The Cotswolds are a region of England with unique charm, made up of rolling green hills, golden stone villages, and a typically British atmosphere. During our trip to the Cotswolds, we crisscrossed several villages, visited castles, and discovered a region as beautiful as it is touristy. Here is our feedback and all our tips for preparing your stay.
Our practical tips for visiting the Cotswolds:
- Avoid weekends and school vacations.
- Opt for central accommodation to easily explore the area.
- Book parking or visits in advance if possible.
- If you are in a motorhome, identify suitable spots in advance.
The most beautiful villages to visit in the Cotswolds
Stow-on-the-Wold
This village perched on a hill was once an important wool market.
The village is very small; a few hours are enough to go around. The village is very beautiful and has everything you look for in the Cotswolds region: stone houses, a flower-filled village… but we found that it lacked entertainment.
Today, it is appreciated for its many antique dealers and tea rooms.
Its church, St. Edward’s Church, has a door flanked by old, twisted trees that seems straight out of Tolkien’s universe for The Lord of the Rings. Moreover, the crowd rushes there to take pictures, it is true that the setting is magical.
Broadway
The village of Broadway is one of the chicest and most charming in the Cotswolds. Located at the foot of the Broadway Hills, it is often nicknamed “the jewel of the Cotswolds” due to its elegance, its honey-colored stone buildings, and its refined atmosphere. Unlike other more rustic villages, Broadway has long been a resort popular with artists, writers, and aristocrats.
During your visit to the village, be sure to take the hike that will take you to Broadway Tower. This picturesque Gothic tower stands on one of the highest points of the Cotswolds, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the English countryside. Do not hesitate to climb the many steps that will take you to the top of the tower!
Bourton-on-the-Water
Nicknamed the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, it is crossed by the River Windrush. The street is lined with small stone houses and picturesque bridges. This enchanting setting makes it one of the most visited villages in the region and undoubtedly the most photographed!
It is in this village that we discovered the mass tourism of the Cotswolds region. From 9 a.m., the village continues to fill up to end up packed like sardines in the middle of the afternoon!
And what a shame, because it is true that it is one of the prettiest villages in the region. The walk along the river is very pleasant, the village is lively and full of small shops, cafes, and restaurants.
For our part, despite the beauty of the village, we found that there were much, much too many people and we preferred to shorten the visit.
Castle Combe
Considered one of the most picturesque villages in Great Britain, Castle Combe has remained frozen in time. No modern construction disrupts its medieval architecture. Its small stone bridge overlooking the River Bybrook, its cobbled streets, and its old-fashioned atmosphere make it an essential stop. This village has served as a backdrop for many films, including Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.
Again, you won’t be alone!
In conclusion, the villages of the region are all magnificent and, as they now say, “Instagrammable”. The region therefore remains a must-see during a visit to England, provided you are aware and ready to face the crowds in villages that are sometimes very small…
Traveling to the Cotswolds by motorhome: what you need to know
Unlike northern England (read our article on the Lake District), we found this region less suitable for motorhomes and much less welcoming.
Due to this mass tourism, it is very rare to find parking lots where motorhomes are allowed and, when we find some, they are generally taken by… cars… Lots of height bars as well.
You will however find spots and campsites, but then, if you do not want to struggle to get around, public transport or taxis remain the simplest option.
Castles and manors to visit in the Cotswolds
During our road trip, we visited a certain number of them, some monuments are worth the detour and deserve a stop between two village visits.
Blenheim Palace
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sumptuous palace is the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The palace is famous for its impressive Baroque architecture, its landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown, and its sumptuous interiors adorned with frescoes and gilding.
Sudeley Castle
This medieval castle, still inhabited, is particularly famous for its magnificent rose garden and its historical remains. It also houses the tomb of Catherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII. The gardens are sumptuous and offer a moment of calm and tranquility.
Broadway Tower
A watchtower perched on a hill, offering a spectacular view of the region.
The parking lot is large and easily allows visits for motorhomers.
Don’t miss the hikes that start from the tower and will offer you very beautiful views of the English countryside, between hills, fields, sheep, and ewes.
What to do around the Cotswolds?
Windsor Castle
Located about 1 hour 30 minutes from the region, we decided at the last minute to add the castle to our road trip. And what a good idea we had!
Windsor Castle is one of the favorite residences of the royal family and has long been the favorite retreat of Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, it still hosts many official events and diplomatic visits. It is also the place of residence of King Charles III during certain weekends and often serves as a setting for state receptions and royal ceremonies.
During your visit, you can visit the interior of the castle, the courtyard, and the basilica where Queen Elizabeth and the Duke are buried.
The visit is free and is done with the help of a visio-guide in your language, which is very well done and really complete. The visit is very interesting, you learn a lot about the castle as well as about the royal family.
Unfortunately, photos and videos are prohibited inside the castle and the basilica.
The visit is very long, we advise you to devote at least 3 hours to it. Do not hesitate to take a tour of the city at the end of your visit, the center is very pleasant and lively.
Bath
Located in the county of Somerset, about 1 hour 30 minutes from London and the Cotswolds region, Bath is one of the most elegant and fascinating cities in England. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its Roman baths, its sumptuous Georgian architecture, its picturesque cobbled streets, and its literary heritage linked to Jane Austen.
It is one of the most visited cities in southern England, so you will not be alone in its alleys.
As you will understand through this article, southern England remains globally much more touristy and affected by mass tourism than the north, but it is also full of nuggets and wonders that it would be a shame to miss despite the crowds.
Our opinion: the Cotswolds, a must-see despite the crowds
Visiting the Cotswolds means discovering the England of postcards: flower-filled cottages, small shops, tea rooms, and bucolic landscapes. But it is also a region that is a victim of its success. The villages are small, sometimes crowded, and the welcome for motorhomes is not always there.
That being said, the charm works on every corner. With a little patience (and perhaps out of season), the Cotswolds are really worth the detour.
