Wondering where to stay in the Cotswolds? This step-by-step guide walks you through the best bases for exploring this gorgeous region.
The Cotswolds are amongst my favourite destinations in the UK for a short getaway. The name “Cotswolds” itself means “gentle hills”, and that’s exactly what you get in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, known for its fairy tale villages in the UK.
The distinctive style of architecture is what first attracted my attention (the deal was sealed once I had a pint from the Cotswold Brewing Company). Buildings are almost exclusively made of local limestone.
The stone is golden in the North Cotswolds, while it takes on a honey-coloured hue further south.
With so much to see and do in the Cotswolds villages and towns, it can be difficult to know where to stay. But that’s why I’m here — my comprehensive guide will find the perfect village for you, as well as the best hotel!
Pssst… I love using Plum Guide to scope out places to stay in the Cotswolds – each of the properties on the site is hand-selected, so only the very best make the cut.
Where to stay in the Cotswolds: At a Glance
- Moreton-in-Marsh
- The Slaughters
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Burford
- Castle Combe
- Painswick
Best Places to Stay in Cotswolds: Hotels at a Glance
| Best For… | Hotel |
| Best Overall Hotel in the Cotswolds | Redesdale Arms Hotel |
| Best Area to Stay in Cotswolds for Couples | The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club |
| Best Places to Stay in Cotswolds on a Budget | The Lansdowne Guest House |
| Best Place to Stay in the Cotswolds for Families | The Manor House Hotel |
Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds
Since the Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding accommodation. Nevertheless, there are a number of gorgeous villages that stand out for their charm, beauty and convenience.
Moreton-in-Marsh: The Best Area to Stay in the Cotswolds
Located on the main railway line from London, Moreton-in-Marsh certainly earns its nickname of “the Gateway to the Cotswolds”. This market town is full of history, having once sheltered a fugitive king. It also boasts the iconic honey-coloured cottages the area is famous for.
Thanks to the railway line, Moreton-in-Marsh is the starting point of most visits to the Cotswolds. However, it’s worth basing yourself here, too, since it has easy access to the highways. A 15-minute drive will take you to some of the loveliest country manors and their superb gardens, such as Batsford Arboretum and Hidcote Manor.
Located on the main railway line and a day trip from London, Moreton-in-Marsh certainly earns its nickname of “the Gateway to the Cotswolds”. This market town is full of history, having once sheltered a fugitive king. It also boasts the iconic honey-coloured cottages the area is famous for.
Thanks to the railway line, Moreton-in-Marsh is the starting point of most visits to the Cotswolds. It’s the best place to base yourself in the Cotswolds since it has easy access to the highways. A 15-minute drive will take you to some of the loveliest country manors and their superb gardens, such as Batsford Arboretum and Hidcote Manor.
Moreton-in-Marsh Highlights
- Tuesday Market – stroll around this bustling shopping centre that dates back to the 13th century.
- The Bell Inn – enjoy the warm atmosphere of this historic inn that Lord of the Rings fans believe was Tolkien’s inspiration for The Prancing Pony, in his world-famous book series.
- The High Street – with many pretty buildings, notably the Redesdale Market Hall, dating back to the 18th century, there are some great photo-ops.
Suggested Hotels in Moreton-in-Marsh
- White Hart Royal – back in its days as a coaching inn, it hosted King Charles I during the Civil War. It offers a cosy charm and a central location near the rail station.
- The Manor House Hotel – another of my favourite hotels in the Cotswolds, this one offers four-star luxury and superb period features. Its award-winning on-site restaurant, The Mulberry, serves food with only the freshest local and seasonal produce.
- Redesdale Arms Hotel – This hotel is the best overall hotel because it is ideal for a bit of modern decor and spaciousness amongst all the history; you won’t go wrong with this Cotswold hotel.
The Slaughters
The River Eye and an expansive meadow divide Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. Both of these villages are absolutely gorgeous and offer easy access to the famous nature of the Cotswolds.
These two villages are amongst the top places to stay in the Cotswolds, England, because of their picturesque buildings. It’s an ideal area to admire the iconic style of architecture, particularly around sunset.
I found it particularly interesting that Upper Slaughter is one of only a few “Doubley Thankful Villages” which survived both the First and Second World Wars without losing a single resident in battle.
Top Things to do in The Slaughters
- Lower Slaughter Mill & Cafe – there has been a mill on this site since at least 1086, when it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
- Sudeley Castle & Gardens – this thousand-year-old castle has been visited by four English queens. It also boasts rare and endangered birds.
- Warden’s Way – walking is one of the best things to do in the Cotswolds. This circular route meanders through four villages.
Suggested Hotels in The Slaughters
- Lords of the Manor – this four-star establishment is one of the best luxury hotels in the Cotswolds.
- The Slaughters Country Inn – for stylish, modern bedrooms and relaxed dining, this is my go-to in the Slaughters.
- The Slaughters Manor House – one of only a few of the Cotswolds hotels with a 5-star rating, here you can enjoy four-poster beds and local fine dining.
Bourton-on-the-Water
The “Little Venice of the Cotswolds” truly deserves its nickname. The River Windrush flows through the centre of the village, leading to a need for footbridges that mimic the charm of Venice.
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the busier villages in the area, thanks to the array of attractions within the village itself. It’s also home to some of the best hotels in the Cotswolds. All in all, you get to enjoy nature, history, and architecture without having to leave the town centre.
Bourton-on-the-Water Highlights
- The Model Village – this miniature replica of the village also has a pretty beer garden on-site.
- Birdland Park and Gardens – one of the UK’s largest exotic bird collections, this park boasts over 500 birds.
- Cotswold Brewing Company – beer fans can enjoy a tour of the facilities and a tasting.
Suggested Hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water
- The Dial House – there are contemporary rooms and a pretty garden, right on High Street.
- The Lansdowne Guest House – this is one of the most modern hotels in the Cotswolds, England.
- The Wheatsheaf Inn – there’s plenty of luxury and English hospitality in this hotel (the beaten copper baths are my favourite aspect).
- If you are looking for a holiday rental for a large group, there are some wonderful stunning 16th-century manor houses.
Burford
This village dates back to the Middle Ages and has plenty of relics to show for its long history. It’s particularly famous for its many antique stores where I’ve whiled away hours (literally, I’ve spent an entire afternoon losing myself in the treasure troves of Burford).
Everyone from King Charles to Horatio Nelson Burford has visited Burford. It’s not hard to see why: the gentle River Windrush and an impressive bridge at the end of a characterful high street make for a postcard image.
Burford Highlights
- Church of St John the Baptist – this church dates to 1175 and is a stunning sight to behold.
- Antique shopping – Antique stores such as Antiques @ the George line Burford’s High Street.
- Kilkenny Lane Country Park – enjoy country views as you wander along the surfaced footpaths and bicycle lanes.
Suggested Hotels in Burford
- The Lamb Inn – with a history stretching back to the 15th century, a central location and designer bedrooms, what more could you ask for?
- Swan Inn – one of the loveliest Cotswolds luxury hotels, the Swan Inn is ideal for some peace and quiet on a romantic getaway.
- The Fox Inn – English hospitality and modern luxury make a happy combination in this 400-year-old inn.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is a small Wiltshire village built in the 14th century from stones from the Norman Castle. It has managed to keep the old English charm of centuries prior and is a real blast from the past.
The old-time feel is so powerful that it has been the backdrop to many films and TV shows like Downtown Abbey and Stardust.
Crossing the Castle Combe Bridge and entering the village, it’s not difficult to see why so many people keep coming back to its tranquil setting.
Castle Combe Highlights
- St Andrew’s Church – this Grade I-listed monument is near the Medieval Cross Monument. Both buildings are centuries old and bring the old Castle Comb to the new.
- Castle Combe Race Circuit – Petrolheads will love these sports car and motorcycle racing track shows. They also have driving experiences so you can sit behind the wheel yourself.
- Castle Combe Bridge – This is a well-known bridge and the entryway to Castle Combe. It is a perfect place to snap some touristy pics.
Suggested Hotels in Castle Combe
- The White Hart – An English pub and hotel, this countryside accommodation will give you a relaxing stay.
- The Old House At Home – while it is quaint, this beautiful hotel offers 5-star service and proves that quality is better than quantity.
- The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club – with luxuriously spacious rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and beautiful lush gardens, this 14th-century mansion is ideal for a romantic break for couples.
Painswick
Often described as the Cotswolds’ most beautiful village. Painswick, is an ideal area to get away from the hustle and bustle. This area is full of picturesque landscapes and gardens. There are also many interesting areas to walk around and explore.
Besides the landscapes, Painswick’s architecture is another drawing point. It has buildings dating back to the 14th-century steeped in the history of World War I, The English Civil War, and more.
Painswick Highlights
- St. Mary’s Church – This gothic church is an essential part of Painswick’s history. Walk through the church or churchyard to see all of the historic wonder.
- Rococo Garden – Benjamin Hyett built this garden in the 17th-century. Today, it is the only complete surviving Rococo garden in the UK.
- Ashton Beer Collection – This hidden gem on Gloucester Street is a must-see for art lovers and collectors.
Suggested Hotels in Painswick
- St.Michaels Bistro – A beautiful bistro B&B with a restaurant, bar, and garden.
- Court House Manor Luxury B&B – An elegant gated estate and the perfect place to unwind at an affordable price.
- Troy House – this B&B is in a central location, only 200m away from the centre of town. Breathe in the fresh country air on the cosy patio while you relax with your morning coffee.
Places to Stay in the Cotswolds: Frequently Asked Questions
Pssst… I love using Plum Guide to scope out places to stay in the Cotswolds – each of the properties on the site is hand-selected, so only the very best make the cut.
What is the Best Area to Stay in the Cotswolds?
Moreton-in-Marsh has earned its epithet, “the Gateway to the Cotswolds”. It offers easy access to the area and doesn’t compromise on charm.
You can still visit other Cotswolds villages from this village with ease. There will be no need to rush to check-in and out since it’s right near the highway and the train station.
How Many Days Do You Need in the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds are the kind of place people visit on holiday, fall in love with and then return to, again and again. The good news, though, is that you can pack for just a weekend and still enjoy the place.
If you have a car with you, you can drive between the main villages in a couple of days. If you’re reliant on public transport, give yourself more time. Just remember that one of the major highlights of the Cotswolds is the slow pace of life, so to appreciate this, you may want to spend a week or so.
How Do You Get Around in the Cotswolds?
Getting around the Cotswolds is an important aspect of your trip to consider.
Travelling without a car is difficult, but it’s entirely possible. If you arrive by train in Moreton-in-Marsh, it’s possible to walk or cycle to neighbouring villages.
There are public and private bus services that you can make use of in the Cotswolds. However, they run infrequently, so check the timetable ahead and plan your getaway accordingly.
Getting around with a car is by far the easiest way of exploring the area. You can hire a car in bigger towns like Moreton-in-Marsh and Cirencester.
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Hotels in the Cotswolds
- Moreton-in-Marsh is the most convenient village in the Cotswolds. However, if transport is not an issue, you may want to choose a village that’s better suited to your interests. For instance, Burford is probably the best village for shoppers.
- With only 138 000 residents but 38 million annual visitors, there can be a short supply of accommodation. Book ahead!
- If you’re on a budget, consider visiting the Cotswolds during spring or winter when it’s off-peak season. Summer and autumn are peak seasons and the best times of year to enjoy the abundance of natural beauty.
- If you’re a particular fan of the landscape, consider booking a hotel that is accredited with the Green Tourism Business Scheme. This helps to preserve the local environment.
- Use Plum Guide if you’re looking for sleek, stylish, and spacious rental properties – the standard is way higher than on other holiday rental sights.
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