Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds

Holiday Cottages in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region 95 miles 155 km from London in England. The four towns that touch it are Bath, Cheltenham, Cirenchester and Stroud, whilst Bristol, Swindon, Gloucester sit in surrounding regions. With nearly 30 small villages, known for their beauty, the remainder is rolling farmland, grasslands, woodlands and streams. This rustic area covers 800 square miles, that’s 2071 square km, and covers five different counties; Glouchester, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Some of the most beautiful villages are Burford, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold. In modern times the Cotswolds have become renowned for healthy relaxing retreats, beautiful bucolic scenery and cute cottages.

This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty seems so quintessentially English, with comical village names like Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Slaughter, Moreton-in-Marsh, Waterley Bottoms, North Piddle. The romantic names of Buckland and Little Buckland, Ravensroost Wood, Green Hill, Windrush and Upper Windrush, Clapton-on-the-Hill and Snows Hill just make me want to grab my back pack and walk from village to village. More on that later.

Bibury

Burford

Cotswolds Distillery - also in the north, near the village of Stourton, is the local distillery producing whiskey, gin and plenty more. Their project bringing biodiversity and conservation back to the wildflower meadows is just one reason to try the Wildflower Gin. The distillery is actively involved and in support of the Glorious Cotswold Grasslands project - the aim of which is ' to create the largest network of wildflower rich limestone grassland in the country.'

The Small House - Bourton-on-the-Water - Cheltenham - UK

This 17th Century listed building is a comfortable home offering 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with space for 6 guests. Featuring a stunning interior full of character and a private garden with fantastic views over the Windrush Valley. Located near the historic village of Bourton-on-the-Water, which dates back to Neolithic times with over 100 buildings being Grade II listed or higher. 4 miles to  Stow-on-the-Wold.

'It is a lovely well-equipped cottage with a beautiful garden. It is so cosy and welcoming it makes you feel at home immediately. Great Rissington is a wonderful place to stay. It has a friendly pub with excellent food, lots of places to walk the dog and so convenient for all the Cotswold's attractions.'

All Souls Cottage - Eastleach - Cirencester - UK

With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms this historic cottage sleeps guests. Enjoy the fireplace, gardens and private parking. Stroll in the grounds. Relax in the conservatory. This grade II listed property is just so charming and divine. The twelth Century church of St. Michael and St. Martin sits adjacent to the cottage, adding to its charm and appeal. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds AONB and 12 km or 8 miles to Bibury. Just 43 km or 27 miles to Oxford.

'Upon entering the cottage the only words we used for the first 10 minutes were ' wow, beautiful, so pretty, enchanting and tasteful,' then we saw the magnificent garden! Everything you could possibly need in the kitchen was provided, the beds were extremely comfortable and everywhere was lovely and warm. Even in January the garden was a joy to sit in with the snowdrops bursting through and the constant sound of bird song. We can only imagine how beautiful it will be in the spring and summer! the information sent to us before our visit was very useful and informative. Walking to the lovely quaint village through the churchyard beside the gentle river was extremely pleasant and rounded off with a fantastic pub meal. I cannot recommend the cottage and the location enough.'

Ivy Cottage - Chedworth - Cheltenham - UK

This sweet cottage has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and is ideal for couples. Enjoy the well-equipped haven just a stroll to cafes and pubs. Relax in front of the wood burner. This charming 19th century, stone-built cottage, with oak beams and inglenook fireplace, has been sensitively restored to a very good standard. Great for walkers as there are many public ways here. The Cotswolds towns of Winchcombe, Stow-on-the Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden are all close by. 10 km or 8 miles to Bibury.

'Ivy Cottage was definitely one of the nicest cottages I have ever stayed in. It was clean, cosy, warm, spacious, well-equipped and very comfortable. And the village is lovely too.'

Dove Cottage - Bisley- Cotswolds - UK

This 1 bedroom historic cottage with 1 bathroom is perfect for couples. Located in a hidden enchanting village of the Cotswolds, set in picturesque landscapes. An immaculate 4-star accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds. Step out onto the 'Cotswolds Way' walking trail.

'Perfect Cotswold retreat. Dove Cottage was cosy, comfortable and very well equipped. The hosts, Ness and Russ were friendly and helpful and the welcome hamper of local produce was a lovely touch. Everything we needed and more. We will definitely return.'

Mayfly Cottage - Coln St Aldwyns - Quenington - Gloucestershire - Cotswolds - UK

Set in the idyllic countryside of the Cotswolds, next to a trickling stream, this is a gorgeous romantic cottage. 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, ideal for 2 guests. Cook in the fully-kitted kitchen and relax in the garden. This beautifully restored 200-year-old barn still has the owl hole and exposed beams, having been beautifully restored. An exquisite stay with Cotswold charm.

'If you want a peaceful, comfortable time in a very pretty area, Mayfly Cottage is perfect. It is in the loveliest setting with the river almost at your doorstep surrounded by beautiful trees, birds and various animals both wild and domesticated. The hosts are a charming, relaxed and helpful couple, and nothing seemed a bother. The cottage is small but excellent for solo or a couple, I couldn't have wished for a nicer week.'

Ivy and Crown - Charlbury - Chipping Norton - UK

This 1 bedroom home with 1 bathroom is perfect for a couple, nestled in a quiet lane in the small town of Charlbury, this cottage has its own patio overlooking a garden full of blooms and is close to the Finstock and Evenlode Walk. Relax in style at this Chipping Norton luxury residence.

'Absolute perfection. Everything was just perfection. From the directions of how to find the property, the ease of check in, the lovely hosts, the grounds the cottage was on, the style of the interior, to the dreamy most comfortable bed, to the little treats they welcomed us with and the outdoor space to catch some rays. You will be in heaven here, the village itself is most charming too. Hope to be back again.'

Bursting with Bloom - Cirenchester - UK

Just or 9 km or 5.5 miles from Cirencester in the Cotswolds is this cosy character stone cottage. This historic home offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a private garden and 400 years of history. Relax at home or drive only 10 minutes to Bibury village, the choice is yours.

'Wonderful. We stayed here in mid November for my husband's 40th birthday, a lovely note was left along with a bottle of bubbly and cake and both were very quickly consumed! It was a lovely welcome and lovely way to start the weekend away. Location wise, brilliant, not far to drive to all the tourist spots, local pub is great and people very friendly. Parking is on the road but we never had an issue grabbing a spot. Cottage is beautiful, typical Costwolds look on the outside and so cosy on the inside, lovely little front patio, great kitchen with everything you need. We would 100% stay again and looking to book next year at some point.'

Cottage Charm - Morton-in-Marsh - Gloucester - UK

This historic home welcomes 4 guests in 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen. With charming features such as exposed beams and inglenook fireplace this authentic 17th Century cottage is dreamy. Just 9 km or 6 miles from Morton-in-Marsh train station.

'Beautiful cottage very close to Stow-on-the-Wold. Perfect for a family or a small group of friends. Great amenities and very clean spaces, would definitely go back.'

Grazier's Cottage - Ford - Cheltenham - UK

Built from honey-coloured stone 300 years ago in 1720, Grazier's Cottage is a traditional  charming, quintessential Cotswold cottage. Mullion windows, exposed beams, stone walls, flagstone floors, a vaulted ceiling, and a window seat are among the cottage’s preserved historical attributes. One of the most impressive features of the cottage is the massive inglenook fireplace. Located in the north of the Cotswolds, just 9 km or 6 miles from Broadway Tower. 12 km or 7 miles to Stow-on-the-Wold.

'Very clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. The facilities were perfect and had everything mentioned in the listing. A real home from home. Our host was very helpful and quick to reply, even giving us ideas for outings. The cottage is beautiful, We loved the history, decorations, and ambience. The off-street parking is a bonus. We thoroughly recommend staying in this lovely home.'

From London: Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour

Enjoy a full day exploring the best of the Cotswolds. Visit iconic villages, historical towns and the beautiful countryside. Free time to explore each location. Travel in an air-conditioned minibus along the country lanes. Learn from your knowledgeable local guide. 9.5 hours.

4.8 / 5 (3720 Reviews)

'This day trip was one of the best I’ve taken. Lovely villages straight out of fairytales and plenty of time to explore. But what made it extra-special was our guide. Humour, generosity and a great play list.'

From London: Cotswolds, Country Pub Lunch & Lavender Fields

Wandering among the picturesque, tranquil lavender fields of the Cotswolds. Visiting Snowshill, Broadway, Stanton and Stanway - avoiding the busier villages. Enjoying a delicious lunch with a drink included. Reaching corners of the English countryside the larger coaches can’t pass. Receiving personal attention from your guide on this small-group with a maximum of 16 people.

5 / 5 (1 Review)

Cotswolds: Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Local Guide

Visit local spots off the beaten path. Wander along gorgeous rambling paths. Visit the atmospheric ruins of a medieval manor and 700-year old pub. Learn about the Norman villages that you'll see firsthand. Villages include Burford, Minster Lovell, Asthal, Swinbrook. Meeting point in the Cotswolds. 6 hours.

5 / 5 (2 Reviews)

'Enjoyed a lovely 10 mile walk through pastoral and bucolic villages and fields. A little off the beaten path which gives one the opportunity to experience the Cotswold countryside. Guide was very knowledgeable and I would do it again! Not a hilly walk, so very doable.'

Fauna - whilst hiking along the Cotswolds Way you will be able to spot

Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes

Brown Hare - Lepus europaeus

Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris

Birds - keep an eye out for

Barn Owl - Tyto alba

Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris

Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla

Flora - in the meadows and on the verges you will see

Harebell - Campanula rotundifolia

Elderflower - Sambucus nigra

and perhaps a Sloe Wild Plum (good for sloe gin!) - Prunus spinosa

To arrive to the Cirencester in the centre of the Cotswolds

• Fly into London Heathrow Airport LHR
• Drive 130 km or 82 miles
• Or take the National Express coach from Victoria Coach Station at 164 Buckingham Palace Road, London, a journey of 2 hours and 25 minutes

To arrive at Moreton-in-Marsh in the north of the Cotswolds by train

• Take the Great Western Railway from Paddington Station, a journey of 1 hour and 40 minutes

Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.

By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.

I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!