Castle boasts over one thousand years of fascinating British history and is the resting place of Catharine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife.

Blenheim Palace is another stately home found in the Cotswolds which is of important historical significance. Located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, the palace is one of England’s grandest houses. It was built between 1705 and 1722 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Today it is home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. 

The Pubs

If you enjoy good old-fashioned pubs, the Cotswolds are for you. Offering the ultimate in refreshment and relaxation, there are many different pubs throughout the region, from gastropubs with world-class cuisine to dog-friendly pubs, pubs with great wine lists, and pubs that are great for families. There are so many great places to eat and drink informally across the Cotswolds during a dark and chilly evening. With traditional cozy interiors, stripped-back Cotswold stone walls, delicious food, local ales, and roaring fires, the region’s pubs are another of its many gems.  

The Gardens

Another reason that the Cotswolds are loved by so many is because of their stunning gardens. Hidcote Manor Gardens, Bourton House Garden, Sudeley Castle Gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum, and Cotswold Lavender are just a few of the many outdoor spaces to fall in love with in the Cotswolds.

Whether you enjoy exploring formal gardens in stately homes, more informal cottage-style outdoor spaces, arboreta, or parks, there is a perfect garden for you. It’s easy to see why the region is so celebrated for its beauty.