Getting There: From London To The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is wonderfully accessible from London, which makes it an ideal countryside add‑on to a city break.  We took a direct train from London Paddington to Moreton‑in‑Marsh, a journey of around 1 hour 20 minutes. It is an easy, relaxing way to transition from city buzz to countryside calm: one minute you are gliding past London rooftops, the next you are watching fields, stone walls and grazing sheep slip by.

From Moreton‑in‑Marsh, I highly recommend renting a car. The villages are scattered through beautiful countryside, and each one is far too pretty to miss. Taxis are available, but they can be expensive and quite limiting if you want the freedom to explore spontaneously. With a car, you can wander at your own pace, detour down winding lanes and stop whenever a view or village catches your eye.

Our Base: Lower Slaughter

We based ourselves in Lower Slaughter, which turned out to be a perfect choice. This tiny, picture‑perfect village sits along a gentle river, with honey‑stone cottages, a historic watermill and peaceful walking paths. It feels wonderfully quiet and unspoilt, especially in the early morning and evening when the day visitors have gone.  Our base was The Slaughters Country Inn in Lower Slaughter, a hotel I can highly recommend.

Think: 

Characterful rooms with classic Cotswold charm.

Cosy lounges and a welcoming bar.

A lovely riverside garden where you can sit with a drink and watch the world (and the ducks) drift by.

From here, we could easily reach other villages on foot, which was a real highlight of the trip with my son. 

About 30 minutes’ walk to Bourton‑on‑the‑Water and to Upper Slaughter.  Those gentle walks along lanes and fields, chatting and stopping to take photos, are some of my favourite memories of the trip.

The Central Cotswolds: A Perfect First‑Time Base

The Central Cotswolds is one of the most convenient places to stay if it is your first time visiting the region. While it is not an official geographic term, it is often used to describe the cluster of villages around Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Burford and the surrounding countryside.

Because these places sit right in the middle of the Cotswolds, they make an excellent base for exploring nearby towns and scenic villages in every direction.

Bourton‑on‑the‑Water

Bourton‑on‑the‑Water is one of the most famous spots in the region and is often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to the small arched bridges that cross the River Windrush through the centre of the village.  With clear, shallow water, green village greens and pretty stone cottages lining the river, it has a wonderfully relaxed holiday feel.

You will find:

Cafés and tea rooms for cream teas and cakes, ice cream shops that are very popular with families, traditional pubs and little independent shops. It is an easy place to spend a few hours simply wandering, paddling in the river on warm days and people‑watching from a sunny bench. We absolutely loved our time here.

Upper & Lower Slaughter

Upper and Lower Slaughter are just a short drive (or pleasant walk) apart, and both are incredibly picturesque.  Expect honey‑coloured stone cottages with climbing roses, quiet walking paths along the river,  a feeling of real peace and timelessness.  Compared to Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, the Slaughters are much calmer and less commercial, which makes them perfect if you enjoy slower strolls and photography.

Burford:

Another highlight in this part of the region is Burford, a historic market town with a steep high street lined with traditional tearooms, cosy pubs and independent shops. As you walk up or down the hill, you get beautiful views of the rooftops and surrounding countryside.  All in all, staying in the Central Cotswolds means you are within easy reach of several well‑known villages and attractions. It is a fantastic base if you are planning to explore the area by car, which is exactly what I recommend.

The Northern Cotswolds: Storybook Villages & Classic Views

The Northern Cotswolds is what many people imagine when they think of this part of England. It is packed with postcard‑perfect villages and market towns, some of the most famous in the region, including Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton‑in‑Marsh and Stow‑on‑the‑Wold.

Broadway: One of England’s Prettiest Villages

Often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, Broadway has an immediately recognisable look. Its wide main street is lined with beautifully preserved stone cottages, boutique shops, art galleries and inviting tea rooms. There is a gentle, almost timeless feel here, especially early in the morning or towards evening when the light softens and the village glows a deeper gold.

A real highlight is the walk up to Broadway Tower, a striking folly sitting atop one of the highest points in the Cotswolds. From the top, you are rewarded with sweeping views of the rolling countryside, patchwork fields and distant villages. It is the kind of view that makes you pause, breathe a little deeper and feel very grateful to be there.

Chipping Campden: Historic High Street Charm

Just a short drive away, Chipping Campden is another gem in the Northern Cotswolds. It is known for its particularly beautiful high street, a graceful curve of honey‑stone buildings that showcase centuries of history.

In the centre stands the historic market hall, dating back to the 17th century, complete with its worn stone floor and open arches. It is easy to imagine traders sheltering here from the weather hundreds of years ago. Today, the town has a lovely mix of traditional pubs, independent shops and cosy cafés, making it a delightful place to linger.

Moreton‑in‑Marsh: Hub of the North

Moreton‑in‑Marsh is slightly larger and acts as an important hub in the northern part of the Cotswolds. With its weekly market, traditional high street and handsome Georgian buildings, it has plenty of character in its own right.  Crucially, Moreton‑in‑Marsh also offers good transport connections, including a direct train line to London, which makes it a very practical base. From here, you can explore nearby villages by car or public transport, and it is also a smart choice if you are planning day trips to Stratford‑upon‑Avon (Shakespeare’s birthplace) or the historic university city of Oxford.

The Southern Cotswolds: Quiet Lanes, Big Skies & Storybook Streets

If the northern Cotswolds are all about famous villages and bustling honey‑stone high streets, the Southern Cotswolds offer something a little different: more space, more sky and a quieter, gentler pace. You still get everything that makes this region so beloved, from classic Cotswold stone cottages to rolling green hills, but with fewer crowds and plenty of room to breathe.

This part of the Cotswolds centres around Cirencester, Bibury and Tetbury, along with the scenic Stroud Valleys and parts of north Wiltshire, with lots of countryside and farmland in between. It is ideal if you love the idea of pottering through pretty towns, then escaping quickly into open fields and riverside paths.

Cirencester: Market Town With Roman Roots

Often considered the main hub of the Southern Cotswolds, Cirencester is one of the largest and liveliest market towns in the region. It is a wonderful base if you like a bit of energy and choice on your doorstep. 

The town centre is full of: 

Independent shops selling everything from local crafts to stylish homeware

Characterful cafés and tearooms tucked into historic buildings

Traditional pubs and bistros perfect for lazy lunches or cosy dinners

Look a little closer and you will discover Cirencester’s Roman roots. Once Cirencester offers a lovely balance: historic charm, good facilities and easy access to the quieter villages and countryside all around.

Bibury: One of England’s Most Photographed Streets

A short drive from Cirencester brings you to Bibury, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in England. It is small, but it makes a big impression.  The star of the show is Arlington Row, a line of medieval stone cottages that curve gently along a narrow lane. With steep roofs, uneven chimneys and a backdrop of lush greenery, it genuinely looks like something from a painting or period drama. It is no surprise that this is often said to be one of the most photographed streets in England.

Beyond Arlington Row, Bibury is surrounded by:

Peaceful riverside paths

Meadows perfect for leisurely walks

Quiet corners where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere

Nearby, the wider countryside offers endless opportunities for walking and cycling, linking Bibury with other tiny hamlets and hidden valleys.

Lakes, Nature & A Different Side To The Cotswolds

One of the more unexpected features of the Southern Cotswolds is the Cotswold Water Park, a large area of lakes, wetlands and nature reserves not far from Cirencester and Bibury. It adds a completely different dimension to a Cotswolds escape.

Here you can:

Stroll along lakeside trails and birdwatch in peaceful hides

Enjoy picnics by the water’s edge

Try water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking or even a gentle swim when the weather is kind

It is a lovely place for families, couples and anyone who enjoys being near water, and it contrasts beautifully with the stone villages and hilltop views that the region is otherwise known for.

Whether you are dreaming of lazy pub lunches and village strolls, or days spent tracing Roman history, wandering past storybook cottages and paddling in clear streams, the Cotswolds has a way of slowing everything down and filling your days with simple, memorable moments. From the lively market towns to the quietest country lanes, it is a region that rewards unhurried exploration and invites you to linger just a little longer. If the idea of golden stone villages, rolling hills and cosy evenings by the fire appeals to you, the Cotswolds might just be your perfect next escape.