Villages that seem to have been lost in time, cottages right out of a fairy tale and beautiful countryside thats what the mention of Cotswolds bring to mind. The Cotswolds a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) spanning across five counties is famous for its rolling hills, winding rivers, and honey colored limestone villages. One could spend a week just wandering: castles worth the detour, footpaths that wind past rivers, pubs where the fire’s always going. Based on several tips I have made over the past few years a good sample of what The Cotswolds has to offer could be found in the villages of handful of villages of Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe, Stow-on-the-Wold, Burford, Chipping Campden, Lower Slaughter, each with it’s own unique charm, from Bibury’s postcard cottages to Bourton’s little bridges over the Windrush.
Described as the “most beautiful village in England,” Bibury is the embodiment of the old world Charm that is The Cotswolds. The village’s main attraction is Arlington Row, a stunning line of weavers’ cottages built in the 17th century from the local stone, which is so iconic that its image has even been printed inside British passports . The River Coln flows gently through Bibury, creating a peaceful, postcard-perfect setting . Visitors can also explore the historic Bibury Trout Farm, one of the oldest in England, to learn about the lifecycle of a trout and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. There are many cafes to sit back and relax after taking in the sights.
Just a short distance away is Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for the picturesque low stone bridges that span the shallow River Windrush as it runs through the village centre . The riverside is a hub of activity, where both ducks and visitors enjoy the tranquil, willow-shaded banks . While its undeniable beauty draws crowds, the village offers unique attractions, including a fascinating one-ninth scale replica of the village itself, the Model Village, which is a must-see marvel of craftsmanship . For many, the village’s popularity is a double-edged sword, as its charm has made it a victim of its own success, leading to significant over-tourism, particularly on summer weekends
For a different kind of wildlife experience, the Cotswolds is also home to top-tier zoos and animal attractions. The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, set in 160 acres of parkland, has been voted the UK’s best zoo . Home to over 260 species, including giraffes, white rhinos, and penguins, the park is celebrated for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures that allow visitors to feel close to the animals . Highlights include unforgettable animal encounters, like feeding the giraffes, all at an affordable price that makes for a great family day out . For a more specialized visit, Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water offers a chance to see a diverse collection of exotic birds, including penguins and birds of prey
Having visited different villages in the Cotswolds over the past few years, I’ve found that each visit brings a new perspective on this beautiful corner of England. Every village has its own unique, quaint charm, and while it will take me a while to cover the entire area, that’s something worth waiting for—and worth keeping on doing.
The Open Roads 