THE NORTH COTSWOLDS
The North Cotswolds epitomizes classic England with its honey-coloured stone villages, rolling green hills, and quintessentially charming market towns. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This region showcases an idyllic blend of historic grandeur and rustic tranquility. Explore ancient wool churches, magnificent stately homes, and gardens famed across the world
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Villages & Market Towns:
Broadway: A large, elegant village known for its wide, tree-lined main street and art galleries. It’s often called the “Jewel of the Cotswolds.”
Chipping Campden: A beautiful, historic market town famous for its terraced High Street, which curves to follow the line of the old medieval market place.
Stow-on-the-Wold: An ancient market town perched on a hill, famous for its historic square and the magical door at St. Edward’s Church surrounded by yew trees.
Bourton-on-the-Water: Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” due to the River Windrush flowing through its centre under low stone bridges.
Moreton-in-Marsh: A popular, traditional market town with a busy High Street, home to the only town centre Cotswold Falconry Centre.
Lacock: Though technically in Wiltshire, it’s a stunning village renowned for its use as a filming location for Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter films.
Lower and Upper Slaughter: Two of the most picturesque villages, connected by a stream, offering a peaceful, timeless atmosphere.
Bibury: Once called “the most beautiful village in England,” it’s famed for the iconic, picturesque row of weavers’ cottages, Arlington Row.
Blockley: A charming, quieter village with a working watermill, used as a location for the TV series Father Brown.
Historic Houses & Gardens:
Sudeley Castle & Gardens: A magnificent castle with a thousand years of history, famed as the final resting place of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII’s final wife.
Hidcote Manor Garden: One of England’s great Arts and Crafts gardens, famous for its outdoor “rooms” of hedges, topiary, and exotic plants.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens: Located near Hidcote, this garden is renowned for the Kiftsgate Rose and its spectacular views across the Vale of Evesham.
Snowshill Manor and Garden: A manor house housing an eccentric collection of objects gathered by its last owner, Charles Wade.
Chastleton House: A fascinating, beautiful Jacobean country house preserved in a gently dilapidated state for over 400 years.
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens: A large park and zoo near Burford with hundreds of animals and beautiful formal gardens.
Outdoor & Unique Attractions:
Broadway Tower: An iconic folly tower on the second-highest point of the Cotswolds, offering panoramic views across 16 counties on a clear day.
Cotswold Way National Trail: A famous walking route that passes through the area, offering stunning views and connecting many of the key villages.
Cotswold Farm Park: Founded by Countryfile’s Adam Henson, it’s a great spot to see rare breeds of farm animals.
Dover’s Hill: A natural amphitheatre near Chipping Campden famous for hosting the annual Cotswold Olimpick Games.
Rollright Stones: A complex of three Neolithic and Bronze Age megalithic monuments on the border of the Cotswolds.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway: A heritage railway offering scenic steam and diesel train journeys through the rolling countryside.
Cotswold Water Park: A network of over 150 lakes offering water sports, nature reserves, and walking trails (on the southern edge of the North Cotswolds).
Activities & Experiences
Visit a Quintessential Cotswold Village: Spend a half-day exploring the honey-stone architecture and unique streets of a classic village like Broadway, Chipping Campden, or Stow-on-the-Wold.
Hike the Cotswold Way National Trail: Walk a section of this 102-mile trail, perhaps the segment between Broadway Tower and Chipping Campden for stunning views and charming farmland.
Explore Bourton-on-the-Water’s Miniaturised Village: Marvel at the perfectly scaled-down replica of the village itself, a quirky and popular local attraction.
Go Antiques Hunting in Tetbury: Browse the high concentration of independent antique shops and art galleries in this historic market town, famous for its connections to royal residences.
Take a Garden Tour at Hidcote Manor: Wander through the world-renowned ‘garden rooms’ of this National Trust property, considered one of the most influential 20th-century gardens.
Attend a Falconry Display: Visit a centre like the Cotswold Falconry Centre in Batsford to see magnificent birds of prey in action and learn about their conservation.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea: Indulge in the traditional English experience at a historic tearoom, perhaps in Moreton-in-Marsh or Stow-on-the-Wold.
Cycle Through the Countryside: Rent a bicycle (electric is an option, given the hills!) and pedal along the quiet country lanes and bridleways between the villages.
Tour a Local Brewery or Distillery: Sample craft ales at a local brewery or take a tour of the Cotswolds Distillery to learn about the production of gin and single malt whisky.
Visit the Sudeley Castle & Gardens: Explore this historic castle with strong royal connections, which was once home to Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII.
Wander through Broadway Tower Park: Climb the iconic, unique folly for panoramic views across 16 counties and visit the nearby nuclear bunker museum.
Local Tips & Transport
A Car is Essential: Unlike many city destinations, a personal or rental car offers the most flexibility to explore the wide range of villages, gardens, and walking trails. Public transport can be infrequent and doesn’t always connect the smaller, most charming hamlets.
Park-and-Stride: Parking within the most popular villages (like Bourton-on-the-Water) can be expensive and crowded, especially in peak season. Look for peripheral car parks or consider parking slightly outside the village and enjoying a short, scenic walk in.
Utilize the Local Buses: While not comprehensive, the local bus service can be useful for specific routes, particularly the 801 (Cheltenham-Moreton-in-Marsh) and the 855 (Moreton-in-Marsh-Stratford) routes, which connect some major hubs. Check schedules in advance, as services can be infrequent.
Train Access: The Cotswold Line train route is excellent for arriving into the region, with main stations at Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham (slightly south), offering direct links to London Paddington and Worcester. Rent a car or take a taxi from these stations.
Understand the ‘Honey-Coloured’ Stone: The villages are primarily built with the local Cotswold stone, a beautiful, warm, yellow-grey Jurassic limestone. The distinctive colour comes from iron in the stone and is a key part of the area’s aesthetic appeal.
Embrace ‘Country’ Timing: Dining and retail hours are much more aligned with standard UK countryside practice. Shops generally close by 5:30 PM, and while pubs serve food all day, many higher-end restaurants close between lunch and dinner service, which typically starts around 6:00 PM. Book evening meals well in advance, especially on weekends.
The “Wold” and the “Bottom”: The local names are descriptive of the landscape. A village with ‘Wold’ (e.g., Stow-on-the-Wold) in its name is typically on a high hill, offering great views but requiring a walk uphill. A village with ‘Bottom’ (or similar) is generally found in a valley.
Walking Etiquette: When walking on public footpaths through fields, be mindful of the ‘gate rule’ (leave gates as you find them—open or closed) and always keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock. Be prepared for mud with appropriate footwear.
Hidden Gems
Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden: Offers spectacular panoramic views over the Vale of Evesham. It’s also the traditional site of the Cotswold Olimpicks, a quirky local sporting event held annually in May/June.
The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water: This is not actually a hidden gem, but a must-see, especially to understand the scale of the village before you explore the real one.
Snowshill Manor and Garden: A delightful National Trust property known for its eccentric collection of thousands of everyday objects gathered by its owner, Charles Wade. The village of Snowshill is also particularly picturesque.
Broadway’s Historic High Street: Take time to explore beyond the main tourist stops. Look for the small side alleys and independent shops set back from the road, which often hold the best treasures.
Top Restaurants
The Ebrington Arms [$25-$45] – An award-winning, unspoiled 17th-century inn in Ebrington known for its own-brewed Yubby ales and exceptional pub classics made with locally sourced meats.
The Red Lion Inn [$20-$35] – A golden-stone gem in Chipping Campden offering a cozy, fire-lit atmosphere and a menu of hearty English pies and seasonal local ales.
The Fleece Inn [$20-$40] – A National Trust-owned historic pub in Bretforton that feels like a step back in time, famous for its pewter jugs, traditional “faggots and peas,” and Morris dancing events.
The Mount Inn [$25-$40] – Perched on a hill in the village of Stanton, this traditional pub offers spectacular views over the Vale of Evesham alongside high-quality local steaks.
The Horse & Groom [$30-$50] – A charming Georgian inn in Bourton-on-the-Hill that focuses on seasonal British produce and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere.
The Snowshill Arms [$20-$35] – A quintessential, no-frills village pub in Snowshill located right next to the famous manor, serving local Donnington ales and traditional ploughman’s lunches.
The Eight Bells [$25-$40] – Originally built to house the stonemasons who built the nearby church in Chipping Campden, this pub serves refined traditional fare in a historic timbered setting.
The Bakers Arms [$20-$35] – A small, authentic “local’s local” in Broad Campden with low ceilings and stone walls, specializing in simple, high-quality home-cooked meals.
The Crown & Trumpet [$20-$30] – A multi-award winning 17th-century inn in Broadway that is a favorite for its live jazz nights and locally caught trout.
The Seagrave Arms [$30-$50] – A handsome Georgian inn in Weston Subedge that perfectly balances the character of a village pub with the quality of a refined restaurant.
The Churchill Arms [$30-$50] – A vibrant pub in the heart of Paxford offering a creative take on traditional British dishes using ingredients from the surrounding farms.
The Coach & Horses [$20-$35] – A small, traditional coaching inn on the edge of Longborough known for its friendly service and classic Sunday roasts.
The Fox Inn [$25-$40] – Located in Lower Oddington, this rustic-chic pub is famous for its “field-to-fork” philosophy and cozy, crackling fireplaces.
The Kings Arms [$25-$45] – A historic coaching inn in Mickleton that claims to be the home of the world-famous “Pudding Club,” celebrating traditional British desserts.
The Bell Inn [$30-$50] – An ancient inn in Willersey that serves as a community hub, offering large portions of traditional fish and chips and local sausages.
The Swan Inn [$30-$55] – A picturesque riverside pub in Broadway that offers a mix of classic bar snacks and more formal dining in their airy conservatory.
The Lygon Arms Grill [$40-$70] – While part of a famous hotel in Broadway, the Grill offers a spectacular vaulted-ceiling setting for high-end British comfort food.
The White Hart Royal [$25-$45] – A former coaching inn in Moreton-in-Marsh where King Charles I once stayed, now serving reliable British classics and local ales.
The Porch House [$30-$55] – Claiming to be the oldest inn in England, this Stow-on-the-Wold landmark serves sophisticated pub food in a building filled with 10th-century history.
The Queen’s Head [$20-$35] – A traditional, unpretentious pub in Stow-on-the-Wold known for its welcoming courtyard and local “Hooky” ales.
The Golden Ball [$20-$35] – A Donnington brewery pub in Lower Swell with a lovely beer garden and a focus on simple, honest pub food.
The Slaughters Country Inn [$35-$60] – Located in the stunning village of Lower Slaughter, this inn offers a more relaxed dining alternative to the manor houses nearby.
The Potting Shed [$30-$50] – A stylish, garden-themed restaurant in Broadway serving fresh, colorful dishes that highlight seasonal vegetables and local game.
The Old Butchers [$40-$75] – A family-run restaurant in Stow-on-the-Wold that specializes in nose-to-tail dining and incredibly fresh seafood in a casual, modern setting.
The Wild Rabbit [$50-$90] – An ultra-chic, organic “pub” in Kingham that serves Michelin-standard modern British food with a focus on simplicity and purity.
The Fish Hotel Seafood Grill [$45-$80] – A trendy, design-led restaurant near Broadway focused on high-quality sustainable seafood and wood-fired cooking.
Russell’s of Broadway [$40-$75] – A contemporary restaurant in Broadway located in the former workshop of Sir Gordon Russell, offering sleek decor and a focus on modern European flavors.
The Sheep on Sheep Street [$30-$55] – A vibrant, contemporary spot in Stow-on-the-Wold known for its wood-fired pizzas and creative gin cocktails.
The Bower House [$35-$65] – A stylish restaurant and bar in Shipston-on-Stour serving inventive modern British plates in a beautifully restored Georgian building.
The Chequers [$30-$60] – A smart, buzzy pub in Churchill that blends a traditional bar area with a sophisticated dining room serving modern, eclectic dishes.
Hooker’s & Co [$40-$70] – A small, intimate bistro in Chipping Campden focusing on seasonal ingredients and a frequently changing, creative menu.
The Stump [$20-$40] – A renovated roadside inn near Foss Cross specializing in incredible wood-fired pizzas and local craft beers with a youthful, modern vibe.
The North Yorks [$35-$60] – A refined gastro-pub in the quiet village of Little Wolford focusing on bold flavors and artistic plating.
The Feathered Nest [$50-$90] – Located in Nether Westcote, this restaurant offers creative, high-end dishes with one of the best panoramic views of the Evenlode Valley.
The Dining Room at Whatley Manor [$120-$200] – A prestigious Michelin-starred experience near the North Cotswold border, offering a highly technical and innovative tasting menu.
Lumière [$90-$150] – An intimate, award-winning fine dining spot in Cheltenham (often visited by Cotswold travelers) focused on creative, ingredient-led British cuisine.
The Garden Room at Dormy House [$80-$130] – A sophisticated, light-filled restaurant near Broadway offering a refined tasting menu that celebrates the best of the local landscape.
Atrium at Lords of the Manor [$100-$160] – An exclusive, 14-seat fine dining room in Upper Slaughter offering an opulent multi-course journey through French-inspired British dishes.
The Manor House Restaurant [$70-$120] – Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, this elegant AA Rosette-winning restaurant offers a formal dining experience with a focus on local venison and game.
Buckland Manor [$80-$140] – A breathtaking manor house near Broadway where the dining room serves classic French-influenced cuisine in a grand, historic setting.
The Slaughters Manor House [$85-$150] – A contemporary take on fine dining in Lower Slaughter, blending classic French techniques with a very modern, artistic aesthetic.
Huffkins [$20-$35] – A legendary Cotswold bakery and tea room in Stow-on-the-Wold famous for its “Lardy Cakes” and traditional afternoon tea.
The Broadway Deli [$15-$30] – A quirky and vibrant deli in Broadway with a café out back, perfect for a high-quality breakfast or a colorful salad plate.
Daylesford Organic [$40-$80] – Located near Kingham, this is more than a restaurant; it’s a luxury farm shop and café destination focusing on high-end organic produce.
The Tea Set [$20-$40] – A charming, boutique tea room in Chipping Campden that offers a specialized afternoon tea with a wide selection of vintage china.
Otis & Belle [$10-$20] – A modern artisan sourdough bakery in Moreton-in-Marsh, perfect for grabbing a high-end pastry and coffee on the go.
The Cotswold Guy [$25-$45] – A trendy farm-to-table café in Guiting Power serving high-quality local produce and famous sausage rolls, popular with the local celebrity set.
Blockley Shop & Café [$20-$35] – A community-run café in the quiet village of Blockley that serves unexpectedly high-quality bistro dinners on Friday and Saturday nights.
The Kitchen at Farncombe [$30-$55] – A relaxed, open-plan kitchen restaurant near Broadway that offers cooking demonstrations and casual, high-quality sharing platters.
The Hive [$15-$30] – A cozy and eclectic café in Stow-on-the-Wold known for its excellent coffee and wholesome, locally sourced breakfasts.
Badger’s Hall [$25-$45] – A traditional tea room and “eatery” in Chipping Campden that specializes in home-baked scones and a very authentic English atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds: Tucked away within Cowley Manor (near Cheltenham, but accessible to the southern part of the North Cotswolds), this bar offers bespoke rural cocktails crafted with herbs plucked from their garden in a sophisticated, countryside setting with a DJ soundtrack.
The Old Stocks Inn Cocktail Lounge: Found in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, this welcoming lounge is home to a bespoke cocktail menu curated on-site, offering a cozy spot for a pre-dinner drink or a late snifter overlooking the square.
The Porch House: Claimed to be one of England’s oldest pubs, this characterful venue in Stow-on-the-Wold has a lively bar area where you can enjoy classic drinks, including a signature craft beer, amidst ancient flagstone floors and low beams.
The Feathered Nest Country Inn: Located in Nether Westcote, this fine dining pub features a lively bar area where you can enjoy modern British fine dining paired with a curated selection of drinks and cocktails in a stunning village setting.
Hidcote Cocktail Bar (Cotswold House Hotel): If you are looking for a cocktail bar in Chipping Campden, this elegant hotel bar offers many old favourites such as the Martini and Cosmopolitan, as well as new twists, perfect for a relaxed evening drink.
The Fish Hotel – The Feasting Room Bar: Found on the Farncombe Estate above Broadway, this stylish bar in a luxurious setting provides a diverse menu of high-quality cocktails, wines, and spirits in a chic and comfortable atmosphere.
The Lygon Arms Bar: Located in the picturesque village of Broadway, this historic hotel boasts a sophisticated bar where guests and non-residents can enjoy classic cocktails and fine wines by a roaring log fire in a truly traditional Cotswold setting.
The King’s Arms: A beautifully restored pub in Prestbury (near Cheltenham and the North Cotswolds border) that serves a wide range of ales, beers, fantastic wines, and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Broadway Hotel Bar: Situated centrally in the charming village of Broadway, this beautiful building offers a sophisticated bar experience, ideal for a special break or a celebratory drink.
The Pig-in the Cotswolds Bar: Set within the beautiful countryside, this relaxed bar and sitting room area at the hotel near Brockhampton/Cotswolds Distillery focuses on cocktails designed with their Kitchen Garden in mind, using local spirits like Cotswolds Dry Gin.
The Ebrington Arms: A cozy, award-winning village pub in Ebrington, near Chipping Campden, that offers a selection of fine drinks and spirits, perfect for an authentic local experience in a welcoming setting.
The Fox at Oddington: A 19th-century inn nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside, near Moreton-in-Marsh, that offers a welcoming bar with crackling log fires and a specialisation in local beers and inventive cocktails.
The Double Red Duke Bar: A popular spot in Bampton (on the edge of the Cotswolds) with a bar that serves excellent cocktails and fine wines, perfect for enjoying in their beautiful garden with its signature red parasols.
The Kings Head Inn Bar: Located on the picture-postcard village green in Bledington, this charming inn offers a selection of quality drinks, including cocktails, in a magical and family-friendly setting.
The Slaughters Country Inn Bar: Found in Lower Slaughter, one of the most beautiful Cotswold villages, this bar offers a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a sophisticated drink or classic cocktail after a day of sightseeing.
The Wild Rabbit Bar: Located in Kingham, this contemporary British inn and pub has a refined bar area offering a selection of craft beers, fine wines, and bespoke cocktails in a chic, rustic-luxe setting.
The Stump: Situated at Foss Cross, between Northleach and Cirencester, this venue focuses on pizza and pasta but also has a bar with Deya ales and a cracking atmosphere, perfect for a lively roadside pitstop.
The Lamb Inn: A quintessential Cotswold pub in Burford, this charming inn features a bar that serves a great selection of drinks, ideal for relaxing by the fireplace.
The Bakers Arms: A charming, traditional countryside pub in Broad Campden, offering a relaxing village escape with classic pub drinks and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The George Hotel Bar: Located in the historic town of Shipston-on-Stour, this hotel bar offers a classic setting to enjoy a drink, from local ales to standard cocktails.
The Churchill Arms: A popular local in Paxford (near Chipping Campden), known for its great atmosphere and commitment to local sourcing, including a well-stocked bar.
The Halfway at Kineton Bar: Located at Kineton, this spot has a lovely garden space with a horsebox bar, making it perfect for summer cocktails and beers with an open fire BBQ option.
The Fleece Inn Bar: A rustic, historic pub in Bretforton (near Evesham) where you can enjoy real ale and a simple drink selection in a character-filled setting that feels like stepping back in time.
The Swan Inn: Situated in Swinbrook, close to Burford, this beautiful riverside pub offers a relaxing bar and a spot on the bank of the River Windrush for a delightful drink.
The Plough: A welcoming pub in Prestbury (near Cheltenham) with a fabulous one-acre garden that features a stream, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or classic pub offering.
ReVA Nightclub: While geographically outside the very heart of the North Cotswolds, this Cirencester Nightclub is the closest dedicated, late-night venue, offering a 1920s theme, VIP area, cocktail menu, and two dance floors playing a mix of Party, RnB, DnB, and House until the early hours.
Mad Hatter Wine Bar: Found in Cirencester, this late-night hangout is known for its lively atmosphere and is one of the closest options for a club-like experience, often hosting DJs, live bands, and singers on Fridays and Saturdays, continuing “through the wee hours.”
Stanton Village Club: Located in Stanton (near Broadway), this private members’ club welcomes visitors as day members and is a popular spot for live music in the Cotswolds, offering a warm, social environment and late hours on special event nights like New Year’s Eve.
The Barn Theater – Téatro Bar & Restaurant: While primarily a theater in Cirencester, its onsite Téatro Bar & Restaurant is a chic spot for pre-show and post-show drinks, often attracting a lively crowd for later drinks on performance nights.
Broadway United Football Club Clubhouse: In Broadway, this clubhouse has a bar that attracts a crowd, especially during televised sports events, and offers a more informal, local late-night drinking environment.
The Bull Charlbury: This popular pub in Charlbury has a terrace garden perfect for cocktails and a lively atmosphere, often extending its opening hours later than typical village pubs, especially on weekends and for events.
The King’s Arms, Prestbury: Beyond its cocktail bar status, this venue is known for its later-night scene (for a pub) and vibrant atmosphere, particularly on weekend evenings, serving as a social hub on the North Cotswolds fringe.
The Village Pub: The sister property to The Pig-in the Cotswolds (near Brockhampton), this is a traditional pub that provides a local, late-night alternative for hotel guests and visitors, focusing on a robust selection of ales, wines, and spirits.
The White Hart Inn: A charming 16th-century inn in Winchcombe, which often maintains a lively bar atmosphere late into the evening, especially popular with locals for socialising.
The Crown & Trumpet Inn: Centrally located just behind the village green in Broadway, this traditional 17th Century Inn offers a classic pub atmosphere that can be a lively spot for a late drink in the village.