Cotswolds, england
Attractions Guide

The Cotswolds is a rural area of England with many picturesque villages and towns. This area of England is filled with lovely historic homes, lush greenery, and beautiful countryside.

In the Southern Cotswolds you'll find the towns of Bilbury and Burford. In the central Cotswolds are the towns of Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter, and Stow-on-the-Wold all within a small area. The Northern Cotswolds hosts Chipping Campden, as well as some lovely manor homes and gardens. Within the Western Costwolds is the Sudeley Castle and the remains of the Chedworth ancient Roman villa.

One of the most iconic villages of the Costwolds district is Bibury, where you can walk along the beautiful river and see the famous Arlington Row of houses at National Trust Bilbury.

In the eastern Cotswolds is the town of Burford. You can see the town's iconic houses lined along The Hill Street, which becomes High Street as you head north up the road. This street is the main road that runs through town and is lined with lovely buildings from start to end. The town's main parking lot os the Burford Car Park, which is adjacent to the scenic River Windrush which flows through town.

In the central Cotswolds north of Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water is the town of Stow-on-the-Wold, where you should explore the traditional English buildings around Market Cross in the town's center. Also noteworthy is the northern entrance to the St. Edward's Church, which sits between two trees and looks remarkable. The church is located just behind Market Square to the west.

Bourton-on-the-Water is known for the stunning river that runs through the town along the central part of its main road, High Street (which becomes Rissington Road). Here you can park and take a scenic stroll along the river surrounded by picturesque old English homes.

Along the river is the Cotswolds Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, which hosts an impressive collection of old toys and vintage vehicles.

While in town be sure to visit the Model Village Museum, which is a miniature model town of the village that's actually extremely impressive and highly detailed.

Just to the north of Bourton-on-the-Water is the tiny neighboring village of Lower Slaughter, which also has a river running through it that you can take a lovely short walk along. Be sure to see the rustic old building and water mill of the Lower Slaughter Old Mill Museum along the river at the western side of town.

In the northern Cotswolds is the medieval market town of Chipping Campden, with the primary sights along the main road through town including the historic Market Hall, which sits surrounded by charming medieval structures.

Just north of Chipping Campden is the gorgeous Hidcote Manor & Gardens, a lovely 20th century countryside home with beautiful gardens. This home's style is inspired by the English Arts and Crafts movement.

Another beautiful manor house to visit is the Snowshill Manor and Garden, which is located between Chipping Campden and the Sudeley Castle. This 16th-century manor house looks like an idealized Cotswolds mansion with historic furnishings and brilliant lush gardens, located in the charming little village.

Chedworth Roman Villa

Northwest of Bibury are the remains of the ancient Chedworth Roman Villa, one of the largest Roman villa ruins discovered in the UK, which features incredible and well-preserved ancient mosaics.

Sudeley Castle

In the western Cotswolds (north of the Roman Villa), you might consider visiting the 15th century Sudeley Castle. This castle features beautiful rustic exteriors and stunning lush gardens.