{"id":78920,"date":"2025-09-29T12:29:49","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T10:29:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/?p=78920"},"modified":"2025-10-20T11:13:58","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T09:13:58","slug":"most-beautiful-villages-cotswolds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travander.nl\/en\/mooiste-dorpen-cotswolds-engeland\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds: Charming English Countryside Escapes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is the most beautiful village in the Cotswolds? That\u2019s not an easy question to answer. This region in England is filled with charming, picturesque villages, each with its own unique character. Wandering through streets lined with honey-coloured cottages and along winding rivers feels like stepping into the set of an English film. It\u2019s no wonder the Cotswolds are considered one of the most beautiful regions in England. During our road trip, we explored some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Castle Combe, Chipping Campden, and Bibury. Each one is a true gem you won\u2019t want to miss when discovering this enchanting part of the country. In this article, we share our top tips for exploring the Cotswolds and explain why these villages are absolutely worth a visit!<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds: our personal tips<\/h2>

The Cotswolds had been on our bucket list for quite some time. We often came across those fairytale-like images of stone cottages surrounded by flowers and thought: we have to visit this place someday. Previously, we had already visited the charming village of Gerberoy in France<\/a><\/strong>, and it only left us wanting more.<\/p>

So when we planned our road trip through South England, a visit to the Cotswolds was an absolute must. And now the moment had finally arrived! Wandering through winding streets, stopping for a cup of tea in a cosy tearoom, camera ready at every cottage\u2026 it was exactly the kind of travel experience that made us think: why haven\u2019t we visited this place sooner?<\/p>

The Cotswolds are located in the south of England, roughly between Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon. From both London and Dover (where the DFDS ferry arrives from Dunkirk<\/a><\/strong>), you can reach the region within a few hours by car, making it a popular destination for a (multi-day) road trip.<\/p>

The region is officially protected as an \u201cArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty,\u201d and you can feel it everywhere. From the rolling hills where sheep have grazed for centuries (the name Cotswolds literally means \u201chills with sheep enclosures\u201d) to the famous honey-coloured cottages built from limestone found only here. It truly feels like walking through a living painting. Want to experience this too? These are the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds worth visiting!\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Cotswolds: rolling hills and picturesque villages<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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One of the most beautiful villages: Bibury<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Broadway Tower in de Cotswolds<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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1. Bourton-on-the-Water: the \u201cVenice of the Cotswolds\u201d<\/h2>

Bourton-on-the-Water is perhaps the most famous village in the Cotswolds, and for good reason. The River Windrush flows right through the centre, surrounded by low stone bridges, earning the village the affectionate nickname \u201cthe Venice of the Cotswolds.\u201d Strolling along the river, with charming cottages and lush green meadows in view, instantly gives you that idyllic English feeling.<\/p>

Tip:<\/strong> try to visit Bourton-on-the-Water early in the morning or later in the afternoon. It\u2019s a popular village and can get busy, but at quieter times, you\u2019ll truly experience its charm.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Bourton-on-the-Water in the Cotswolds<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Typical English vibe in Bourton-on-the-Water<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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2. Stow-on-the-Wold: charming market town full of history<\/h2>

Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the oldest and highest villages in the Cotswolds, known for its charming market square. Centuries ago, sheep markets were held here, but today you\u2019ll find cosy pubs, antique shops, and boutiques that give the village a lively atmosphere. You can still feel the history in every cobblestone. Like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the most visited villages, so the best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon.\u00a0<\/p>

A special sight is St. Edward\u2019s Church, whose entrance is flanked by two ancient yew trees. After a stroll through the village streets, it\u2019s lovely to settle in at a pub or tearoom and watch village life go by.\u00a0<\/p>

The best spot? That\u2019s Huffkins Bakery & Tea Room<\/strong><\/a> in Stow-on-the-Wold. This iconic place has been around since 1890 and is truly a village institution. We enjoyed a delightful Afternoon Tea here, complete with scones and other treats. Highly recommended!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Stow-on-the-Wold: one of the nicest villages<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Afternoon Tea at Huffkins Bakery & Tea Room<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Historic streets in Stow-on-the-Wold<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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3. Castle Combe: often called the most beautiful village in England<\/h2>

Castle Combe is often called the most beautiful village in England, and once you stroll along its main street, it\u2019s easy to see why. The village looks like something straight out of a movie set. You walk past centuries-old cottages adorned with flowers, a gently babbling stream, and the historic Market Cross in the middle of the square. It\u2019s no surprise Castle Combe has often been used as a filming location, including for Doctor Dolittle and War Horse.<\/p>

One of the best things about Castle Combe is the authentic village atmosphere. It\u2019s tiny, you can walk around it in just a few minutes. As you wander through narrow streets, you\u2019ll discover charming details on the old houses and enjoy the peacefulness that surrounds the village. Don\u2019t forget to walk over the stone bridge, where you might find the most iconic view of Castle Combe (and perhaps the most famous spot in the Cotswolds!).\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Castle Combe: the most beautiful village of England<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Beautiful fa\u00e7ades covered in greenery<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The stone bridge in Castle Combe<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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4. Chipping Campden: a village full of character and beautiful architecture<\/h2>

Chipping Campden feels both peaceful and lively at the same time. It\u2019s a village in the Cotswolds where history still lingers in the cobblestones, yet contemporary English life buzzes around it. Here, you\u2019ll find not only the typical honey-coloured Cotswolds houses but also a mix of artisan shops, art galleries, and cosy tearooms.<\/p>

The heart of the village is its picturesque market square, surrounded by historic buildings with richly decorated fa\u00e7ades. Stroll along the High Street and let yourself be surprised by little details: old-fashioned door knockers, carefully tended flower gardens, hand-painted signs, and shops selling postcards and traditional English fudge. Chipping Campden is also famous for its craft traditions \u2014 ceramics and wool work \u2014 which you can discover in local ateliers and shops.\u00a0<\/p>

Chipping Campden is quintessentially English through and through\u2026 but sometimes it\u2019s nice to try something a little different. That\u2019s why we also want to recommend a hidden gem just outside the English tradition: a delightful Italian restaurant where the pasta is fresh, the wines rich, and the atmosphere warm: Da Luigi<\/a><\/strong>!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Tip: buy a beautiful postcard to send<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chipping Campden: a cosy village in South England<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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5. Bibury: a picturesque and idyllic village in the Cotswolds<\/h2>

Bibury often tops lists of the most beautiful villages in England, and once you arrive, it\u2019s easy to see why. The village feels like a living postcard: charming streets, well-kept cottages adorned with colourful flower gardens, and the gentle flow of the River Coln winding through the village. It\u2019s a place that almost makes you stop and breathe, simply because it\u2019s so picturesque.<\/p>

The most iconic part of Bibury is Arlington Row, a row of historic weavers\u2019 cottages dating back to the 14th century. This photogenic spot attracts visitors from all over the world, but Bibury has plenty of charm beyond this famous street. Stroll along the water, admire the centuries-old stone bridges, and settle at a terrace for a fresh cup of coffee with scones. Here, you truly taste the essence of traditional England.\u00a0<\/p>

During our visit, we stopped at At Eleven Bibury<\/strong><\/a>, a lovely spot with a cosy backyard. It\u2019s a perfect hotspot in the Cotswolds to relax with a fresh cup of coffee and homemade treats. At Eleven Bibury also has a charming concept store offering unique souvenirs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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One of the most beautiful villages: Bibury<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Arlington Row cottages in Bibury<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The iconic English postcard view in Bibury<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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Lovely hotspots in the Cotswolds<\/h2>

We already mentioned a few gems in the villages, but we just can\u2019t resist seeking out hidden spots for a good cup of coffee or a memorable dinner. During our road trip through the Cotswolds, we collected even more great places to share with you:<\/p>