Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds

Stretching across the counties of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, and Somerset, the Cotswolds is ideal for a weekend getaway in the UK. Home to numerous country retreats, it offers plenty of space amid rolling hills and picturesque villages filled with delightful antique shops and cheese stores. Here, we outline our favorite spots to visit and the best things to do in the Cotswolds.

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How Many Days Are Enough for the Cotswolds?

While many visitors enjoy a fulfilling weekend in the Cotswolds, we recommend allocating at least three days to fully appreciate this beautiful corner of England. Spending additional time allows you to explore more villages, enrich your itinerary, and savor longer moments in cozy pubs and delightful restaurants.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Cotswolds?

Peak summer is the busiest season for tourism, with long days and warm weather perfect for walking paths and enjoying outdoor beer gardens. Spring is splendid for witnessing vibrant flora and fauna, while autumn’s falling leaves create a stunning golden landscape. Winter, too, has its charm, as these enchanting places under a blanket of snow provide a fairytale atmosphere.

1. Walk the Cotswold Way

The Cotswold Way is a National Trail that begins in Chipping Campden and meanders for 100 miles to Bath. It caters to walkers of all levels; whether you choose to tackle the entire trail over several days or break it up into weekend hikes, you will find an abundance of breathtaking views and delightful spots to eat. The official guide divides the route into 15 sections, including a six-mile trail from Chipping Campden to Broadway at the start of the Cotswold Way and a nine-mile trek from Birdlip to Painswick. This segment traverses beech woodlands and Copper’s Hill, the site of the famous Cotswolds cheese-rolling competition held each May. You can select a section to hike or undertake the full path over seven to ten days.

2. Visit the prettiest villages

Picturesque towns and villages dot the 787 square miles of the Cotswolds, where honey-colored stone buildings nestle into rolling hills, surrounded by quaint rivers and historic town squares. Exploring these charming locales is a delightful way to spend a day in this scenic region. Begin in Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” where 18th-century bridges gracefully span the River Windrush. Or visit Castle Combe, a 16th-century hamlet with cinematic charm, featured in period dramas like Bridgerton. Lower Slaughter enchants with its picturesque mill and small waterways, while Painswick offers beautiful walking trails and hosts an annual arts festival, making the Cotswolds a perfect destination for history, nature, and culture lovers.

3. See film and TV sets in real life

Wandering through the Cotswolds, even as a first-time visitor, you’ll come across familiar scenes that have graced both the big and small screens. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has served as the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, from fantasy favorites like Harry Potter (with Gloucester Cathedral doubling as Hogwarts in several films) and Stardust (shot in Castle Combe), to period dramas such as Bridgerton (where Badminton House represents Clyvedon Castle, home to Daphne and Simon after their marriage in season 1). The Cotswolds’ timeless charm and cinematic landscapes make it a must-visit destination for movie buffs and nature lovers alike.

4. Cosy up at the pub

Is there anything more quintessentially English than a country pub? The Cotswolds excels in offering charming British pubs that perfectly capture the essence of local culture. When the weather turns chilly, there’s no better place to cozy up next to a roaring fire with a pint of locally brewed ale.

The Bell at Langford presents a stylish reimagining of a traditional pub, featuring striking blue walls and classic flagstone flooring that create a welcoming atmosphere. For a more upscale experience, head to The Wild Rabbit at Kingham, a quintessentially posh pub known for its elevated menu that showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, The Porch House at Stow-on-the-Wold is renowned for its exceptional Sunday roast, making it the perfect spot to indulge in classic British comfort food. Exploring the Cotswolds’ pubs offers a delightful taste of English hospitality and culinary tradition.

5. Peek inside a country pile

During the 13th and 14th centuries, the Cotswolds flourished thanks to the lucrative wool trade, leading to the construction of impressive manors, churches, and palaces that still stand today. Many of these historical sites are now open to the public or have been transformed into luxurious hotels, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Berkeley Castle, built in the 12th century, is a stunning example of a Norman fortress complete with an enclosing wall, while Stanway Castle boasts a charming Jacobean manor house and a beautifully maintained garden. However, the true showstopper is Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only non-royal country house in England designated as a palace. This magnificent estate was both the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. Exploring these grand structures allows visitors to connect with the Cotswolds’ storied past and admire its architectural beauty.

6. Go antique shopping

The Cotswolds is well loved for shopping – for organic produce, homewares and antiques. At Blighty Antiques in Twigworth, where you’ll discover quirky country house pieces from beautiful mirrors and furniture to lighting. Tetbury is dotted with antique stores – Amy Perry Antiques has hand-dyed linens, glass vases and distressed chests of drawers, while Lorfords Antiques is a blow-the-budget showroom.

7. Relax at a world-class spa

It makes sense that the Cotswolds – with its beautiful views and serene, slower pace of life – is home to a smattering of smart spas. At Thyme, a village-like hotel, the Meadow Spa has a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool and a curated list of probiotic treatments in partnership with Aurelia London. Calcot Spa, meanwhile, offers Elemis facials, massages and reflexology.

8. Go to a festival

All that green, open space is ripe for the picking when it comes to festival season. There are splashy music festivals such as Wilderness to bag tickets to (the 2024 line up is yet to be announced). Food and drink festivals include the Cotswold Beer Festival and The Big Feastival (where globally renowned chefs such as James Cochran and Clare Smyth can often be spotted wandering the grounds). And there are more niche festivals to get stuck into, too – Barn on the Farm spotlights folk music, for example.

9. Go on a hot air balloon

One of the most enticing things to do when visiting the Cotswolds is soaking up the region’s glorious vistas by hiking across rolling hills and sweeping valleys. The best way to get the lay of the land? From above – by way of a hot air balloon. Wake up early to catch the sunrise as you rise above the towns and villages, and golden light bathes the patchwork of lush green fields and gorgeous Cotswolds stone buildings. Virgin Balloons offer flights from various locations, including Evesham, Shipston-on-Stour, Evesham, Tewkesbury and Prestbury, taking guests on tours across some of the Cotswolds’ most iconic villages.