4 reasons you must visit the Cotswolds

Stretching across the rolling hills of the English countryside lies a region so idyllic it feels as though it has been lifted from the pages of a storybook. This is the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where time seems to slow down. It's a landscape of gentle, sloping hills, dry-stone walls, and impossibly charming villages built from the local honey-coloured limestone. To visit the Cotswolds isn't just to see a place; it's to experience a vision of England at its most timeless and picturesque. If you're wondering whether to add it to your travel itinerary, here are just a few reasons why you absolutely should.

1) Step into a film Set: Castle Combe

Often called ‘the prettiest village in England’, Castle Combe is a perfectly preserved jewel nestled in a wooded valley. As you wander down its main street, past weavers' cottages with stone-tiled roofs, it feels like stepping onto a historical film set—and for good reason, as it has starred in many! With no overhead wires or TV aerials to spoil the view, the village remains beautifully unspoiled. The gentle River Bybrook flows under a classic stone bridge, creating a scene so perfect you’ll find it hard to believe it’s real.

2) Discover a fairytale village: Bibury

Described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England," Bibury is home to one of the country's most iconic and photographed streets: Arlington Row. This charming line of 14th-century weavers' cottages, with their steeply pitched roofs, looks like it was designed for a fairytale. The crystal-clear River Coln meanders through the village, its banks forming a tranquil water meadow known as Rack Isle, where wool was once hung out to dry. A visit to Bibury is a chance to capture that quintessential Cotswold postcard moment.

3) Journey through history: Stow-on-the-Wold

Perched atop an 800-foot hill, Stow-on-the-Wold is a classic Cotswold market town with a history stretching back centuries. Its vast market square, once filled with up to 20,000 sheep, is a reminder of its importance in the wool trade. Today, the square is surrounded by handsome townhouses, independent antique shops, cosy pubs, and traditional tea rooms. Don't miss a visit to St. Edward’s Church, where you can see its ancient north door, famously flanked by two enormous yew trees that seem to have grown right out of the stonework.

4) The ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’: Bourton-on-the-Water

Known for its enchanting beauty, Bourton-on-the-Water is famous for the River Windrush that flows gently through its centre. A series of low, elegant stone bridges cross the river, earning the village its nickname as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. Lined with lush village greens and traditional stone houses, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. With a wonderful collection of independent shops, cafés, and attractions like the charming Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water offers a lively and quintessentially English atmosphere.

The best way to explore the Cotswolds

The true magic of the Cotswolds is found by exploring its hidden lanes and charming villages. The easiest and most rewarding way to experience the region without the stress of navigating narrow country roads is from the nearby city of Bath.

You can immerse yourself in the charm of villages like Castle Combe and Lacock on The Cotswolds Tour from Bath. Or, the Cotswolds and Stonehenge Tour from Bath lets you combine idyllic countryside with ancient mystery.

Experience it with Mad Max Tours

The Cotswolds offers a glimpse into a gentler, more beautiful version of England. Its unique blend of stunning landscapes and perfectly preserved villages makes it an essential stop on any UK tour. The best way to uncover its secrets is with those who know its stories and hidden corners best.

Ready to get lost in this enchanting landscape? Join us on a Mad Max Tour to experience the magic of the Cotswolds for yourself!

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