This beautiful corner of England has been brought to life on canvas by artists such as Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner, provided a backdrop for the fictional worlds of The Brontë Sisters​ and Jane Austen and even inspired the great poet William Blake.

Little wonder, then, that it is home to some of the prettiest towns and villages in the UK. Whether you’re simply passing through or enjoying a holiday here, don’t miss out on visiting some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.

What are some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds? We recommend:

• Bourton-on-the-Water
• Burford
• Cirencester
• Castle Combe
• Chipping Campden
• Blockley
• Stow-on-the-Wold
• Stanton
• Tetbury
• Painswick

See the Cotswolds Villages full map here.

Bourton-on-the-Water, the Venice of the Cotswolds

Consistently ranked amongst the most picturesque villages in the UK, Bourton-on-the-Water earns its nickname - the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ - thanks to its charming stone bridges that beautifully span the River Windrush. Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire in an idyllic postcard-like setting, the village attracts up to a million visitors yearly at its peak, according to The Express.

Burford, the Gateaway to the Cotswolds

Named one of the most idyllic places to live in Europe by Forbes and many UK lifestyle magazines, Burford or the “Gateway to the Cotswolds,” elegantly blends river views, charming antique shops, and a tranquil pace of life. With its serene atmosphere and rich heritage, Burford continues to captivate visitors and locals alike, making it the perfect place to live in the Cotswolds.

Cirencester, the Capital of the Cotswolds

Among the most buzzing market towns in the Cotswolds, Cirencester’s history dates all the way back to Roman times, when it was known as Corinium. Today, this ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ is a destination for its Roman amphitheatre, lovely Cirencester Park, and historic church of St. John the Baptist.

Castle Combe, the prettiest village in England

Castle Combe is pretty enough to be a movie set— in fact, it has had a starring role in a number of films and television shows, from War Horse to Doctor Dolittle. Visit to discover Castle Combe’s picture-perfect scenery beyond the silver screen, from its centuries-old limestone cottages to its vast stately homes.

Chipping Campden, the Jewel of the Cotswolds

During the medieval era, Chipping Campden was at the center of Britain’s wool industry. Today, this quaint market town in the Cotswolds is a much more pleasant place to visit than its industrial past would suggest, and it has the 2nd highest density of listed buildings in the country.

Blockley, the secret Cotswold gem

If Chipping Campden was famous for its wool, then Blockley came to be known as a centre for silk production in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Nowadays, most of the historic mills have been converted into housing, making for one of the Cotswold’s most charming villages.

Stow-on-the-Wold, with its famous Tolkien door

The hilltop market town of Stow-on-the-Wold was once the site of an Iron Age fort, but things are considerably more peaceful here these days. In the centre of town, you’ll find a number of galleries and antique shops packed with treasures, while the region’s verdant hills are close at hand. 

Stanton, the unspoiled Cotswold village

Beautifully scenic Stanton is, in many ways, a perfect distillation of the Cotswolds’ charms. Famous for its honey-hued limestone buildings, the village is home to several historically significant churches, and offers prime access to local walking trails. Go for a long ramble, and reward yourself with a refreshment in the beloved Mount Inn afterwards.

Tetbury, the Royal Market Town

The southern gateway to the Cotswolds, Tetbury is a cheery market town with history —drop by its sunny-coloured, Grade I-listed historic market hall for a glimpse at its past. Once you’ve gone for a stroll through town, preferably on a trading day, explore the surrounding area: the National Arboretum at Westonbirt and Chavenage House are both located nearby.

Painswick, the Queen of the Cotswolds

When visiting the beautiful village of Painswick, begin your tour at St. Mary’s Parish Church. Not only is the Grade I-listed landmark’s spire visible from miles around, but its churchyard is famous for its 99 ancient yew trees. From there, a trip to the local Rococo Garden, and a wander past the town’s 14^th-century buildings, is in order.

What are some fun facts about the Cotswolds?

• Celebrities and royals, including the Beckhams, Lily Allen, Kate Moss, Hugh Grant, and Prince Charles, own residences in the Cotswolds.
• Some villages have weird and laughable names, like Upper Slaughter, Lower Swell, and Oddington.
• Historically, the region prospered in the wool trade during the medieval period, contributing to the wealth of its villages. In Tetbury, there's actually a special way to celebrate the wool trade heritage: the Woolsack Races, a competition in which people race up and down a steep hill while carrying heavy sacks of wool on their backs.
• Built in the 18th century, Broadway Tower is an impressive landmark in the Cotswolds. It is often referred to as the “Highest Little Castle of the Cotswolds.”
• You can admire Lavender fields in the Cotswolds in Summer for endless landscapes of purple and intoxicating fragrance.
• The villages have inspired many literary figures, including J.R.R. Tolkien, who reputedly used its landscapes as inspiration for the Shire in "The Lord of the Rings," and Beatrix Potter, who frequented the area for its scenic beauty.
• Some Cotswolds villages are believed to be haunted with spine-tingling ghost stories, from haunted pubs to bizarre encounters along pathways.
• Located in Burford, the Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to a diverse array of animals from around the world, where you can get close to exotic species and native wildlife.
• The Cotswolds area is home to some of the oldest yew trees in England. Some of them in villages like Painswick date back centuries and awaken myth and legend.
• In May, the village of Brockworth hosts the infamous Cheese Rolling event, where participants chase a wheel of cheese down a steep hill, risking tumbles and bruises for the chance to win a prize.
• Arlington Row in Bibury is one of the most photographed streets in England, with ancient weavers' cottages that date back to the 17th century.
• Established in 1612 by lawyer Robert Dover, the Cotswold Olimpick Games are a unique sporting event held annually in Chipping Campden, lining quirky contests like shin-kicking and tug-of-war.
• Hidden throughout the Cotswold villages, you can spot tiny "fairy doors" adorning trees and buildings, believed to be portals to the magical realm of fairies.

Want to see more of this lovely part of the world? Our tour of Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds takes in the beautiful town of Bampton – the real-life filming location of the Downton Abbey TV series – the stately Blenheim Palace and stunning panoramic views of the beautiful English countryside.