The Cotswolds. The name itself holds so much renown across the globe. Simply saying the name conjures images of tiny thatched-roof cottages or golden-hued buildings crafted out of locally produced Jurassic limestone from which a predominantly rural landscape emerges. With these buildings comes 787 square miles of rolling hills which conceal some of the most beautiful villages in all of England. Nowhere brings quite a quintessentially British aesthetic to life! It is as if the worlds of 18th-century Romantic literature, the likes of Jane Austen, or landscape paintings by John Constable have somehow managed to jump into reality. And what’s more, in a sea of modernism, this rustic and simplistic style, is thriving! To help you navigate and plan the perfect getaway to the Cotswolds, this compiled list ranks the top 5 Cotswolds villages for you!
castle combe
Without a doubt, Castle Combe is the pinnacle of the Cotswolds. Situated in the Wiltshire countryside that is jaw droppingly beautiful, with slowly flowing streams, magnificent gothic cathedrals and emerald ivory making its way up building walls. There’s no satellite dish or tv aerials in sight, and there’s certainly a feeling that nothing has changed around here for centuries. Belle’s charming little village in Beauty and the Beast has nothing on Castle Combe and it’s easy to feel like royalty walking around these ancient streets.
It is believed that the area was originally settled by Celts in ancient times. According to most accounts, the village owes its name to a Norman Bailey castle that stood about 1/3 mile to the north. While this castle no longer exists, there is a 14th-century market cross erected where the three principle streets of the lower village converge. During the 15th-century weekly markets were held and prospered under Millicent, the wife of Sir Stephen Le Scrope and then of Sir John Fastolf, a Norfolk knight who was the lord of the manor for fifty years. This is the same knight who inspired William Shakespeare’s Falstaff and who promoted the woollen industry. As a result, Castle Combe became a medieval village that now holds a very special place in English history; as the centre of a thriving wool trade!
This village is a perfectly preserved slice of medieval history and architecture, one that looks like it has been plucked out of the pages of a fairy-tale book! It is easy to see why this tiny village has earned its reputation for being one of the most photogenic places in England!
lower slaughter
Dating back to over a thousand years, Lower Slaughter is built on the banks of the River Eye, a slow-moving stream that connects Lower with Upper Slaughter and is crossed by two footbridges. Yes, this might sound like the last place in the world where you’d find the most elegant and picturesque village in England. However, the towns name actually derives from the Old English ‘slough’, meaning ‘wet land’.
This quaint settlement was originally attested in the Domesday Book as ‘Scolstre,’ meaning that Lower Slaughter dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, and possibly even earlier. After all, here in the Cotswolds people have been living and working for centuries!
There’s also a stunning 13th-century Anglican parish church that is dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin and an incredible 19th-century Water Mill that includes an undershot waterwheel and a chimney for additional steam power. The sound of melodious birds chirping adds to the serenity of the water, making this quaint village the perfect location for a peaceful afternoon!
Upper Slaughter
While connected to Lower Slaughter, there is a completely different frequency to Upper Slaughter. The first was situated on long, flat terrain, whereas the latter commands higher ground with parts of the village, including the church, towering over acres of tiny thatched cottages. This distance from the water changes the atmosphere completely. Earlier everything was calm and tranquil, but a short 10-minute walk away from Lower Slaughter, alters the place and now it is starkly full of energy. From two pheasants mating to the cherry blossom trees budding early, there’s life and activity all around.
It’s strangely hopeful, and as the sun shines, there’s this distinct feeling that the village is not haunted by its own history. Indeed, its history is unusual but uplifting; it is the only village in England to not lose a single man in World War One or World War Two. The 17th century style, Eyeford Manor House, with its Baroque details and classic Cotswolds stone adds to the idyllic nature and charm of the village. It is not surprising that the poet John Milton was inspired by its grounds to write his legendary Paradise Lost.
Chipping campden
A contrast to these small villages is Chipping Campden. Much larger in size, and certainly populated by more people, this old wool merchant’s town has an elegant terraced High Street running through the centre. Dating from the 14th century, the towns’ place name, like many Medieval settlements, reveals the purpose behind establishing the area. ‘Chipping’ derives from the Old English cēping, meaning ‘a market; a marketplace’. Wonderfully, this tradition evades time as locals set up camp for the day; selling locally produce products which include very rural things like animal skin rugs.
Proceeding down the High Street, quirky shops, old inns, hotels and restaurants are all housed in the characteristic honey-coloured limestone buildings. However, Chipping Campden is set apart from other Cotswold towns. It boasts a wealth of fine vernacular architecture; a style characterised by the use of local materials and knowledge, usually without professional architectural training. These vernacular houses include a wide range of buildings, building traditions and methods of construction, bringing to life the individuality of the town and the unique and changing identities of its previous residents. The age of the town is evoked by the weathered stones while the grand early perpendicular church of St. James pays homage to the original wool merchant, William Grevel. There is a plaque describing him as “the flower of the wool merchants of all England”.
Bibury
There are many historic buildings to feast your eyes on in Bibury; from Bibury Court to the distinct Arlington Mill. However, Bibury’s claim to fame and the reason why it earned its stripes as the most beautiful village in England, is the picturesque Arlington Row cottages. Think Poldark meets Lark Rise to Candleford and you’ll just about imagine its quirkiness and quintessential English vibe! Originally built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, these buildings were later converted into a row of cottages for weavers in the 17th-century. They are now in the care of the National Trust and it is no wonder they are immaculately preserved!
These cottages overlook a water meadow and the Arlington Row river. It is easy to imagine an elderly labourer of the 17th-century sitting on a bench here, contemplating life while smoking a tobacco pipe. It has the appearance of having been left behind in another century. However, due to its National Trust status, Bibury sees more tourists than any other village. For this reason alone, Bibury takes fifth place in this top 5 Cotswolds villages list. The amount of people, cars and busses shatters the illusion of a small country village. To avoid this, head over here early and catch the sunrise sparkle over the water.
Exploring the Cotswolds is a unique experience and this top 5 Cotswolds villages list will help you prepare for any upcoming trip. If you are looking for more quaint, picturesque villages, check out Portmeirion Day Trip Guide, Off the Beaten Track: Uncharted England or Lacock: A Quintessentially English Village.
If you are inspired by the photos in this top 5 Cotswolds villages article, make sure to head to the subscribe box at the top of the page to grab your FREE How to Take Professional Travel Photos Guide!
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The villages are absolutely charming! I have never been to England but it is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing so much information about what they have to offer.
Gorgeous post and pictures of the Cotswolds! I haven’t been there in many years but you have re-motivated me to get back soon! Thanks for sharing!
Mark / Mark’s Travel Journal
https://www.markstraveljournal.me
This is a beautiful post and your photos are amazing. I just hope I get to see a couple of this cute villages sometime. Lovely!
Such a charming place…would love to visit!
So beautiful. One more reason to visit England. Pinned..
Oh how I wish I could hop on a plane and come there! These villages remind me somewhat of the little villages I used to visit when the fall of Communism happened in the late 80’s. When I came back to Germany in 1991, I made a vow to visit as many places in the former Eastern side of Germany, and these take me back!
Wow! What a wonderful story and I’m so glad that this article and these photos remind you of something wonderful! I hope you get to visit soon.
What a beautiful place! I may have to visit here in the Summer
Love the Cotswold. Have spent so much time in the area and yet there’s so much more to explore. I love the rolling hills. 🙂
Such beautiful villages these are and I have yet to visit either of them. Hoping to break that this year when we head to Cotswolds during the Easter Holidays
The Cotswolds villages are so beautiful, loving the photos you’ve included of each location.
I love places like these, they have magic about them. Really good for inspiration for writing.
I’ve never been to any of these villages, but they all look super stunning. I want to explore more around the UK so these are going on my list x
They are stunning. There are so many hidden gems across the UK, it would take years of wonderful exploring!
These all sound like lovely places to visit and look so pretty in your pictures. I’ve not been anywhere that picturesque for a while. It would be nice to visit one of these for a few days over the summer with the kids..
It is the perfect place for a summer day out with children. I hope you have a wonderful time!
I really want to explore more of the Cotswolds. Our favourite village is Bourton on the water, it is so pretty
They look so beautiful, I would just love to out walking around these areas. I might look at going to one of these for our next wedding anniversary for a long weekend, nice and quiet.
What a wonderful idea. I hope your wedding anniversary goes well. I would highly recommend going to Castle Combe, it is the epitome of the Cotswolds!
I’ve never visited the Cotswold’s but wow it is so picturesque, so I will definitely have to add it onto my UK places to visit list.
Each of those villages looks so picturesque. I’d enjoy visiting each of them, I feel like I can literally feel the history and stories just looking at the pictures.
That feeling of history and stories is even stronger when you’re actually there. These villages are so thought-provoking!
I didn’t know much about this area, but now I want to visit! It’s so beautiful 🙂
Love the article, it’s very original not the mention the photos are so amazing, thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh wow! The Cotswolds just looks like an incredible and beautiful place. I think I went there when I was younger, but I don’t remember where we stayed – I think I’m going to have a plan for a trip there soon though!
You’ll have to let me know how your trip goes!
Your photographs are always beautiful – I would love to wander around these villages!
Thank you so much! These villages are honestly worth visiting!
Thanks for sharing, I have not explored these villiages before, they look lovely 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Ooh wow! These villages are so charming. I would love to explore them one day. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous pictures lovely! I’d love to visit the Cotswolds again. I went years ago when I was a baby and would love to see it properly. Such helpful tips, will have to add this to my list for a staycation.
Shannon x
http://www.shanylou.co.uk
Oh my gosh, how Bristish can these places get! <3 Stunning, and exactly what I would want to see if I was visiting from Australi. <3
What gorgeous photos, I think I need to visit these Cotswolds villages and take in their beauty first hand!
I absolutely love all your photos! It looks like it came out of a fantasy. I would definitely enjoy going to that village someday. Thanks for the information about this place.
Thank you so much. I hope you get to visit these villages soon!
Oh wow, I had no idea it was such a beautiful place. Im originally from the UK but have never visited here. It will definitely be on my list of places to go to next time I’m back.
The UK is full of hidden gems. I could honestly spend my entire life finding them and I would be so happy. I hope you get to visit them soon and they live up to your expectations.
Your pictures are absolutely stunning!! Really enjoyed reading your post!
Thank you so much for your kind words! x
I adore the Cotswolds. One of my favourite family days out.
Bourton on the water was one of the nicest summer days out we had last year.
I’ve visited most on your list but there’s a few I haven’t. I’ll be sure to check them out next time x
I adore the Cotswolds too. I haven’t been to Bourton on the water yet but I’m hoping to visit soon. I hope you enjoy these villages. x
I had never heard of these. The photos are beautiful and the history is really interesting. I will have to add this to our list.
I hope you get to visit soon!
The Cotswolds looks like it has the most picturesque pretty villages ever! I’ve never been before, but it looks like such a charming and relaxing part of the UK. It looks like there is so much to explore whilst soaking up the beautiful surroundings. Thank you for sharing, I’d love to visit one day! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
There is so much to explore. I managed to see 5 villages in one day but there is still so much that I haven’t seen. These villages are stunning, and because they aren’t allowed to change the exterior of the buildings, they make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. x
Wow, it’s been many years since I visited the Cotswolds. It is just one of those magical corners of the UK and you’ve certainly brought it alive … and given me many good reasons to return! Thank you.
I recently saw a TV show about the Cotswolds. It looks amazing!
It really is amazing!
How quaint and charming are these villages?! I have always wanted to visit the Cotswolds but I know it is going to be one long drive from Yorkshire! One day I will visit! Love your photos too, they really capture the beautifulness of the villages.
Thanks for sharing and giving me some inspiration. Subscribed!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Thank you so much. I know your feeling, I live in Wales so it has taken me over 5 years to get here but it is totally worth it. I hope you get to go soon!
Oh wow, thank you for sharing these. I’ve never been to this area but the pictures make all 5 of these villages look both incredibly relaxing and totally magical in their own way. Looking at your pictures and reading your descriptions, I can literally picture myself there (which is the closest to travelling we have right now, so I love it)
Thank you so much for your kind words. All 5 of these villages are magical and I felt like I was transported back in time. They honestly haven’t changed since they were created.
Ah this is brilliant post. I really want to visit Cotswolds. Just pinned for future plans. Thanks for sharing.
Another great place that I need to put on the list. Oh so great my friend.
I hope you get to go soon!
Very interesting post. I had never heard of a Cotswold before. I am thinking about starting to specialize in things around Texas that people don’t know about. Everyone needs a niche. Thanks.
Those are some amazing photos 🙂
These places are s p beautiful! We’re always talking about a staycation and driving somewhere beautiful and just wondering the village. Definitely some inspiration here!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you get to visit here soon!