Little wonder, then, that it is home to some of the prettiest towns and villages in the UK. Whether you\u2019re simply passing through or enjoying a holiday here, don\u2019t miss out on visiting some of the prettiest\u00a0villages in the Cotswolds<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds? We recommend:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n See the Cotswolds Villages full map here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Frequently ranked as one of the prettiest villages in the whole of the UK, Bourton-on-the-Water is frequently referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ <\/em>due to the patchwork of attractive little bridges that criss-cross the River Windrush that flows through its centre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in 2009, Forbes included Burford on its list of the most idyllic places to live in Europe. It isn\u2019t hard to see why\u2014the medieval village, often described as the \u201cGateway to the Cotswolds,\u201d mingles river views, charming antique shops, and a tranquil pace of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the most buzzing market towns in the Cotswolds, Cirencester\u2019s history dates all the way back to Roman times, when it was known as Corinium. Today, this ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ <\/em>is a destination for its Roman amphitheatre, lovely Cirencester Park, and historic church of St. John the Baptist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Castle Combe is pretty enough to be a movie set\u2014 in fact, it has had a starring role in a number of films and television shows, from War Horse<\/em> to Doctor Dolittle<\/em>. Visit to discover Castle Combe\u2019s picture-perfect scenery beyond the silver screen, from its centuries-old limestone cottages to its vast stately homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the medieval era, Chipping Campden was at the centre of Britain\u2019s 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<\/a> in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Chipping Campden was famous for its wool, then Blockley came to be known as a centre for silk production in the 18th<\/sup> and 19th<\/sup> centuries. Nowadays, most of the historic mills have been converted into housing, making for one of Cotswold\u2019s most charming villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll find a number of galleries and antique shops packed with treasures, while the region\u2019s verdant hills are close at hand. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beautifully scenic Stanton is, in many ways, a perfect distillation of the Cotswolds\u2019 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<\/a><\/span> afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The southern gateway to the Cotswolds, Tetbury is a cheery market town with history \u2014drop by its sunny-coloured, Grade I-listed historic market hall for a glimpse at its past. Once you\u2019ve gone for a stroll through town, preferably on a trading day, explore the surrounding area: the National Arboretum at Westonbirt<\/a><\/span> and Chavenage House<\/a><\/span> are both located nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When visiting the beautiful village of Painswick, begin your tour at St. Mary\u2019s Parish Church. Not only is the Grade I-listed landmark\u2019s 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\u2019s 14th<\/sup>-century buildings, is in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to see more of this lovely part of the world? Our tour of Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & the Cotswolds<\/a> takes in the beautiful town of Bampton \u2013 the real-life filming location of the Downton Abbey TV series \u2013 the stately Blenheim Palace and stunning panoramic views of the beautiful English countryside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Bourton-on-the-Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"bourton](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/bourton-on-the-water.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBurford<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/burford.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCirencester<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/cirencester.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCastle Combe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/castle-combe.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChipping Campden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"chipping](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/chipping-camden.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBlockley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/blockley.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStow-on-the-Wold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"stow](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/stow-on-the-wold.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStanton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/stanton.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTetbury<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/tetbury.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPainswick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/evanevanstours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/painswick.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat are some fun facts about the Cotswolds?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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