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Planning a trip to the Cotswolds and wondering where to stay? With its photogenic stone villages, cosy pubs and rolling countryside, the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK. But with so many towns and villages to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one makes the best base.
In this guide, Im sharing the best places to stay in the Cotswolds to help you choose the right spot, plus I’ll recommend some of the most unique and cosy Cotswolds accommodation to book for your stay.
Most Iconic Cotswolds Villages
If it’s your first visit to the Cotswolds, these are the villages that are classic Cotswolds, with their golden stone cottages, trickling streams and arched bridges.
They’re some of the most visited (and photographed!) spots in the area, but staying in one of these iconic villages puts you right in the heart of the picture perfect countryside.
Chloe Butcher
Bourton-on-the-Water
Often called “the Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular villages with the River Windrush flowing through the centre and its many stone bridges. It's quaint, but still lively with places to eat, shop and explore nearby.
It's a stunning village that's perfect for photos, but we prefer other villages in terms of shopping and eateries.
Where to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water:
- The Old New Inn (Luxury) - A beautifully restored historic inn with elegant rooms, period features, and a cosy on-site bar.
- Chester House Hotel (mid-range) - Stylish, centrally located rooms with a bar and bistro on-site.
- The Mouse Trap Inn (budget) - A cosy, affordable option with breakfast, great value for the location.
Bibury
Bibury is a tiny yet beautiful village best known for Arlington Row, a line of historic weavers’ cottages that have become one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds.
It’s a peaceful place to stay but there isn't much going on as the village is so small; it has a couple of hotels, three pubs, one cafe and the Trout Farm attraction. This doesn't matter too much if you'll be out exploring the Cotswolds, so it's perfect if you want a peaceful stay.
Where to stay in Bibury:
- Bibury Farm Barns (luxury) - Converted rustic barns perfect for self-catering stays and for groups or families.
- The Swan Hotel (mid-range) - A riverside hotel with elegant rooms, open fireplaces and beautiful grounds, right in the centre of Bibury.
- Cotteswold House (mid-range) - A charming B&B with country-style rooms, just outside the main village centre.
Upper & Lower Slaughter
These twin villages are quiet and picturesque, with very little traffic and beautiful riverside walks between them. The villages are small and don't have many restaurants or cafes, but they are just a 5 minute drive or a 3o minute walk from Bourton-on-the-Water.
Where to stay in the Slaughters:
- Lords of the Manor (luxury) - A former rectory turned 4-star hotel with fine dining in Upper Slaughter.
- The Slaughters Manor House (luxury) - A Boutique and stylish manor house in Lower Slaughter.
- The Slaughters Country Inn (mid-range) - Cosy pub rooms with character and riverside views in Lower Slaughter.
Lively Market Towns & City Bases
If you're looking for a stay with a bit more going on then one of the Cotswolds' larger towns or cities could be the perfect base. With plenty of restaurants, shops, markets and better public transport, these spots are ideal for longer stays, trips without a car or travellers who like lively evenings.
Cirencester
Cirencester is the largest town in the Cotswolds and is often referred to as the "Capital of the Cotswolds", with a thriving food scene and easy access to nearby countryside.
We actually lived in Cirencester for six months, so we got to know it really well, and it quickly became one of our favourite spots in the Cotswolds. It has plenty of trendy cafés, independent foodie spots, historic architecture and spacious green parks.
In our opinion, this would be one of the best bases for exploring the Cotswolds as you'll have a countryside feel while being close to restaurants and shops.
Where to stay in Cirencester:
- Wild Thyme & Honey (luxury) - A beautifully designed riverside hotel just outside Cirencester, offering modern rooms and cosy countryside feel.
- The Fleece at Cirencester (mid-range) - A cosy 300-year-old coaching inn with character-filled rooms and a traditional pub downstairs.
- The Barrel Store (budget) - A modern hostel in the heart of town with minimalist design, shared kitchen facilities and both private and dorm-style rooms.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is a spa town known for its regency architecture, horse racing festivals and lively town centre. It's on the edge of the Cotswolds, so it's a great spot if you're after a city vibe while still being close to the countryside.
Within a 20-30 minute drive, you can be in iconic villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Where to stay in Cheltenham:
- No. 131 (luxury) - A beautifully restored Georgian townhouse with individually styled rooms and a cocktail bar and restaurant.
- George Hotel (mid-range) - A modern and design-led hotel in a restored period building with dark and cosy rooms.
- Holiday Inn Express Cheltenham (budget) - An affordable chain hotel with clean rooms, breakfast included and a convenient location.
Most Charming Cotswold Towns
If you're after that quintessential Cotswolds feel, like crooked cottages, antique shops and tearooms, these villages are perfect. These are some of my favourite Cotswold villages as they feel a little less touristy and full of character.
Burford
Burford is a beautiful small town in the West Oxfordshire side of the Cotswolds with a sloping high street lined with independent shops, galleries and tearooms.
Burford is another place that we've spent a lot of time in, having lived just outside the town; it's a great base as a peaceful countryside town but has plenty of pubs and cafes.
Where to stay in Burford:
- The Bull Burford (luxury) - A beautifully restored coaching inn with elegant rooms, a traditional pub and a fine dining restaurant.
- Highway (mid-range) - A stylish inn with modern rooms, a spanish-style restaurant downstairs and a central location right on Burford’s high street.
- The Golden Pheasant Inn (budget) - A cosy and affordable village inn offering simple, comfortable rooms just a short walk from the town centre.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a hilltop town surrounded by rolling countryside, with plenty of boutique shops, cosy pubs and an iconic market square. It’s one of the larger Cotswold towns so it's ideal if you want scenic walks by day and a lively pub or restaurant by night.
Its another one of our favourite Cotswolds towns, we love the general vibe and trendy cafes, and it's centrally located within the Cotswolds.
Where to stay in Stow-on-the-Wold:
- The Old Stocks Inn (luxury) - A stylish boutique inn with contemporary interiors, historic character, and a fantastic restaurant — right on the village square.
- The Bell & Stuart House (luxury) - A beautiful pair of sister properties offering elegant rooms with a luxurious, design-led finish. Think roll-top baths, four-poster beds, and thoughtful details throughout.
- The Sheep on Sheep Street Hotel (mid-range) - A fun, modern hotel with chic rooms and a buzzy bar-restaurant, perfect for those who want something a little more playful without losing the Cotswolds charm
Broadway
Located on the Worcestershire side of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a picturesque village with ancient cottages, art galleries, boutique shops and lovely cafés.
It's a great base for exploring the northern end of the Cotswolds, and it's close to the iconic Broadway Tower which offers easy access to scenic walks and nearby countryside.
- House of George W Davies (luxury) - A sophisticated boutique guesthouse offering beautifully curated interiors, bespoke furnishings, and an intimate, design-led stay right in the heart of Broadway.
- The Broadway Hotel (mid-range) - A charming ivy-clad inn right on the high street, offering stylish rooms, a cosy bar, and a brasserie-style restaurant — ideal for a romantic village stay.
- Crown and Trumpet Inn (budget) - A traditional, family-run pub with classic, comfortable rooms, hearty meals, and a warm, local atmosphere — just a short stroll from Broadway’s main street.
Hidden Gems & Quiet Escapes - Moreton-in-Marsh & South Cerney
If you're looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a slower, more peaceful side of the Cotswolds, these lesser-known spots are ideal. Tucked-away villages like Moreton-in-Marsh and South Cerney offer all the beauty and charm of the region, but with fewer visitors and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh is a market town on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, with a charming high street, traditional weekly market and direct train links to London.
It’s quieter than some of the better-known spots but still has plenty of character, making it a great option for a peaceful stay with easy access to other villages nearby.
- The Manor House Hotel (luxury) - A 16th-century manor turned elegant hotel, with beautifully furnished rooms, landscaped gardens and a fine dining restaurant.
- White Hart Royal Hotel (mid-range) - A centrally located hotel with classic decor and affordable rates.
South Cerney / Cotswold Lakes
Tucked beside the Cotswold Lakes, South Cerney offers a completely different kind of Cotswolds escape - one that’s centred around lakeside living, outdoor adventures and peaceful nature.
It’s ideal for those looking to combine cotswold villages with activities like paddleboarding, wild swimming and waterside walks. It's a very peaceful escape, and its only a 10 minute drive to Cirencester and less than 30 minutes to other Cotswold Villages.
- Cotswold Water Park Retreats (luxury) – A collection of stylish, self-contained lakeside lodges with high-end interiors.
- De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel (mid-range) – A contemporary lakeside hotel with modern rooms, a spa and stunning views.
- Cotswold Country Retreats (mid-range) - Beautiful modern self-contained apartments just outside of South Cerney.
What’s the best place to stay in the Cotswolds without a car?
If you’re travelling without a car, Moreton-in-Marsh is a great option, it has a direct train line from London Paddington, plus good local bus connections to nearby villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Cirencester is also a great option with direct train lines from London, although Kemble train station is just 10 minutes outside of the centre, so you'd have to catch a taxi to the town. Cirencester is also close to villges like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Final Thoughts
I would personally book my accomodation in a village like Burford or Stow-on-the-Wold or a larger town like Cirencester if it was my first time visiting. These all offer a mix of classic Cotswold charm but enough shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you entertained during the day or evening.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other UK travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
