Your guide to the best villages in the Cotswolds

Consider this your need-to-know guide to the best of the villages in the Cotswolds – the ones that you definitely don’t want to miss during your visit to the area.

It’s everything you would expect from a traditional English village; a history dating back to the Iron Age, traditional pubs, independent stores, cafés and picture-perfect Cotswold stone. It’s as pretty as a postcard and an idyllic place to spend an afternoon.

If the village’s quaint aesthetic isn’t enough to impress on its own, its location means you’re also in the heart of the Cotswolds - your gateway to many wonderful countryside walks.

Why not make this your lunch stop? The village is home to The Great Western Arms, which is well worth visiting to sample the highly-rated fish and chips. Or, it’s worth taking a pit-stop at nearby Blockley Café after exploring the village – expect the best local produce expertly showcased through the café’s seasonal menu.

Home to an array of attractions, most notable the Cotswolds Motor Museum. With its impressive collection of classic cars and motoring memorabilia, visitors can also find Brum, the cheeky yellow Austin 7 from the eponymous BBC show.

It’s also home to the only grade II listed model village in the country, which is much more impressive than its size will lead you to believe. It’s an accurate, one-ninth-scale model of the village made of real local stone – there’s even a model village within the model village!

If its museums and model villages don’t quite pique your interest, surely a stroll along its riverside with an ice cream or coffee from one of the local cafés is sure to delight.

A village as replete with history than any other in the Cotswolds, careful effort has been made to preserve its character. As such, no new houses have been built in Castle Combe since the 1600s which has made it a popular choice for film and TV productions, and you’ve likely seen it in Downton Abbey and Poirot.

One pub serves the village, The Mount, which, if you visit, should start with a pint of the locally brewed Donnington Ale and follow with a seat overlooking its spectacular views of the Malvern Hills.

Close to many great hiking paths, Stanton is a popular pit stop for walkers. A particular highlight for those visiting in the spring is the Blossom Trail, tucked down in the Evesham Valley. It's worth getting some sturdy footwear and weatherproof outdoor wear before setting off on an adventure.

In Lower Slaughter, you can visit The Old Mill Museum – a water mill on the banks of the River Eye, which has an adorable craft shop. Then walk along the Warden’s Way, up to Upper Slaughter to tour the picturesque Manor.

To make the most of your time in the area, read our guide to Oxford, which neighbours the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Alternatively, you can browse our other regional guides here.