The Best Places To Visit in the North Cotswold's

Charming villages, rolling hills, and timeless English beauty — here's your ultimate North Cotswold's travel guide.

Tucked into the heart of England, the North Cotswold's offer a storybook escape filled with honey-stone villages, winding country lanes, and scenic walking trails that stretch for miles. Whether you're chasing antiques, sipping cream teas, or exploring castle ruins, the North Cotswold'

s deliver quintessential countryside magic in every direction.

Here are the must-visit spots to explore while you're here:

1. Broadway

Often called "The Jewel of the Cotswolds", Broadway is a picture-perfect village with a historic high street, boutique shops, art galleries, and charming tea rooms. Don’t miss the climb to Broadway Tower, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across 16 counties on a clear day.

2. Chipping Campden

A market town steeped in Arts & Crafts history, Chipping Campden is a dream for architecture lovers. Wander the High Street to admire its golden limestone buildings, visit the old Woolstaplers’ Hall, or walk the Cotswold Way Trail, which starts here.

3. Stow-on-the-Wold

Perched high on a hill, Stow is known for antique shops, cosy pubs, and the famous doorway at St Edward’s Church, said to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin. It’s a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

4. Bourton-on-the-Water

Dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, this riverside village is a family favourite. Stroll along the River Windrush, explore Birdland Park & Gardens, or visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum for a nostalgic look at British road culture.

5. Snowshill

Tiny, tranquil, and full of character. Snowshill is home to Snowshill Manor, an eccentric National Trust property filled with curious collections and surrounded by dreamy gardens. A hidden gem just a short drive from Broadway.

6. Winchcombe

For history buffs, Winchcombe is unmissable. Visit the stunning Sudeley Castle, the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, and explore ancient trails like the Winchcombe Way. The village is less touristy and ideal for peaceful stays.

7. Moreton-in-Marsh

With a bustling Tuesday market and direct train links to London, Moreton is both practical and picturesque. Check out the Cotswold Cheese Company, explore independent bookshops, or enjoy a pint at The Bell Inn, said to have inspired Tolkien’s Prancing Pony.

8. The Rollright Stones

Step into the past at this mysterious ancient site near Chipping Norton. The Rollright Stones — including the King's Men circle and Whispering Knights — offer a mystical atmosphere and a great photo op.

9. Upper and Lower Slaughter

These two tiny villages are connected by a peaceful walking path along the River Eye. With no shops or pubs, they’re a slice of pure serenity — and among the most photographed places in the Cotswolds.

10. Hidcote Manor Garden

Just north of Chipping Campden, Hidcote is one of the finest Arts & Crafts gardens in the world. Created by American horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston, it’s a maze of hedged "rooms," rare plants, and blooming borders — a gardener’s paradise.

Bonus Tips

• Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn — for sunny walks and vibrant gardens.

• Getting around: A car is ideal, but some villages are connected by bus or rail.

• Where to stay: Boutique cottages, converted barns, and historic inns abound — ask us for tailored recommendations!