THE SOUTH COTSWOLDS
The South Cotswolds, a rolling tapestry of honey-stone villages and ancient landscapes, embodies quintessential English charm and pastoral beauty.
This is a realm of wool-rich history, where historic market towns blend seamlessly with spectacular manor houses and gentle, green hills.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Towns & Villages (Gloucestershire):
Bourton-on-the-Water: Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” for its low stone bridges crossing the River Windrush.
Lower Slaughter: Widely considered one of England’s most beautiful villages with the River Eye running through its core.
Bibury: Home to the iconic, picturesque 17th-century weavers’ cottages of Arlington Row.
Chipping Campden: A historic market town famous for its elegant, arched Market Hall and connection to the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Tewkesbury: A medieval town where the Rivers Severn and Avon meet, dominated by the magnificent Tewkesbury Abbey.
Stow-on-the-Wold: The highest of the Cotswold towns, known for its wide market square and the famously gnarled Yew Tree Door at St. Edward’s Church.
Stately Homes, Gardens & History (Wiltshire/Gloucestershire):
Lacock Abbey, Village and Fox Talbot Museum: A National Trust village and abbey, a key filming location, and the birthplace of the photographic negative.
Highgrove Gardens: The private gardens of King Charles III, known for their organic and sustainable design (booking essential).
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum: A globally important collection of trees with magnificent seasonal displays, especially in autumn.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens: The former home of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, with ten award-winning gardens.
Chastleton House: A rare, unaltered Jacobean country house frozen in time, with a fascinating history.
Snowshill Manor and Garden: A National Trust manor house containing an eccentric and unique collection of objects from around the world.
Ancient Sites & Natural Wonders (Wiltshire/Gloucestershire):
Broadway Tower: An iconic folly on a prominent hill, offering stunning panoramic views across 16 English counties on a clear day.
Rollright Stones: A complex of three neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments with ancient folklore attached.
Cotswold Water Park: A vast area of lakes offering water sports, wildlife watching, and cycling trails near Cirencester.
Leckhampton Hill & Devil’s Chimney: A prominent hill overlooking Cheltenham, famous for its distinctive limestone rock pillar.
Market Towns & Cities (Wiltshire/Gloucestershire):
Cirencester: Known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” a Roman town with a magnificent Parish Church of St. John the Baptist.
Tetbury: An architectural jewel, famous for its antique shops and the historic Market House.
Winchcombe: A small, charming market town with a rich history and a popular starting point for walking the Cotswold Way.
Malmesbury: England’s oldest borough, dominated by the romantic ruins of Malmesbury Abbey and famous for its delightful river gardens.
Castle Combe: Arguably the prettiest village in England, famed for its perfect preservation and picturesque market cross.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Cotswold Way: Trek a section of this famous long-distance trail. The stretch between Cotswold Edge and Bath offers stunning views, especially around Wotton-under-Edge or the Dyrham Park area.
Explore the National Arboretum at Westonbirt: Wander through one of the world’s most important plant collections, with spectacular colours year-round, particularly in autumn.
Visit the Roman Baths in Bath: While technically just outside the Cotswolds, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an unmissable day trip from the southern towns and offers a deep dive into Roman Britain.
Discover Castle Combe: Spend time in this famously beautiful and well-preserved village, often cited as the prettiest in England. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea or a pint at a historic pub.
Go Antiques Shopping in Tetbury: Browse the wealth of independent antique shops, galleries, and boutiques in this charming market town, which is a hotspot for interior designers and collectors.
Hike to the Viewpoint at Selsley Common: Enjoy panoramic views across the Severn Valley, particularly beautiful at sunset. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic and is part of the Cotswold Way.
Take a Canal Boat Trip: Charter a narrowboat or take a guided trip along the restored sections of the Thames and Severn Canal or the Stroudwater Canal for a peaceful waterside experience.
Tour Malmesbury Abbey: Explore the ruins and standing architecture of one of England’s most important religious sites, and wander the beautiful Abbey House Gardens nearby.
Visit a Wool Museum: Learn about the region’s rich history in the wool trade at places like the Stroudwater Textile Trust or the old weavers’ cottages in villages like Painswick.
Sample Local Cheese at a Farm Shop: The region is known for its artisan produce, including Cotswold Gold Rapeseed Oil and Stinking Bishop cheese. Visit a local farm shop for tastings.
Attend the Badminton Horse Trials: If visiting in May, experience this world-renowned, prestigious three-day equestrian event held near the village of Badminton.
Watch a Match at a Cotswold Polo Club: Experience the thrill of a polo match, often played in the summer months at local clubs near Cirencester or Tetbury.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential for Exploration: While many villages are beautiful, a car is by far the most efficient and recommended way to explore the region’s scattered towns, hidden valleys, and scenic viewpoints. Driving is on the left, and be prepared for narrow, winding country roads.
Parking: In market towns, car parks are generally available (often pay and display). In smaller villages, be extremely mindful to park responsibly, ensuring you do not block resident access or farm vehicles.
Public Transport: There is a bus network connecting the major market towns like Cirencester, Stroud, and Tetbury. However, services to smaller, picturesque villages (like Castle Combe or Painswick) can be infrequent, especially on weekends and evenings.
Rail Links: Mainline train stations (often used as gateways) are located in Stroud, Kemble (for Cirencester), and Chippenham (for the southern area). From here, you will typically need a taxi or bus to reach your final destination.
Cycling: The area is a fantastic, if sometimes hilly, cycling destination. Many towns have cycle hire, but be prepared for steep climbs and fast descents.
Village Etiquette: The Cotswolds are not a theme park; they are working communities. Be respectful of residents’ privacy. Do not block driveways, litter, or wander onto private property, especially when taking photos in picturesque spots like Castle Combe.
Pace of Life: Embrace the slower, rural pace. Shops and attractions may keep shorter hours than in cities, and you may find that the best part of your day is simply a quiet walk and a pub lunch.
The Power of the Pub: The local pub is the heart of every Cotswold village. Pub lunches are an institution. Always check opening times—some may close between lunch and dinner service, especially mid-week.
Attire: Dress for the weather and walking. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, and footpaths can be muddy year-round. Sturdy walking boots or wellies are often more practical than city shoes.
The Cotswold Stone: The region’s unique charm comes from its honey-coloured limestone. Notice how the stone changes colour subtly as the sun moves across the sky—it’s part of the magic.
Hidden Gems:
- The National Trust’s Newark Park: A hidden Tudor hunting lodge with stunning views over the Cotswold escarpment and a lovely tea-room.
- Painswick’s Rococo Garden: A beautifully preserved 18th-century garden, the only one of its kind in the UK, often less crowded than other attractions.
- The Stroud Saturday Farmers’ Market: One of the UK’s best farmers’ markets. Visit to sample local produce, from artisan breads and cheeses to rare-breed meats and craft ciders.
- Cirencester’s Corinium Museum: A brilliant local museum with one of the finest collections of Romano-British antiquities, reflecting the town’s history as Corinium Dobunnorum, the second-largest Roman city in Britain.
Top Restaurants
The Bell at Sapperton [$30-$50] – A beautiful, non-touristy country pub near Cirencester, known for its superb British fare, excellent local beers, and a cozy, authentic atmosphere.
The Potting Shed, Crudwell [$30-$50] – A well-regarded gastropub near Malmesbury, known for its seasonal British dishes, classic pub feel, and being the more casual sister to The Rectory hotel.
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton [$25-$40] – A National Trust-owned, historic 15th-century pub on the northern edge of the region, offering a time-capsule atmosphere, log fires, and hearty, traditional pub food.
The Horse & Groom Inn, Charlton [$30-$50] – A stylishly refurbished, Grade II-listed pub near Malmesbury, popular with locals for its relaxed elegance and seasonal British menu.
The Village Pub, Barnsley [$30-$50] – A proper British pub associated with The Pig hotel, serving excellent, unfussy British classics, local ales, and a cracking wine list.
The Swan Hotel, Bibury [$30-$50] – A quintessential, ivy-clad 17th-century coaching inn in the ‘most beautiful village in England,’ serving elevated British fare in its brasserie.
The Bear Inn, Cirencester [$25-$40] – An 18th-century piece of Cirencester history with traditional features, an open fire, and a menu of pub classics and modern British dishes.
The Rattlebone Inn, Sherston [$25-$40] – A classic, rustic village pub near Malmesbury with a warm atmosphere, serving traditional pub grub and real ales.
The Bell, Avening [$25-$40] – A traditional country pub situated between Tetbury and Nailsworth, combining a great range of drinks with a warm country pub atmosphere and simple, good food.
The Crown at Frampton Mansell [$30-$50] – An ancient, restored pub known for stunning views across the Golden Valley, a classic pub feel, and an excellent Sunday roast.
Ox Barn at Thyme, Southrop [$60-$90] – A beautifully converted, cavernous barn restaurant focused on a farm-to-fork philosophy, with menus driven by the farm and kitchen garden’s daily yield.
Roots + Seeds Café & Kitchen, Cirencester [$25-$45] – A stylish, newer café restaurant in Cirencester Park focusing on local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, with hearty, creative dishes.
The Old Butchers, Stow-on-the-Wold [$40-$70] – A well-loved, family-run English restaurant offering high-quality, inventive cooking, focusing on fantastic meat and fish dishes.
The Crown at Ampney Brook, Cirencester [$40-$70] – An award-winning pub/restaurant in a boutique hotel setting, serving a modern menu that features farm-to-table dishes with global influences.
William’s, Nailsworth [$30-$50] – More than just a restaurant, offering a dining experience with a focus on fresh, often seafood-led, local ingredients, also functioning as a delicatessen.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, Malmesbury [$100-$150] – A Michelin-starred restaurant offering a refined, multi-course dining experience with a focus on local produce and a highly seasonal menu.
The Rectory Hotel, Crudwell [$50-$80] – A country house hotel restaurant near Malmesbury known for its sophisticated modern British and European cooking, with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
Wild Thyme & Honey (The Crown) [$40-$70] – Located in Ampney Brook near Cirencester, the restaurant offers an elevated dining experience with a focus on farm-to-table dishes and seasonal ingredients.
Bybrook Restaurant – The Manor House, Castle Combe [$120-$180] – The Michelin-starred restaurant tucked within a 14th-century retreat, offering a sophisticated tasting menu of contemporary European cuisine.
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, Colerne [$150-$250] – An extremely opulent and celebrated Michelin-starred dining experience near Chippenham, known for exquisite, classic French-inspired dishes using British ingredients.
Lalola de Javi Abascal [$50-$80] – A restaurant in the historic center with a focus on traditional Iberian cuisine and a renewed, modern touch.
Pythouse Kitchen Garden, Tisbury [$40-$70] – A truly unique experience tucked into a hill in Wiltshire, where the menus are dictated by what is picked from the walled kitchen garden that day, often cooked over fire.
The Old Prison, Northleach [$15-$30] – A historic House of Correction transformed into a quirky Cotswold Kitchen & Café, serving fresh, local brunch, lunch, and coffee in an unusual setting.
The Trout Inn, Lechlade [$30-$50] – Located on the River Thames, this historic pub offers a waterside beer garden and hosts live jazz and occasional theatre performances in its Marquee.
The Blue Zucchini, Tetbury [$20-$35] – A casual, colourful spot in Tetbury with a relaxed vibe, serving light bites, fresh produce, and a great selection of cakes and coffee.
The Organic Farm Shop Café, Cirencester [$15-$30] – A charming farm-to-fork café at Abbey Home Farm, praised for its fresh, just-picked produce and ‘halcyon’ atmosphere, perfect for a casual walk-in lunch.
The Butts Farm Shop & Cafe, South Cerney [$15-$30] – A cafe that champions its own farm produce, offering light bites, excellent breakfasts, and simple dishes where the quality of the local ingredients shines.
The Close Hotel, Tetbury [$40-$60] – A contemporary and elegant dining room in the heart of Tetbury, serving a menu of beautifully prepared modern British dishes.
The Lamb Inn, Eastcombe [$25-$45] – A traditional and popular pub with excellent food and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, slightly off the main Cotswold tourist track near Stroud.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Toro Lounge: Located centrally in Cirencester, this stylish, eccentric bar is a popular all-day spot that transitions into a lively evening venue with a fun cocktail list and tapas-style dishes.
The Falcon Steakhouse Bar: While primarily a restaurant in Wotton-under-Edge, the bar area offers a refined atmosphere and an excellent selection of classic and contemporary cocktails, perfect for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
The Vaults: Tucked away in Cirencester, this intimate and atmospheric cocktail bar often features live music and is known for its inventive, well-crafted drinks served in a cozy setting.
The Woolpack Inn: Found in the charming village of Selsley near Stroud, this historic inn has a wonderful bar that excels in locally-inspired cocktails and fine spirits, combining rustic charm with modern mixology.
The Kings Head Hotel Bar: A sophisticated setting in the heart of Cirencester, this hotel bar provides a luxurious and elegant atmosphere for enjoying premium spirits and meticulously made cocktails.
The Snooty Fox Hotel Bar: Located in the historic market town of Tetbury, this classic English hotel bar is known for its traditional charm, roaring fires in winter, and a solid selection of gins and cocktails.
The Potting Shed Pub: Situated in the picturesque village of Crudwell near Malmesbury, this award-winning gastropub has a beautiful bar with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients for their drinks menu.
The Rectory Hotel Bar: An elegant Georgian house in Malmesbury, the hotel’s bar offers a serene, countryside escape with expertly mixed drinks and a refined atmosphere, often leading out to beautiful gardens.
The Crown at Ampney Brook: Found just outside Cirencester, this beautifully renovated pub offers a stylish bar area known for its unique cocktail creations and high-quality ingredients in a countryside setting.
Made by Bob: A popular all-day eatery and bar in Cirencester, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a concise but excellent list of classic cocktails and Italian aperitifs.
The Black Horse: Located in the village of Castle Combe, often considered one of England’s prettiest villages, this traditional pub features a cozy bar that offers a surprising range of modern cocktails alongside local ales.
The Old Bell Hotel Bar: Claiming to be England’s oldest hotel, this establishment in Malmesbury has a historic and atmospheric bar where you can enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail steeped in centuries of history.
The Lamb Inn: Nestled in the historic market square of Fairford, the bar here is a relaxed spot with a good wine and cocktail selection, popular with locals and visitors alike.
The Maytime Inn: A charming pub in the village of Asthall, just on the edge of the South Cotswolds region, which boasts a fantastic garden and a well-regarded bar focused on quality G&Ts and classic cocktails.
The Fleece at Cirencester: A historic coaching inn in the centre of Cirencester, its bar is a lively and spacious spot perfect for a casual evening drink from their well-stocked cocktail menu.
ReVa Nightclub: Located in Cirencester, this is one of the more traditional late-night venues in the area, known for its weekend club nights with DJs playing a mix of commercial, house, and R&B music.
Fifteens at the Railway: This popular pub in Cirencester often extends its hours late on weekends and hosts DJs and occasional live music, offering a more high-energy, pub-club hybrid atmosphere.
The Twelve Bells: A lively pub in Cirencester that’s often a central spot for late-night socializing, known for its friendly atmosphere and staying open later than many surrounding venues.
Sub Rooms: Located in Stroud, this is a cultural hub that hosts a variety of late-night events, including live bands, stand-up comedy, and occasional club nights in its main hall.
Vino Bar: A stylish wine bar in Cirencester that stays open late and offers a relaxed yet buzzing environment, often serving as a sophisticated late-night lounge for those who prefer wine and premium spirits.
The Bear of Rodborough: Situated near Stroud, this hotel and pub occasionally hosts themed late-night events and music nights in its bar and function areas, offering a late-night option outside the main towns.
The Retreat: A small but popular bar/venue in Cirencester known for its eclectic music taste, often featuring local DJs and providing a vibrant, late-night alternative to the town’s larger venues.
The Bell Inn: Found in Somerford Keynes (near the Cotswold Water Park), this establishment sometimes hosts live music and events that keep the bar open late, creating a lively atmosphere in a picturesque setting.
The Cirencester Inn: This pub in Cirencester has a dedicated following and is known for its late weekend hours, providing a casual, no-frills environment for a final late drink.
The Old Spot Inn: Located in Dursley, this traditional pub is an award-winning real ale venue but often hosts late music sessions and is a popular spot for a final late-night drink in the southern end of the region.