11 Most Beautiful Cotswold Villages to Live
What are the most beautiful Cotswold villages to live in?
If you are looking to move to one of the most sought after Cotswold villages, this is the blog for you.
The Cotswolds houses some of the most charming villages in the whole of the UK.
These rural locations are one of the top reasons the area has seen a boost in popularity in recent years.
As prices across the UK soar, the decision to move to one of the many lovely Cotswold villages may present buyers with a cost-effective alternative.
The last 18 months of restrictions and lockdowns have transformed the ways people approach moving home.
Buyers are increasingly looking for new features in both their properties and the area in which they live.
As an increasing amount of buyers are considering moving to the countryside, Cotswold villages are drawing more interest.
Rural locations across the Cotswolds offer more space while still permitting easy commutes when required.
Cotswold villages offer top-notch schools, a wide range of wildlife and some picturesque countryside.
With so many enchanting Cotswold villages to pick between, it may be tricky to know where to start.
Whatever your own needs may be, moving to one of the prettiest Cotswold villages is sure to appeal.
Here’s our picks of the 11 most gorgeous Cotswold villages that anyone would love to live in.
Burford
Burford, Cotswolds, Oxfordshire. Image credit: Pexels
Perched on a hill this Oxfordshire town commands some pretty impressive views.
Considered the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford sits around 20 miles from the larger and extremely prosperous town of Oxford.
Not only blessed with beautiful countryside surroundings, but the centre of town is also full of quaint little side streets hiding old pubs, tea rooms and antique shops.
Once known for its busy woollen trade the local 15th century parish church of St. John Baptist is a reminder of bye gone riches.
Weeping willows hang over the banks of the River Windrush offering a peaceful place to walk or feed the ducks.
The appeal of this wonderful little town is that it has remained relatively unchanged since the Tudor era, a truly tranquil location in a very pretty part of the county.
Cirencester
Cirencester Street View. Image credit: Pixabay
Another of the Cotswolds river towns, Cirencester lays along the River Churn in Gloucestershire.
Often upstaged by nearby Cheltenham, Cirencester has largely gone under the radar but is increasingly more popular as a perfect residential destination.
The largest of the region’s towns means that whilst you are at the epicentre of a stunningly beautiful area, you are also not far from excellent amenities and attractions.
The towns Corinium Museum is the ideal place to investigate when you first move here and are new to the area.
Housing a comprehensive collection of objects found in and around the locality give you an insight to Cirencester interesting past from Neolithic to Victorian times.
There is lots to do if nature is something you enjoy. Cirencester Park is a superb example of a forest style garden and is well worth a visit.
For those with little ones, the Cotswold Country Park & Beach provide an area for water sports, walking and the large adventure playground will tire even the most active child.
Geographically desirable, moving to Cirencester offers easy access by road or rail amid a romantic landscape.
Castle Combe
Historic Photo of Castle Combe. Image credit: Pixabay
By anyone’s standards Castle Combe is a small village in Wiltshire with a population of just 350 people.
However, far from being a hindrance, being modest in size is Castle Combes most attractive attribute.
This wonderfully little-known place is easy on the eye. Full of the honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages we all come to expect in this area of the UK.
Once you have seen the village you understand exactly why it has been named by more than one travel guide over the years as “the prettiest village in England”.
Over the years, its quintessentially British fairy tale beauty has caught the eye of a number of TV and movie crews. Detective Poirot, War Horse, and the original version of Doctor Dolittle were all shot here.
Castle Combe makes a great base to explore the surrounding region if you are just visiting. Sites of historical interest such as Avebury, Stonehenge and the Wiltshire White Horses are all close by.
A close-knit community, safe and quiet Castle Coombe makes for a rural idyll for those who are fortunate to call it home.
Chipping Campden
Bistro on the Square, Chipping Campden. Image credit: Unsplash
Once one of the most important of the region’s medieval wool towns, in their heyday, local mills produced and distributed wool throughout Britain and Europe.
Although the town is one of the least known in the Cotswolds, Chipping Campden is an aesthetically pleasing Gloucestershire destination.
Packed with the traditional honey-toned stone houses and buildings within a town hardly touched by the centuries.
Its central location makes it a breeze to access some of the most visited towns in the region such as Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Royal Leamington Spa.
The main high street is laden with individual shops ideal for a leisurely browse for something a little different which you will not find anywhere else.
Quiet but not boring, there are some great places to eat out. The 14th Century Eight Bells Inn is a proper country pub, serving high-quality, homemade food in a traditional, cosy setting.
Whilst the surrounding scenery of Chipping Campden is just as you would expect for the Cotswolds, there are some lovely country gardens nearby to visit like Hidcote Manor Gardens and Kiftsgate Court Gardens, changing with the seasons they are a pleasure to visit.
With an average cost of a home standing at £588,911, it is not cheap to purchase property here.
But for those being priced out of London, Chipping Campden certainly offers city buyers a whole lot more space and an Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” comprehensive school, the attraction of living here is obvious.
Blockley
Terraced Cottages in Blockley, Cotswolds. Image credit: Cotswolds.com
Largely unspoilt, another Cotswold gem, Blockley sits midway between Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire.
Blockley was a main centre of the silk industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The silk mills used the waters of the brook which runs through the centre of the village.
The town regularly featured in the television series of Father Brown: the late Norman church, St Peter & St Paul’s, was used as the fictional St Mary’s Church and the vicarage as Father Brown’s residence.
Residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle along with a particularly relaxed way of life.
Oozing community feel Blockley keeps its locals busy in the form of a variety of clubs and societies.
Blockley Amateur Dramatics Club is a popular one, holding regular shows throughout the year.
With a population of approximately 2000 it is one of the larger towns in the county. Plenty of the homes here are classed as holiday rentals or second homes.
For an average cost of £568,993, you can purchase yourself a home in this pretty town however, it is possible to buy a two-bedroom terraced house for the much more reasonable price of £330,000.
Although the region is packed with countryside walks and more nature than you could shake a stick at, you are less than 2 hours from the Capital and even closer to some very recognisable towns such as the spa town of Cheltenham and the cathedral city of Worcester.
Far enough away from it all but with more than adequate amenities and connections, Blockley covers all bases as a place to call home.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Boutique Shops, Stow-on-the-Wold. Image credit: Unsplash
One of the Cotswold market towns, Stow-on-the-Wold is in a striking and charming location, the town epitomises what we have all come to expect from the Gloucestershire Cotswolds.
It is the highest town in the Cotswolds at 790 feet above sea level!
Set amid a patchwork of green like most of the Cotswold districts, much of the town is built with local yellow stone.
An ancient Wool Town situated beside The Fosse Way, a Roman road that runs from Exeter to Lincoln in an almost straight line.
The word ‘wold’ as in Cotswold means hills, so Stow-on-the-Wold simply means Holy Place on the Hill.
The large and lively market square dominates the centre and is a hub for residents whilst visitors flock here for its reputation as having some of the UK’s best antique shops.
The ancient cross that stands at one end of the market and the medieval town stocks which stand at the other are a unique part of the town’s heritage.
The abundance of tea rooms offers visitors a taste of good old fashioned Cotswold hospitality.
Whilst the local pubs are wonderful havens in the winter months boasting open fires, traditional pub grub and the odd ghost.
Located just off the north/south Fosse Way and near to the A40/M40 to London and the A44 Oxford to Worcester east/west trunk road makes travel by car simple. By train you can get to London, Oxford Worcester, and Hereford.
Location, location, location as the old saying goes – Stow-on-the-Wold is an inspiring place to visit and a magical place to call home.
Stanton
Stanton, Cotswolds. Image credit: Tripadvisor
This village is picture perfect in every way along with a healthy dose of tranquillity!
Stanton is a village and civil parish in Tewkesbury Borough, Gloucestershire.
Situated on the side of the Cotswolds escarpment, 3 miles south of Broadway and in easy travelling distance from Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Stratford-on-Avon.
Time has practically stood still in Stanton, having changed little for the past 300 years.
This is very noticeable, with the village is built almost entirely of Cotswold stone.
The Daily Telegraph described Stanton in 2017 as “arguably the most beautiful Cotswold village of them all.”
The Huffington Post said it is “one of the prettiest and idyllic unspoilt villages of the Cotswolds”.
The Cotswold Way long-distance footpath passes through the village.
This brings with it plenty of passing tourism.
However, a small permanent population of around200 live here.
The very quaint 17th-century inn sits atop a steep hill at the end of the village.
It is a favourite pitstop for tourists because of its views over the Vale of Evesham.
It also serves cracking food made with the finest local produce.
A healthy dose of community spirit prevails in Stanton!
The village itself boasts a centuries-old history.
Most of the houses you see today were built around 400 years ago!
Furthermore, Stanton’s church dates to the 12th century and before.
For those seeking to relocate to an area of peaceful sanctuary, but not completely cut off, Stanton could fit the bill nicely for you.
Upper Slaughter
Upper Slaughter, Cotswold Village Ford. Image credit: Wikipedia
Another mainstay on our list of the most stunning Cotswold villages, Upper and Lower Slaughter both deserve a spot on this list.
Upper Slaughter is everything you think of when imagining the Gloucestershire countryside.
This idyllic village is located on a quaint hillside setting, with the nearby stream connecting the villages to Lower Slaughter.
Upper Slaughter is a village teeming with history and charm.
The village is renowned its 15th century Manor House, which remains at the heart Upper Slaughters identity.
Residents of the village are also well served by the medieval almshouses as well as the historic St Peter’s Church.
If you are thinking of moving to one of the many idyllic Cotswold villages, Upper Slaughter is a great choice!
Lower Slaughter
River Eye, Lower Slaughter. Image credit: Third Eye Traveller
Lower Slaughter is also well deserved of its place on our list of the most attractive Cotswold villages.
Similarly to neighbouring Upper Slaughter, this village is sure to appeal!
Located just 1 mile away from Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower Slaughter provides residents with a characterful, quaint setting.
Neighbouring Bourton is a great addition for those living in the village.
It offers visitors a choice of big-name shops and cafes, making it a welcome neighbour.
However, Lower Slaughter offers locals a much more idyllic home.
Whist Bourton is a popular tourist destination, Lower Slaughter is far more tranquil.
There are far fewer tourists centre attractions, meaning living in the area offers a more charming atmosphere.
Lower Slaughter is a village with a rustic charm that provides residents with a homely allure.
Located on the stunning river Eyre in Gloucestershire, residents can soak up the beauty of the region all year round.
Living in Lower Slaughter is a great choice for those seeking a home in one of the Cotswold villages.
Bibury
Terraced Cotswold Cottages, Bibury. Image credit: Pexels
Bibury is a worthy addition to our article!
This stunning village is the epitome of a beautiful Cotswold village.
Sitting a short distance away from Cirencester, often considered the ‘capital’ of the Cotswolds, the village is very well connected.
Living in Bibury ensures you are situated in one of the most desirable Gloucestershire based Cotswold villages.
In fact, you could argue the prettiest in the UK!
Amongst the best attractions in Bibury is Arlington Row, a collection of weavers cottages constructed from locally sourced stone.
This riverside spot is one of the most popular locations in the village.
In fact, these highly regarded properties are the most photographed homes in the UK!
Other attractions include Bibury Trout Farm and the historic Saxon Church, the Church of St Mary.
The River Coln flows through the heart of Bibury, surrounded by the main village street and the Rack Isle watermeadow.
Coupled with the backdrop of the beautiful Arlington Row as a backdrop, it is certainly one of the most scenic spots in the Cotswolds.
Tetbury
High Street, Tetbury, Cotswolds. Image credit: Visit Gloucester
Like many of the Cotswold’s towns and villages, Tetbury boasts an expansive recorded history, stretching back over 1300 years!
The village is known as the southern gateway to the Cotswolds.
Tetbury has Royal connections, being home to Highgrove, owned by the Prince of Wales.
The Highgrove shop is a popular tourist attraction selling all manner of expensive quality products from clothing and beauty to jewellery and books.
Once an important wool manufacturer Tetbury involvement with the trade is still evident today.
The wonderful Grade 1 listed pillared Market House was built in 1655.
Sitting in the centre of the town, it is still in operation and is where the local market is held each week.
Being a tourist destination, visitors are particularly well provided for.
There is a great choice of tea shops, bistros, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.
There are also plenty of nearby attractions to keep everyone happy.
Local travel is somewhat limited by rail with the closest train station being 7 miles away.
By road, Bristol is 40 minutes, the M4 and the M5 both 15 minutes.
However, it does not matter too much as the quality of life here more than compensates for its lack of connections.
Ready to Live a Cotswold Village?
So now you know all the best spots in the Cotswold region, are you dreaming of moving to the Cotswold as your new home?
The Cotswolds is home to some outstanding villages perfect for families, young professionals and retirees alike!
If you want to live in one of these Cotswold Villages and have found your dream home, we are here to help you get moving.
You can start planning your dream move with the assistance of our Cotswolds Removals service from White & Company today.
White & Company are also pleased to announce our new video survey service.
During these unprecedented times, we can safely conduct remote removals surveys.
We can gather all the relevant information for your move from the comfort of your own home.
So, give us a call today or fill out a quick quote form to see how we can get your dream move to The Cotswolds in the works.
Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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