Holiday in Cotswolds
Region in United Kingdom — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇧
Country
United Kingdom
Type
Region
Best time to travel
May to September (15-25 °C, longest days and garden blooms). June is ideal for gardens. September/October for autumn colors and fewer tourists.
Budget/day
120-250 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to London (LHR/STN/LGW, approx. 1.5-2 h), then rental car or train to Moreton-in-Marsh (1.5 h from London Paddington). Oxford as a starting point (1 h from London).
About Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are the epitome of picture-book England — a gently rolling landscape of honey-colored stone cottages, thatched-roof houses, neatly trimmed hedges, and quietly babbling brooks, stretching across five counties in the heart of South England. The largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England covers around 2,000 square kilometers and is home to some of the most beautiful villages in the world. Bibury was described by William Morris as the most beautiful village in England, and Arlington Row — a row of medieval weavers' houses from the 14th century — is the most photographed motif of the Cotswolds: The honey-colored stone houses reflect in the crystal-clear Coln River, swans glide by, and in spring, lilacs bloom on every wall. Bourton-on-the-Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds, is a charming village through which the River Windrush flows over flat stone bridges. Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold with its historic marketplace, and Broadway with the Broadway Tower (one of England's most famous follies) complete the ensemble of dream villages. The Cotswolds are also home to world-class gardens: Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate Court Garden are among the most influential garden designs of the 20th century. Blenheim Palace in Woodstock — the birthplace of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage site — lies on the edge of the Cotswolds and is one of the grandest country houses in England. The Cotswold Way, a 164-kilometer long long-distance hiking trail from Chipping Campden to Bath, leads over the Cotswold Edge with wide views over the Severn Valley and connects the most beautiful villages, historic pubs, and viewpoints in the region.
Top 6 highlights in Cotswolds
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Bibury & Arlington Row
Most beautiful village in England according to William Morris: medieval weavers' houses from the 14th century by the crystal-clear Coln River, swans and lilacs.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Venice of the Cotswolds: charming village with flat stone bridges over the River Windrush, tea rooms, model village, and motor museum.
Castle Combe
Film set and fairy-tale village: medieval stone houses, no antennas or power lines, backdrop for Downton Abbey and Stardust.
Blenheim Palace (UNESCO)
Birthplace of Winston Churchill: baroque country house with 800 acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown, UNESCO World Heritage site on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Cotswold Way (164 km)
Long-distance hiking trail from Chipping Campden to Bath: panoramic views, historic pubs, honey-colored villages, and the best hike in South England.
Hidcote Manor Garden
One of the most influential English gardens of the 20th century: garden spaces separated by hedges, a green labyrinth full of surprises.
Hotels in Cotswolds
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Reise-SIM für Cotswolds
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Cotswolds
Recommended travel time
May to September (15-25 °C, longest days and garden blooms). June is ideal for gardens. September/October for autumn colors and fewer tourists.
Summer
15-25 °C, pleasantly warm with occasional showers, long bright evenings until 9 PM
Winter
2-8 °C, cold and damp, occasional frost and light snow, very atmospheric with fireplace
How much does a holiday in Cotswolds cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60-100 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
120-250 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
280-600 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Cotswolds
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
A car is essential — the Cotswolds have hardly any public transport. Rent a car from Oxford or London, remember to drive on the left. Narrow country roads with hedges require caution.
Plan for a pub lunch — the Cotswolds have some of the best pub inns in England. Sunday Roast is an institution, reserve from 12 PM.
Try Cream Tea — scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam in a tea room: quintessentially English, best in Bourton or Stow.
Gardens in June — Hidcote, Kiftsgate, and the private gardens (Open Gardens Scheme) are at their best in June. Pay attention to National Garden Week.
Prefer the off-season — popular villages are crowded in high summer (July/August). September and May offer the same experience with fewer tourists.
Food & drink in Cotswolds
These specialties you must try!
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