Where To Stay In The Cotswolds: Best Areas, Hotels & Airbnbs

Deciding where to stay in the Cotswolds? This guide is our personal take on each of the main areas, including what they’re like and the type of experience you can expect from staying there.

By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: August 30, 2026

We’ve spent a lot of time in the Cotswolds – in fact, more than we ever intended to. We were living there when Covid hit, so we suddenly found ourselves stuck in the countryside during lockdown.

The upside was that we got to know the Cotswolds pretty well. Even since then, being based in west London, we often head back whenever we feel like escaping the city.

What we love most is how varied it is. There’s the rolling green countryside and charming golden-stone villages you’d expect, but there’s also some fantastic hiking, a food scene worth travelling for and plenty of excellent places to stay.

In this guide, we cover the main areas of the Cotswolds, what each one is like and why you might like to stay there. For more inspiration, read our guide to our favourite Things to Do in The Cotswolds.

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Layout of the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a protected landscape covering around 790 square miles (2,038 km²). It’s the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, though it is now generally referred to as the Cotswolds National Landscape.

The boundaries stretch roughly from Bath in the south to Broadway and Chipping Campden in the north. Oxford is just beyond its eastern edge, and Cheltenham is the western boundary.

Map: Cotswolds Regions

The central and northern Cotswolds have classic honey-stone village scenery; the west is hillier and more rural, while the south and east combine English countryside with cities such as Bath and Oxford.

This is important for choosing where to stay in the Cotswolds because the different areas feel quite different. The map we put together below gives you an overview of the layout of the Cotswolds.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

Central Cotswolds

The Central Cotswolds is where you’ll find the greatest concentration of the classic villages you probably picture when you think of the Cotswolds. If you want honey-coloured cottages, old stone pubs, village greens and pretty country lanes, this is the best area to stay.

Some of the best-known places are close together, so you can explore without a long drive, then return to a village pub for the evening.

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the classic Cotswolds villages, with the River Windrush running through the centre and a series of low stone bridges connecting either side.

Honey-coloured stone house beside the River Windrush in Bourton-on-the-Water, with ducks on the water and a traditional street lamp in front. — Bourton-on-the-Water

Historic stone cottages at Arlington Row in Bibury, surrounded by trees and wildflowers in the Cotswolds. — Bourton-on-the-Water

Bibury is another classic in the area. It has Arlington Row, a line of 17th-century cottages that are the quintessential Cotswolds image. The image above is Arlington Row.

Stow-on-the-Wold is a larger market town with antique shops, independent stores and plenty of places to eat. Upper and Lower Slaughter are two quaint, tiny villages we suggest everyone visit.

This is the area we’d recommend for first-time visitors to the Cotswolds. We cover these places in more detail in our guide to the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

Old Cottages either side of a small reflective river — Lower Slaughter

Central Cotswolds Hotel Recommendations

Wheatsheaf Inn (£) Warm, friendly country-style inn located in Northleach with traditional touches and stylish modern finishings. The restaurant is a hit with customers.

The Old New Inn (£) Beautifully decorated historic inn in Bourton-on-the-Water, which is a great location for exploring the Cotswolds. They do a top-notch breakfast.

Lords of the Manor (£££) Elegant manor house in the idyllic village of Upper Slaughter, with grand interiors, helpful staff and a quirky traditional style.

Central Cotswolds Airbnbs

Stylish Cotswold Retreat with Dog-Friendly Garden (★ 4.93) One-bedroom stone cottage for two in Northleach with a log burner, garden and parking.

Peter House (★ 4.93) Spacious 19th-century Cotswold stone cottage in the centre of Northleach, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an enclosed garden. Sleeps 8 people.

Medieval wooden doorway at St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold, framed by ancient yew trees. — St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold

Honey-coloured stone façade of The Old Stocks Inn restaurant and bar in Stow-on-the-Wold. — St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold

Southern Cotswolds

The Southern Cotswolds is the best area if you want to combine the atmosphere of the countryside with the convenience of a city.

Bath is at one end, and there are some pretty villages just near it, so you get a much broader mix than in the more rural parts of the Cotswolds.

Bath is a refined and historic city that we really love. It has grand Georgian architecture, Roman history, excellent restaurants and a thriving independent coffee scene. It’s a great base if you want plenty to do in the evenings and easy access to the countryside during the day.

We cover it in more detail in our guide to the Best Things to Do in Bath.

Skyline of Bath, UK across the river through the trees — Bath

Castle Combe is a short drive from Bath and another charming little village. Tucked into a wooded valley, it has honey-coloured cottages, an old market cross and traditional country pubs. Staying around Castle Combe is a very quiet Cotswolds stay, ideal for a detox.

We think this is a good area if you don’t want your entire trip to revolve around village-hopping.

You can spend a day exploring Bath, and another walking through the countryside, while still having some of the most attractive villages within easy reach.

Georgian townhouses overlooking a wide green lawn surrounded by mature trees in Bath, England. — Bath

Southern Cotswolds Hotel Recommendations

Royal Crescent (£££) This is one of Bath’s most prestigious addresses, with a full spa, landscaped gardens and award-winning dining.

The King’s Arms (£) Smart and cosy country pub in Didmarton, surrounded by countryside. You’ll get original character with stylish modern updates.

Manor House (£££) Luxurious country-house stay in Castle Combe with elegant interiors, award-winning dining and the grounds are beautiful.

Southern Cotswolds Airbnbs

Stylish, Central Georgian Apartment (★ 4.98) Elegant two-bedroom Georgian apartment a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Bath, close to the Royal Crescent and The Circus. Sleeps 4 people.

Beautifully Restored Cotswold Cottage (★ 4.98) Characterful two-bedroom cottage in Castle Combe with a private walled garden, period details and the village on the doorstep. Sleeps 4 people.

Northern Cotswolds

We’d recommend the Northern Cotswolds if you want to combine classic Cotswolds towns with some of the best walking in the area.

As we love hiking, this is probably our favourite area on this list.

This part of the Cotswolds is on the western escarpment, where the high ground drops towards the Severn Valley. The scenery is much more open and dramatic, rather than cute rolling farmland.

Staying here lets you spend your days outdoors on long countryside walks before returning to somewhere with good pubs and restaurants in the evening.

Cotswold stone cottages and sculpted topiary gardens in Chipping Campden under a bright blue sky. — Chipping Camden

Broadway is one of the best bases in the north, with honey-coloured buildings, independent shops, galleries and excellent places to eat.

Nearby, Chipping Campden has a similar polished feel, with historic architecture, antique shops and a strong arts-and-crafts heritage. However, it is getting pretty busy these days so it might not be for everyone.

If walking is a big part of your trip, this is one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds. You get easy access to some of the area’s most scenic trails without giving up the atmosphere of the prettiest towns.

We’ve covered all our favourite Walks in The Cotswolds in this guide, which includes detailed instructions and maps you can use to track your progress.

Cotswold stone manor house surrounded by colourful landscaped gardens at Hidcote near Chipping Campden. — Hidcote near Chipping Campden

Broadway Tower standing on the Cotswold escarpment with countryside views stretching across the valley. — Hidcote near Chipping Campden

Northern Cotswolds Hotel Recommendations

Guiting Guest House (£) Warm, friendly guest house in the charming village of Guiting Power, with cosy country-style rooms, friendly hosts and a relaxed atmosphere.

Staddlestones Broadway (£) Well-equipped apartments in Broadway with kitchens, laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi, ideal for a self-catered stay in the Cotswolds.

Buckland Manor (££££) Luxurious country-house hotel near Broadway with individually designed rooms, beautiful grounds and a restaurant using locally sourced produce.

Northern Cotswolds Airbnbs

Luxury 16th Century Cottage (★ 5.0) Beautifully restored two-bedroom Cotswold stone cottage in Broadway, with historic character, stylish interiors and the village on the doorstep. Sleeps 4 people.

Chipping Campden Private House and Garden (★ 4.92) Spacious five-bedroom house a five-minute walk from Chipping Campden High Street, with a private garden, four bathrooms and parking for several cars. Sleeps 11 people.

Honey-coloured stone cottages and church tower overlooking a village green in Broadway, Cotswolds. — Broadway Village, Cotswolds

Eastern Cotswolds

The Eastern Cotswolds is the area for you if you’re looking for good food, excellent pubs, and some fantastic local producers.

Traditional pub lunches are still part of the experience, but here you’ll also find ambitious menus, excellent local produce, stylish farm shops and restaurants that make much more of what is grown nearby.

Kingham is one of the best bases for a foodie weekend. It’s a small village with several excellent places to eat. It’s not the prettiest village, but if you’re into food, this is a great base.

Traditional stone cottages overlooking a leafy village green with benches in Kingham, Cotswolds. — Kingham Village Green, Cotswolds

Just down the road, Daylesford Organic has become something of a Cotswolds institution, with a farm shop, café, restaurants and cookery school centred around produce from its organic farm.

There are a few other great things we love about the Eastern Cotswolds. Hook Norton Brewery has been brewing traditional ales since the 19th century, while the Cotswolds Distillery produces gin and single malt whisky using a contemporary approach.

Daylesford Organic farm shop building in the Cotswolds, with its name displayed across the large glass frontage. — Daylesford Organic farm shop

The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, a Cotswold stone pub covered in purple wisteria with a Union Jack outside. — Daylesford Organic farm shop

Eastern Cotswolds Hotel Recommendations

The Kingham Plough (£) Stylish rooms in a traditional Cotswolds pub in Kingham, with a relaxed atmosphere and an excellent reputation for food. This is our favourite pub food in the Cotswolds.

The Wild Rabbit (£££) Chic but relaxed country pub in Kingham, with beautifully designed interiors and a strong focus on seasonal, locally sourced food.

Thyme (££££) Beautiful country estate in Southrop set around a restored historic manor farm, with elegant rooms, extensive grounds and a strong focus on food and sustainability.

Eastern Cotswolds Airbnbs

Kingham – Heart of the Village (★ 4.97) Stylish three-bedroom stone cottage right in Kingham, with a garden, countryside views and two garages for parking. Sleeps 6 people.

Culls Cottage (★ 5.0) Beautifully restored 17th-century Cotswold stone cottage in Southrop, with three bedrooms, a large garden and an excellent village pub within walking distance. Sleeps 6 people.

Kingham, Cotswolds villages, England — Kingham

Oxford & Surrounds

Oxford and the surrounding area is a great base for combining grand architecture, historic estates, and some of the most impressive cultural sights in the region.

It’s also the closest area to London, which means it’s probably the busiest but also the most convenient for a lot of people.

If you haven’t been to Oxford before, staying here is a great way to experience the Cotswolds. You can spend the day exploring quadrangles, museums and historic libraries during the day, then enjoy the restaurants and pubs in the evening.

White tower with green roof above a stone building — Oxford

ornate chapel interior with an intricate rose stained glass window — Oxford

For your second day, you could head out to Blenheim Palace, the huge Baroque palace that was the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It’s surrounded by landscaped parkland and formal gardens, and it’s one of the most impressive country estates in England.

You won’t get the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, but this is a good choice for more than a purely rural Cotswolds experience.

You get historic architecture and culture in Oxford, combined with country walks, nearby stately homes, and traditional pubs.

For more on what to do, read our one-day Oxford itinerary or our guide to the best things to do in Oxford.

Traditional Falkland Arms pub sign hanging outside a honey-coloured stone building in Great Tew, Cotswolds. — The Falkland Arms, Great Tew

Oxford & Surrounds Hotel Recommendations

Falkland Arms (£) Rustic country pub in Great Tew with bags of character, a cosy traditional atmosphere and a menu of classic pub favourites.

Old Parsonage (£££) Stylish boutique hotel in Oxford with a chic country-house feel, combining warm, characterful interiors with a more luxurious finish.

The Galaxie (£) Friendly, family-run guesthouse in a leafy part of Oxford, with a hearty breakfast, free Wi-Fi and on-site parking.

Oxford & Surrounds Airbnbs

Cranham Cottage (★ 4.89) Refurbished two-bedroom Victorian house in Jericho, one of Oxford’s best areas for cafés, pubs and restaurants, with the city centre around a 15-minute walk away. Sleeps 4 people.

Plane Tree House (★ 4.96) Spacious 17th-century townhouse in the centre of Woodstock, just a couple of minutes from Blenheim Palace, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of space for families or groups. Sleeps 8 people.

Blenheim Palace viewed across its landscaped parkland in Oxfordshire, with a stone bridge and low evening light. — Blenheim Palace and Parkland

Western Cotswolds

The Western Cotswolds is the best area to stay if you want to combine elegant towns, independent culture and excellent countryside without being based in one of the classic tourist villages.

The landscape is noticeably different here. The Cotswold escarpment drops towards the Severn Valley, creating steep wooded hills and a series of attractive valleys around Painswick, Stroud and Cheltenham.

We love the walking here, and we’ve written about it in our multi-day Cotswolds Way hike.

Painswick is the prettiest of the three main centres, with narrow streets, handsome limestone houses and an impressive parish church. It has plenty of traditional Cotswolds character while being much quieter than villages like Bourton-on-the-Water.

Sculpted yew trees lining the path through St Mary’s churchyard in Painswick, with historic stone buildings beyond. — Mark in Painswick

Stroud has a more creative, independent feel and is known for its markets, independent shops, and arts scene, but, in our opinion, it lacks a bit of the Cotswolds magic.

For more polish, Cheltenham is an elegant Regency spa town with grand terraces, excellent restaurants and a busy cultural calendar. Its literature, jazz, science, and racing festivals make this one of the best parts of the Cotswolds if you want plenty to do during your stay.

This area is a good choice if you want the Cotswolds scenery but a more lived-in, less picture-postcard experience.

Golden Heart pub sign above a Cotswold stone street in Painswick, with countryside views beyond. — Golden Heart Inn, Painswick

Western Cotswolds Accommodation Recommendations

Bantam House (£££) Striking contemporary cabin on a Cotswolds farm near Cheltenham, combining the comfort of a luxury hotel suite with the privacy and character of a countryside retreat.

Cowley Manor Hotel (££) Contemporary country-house hotel in Cowley surrounded by 55 acres of parkland, with a full-service spa and outdoor pool.

No. 38 The Park (££) Stylish boutique hotel in a Georgian townhouse in Cheltenham, with beautifully designed interiors and friendly, attentive service.

Western Cotswolds Airbnbs

Cosy Cotswold Cottage in the Heart of Painswick (★ 4.94) Renovated two-bedroom stone cottage right in Painswick, with a wood burner, traditional features and pubs, restaurants and the Cotswold Way within easy walking distance. Sleeps 4 people.

Spring Cottage (★ 4.97) Cosy three-bedroom cottage below Rodborough Common near Stroud, with countryside views, a wood burner and excellent walking straight from the door. Sleeps 5 people.