Where to Stay in the Cotswolds, England: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to the Cotswolds and not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered!

This beautiful region of England is famous for its honey-colored stone villages, rolling green hills, and charming country pubs. But the Cotswolds are actually a large rural region rather than one single destination, so choosing the right base can make a big difference to your trip.

Some villages are perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the most famous spots, while others offer a quieter countryside escape. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best areas to stay in the Cotswolds and share our favorite hotel picks for every budget.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds isn’t a single town or village, but a large rural region that stretches across several counties in southern England. Because of that, where you stay can have a big impact on how easy your trip feels.

Choosing the best base usually comes down to how you plan to get around. Having a car is by far the easiest option, especially if you want to hop between villages and explore the countryside at your own pace. Many of the most picturesque spots are small and spread out, so driving makes it much easier to see multiple places in a day.

It is possible to visit the Cotswolds by train, and a handful of towns are connected by local bus routes. However, services become more limited once you move further into the countryside, and they can be particularly sparse on Sundays. We definitely recommend renting a car instead! 

For this guide, we’ve divided the region into the Northern, Central, and Southern Cotswolds. Each area has its own charm and makes a good base depending on your itinerary. Just keep in mind that popular inns and well-located hotels book up quickly, so it’s always best to reserve early.

• Central Cotswolds – Best for first-time visitors – This area sits right in the heart of the region and includes popular villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, and the Slaughters, making it a convenient base for exploring multiple Cotswold highlights. Chester House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming stay with cozy rooms and an excellent location just a short walk from the village center.

• Northern Cotswolds – Best for picture-perfect villages – Known for some of the region’s most iconic villages, including Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Stow-on-the-Wold. The Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh is a lovely mid-range option offering comfortable rooms and a traditional English inn atmosphere.

• Southern Cotswolds – Best for a slower-paced trip – Centered around Cirencester, Bibury, and Tetbury, the southern part of the region has a slightly quieter feel and includes scenic countryside as well as the lakes and walking trails of the Cotswold Water Park. De Vere Cotswold Water Park is a serene hotel overlooking the lakes, with spacious rooms and easy access to outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds

Central Cotswolds 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Excellent base for visiting several famous Cotswold villages
• Home to some of the region’s most popular sights

Cons

• Villages here can get busy during peak travel seasons
• Accommodation tends to book up quickly

The Central Cotswolds is one of the most convenient places to stay if it’s your first time visiting the region. While it isn’t an official geographic designation, the term 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!

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most famous spots here and is often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds” thanks to the small bridges that cross the River Windrush through the center of the village. We stayed here and absolutely loved it! 

Meanwhile, Upper and Lower Slaughter are just a short drive away, and these villages are both incredibly picturesque with honey-colored stone cottages and quiet walking paths along the river.

Burford is another highlight in this part of the region. It’s a historic market town with a steep high street lined with traditional tearooms and cozy pubs. 

All in all, staying in the Central Cotswolds means you’re within easy reach of several well-known villages. It’s a great base if you’re planning to explore the area by car, which is what we recommend anyway!

The Slaughters Country Inn – $$$

The Slaughters Country Inn is a beautiful countryside hotel located in Lower Slaughter, one of the most charming villages in the Cotswolds. The village itself is part of an area known as “The Slaughters,” which may sound dramatic but actually refers to the Old English word for a muddy place!

The hotel sits along the River Eye and feels like a classic English country retreat. The rooms are cozy and elegant with traditional decor, and the property also has a lovely garden terrace and an excellent restaurant serving seasonal British dishes. If you’re looking for a peaceful stay surrounded by countryside scenery, this is a fantastic option.

Rooms here typically start at around £300 per night.

If The Slaughters Country Inn is fully booked, Lords Of The Manor in nearby Upper Slaughter is another wonderful countryside hotel set inside a historic manor house with beautiful gardens and fine dining. Breakfast is included, and this place has amazing reviews! 

The Dial House in Bourton-on-the-Water is also a lovely alternative located right in the heart of the village, offering elegant rooms and a traditional Cotswolds atmosphere. We love the cozy dining room, which even has a fireplace where you can warm up, which is a real bonus if you’re visiting during the cold English winter. 

Chester House Hotel- $$

Chester House Hotel is a charming stay located in Bourton-on-the-Water, which is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds. The hotel sits just a short walk from the River Windrush and the village’s iconic stone bridges.

The rooms are comfortable and traditional in style, with a popular restaurant and bar where you can enjoy classic British dishes after a day exploring the surrounding villages. With its central location and reasonable prices, we think that it’s a great base for first-time visitors to the Cotswolds.

Rooms typically start from around £150 per night.

If Chester House Hotel is fully booked, The Lansdowne Boutique Rooms in Bourton-on-the-Water is another stylish option located close to the village center. The property offers modern boutique rooms inside a beautifully restored building with a polished, contemporary feel.

The Old New Inn is another great alternative located right by the River Windrush in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water. The inn offers cozy rooms above a traditional pub and has a lively atmosphere that feels very classic Cotswolds.

Chestnuts B&B – $

Chestnuts B&B is a beautiful bed and breakfast in Bourton-on-the-Water. This small guesthouse offers a warm atmosphere and a convenient location within easy walking distance of the village center. You’re just steps away from the river, the Model Village, and tons of cozy pubs. 

The rooms are comfortable with lovely boutique decor – I’m talking about four-poster beds and those green bathroom tiles that are super chic right now. Breakfast is included, and the friendly hosts make everyone feel right at home. Honestly, we think this place offers amazing value for money!

Prices here usually start at around £140 per night during the warmer months.

If Chestnuts B&B is fully booked, Halford House in Bourton-on-the-Water is another well-rated guesthouse located close to the village center. The property offers comfortable rooms with pretty decor and big standalone bathtubs.

The Mousetrap Inn is another great alternative located just outside the center of Bourton-on-the-Water. This charming traditional inn offers cozy rooms along with a popular pub restaurant serving classic British dishes – we actually had a great Sunday roast there! 

Northern Cotswolds 

BEST FOR PICTURE-PERFECT VILLAGES

Pros

• Home to some of the most iconic and picturesque Cotswold villages
• Excellent base for scenic walks and classic countryside views

Cons

• Some villages can get busy during peak tourist seasons
• Slightly further from the southern Cotswolds highlights

The Northern Cotswolds is what many people imagine when they picture this part of England! This area is packed with postcard-perfect villages built from the region’s famous honey-colored stone, and some of the region’s most popular villages are located here. These include Broadway, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Stow-on-the-Wold. 

Broadway is often described as one of the prettiest villages in England, with its wide main street lined with lots of historic cottages and boutique shops. We also loved walking up to the Broadway Tower, as we got amazing views of the rolling countryside from the top. 

Chipping Campden is another highlight, known for its beautiful high street and historic market hall dating back to the 17th century. Moreton-in-Marsh is slightly larger and acts as an important hub in the northern part of the Cotswolds, with good transport connections, including a direct train line to London. For that reason, this area is also a smart choice if you’re planning day trips to nearby destinations such as Stratford-upon-Avon (the birthplace of Shakespeare) or the historic university city of Oxford.

The Lygon Arms – $$$ 

The Lygon Arms is one of the most historic hotels in the Cotswolds and sits right on Broadway’s beautiful high street. This famous coaching inn dates back several centuries and has hosted notable guests, including Oliver Cromwell and King Charles I.

The rooms combine historic character with modern comforts, and the hotel also features a spa, an indoor pool, and several dining options – two of which are by famous British chef James Martin. You can enjoy signature cocktails in the bar or indulge in a classic English afternoon tea, so if you love to eat and drink, you’ll love staying here!

Rooms here typically start at around £300 per night.

If The Lygon Arms is fully booked, Woolmarket House in Chipping Campden is another excellent option located right in the heart of the village near the historic market hall. The hotel offers beautifully designed boutique rooms and a stylish restaurant serving modern British cuisine.

The White Hart Royal in Moreton-in-Marsh is also worth considering if you’d like to stay in a traditional coaching inn. This historic property offers sumptuous yet cozy rooms and a lively pub atmosphere in the center of town.

The Manor House Hotel – $$ 

The Manor House Hotel is a gorgeous property in Moreton-in-Marsh, one of the main market towns in the Northern Cotswolds. The hotel sits inside a beautiful historic building with arched windows and chic, plush decor. We love the big bathrooms that boast standalone tubs or walk-in showers (and sometimes both). 

The hotel also has a lovely garden where guests can relax after a day exploring the region. It’s super central and is close to the Moreton-in-Marsh train station, so it’s really easy to take a day trip to London, Stratford-upon-Avon, or Oxford from here. 

Rooms typically start from around £200 per night.

If The Manor House Hotel is fully booked, Eight Bells Inn in Chipping Campden is another charming option located close to the village’s historic high street. The inn offers comfortable rooms and a traditional pub downstairs serving classic British dishes.

The Broadway Hotel is another lovely alternative located right on Broadway’s village green, just steps from the main streets. The hotel features stylish, boutique-style rooms and a popular restaurant, Tattersall’s Brasserie, which is definitely worth stopping by even if you don’t stay here! 

Noel Arms – $

Noel Arms is a traditional coaching inn located in the heart of Chipping Campden, one of the most beautiful villages in the Northern Cotswolds. The inn sits right along the village’s historic high street, so it’s a really convenient base for exploring the area.

The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the property has a relaxed pub atmosphere that feels very in keeping with this part of England. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay with plenty of quintessential British character, this is a great option.

Prices here usually start at around £150 per night.

If Noel Arms is fully booked, Woodland Guesthouse in Upper Swell is another welcoming option located in a quiet village just outside Stow-on-the-Wold. The guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and a peaceful countryside setting.

The Bell Inn is another good alternative located in Moreton-in-Marsh. This traditional inn offers cozy rooms and a friendly pub where you can enjoy classic British meals and local ales.

Southern Cotswolds

BEST FOR A SLOWER-PACED TRIP

Pros

• Quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds than the central villages
• Great for countryside walks 

Cons

• Villages are more spread out
• You’ll need to rent a car 

The Southern Cotswolds have a slightly different feel compared to the more village-heavy areas further north. This part of the region centers around towns such as Cirencester, Bibury, and Tetbury, along with the scenic Stroud Valleys and parts of north Wiltshire… and lots of green space in between! The area still boasts the classic Cotswold stone buildings and rolling countryside that this part of England is known for, and it has a quieter feel overall. 

Cirencester is often considered the main hub of the southern Cotswolds. It’s one of the largest market towns in the region and has a lively center filled with independent shops and cafes, which are housed in historic buildings. The town also has Roman roots and is home to the Corinium Museum, which is a great place to learn about the area’s ancient history.

Bibury is another highlight nearby and is famous for Arlington Row, a row of picturesque stone cottages that’s often described as one of the most photographed streets in England. The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking, and the nearby Cotswold Water Park adds something a little different to the region with lakes and nature reserves. You can even enjoy water sports here when the weather’s good!

The Swan Hotel – $$$

The Swan Hotel is a beautiful countryside hotel located right in the heart of Bibury, one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. The hotel sits along the River Coln and is just steps from the famous Arlington Row cottages.

The rooms blend classic Cotswolds charm with modern comfort, and many feature exposed beams and traditional decor. The hotel also has a well-regarded restaurant and lovely gardens where guests can relax while enjoying views of the river.

Rooms here typically start at around £300 per night during the warmer months.

If The Swan Hotel is fully booked, The Close Hotel in Tetbury is another excellent option located near the town’s historic market square. The hotel offers elegant rooms and a refined restaurant, plus beautiful gardens that are a real treat during the summer months! 

The Crown Inn in Frampton Mansell is also a wonderful countryside alternative located in a peaceful village in the Stroud Valleys. This charming inn offers cozy rooms and a popular pub that’s worth visiting even if you don’t stay here.

De Vere Cotswold Water Park – $$

De Vere Cotswold Water Park is a modern lakeside hotel located just outside Cirencester within the scenic Cotswold Water Park. The property sits right beside one of the lakes, which means amazing views from many of the rooms and the on-site restaurant. During the summer, you can also enjoy your meals and drinks out on the decking – bliss.

The rooms are spacious and contemporary, and many offer views across the water. The hotel also features a luxury spa with a sauna and steam room, and plenty of outdoor activities nearby. We think that this is a great option if you’re looking for a slightly different Cotswolds experience with more of an outdoorsy feel!

Rooms typically start from around £120 per night.

If De Vere Cotswold Water Park is fully booked, The Fleece at Cirencester is another fantastic option located right in the center of town near the historic market square. This traditional coaching inn offers stylish rooms and a lively restaurant and bar.

Stratton House Hotel & Spa is also worth considering if you prefer a quieter countryside setting just outside Cirencester. The hotel offers landscaped gardens and a lovely spa, so it’s ideal if you’re coming to the Cotswolds for rest and relaxation.

The Stump – $$

The Stump is a fun and relaxed country inn located just outside Cirencester in the village of Foss Cross. The property is known for its lively, welcoming pub that has a pool table and serves delicious pizza. The rooms here are on the compact side, but they’re very comfortable, with a boutique feel and big standalone bathtubs. 

It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a traditional Cotswolds stay with plenty of character, but don’t want to spend too much. A delicious breakfast is included each morning, too, so you really do get a lot of bang for your buck (or pound!) here.

Prices here usually start at around £150 per night during the warmer months.

If The Stump is fully booked, The Ormond At Tetbury is another charming option located in the historic town of Tetbury. This boutique hotel offers regal rooms with big bathrooms and a well-known restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine downstairs.

The Old Brewhouse in Cirencester is another excellent alternative located near the town center. It’s a welcoming bed and breakfast, and there are quadruple rooms available, so it’s a great choice for groups.

Related Read: Need help organizing the rest of your trip? See our blog on the Best Things to do in the United Kingdom for even more charming, historic, and beautiful locations you can’t miss!

Thanks for reading!

Visiting the Cotswolds is an adventure in itself, so picking out the perfect place to stay will make your experience that much better! We loved wandering through the stone villages, soaking in centuries of history, and then relaxing at a historic pub over a local ale. Can you ask for a more charming atmosphere? Just be sure to book your hotel well in advance, as the popular ones book out quickly during peak season!

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of our Europe blogs! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers, so I’ll leave a few helpful articles below. Cheers!

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