Visiting the Cotswolds: The Villages Worth Visiting (and a Few to Skip)

The Cotswolds have been on my travel bucket list for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure how they ended up there, but anytime I'd see a photo of the area, I'd immediately clock it and would be like "of course that's the Cotswolds!" making a mental note to get there sooner rather than later. Rolling hills, honey-colored stone cottages, and charming villages, it all just felt like something out of a storybook. When we finally planned a trip, I knew I wanted more than just a day trip from London. We decided to spend three nights exploring the Cotswolds by renting a car, and I'm so glad that we did. It gave us the opportunity to explore and take it all in on our own timeline.
If you've been dreaming of an English countryside getaway, here's everything you need to know about visiting the Cotswolds, from renting a car to which villages are worth adding to your itinerary {and which ones you can probably skip!}. 

Visiting the Cotswolds: The Villages Worth Visiting {and a Few to Skip}

Getting to the Cotswolds

Most visitors to the UK fly into London, and while you could technically rent a car directly from the city, I wouldn't recommend it. Driving in central London is not for the faint of heart! Between the congestion charges, narrow streets, and confusing roundabouts, it's more stress than it's worth.
It is, however, worth it to spend a few days in London exploring before heading out to the countryside. We took a train from London to Oxford and that is where we rented a car. The train ride is quick {about an hour from Paddington Station}, and Oxford makes an ideal spot to pick up a rental car. Car rental options are plentiful, and you'll avoid the headache of London traffic. Plus, Oxford is a pretty cool place to explore. I really enjoyed it far more than I thought I would. Then, from Oxford, it's just under an hour's drive into the heart of the Cotswolds.

Why Rent a Car in the Cotswolds

Start here: What to Know About Driving in the UK

The Cotswolds cover nearly 800 square miles! When people hear about the Cotswolds, they sometimes think that it's a town {it's not!}, it's a region, and a large region at that! While buses and guided tours exist, they limit where you can go and how long you can stay. A car gives you the freedom to explore smaller, lesser-known villages, and to move at your own pace. 
We met some lovely women on holiday at breakfast one morning and they had some friends staying in a nearby village. It was nearly impossible for them to all meet up because there just isn't a need for taxis or Ubers, and any driver you find is likely a resident of the town and a number you got from so and so! I mean, honestly, that's how we connected them to a driver they used. Our Airbnb host had a list of what was essentially her friends and their personal phone numbers and they'd give rides around the area. 
Remember, the reason you are coming to the Cotswolds is because of the charm and small English village feel. That trickles all the way down to some of those everyday conveniences we might be used to not being quite as available.
Parking in some villages can be tricky, but most have designated car parks just outside the main areas. We found free parking in all but one area. There may be some places you will need coins for parking meters, so carry a few, but most are moving to app-based systems, making payment easier.
Pro tip: Speaking of bringing change, many of the public restrooms in the area have a fee. The ones we found were all app based, so make sure you have Apple Pay downloaded on your phone to make things easier!

Where we Stayed

We based ourselves in Bourton on the Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" thanks to the River Windrush running through the center of town. It turned out to be the perfect choice since it's centrally located and made day trips to surrounding villages easy.
It was also a big enough village that it had several restaurants and bakeries as well as a few shops making it easy to settle in and walk to all the things that we needed in the area. 
I went back and forth on the decision to stay in Bourton on the Water. It does get quick a lot of foot traffic during the day as it's a popular day trip destination, but since we were exploring other areas during the day, the times we were in the village in the morning and early evening, it felt like we had it all to ourselves! It really made for the perfect home base!
We rented a room in the Halford House and it really was delightful. As soon as we arrived in town we'd park our car in the gated lot and were able to walk easily anywhere downtown. The Halford House was right on the edge of town and it made for an exceptional home base for our stay. It was cozy and warm and had a beautiful outdoor seating area as well. 
I'd also recommend looking into staying in Stow on the Wold. For many of the same reasons that we choose Bourton on the Water, Stow would make a good home base for you to explore the Cotswolds.

The Villages we Visited and How we Rated Them

Here’s the rundown of the villages we visited during our three days in the Cotswolds, complete with my honest ratings. I know we didn't see all of the popular spots, but these are the ones that I have personal experience with and can honestly tell you my thoughts on. There are plenty more places to explore, so feel free to do your own "research". 

Bourton on the Water – 10/10

This is hands-down one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds. It’s not just pretty—it’s lively, too. We loved wandering along the river, popping into bakeries, and even visiting a few quirky museums {don't miss the Model Village!} . There are plenty of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to base yourself. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.

Highlight: Eating farm to table breakfast every morning at Bakery on the Water. If it's nice outside, don't miss the back garden seating area!

Stow on the Wold – 10/10

Just a short drive from Bourton, Stow on the Wold is a must-see. It’s known for its antiques shops and picture-perfect market square. The highlight for me was the iconic church with its medieval doors framed by ancient yew trees. I can see how Tolkien was inspired by them. Everything is very walkable, and it would make another excellent home base if you’re planning a longer stay.

Highlight: The antique shops and home stores were my favorite in this town. Make sure you come early, otherwise the streets and shops get quite busy!

Chadlington – 8/10

If you’re a fan of the show Clarkson’s Farm, Chadlington will already be on your radar. We stopped at Diddly Squat Farm Shop, which was a fun experience, but be prepared for long lines and limited space. If you don’t watch the show, this one probably won’t mean much to you. Still, it’s a quirky stop if you’re nearby.

Highlight: Pick up the Millionaire's Shortbread at the counter if it's there. It was a delicious treat!

Chipping Norton – 7/10

Chipping Norton is one of the larger towns in the Cotswolds. It felt less like a quaint village and more like a bustling market town. It has theaters, libraries, restaurants, and plenty of shops. We found it a bit crowded, and while it’s worth a quick stop, I wouldn’t prioritize it if your time is limited.

Highlight: On the outskirts of town there is an antique shop called Station Mill that is worth the wander. It's quite expensive, but it is fun to look around.

Moreton in Marsh – 10/10

Technically, Moreton in Marsh is a market town, but it earns a perfect score because of one nearby gem: Daylesford Organic Farm. Visiting Daylesford felt like stepping into the most aesthetic farm shop I’ve ever seen. Imagine Joanna Gaines teaming up with Erewhon to create the ultimate adult playground of food, flowers, and home goods. You could easily spend half a day here. 

Highlight: Take some time to enjoy a snack or lunch at the Michelin Green Star restaurant. You could easily spend the day eating your way through this aesthetic compound.

Pro tip: If you have an Airbnb with a kitchen or want to grab a picnic lunch, this would be a great place to get the supplies!

Bibury – 3/10

If you’ve done any research on the Cotswolds, Bibury probably pops up on every “must-see” list. But honestly? It was the most overrated stop of our trip. Aside from Arlington Row—the row of cottages featured in British passports—there wasn’t much to see. I honestly kept walking around thinking there was more to the town that I must have been missing. There wasn't. The village was overcrowded, smelled unpleasant {a combination of manure and sewer}, and parking was a nightmare {and cost us around $15 for about an hour of parking!}. 

You know that photo of the water with the relaxing looking lawn chairs? Well, those are part of the Swan Hotel and unless you are a guest, you aren't going to get a chance to lounge in them. No wonder there are never any people in them in photos! 

Unless you’re a die-hard fan of checking off “famous” places, I’d skip this one. I left with a headache and disappointment.

Highlight: The church and the church grounds were lovely to walk around.

Burford – 9/10

Burford is often called the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” and it’s easy to see why it’s popular. The village slopes down to the River Windrush, and the main street is lined with shops, pubs, and historic buildings. There's free parking in the Guildenford lot with plenty of pace. We loved visiting the church and browsing the shops. If the town museum Burford Tolsey is open, don’t miss it. It’s small but packed with local history and probably staffed with a local who is more than happy to answer any questions about the town and the area.

Highlight: Don't miss Manfred Schotten Antique shop. Not only do they have some pretty incredible pieces, the history and architecture of the store alone is worth the visit. Don't miss wandering down to the basement! It's basically a free tour of a historic home! 

Lower Slaughter – 9/10

Don’t let the unfortunate name fool you! This was one of the most beautiful villages we visited. Located just a mile from Bourton on the Water, Lower Slaughter is quiet and peaceful, with a charming river running through it. It reminded me of Bourton but with fewer shops and fewer crowds. If you’re looking for a serene spot, this is it. There is a beautiful inn here called The Slaughters Country Inn. I was curious so I walked inside, and it felt very pretentious and not very welcoming. The reviews of people who stay here say otherwise, but it's worth noting.

Highlight: Wander the town and enjoy the tranquility.

Upper Slaughter – 5/10

Just up the road from Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter felt like the classic English countryside. It’s quaint, but there’s not much happening here. It’s worth a quick drive-through, especially if you’re already nearby, but I wouldn’t make a special trip.

Highlight: There is a trail that connects Upper and Lower Slaughter to Bourton on the Water. While we didn't walk it fully, the trails that we did walk were lovely, and it would be worth putting on your list of things to do!

Villages to Prioritize

If you only have a couple of days in the Cotswolds, I recommend focusing on these villages:

• Bourton on the Water – lively, central, and full of charm

• Stow on the Wold – historic and picturesque

• Moreton in Marsh/Daylesford Organic Farm – the ultimate lifestyle stop

• Burford – historic, walkable, and beautiful

• Lower Slaughter – peaceful and underrated

Villages to Skip

Save yourself some time and frustration by skipping:

• Bibury – overcrowded and overrated

• Upper Slaughter – pretty but not much going on

Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds

• Plan your days geographically. Distances between villages can be short, but winding roads and narrow lanes mean travel takes longer than you think. You won't want to backtrack, so plan accordingly.

• Get an early start. Popular villages fill up quickly with tour buses. Arriving early in the morning {or later in the evening} helps you experience them with fewer crowds.

• Stay in one central location. Moving accommodations every night can eat into your time. Bourton or Stow make great bases.

• Pack comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestones and uneven paths.

• Be ready for English weather. Layers and a waterproof jacket are your best friends.

The Cotswolds truly live up to their storybook reputation. Between the stone cottages, cozy tea shops, and rolling countryside, it’s everything you’d expect and more. Renting a car gave us the freedom to see both popular villages and hidden gems, and spending three nights gave us time to slow down and savor it all.

Would I go back? Absolutely. There's so much area to see, so use your time wisely! 

If the Cotswolds are on your bucket list, start planning, you won't regret it! I  know we only just scratched the surface!

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