Guide to Cotswolds towns and villages, Cotswolds accommodation and Cotswolds attractions

The Cotswolds is a picturesque area of southern England, popular with both the British and visitors from all over the world. The beauty of the Cotswolds was recognised officially in 1966 when it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). In 1990 the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was extended south towards Bath making it the largest area of outstanding natural beauty in Engalnd and Wales.

Accommodation. Places to stay in the Cotswolds.

Luxury Cotswolds hotels, Cotswold self catering cottages, bed and breakfast and cosy Cotswold guest houses can all be found in the Cotswolds. As can plenty of camping and caravan sites.


Cotswold towns and villages. Chocolate box villages and vibrant market towns.

From villages such as Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, towns like Cirencester and Burford, and cities like Bath, the Cotswolds area of outstanding beauty in the UK has something for everyone.


Cotswold Attractions. Things to do in the Cotswolds.

Whether it's a family day out at the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford, enjoying watersports at the Cotswold Water Park, or a walk through Westonbirt Arboretum, the Cotswolds has plenty to offer you.


Cotswold map. Map of Cotswold towns and villages.

From Cotswold villages such as Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, towns like Cirencester and Burford, and cities like Bath, the Cotswolds area of outstanding beauty in the UK has something for everyone.

Blenheim Palace

The magnificant Blenheim Palace was designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and Sir John Vanbrugh and on 30th November 1874 was the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Britain's World War II leader.

Blenheim Palace

Cotswold Water Park

The Cotswold Water Park is Britain's largest water park. Over 150 lakes created by gravel extraction, covering over 40 square miles - 50% larger than the Norfolk Broads and still growing.

Cotswold Water Park

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton on the Water is often called "The Venice of the Cotswolds". Its many bridges span the shallow, crystal clear River Windrush which flows through the centre of the village alongside the main street.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Westonbirt Arboretum

Renowned worldwide both for its tree and shrub collection and beautifully landscaped grounds, around 18,000 trees and shrubs covering some 600 acres of Grade 1 Listed Landscape.

Westonbirt Arboretum