WHERE TO STAY IN THE COTSWOLDS

If you are interested in where to stay in the Cotswolds, you may also be interested in where to stay in Bath.

Best towns to stay in the Cotswolds

Stow on the Wold

With a car

Stow on the Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds, perched at 800 feet on Stow Hill in Gloucestershire. This is another authentic Cotswolds Market Town with typical town houses and a bustling market. However, Stow on the Wold is particularly suited to travellers who love a good shopping trip! The town is full of antique shops, craft shops and gift stores such as the famous Tara Antiques Centre. For any traveller looking for souvenirs of the Cotswolds, this is the town to visit.

There are many excellent walks to enjoy in and around the town, so active travellers will feel at home here. You can take walking tours around the town or head to some beautiful nearby gardens. Offering a wide range of accommodation options, with many with great overhead views, a stay in Stow on the Wold is always a very pleasant and relaxing experience.

Accommodation in Stow on the Wold

Chipping Campden

With a car

Chipping Campden is another picturesque Cotswolds market town in the county of Gloucestershire that makes for a very pleasant holiday destination. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer here, and a number of tourists flock come in the summer months to enjoy a peaceful holiday.

In terms of attractions, Chipping Campden is perfect for tourists who love green spaces, gardens and English nature. Very close to the town, you can walk around the charming garden of Hidcote Manor and also admire the flowerbeds at Kiftsgate Court Gardens. It is not just gardens, however, that make Chipping Campden so stunning. Walkers can enjoy taking the short hike up Dover Hill to be met with panoramic Cotswolds views.

Other than the walks in nature, Chipping Campden is home to some fascinating antique stores, arts and craft museums and churches. These really give the town a historical and cultural appeal.

Accommodation in Chipping Campden

Bourton on the Water

With a car

Staying in Bourton on the Water is ideal for any traveller wanting to be in a lively and bustling Cotswolds Town. Indeed, Bourton on the Water is not a tranquil setting; it is often flooded with tourists and day trippers- particularly at the weekend. Its numerous attractions and vibrant atmosphere give it a mini-city like feel. There are many hotels and BnBs to choose from in the town.

As its name suggests, Bourton on the Water enjoys a riverside location- on the banks of the River Windrush. Many families come to enjoy lakeside and country walks, and it is very pleasant to enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river. Also, Bourton on the Water is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. For example, you can see many species of birds at Birdland Park Gardens, including even flamingos! The town is also home to some lovely cafes, tearooms and restaurants.

Accommodation in Bourton on the Water

Broadway

With a car

Located in the county of Worcestershire, Broadway is a pretty and peaceful village in an area of real natural beauty. For travellers who particularly love the countryside, it is an ideal option to stay in. Art and craft fans will equally be in their element, as Broadway is home to several art and antique exhibitions. There are numerous cottages and BnB’s in the village, where you will be met by very friendly locals.

In and around Broadway there are many gorgeous walks and gardens, including at the Broadway Tower Country Park with its incredible panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the tower. After a day of exploring and hiking, there is nothing better than returning to the village centre and eating in one of the many brilliant restaurants that it has to offer. Or you could head to one of the local pubs or inns for some British beer.

Accommodation in Broadway

Cheltenham

Without a car (reachable by train)

Cheltenham is one of the Cotswold’s most popular towns, and certainly one of the best places to stay! Located in the county of Gloucestershire on the western edge of the Cotswolds, Cheltenham is particularly well-suited for the upmarket traveller and is famous for its luxury holiday spas, opulent hotels and many bars and restaurants at the lively Malmaison Cheltenham. Not only this, the town hosts vibrant, annual festivals which attract an audience from all over the United Kingdom and beyond. These include the prestigious Cheltenham Festival (four days of horse racing) as well as other exciting cultural events like the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Cheltenham is a great place to stay for nature lovers as it is strategically situated close to beautiful countryside. Just outside the town lies Cleeve Hill, with hiking routes that will give you stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Accommodation in Cheltenham

Cirencester

With a car

Cirencester is known as “The Capital of the Cotswolds” and is the region’s largest town. Also located in the county of Gloucestershire, it is one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds and offers a range of accommodation to suit the needs of all types of travellers.

Cirencester is undoubtedly suited to history enthusiasts and cultural travellers. Indeed, this town has a fascinating backstory and was formerly a major Roman settlement (what was known as Corinium Dobunnorum). These days, you can visit the Corinium Museum which boats a range of Roman artefacts and detailed information about the town’s history.

As well as the history, Cirencester is an ideal place for travellers who enjoy strolling around quaint and pretty English towns. You can admire its typical Cotswold stone architecture, colourful buildings and also visit the town’s famous market. Nature lovers can take peaceful walks in Cirencester Park or Cerney House Gardens.

Accommodation in Cirencester

Gloucester

Without a car (reachable by train)

Another of Gloucestershire’s fine towns, Gloucester is steeped in history and is another cultural traveller’s dream. Founded by the Romans, Gloucester boasts a range of museums including the brilliant Museum of Gloucester with its history and art exhibitions. It is a lively canalside town with a range of hotels, BnBs and cottages to suit the needs of a variety of travellers.

Despite the numerous museums, Gloucester’s stand out attraction is its cathedral. With its Norman/ Roman influence and gothic style, you simply cannot miss out on a visit.

Gloucester is not just for history buffs though- it is a perfect place to stay for nature lovers. Surrounded by stunning Cotswold scenery, you don’t have to travel far out of the town centre to enjoy the countryside. For example, making the short walk uphill at Robinswood Hill Country Park (just south of the town) will give you some splendid, sweeping views.

Accommodation in Gloucester

Stroud

Without a car (reachable by train)

Just south of Gloucester lies yet another great place to stay in the Cotswolds- the market town of Stroud (the capital of the Stroud District). Stroud is no average place- it was named as the best place to live in England by the British newspaper the ‘Sunday Times’ in March 2021. Unsurprisingly then, Stroud is a very popular tourist destination. There are many hotels and BnBs to choose from and despite the fact that Stroud is so popular, there are many affordable options.

Without doubt, Stroud particularly appeals to travellers who love a countryside getaway. The town is surrounded by some of the Cotswold’s finest scenery and there are many pretty gardens, parks and hillside walks to be enjoyed in and around the district. In the town itself, you can stroll around the lively markets for authentic local food, visit the mills and enjoy some quality local restaurants and British pubs.

Accommodation in Stroud