Finding the perfect place to stay is the single most important decision you will make when planning a trip to the Cotswolds. Get it right — the right village, the right type of accommodation, the right balance of location and character — and your Cotswolds experience will be transformed. Get it wrong, and you may find yourself stranded in a beautiful but remote hamlet with no pub, no restaurant, and a 20-minute drive to anything of interest.
This is your complete guide to where to stay in the Cotswolds. We cover every type of accommodation from grand luxury country house hotels and intimate boutique properties to charming B&Bs, self-catering cottages, glamping sites, and budget-friendly options. We also break down the best areas to base yourself, because in a region spanning nearly 800 square miles, location matters enormously.
For a romantic weekend, a family holiday, a walking trip, or a week of village-hopping exploration, this guide will help you find the accommodation that matches your style, budget, and priorities. For essential travel planning information, see our Complete Guide to Visiting the Cotswolds. For help deciding which villages to visit, see our guide to the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds.
Best Areas to Stay in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds stretches from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south, and the character, accessibility, and atmosphere vary significantly across the region. Choosing the right area is as important as choosing the right hotel or cottage. Here is our area-by-area breakdown to help you decide where to base yourself.
The North Cotswolds — Best for First-Time Visitors
The North Cotswolds is the most popular area and the best choice for first-time visitors. This is where you will find the highest concentration of famous villages — Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the-Water, and the Slaughters — all within easy driving distance of each other. The area has the best selection of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and the best public transport connections (Moreton-in-Marsh has a direct train to London Paddington).
Best bases in the North Cotswolds:
Stow-on-the-Wold is our top recommendation for a first visit. This hilltop market town sits at the geographic heart of the northern Cotswolds, with excellent road connections in every direction. You can reach Bourton-on-the-Water in 10 minutes, Broadway in 20 minutes, Chipping Campden in 25 minutes, and Burford in 20 minutes. Stow has a wonderful Market Square ringed by characterful pubs, excellent antique shops, and a good range of accommodation from luxury hotels to cosy B&Bs. It is walkable, atmospheric, and perfectly positioned for exploring.
Broadway is ideal if you want a slightly more upmarket and elegant base. Its wide High Street is lined with galleries, boutiques, and some of the finest restaurants in the Cotswolds. Broadway has excellent luxury and boutique hotel options, including The Lygon Arms and The Fish Hotel. It is the best base for exploring the northern escarpment, Broadway Tower, and the beautiful villages of Snowshill, Stanton, and Stanway.
Moreton-in-Marsh is the most practical choice if you are travelling without a car. Its mainline railway station has direct services to London Paddington (approximately 90 minutes), and Stagecoach buses connect to Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Chipping Campden. The town has good mid-range accommodation, a famous Tuesday market, and a pleasant High Street.
Chipping Campden offers the finest historic architecture of any Cotswolds town — its High Street is widely regarded as the most complete and beautiful medieval streetscape in England. It has excellent pub and restaurant options, good accommodation, and proximity to Hidcote Manor Garden. It is the starting point of the Cotswold Way and is ideal for walkers and architecture enthusiasts.
The Central Cotswolds — Best for a Quieter Experience
The Central Cotswolds, centred around Cirencester and the beautiful river valleys of the Coln, Windrush, and Leach, offers a noticeably calmer and more peaceful experience than the busier north. The villages here — Bibury, Northleach, Lechlade, Fairford, and the Coln Valley settlements — are equally beautiful but attract fewer visitors. The limestone here glows at its warmest golden hue, and the landscape of gentle valleys and water meadows feels deeply pastoral.
Cirencester is the unofficial capital of the Cotswolds and makes an excellent base, particularly for those who want the amenities of a proper market town — supermarkets, a cinema, diverse restaurants, and the outstanding Corinium Museum. It is centrally located for day trips to both the northern and southern Cotswolds, and has good road connections. Accommodation options range from hotels and B&Bs to self-catering properties in the surrounding countryside.
Bibury is perfect for a romantic getaway. The Swan Hotel offers an elegant base right on the River Coln, and the village’s famous Arlington Row is on your doorstep. However, Bibury is tiny — there is one pub, one hotel, and very limited evening dining options, so plan accordingly.
Burford is our favourite base in the central Cotswolds for those who want a good balance of beauty, dining options, and proximity to attractions. Its dramatic High Street, excellent pubs (The Lamb Inn is a gem), and position as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds” from the east make it a practical and atmospheric choice.
The South Cotswolds — Best for Bath Visitors and Quieter Villages
The South Cotswolds stretches from Tetbury and Painswick down to Castle Combe and the fringes of Bath. This area has a different character — more wooded valleys, deeper connections to the Arts and Crafts heritage, and proximity to the city of Bath. It is an excellent choice for visitors combining the Cotswolds with a Bath trip, and for those seeking lesser-known villages away from the tourist trail.
Tetbury is a handsome market town with royal connections (Highgrove, the private residence of King Charles III, is nearby) and an excellent antiques scene. It has good accommodation options and is well-positioned for visits to Westonbirt Arboretum, Castle Combe, and Malmesbury.
Painswick, the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” is a beautiful hilltop town with distinctive pale grey limestone and wonderful walks. The Painswick Hotel is one of the finest boutique properties in the region. Painswick is excellent for walkers and garden lovers (the Rococo Garden is a delight).
Castle Combe and surroundings offer some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Cotswolds — the Manor House Hotel and Golf Club is a truly exceptional property. This is the most convenient area for visitors arriving from Bath, Bristol, or the M4 corridor.
Luxury Hotels in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds has one of the finest collections of luxury country house hotels anywhere in England. These are properties where centuries of history, stunning architecture, world-class dining, and impeccable service come together to create experiences that linger long in the memory.
Buckland Manor near Broadway is the very essence of Cotswold luxury — a 13th-century manor house set in 10 acres of immaculate gardens with views across the Vale of Evesham. Every room is individually decorated with antiques and fine fabrics, the restaurant serves beautifully crafted modern British cuisine, and the atmosphere is one of unhurried, supremely civilised elegance. This is a hotel for guests who appreciate quiet refinement over flashy modernity.
The Lygon Arms in Broadway occupies a magnificent 16th-century coaching inn where both Charles I and Oliver Cromwell reputedly stayed. A sensitive restoration has preserved the historic character — barrel-vaulted ceilings, open fireplaces, oak panelling — while adding contemporary comforts including a spa and pool. The restaurant, cocktail bar, and vine-covered courtyard make it one of the most atmospheric places to stay in the Cotswolds.
Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter is a 17th-century former rectory in one of the most tranquil and beautiful settings in the Cotswolds. The honey-stone building sits in eight acres of parkland and walled gardens beside the River Eye. The restaurant holds a Michelin recommendation, and the combination of outstanding food, serene surroundings, and warm service makes this one of the most romantic hotels in the region.
Lucknam Park near Bath is a magnificent Palladian mansion set in 500 acres of private parkland with an equestrian centre, a world-class spa, Michelin-starred dining, and a cookery school. It combines the grandeur of a stately home with the facilities of a modern luxury resort — one of the finest country house hotels in all of England.
For a full guide to the best high-end properties, see our detailed guide to Luxury Hotels in the Cotswolds.
Boutique Hotels and Stylish Stays
If you prefer character, individuality, and design flair over grand-scale luxury, the Cotswolds has a wonderful collection of boutique hotels that combine historic settings with contemporary style.
The Painswick is a stunning Palladian mansion turned 16-room boutique hotel with beautifully designed rooms, a relaxed restaurant, and one of the best settings of any hotel in the Cotswolds — perched on a hillside with sweeping views across the valley. The interiors blend period features with modern design, and the atmosphere is friendly and unstuffy.
The Fish Hotel near Broadway is a quirky, sophisticated hideaway with a range of unique accommodation styles — from rooms in the main house to treehouses, shepherd’s huts, and woodland cabins scattered across 400 acres of private estate. It feels completely different from a traditional Cotswolds hotel, and is particularly popular with younger travellers and families seeking something more adventurous.
Artist Residence Oxfordshire near Witney brings urban-cool boutique sensibility to the Cotswolds countryside. Housed in a 17th-century coaching inn, it has individually designed rooms with distinctive artwork, a superb restaurant, and a relaxed, creative atmosphere that appeals to design-conscious travellers.
The Old Stocks Inn on the Market Square in Stow-on-the-Wold has been thoughtfully reimagined from a traditional coaching inn into a stylish boutique hotel with exposed stone walls, contemporary furnishings, and a popular cocktail bar. Its central location makes it one of the most convenient bases in the northern Cotswolds.
For more options, explore our full guide to Boutique Hotels in the Cotswolds.
Spa Hotels and Wellness Retreats
The Cotswolds’ peaceful countryside setting makes it a natural destination for spa breaks and wellness retreats. Several hotels have invested in outstanding spa facilities that rival the best in the country.
Cowley Manor Experimental near Cheltenham is a striking country house where contemporary art and design meet rolling Cotswold parkland. The C-Side Spa features an indoor pool, outdoor heated pool, a full treatment menu using natural and locally sourced products, and a sense of calm that is hard to match. The hotel is part of the Experimental Group, bringing a touch of Parisian cool to the English countryside.
Dormy House in Broadway has a fabulous spa — the House Spa — with a hydrotherapy pool, salt room, thermal rooms, and an extensive treatment menu. The hotel itself is a beautifully converted 17th-century farmhouse with stylish rooms, an excellent restaurant, and a setting that is pure Cotswolds magic. Dormy House is particularly popular for spa weekends and special occasion stays.
Calcot Manor near Tetbury combines a luxurious spa with outstanding family-friendly facilities — a rare combination. The spa features an outdoor hot tub, indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms, while the Playzone keeps children entertained. The result is a property where parents can genuinely relax while children have a wonderful time.
Ellenborough Park near Cheltenham is a magnificent 15th-century manor house with a spa featuring an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and treatment suites overlooking the Cheltenham racecourse. It is an excellent choice for combining spa relaxation with Cheltenham’s festivals and cultural scene.
Discover more options in our dedicated guide to Cotswolds Spa Hotels and Wellness Retreats.
Bed and Breakfasts and Guesthouses
For many visitors, a B&B is the ideal way to experience the Cotswolds — combining warm personal hospitality, home-cooked breakfasts using local ingredients, and genuine Cotswold character at a significantly lower price point than hotels. The best Cotswolds B&Bs are run by hosts who are passionate about the region and can offer invaluable local knowledge and recommendations.
Expect to pay between £90 and £180 per night for a double room in a good Cotswolds B&B — excellent value compared to hotel prices that can easily exceed £250. Many B&Bs occupy beautiful historic buildings — converted barns, farmhouses, former rectories, and village cottages — and the quality of breakfast is often outstanding, with local eggs, artisan bread, homemade preserves, and full English options using produce from nearby farms.
When choosing a B&B, consider location carefully. A B&B in a village like Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, or Bourton-on-the-Water will put you within walking distance of pubs and restaurants for dinner. A more rural B&B may offer stunning countryside views and peace, but you will likely need to drive to eat in the evening.
Most Cotswolds B&Bs require a minimum two-night stay at weekends, particularly during peak season. Book early for summer weekends and bank holidays — the best properties fill up months in advance. Many B&Bs do not accept children under a certain age (typically 12 or 16), so check before booking if you are travelling with a family.
For our hand-picked selection, see the full guide to Best B&Bs and Guesthouses in the Cotswolds.
Self-Catering Cottages
A self-catering cottage is the most popular type of accommodation in the Cotswolds — and for good reason. There is something deeply appealing about having your own honey-stone cottage with a private garden, a well-equipped kitchen for cooking with local produce, and the freedom to come and go as you please. Cottages are particularly well-suited to families, groups of friends, and anyone staying for a week or longer.
The Cotswolds has an extraordinary range of cottages available, from intimate romantic boltholes for two (expect to pay from £120 per night) to large group properties sleeping 10, 15, or even 20 guests for family celebrations and reunions (from £400 per night). Many cottages come with desirable extras — log burners, hot tubs, private gardens, and stunning views are all common. The most sought-after properties are the classic Cotswold stone cottages in villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Broadway, and Stow-on-the-Wold, where you can step out of your front door and into one of the prettiest settings in England.
The main booking platforms for Cotswolds cottages include Sykes Holiday Cottages, Cotswolds Hideaways, Manor Cottages, and Airbnb. Each has a different selection, so it is worth checking multiple platforms. Quality varies, so read reviews carefully and look for properties with detailed, recent photographs. Book as early as possible for school holiday periods — the best cottages for summer are often reserved six months or more in advance.
For our recommendations and booking advice, see our guide to the Best Cotswold Cottages for Self-Catering Holidays.
Glamping and Unique Stays
If you want to experience the Cotswolds countryside more intimately — waking to birdsong, stepping outside into dewy meadows, watching the stars from a hot tub — then glamping offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and creature comforts. The Cotswolds glamping scene has matured significantly in recent years, and the quality of options now available is outstanding.
Shepherd’s huts have become the signature Cotswolds glamping experience. These beautifully restored or purpose-built timber huts typically feature a proper double bed, wood-burning stove, kitchenette, and en-suite shower room — all contained within a compact, beautifully crafted space on wheels. Many come with private outdoor decking, fire pits, and stunning countryside views. Expect to pay from £100 to £200 per night.
Bell tents and safari lodges offer a more spacious glamping experience, often with proper beds, rugs, solar-powered lighting, and communal facilities. These are particularly good for families and groups of friends. Several sites in the Cotswolds offer bell tent “villages” with shared fire pits, pizza ovens, and social spaces.
Treehouses and cabins represent the premium end of the glamping market. The Fish Hotel near Broadway has perhaps the most famous treehouses in the Cotswolds — luxurious elevated hideaways with floor-to-ceiling windows, rain showers, and private decks high among the canopy. Other properties offer woodland cabins, converted horse boxes, and even restored vintage railway carriages.
Explore all the options in our dedicated guide to Glamping in the Cotswolds.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
The Cotswolds is a wonderful destination for families, but finding the right accommodation requires some thought. The best family-friendly properties combine comfortable rooms (ideally interconnecting or with separate living space), child-friendly facilities, and convenient locations near family attractions.
For hotel stays with children, look for properties that genuinely welcome families rather than merely tolerating them. The best family hotels in the Cotswolds offer children’s menus, babysitting services, swimming pools, playgrounds, and activities. Calcot Manor near Tetbury is widely regarded as the best family hotel in the Cotswolds — its dedicated Playzone, children’s pool, family suites, and relaxed atmosphere make it a joy for parents and children alike. The Fish Hotel near Broadway is another excellent family choice, with its unique treehouses, outdoor spaces, and sense of adventure that children love.
For families, a self-catering cottage is often the most practical and economical choice. Look for properties with enclosed gardens (essential for young children), washing machines, and proximity to village shops and family attractions. Cottages near Bourton-on-the-Water are particularly popular with families thanks to the village’s array of child-friendly attractions — Birdland, the Model Village, and the Dragonfly Maze are all within walking distance.
For our full recommendations, see the guide to Best Cotswolds Hotels for Families with Children.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
The Cotswolds is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in England — with hundreds of miles of walking paths, welcoming pubs, and a countryside culture that genuinely embraces four-legged visitors. The good news is that a wide range of accommodation welcomes dogs, though it is always essential to check policies and any restrictions before booking.
Many hotels in the Cotswolds accept dogs, often with a small supplement per night (typically £15 to £30). The best dog-friendly hotels provide treats, water bowls, dog beds, and sometimes even dedicated dog menus. Some have restrictions on dog size, breed, or the areas of the hotel where dogs are permitted (most do not allow dogs in restaurants, for example, but welcome them in bars and lounges). Popular dog-friendly hotels include The Lygon Arms in Broadway, The Lamb Inn in Burford, and The Kings Head Inn in Bledington.
Self-catering cottages are often the most comfortable option for dog owners, offering more space, private gardens for exercise, and the flexibility to manage muddy paws without worrying about hotel furnishings. Many Cotswolds cottage agencies have specific “dog-friendly” filters, and some properties are fully set up with dog bowls, towels, and information on nearby walks.
When booking dog-friendly accommodation, always confirm: the number of dogs allowed (many properties limit to one or two), any size restrictions, whether there are additional charges, and whether the garden or outdoor space is fully enclosed. For walking, the Cotswolds is paradise — but be aware that many footpaths cross farmland with livestock, particularly during lambing season (February to April), so keep dogs on leads.
For our complete recommendations, see Dog-Friendly Hotels and Cottages in the Cotswolds.
Budget Accommodation
The Cotswolds has a reputation for being expensive, and luxury properties certainly command premium prices. But it is entirely possible to enjoy the Cotswolds on a budget if you know where to look and are willing to be flexible.
Youth hostels offer the most affordable accommodation in the Cotswolds. YHA Stow-on-the-Wold occupies a handsome 16th-century townhouse right on the Market Square — one of the finest hostel locations in England. It offers private rooms as well as dormitories, with prices starting from around £20 per night for a dorm bed. YHA Slimbridge and other hostels on the fringes of the Cotswolds are also worth considering.
Camping is the cheapest way to stay in the Cotswolds, with pitches available from around £15 per night. Camping offers an immersive countryside experience — waking in a tent surrounded by rolling Cotswold hills is genuinely special. Many sites have excellent facilities including hot showers, fire pits, and on-site shops. The Cotswolds has numerous well-run campsites, and many farms offer simple camping at very reasonable rates.
Budget B&Bs and pub rooms offer good value, particularly in smaller villages and less tourist-heavy towns. Expect to pay from £70 to £100 per night for a clean, comfortable double room with breakfast. Pubs with rooms are a particularly good option — you get character, a good meal, and a warm welcome without the price premium of a dedicated hotel.
Off-peak travel is the single best way to save money on Cotswolds accommodation. Prices drop significantly from November through March (excluding Christmas and New Year), and midweek rates are consistently lower than weekends. A luxury hotel that charges £350 per night on a summer Saturday may offer the same room for £180 on a winter Tuesday — same stunning setting, same quality, and far fewer crowds.
Discover all the options in our guide to Budget Accommodation in the Cotswolds.
How to Choose the Right Accommodation
With so many options available, choosing the right Cotswolds accommodation can feel overwhelming. Here are our practical recommendations based on different traveller types:
For a romantic weekend: A boutique hotel in Painswick or Broadway, or a luxury B&B in one of the quieter villages like the Slaughters or Bibury. Prioritise atmosphere, fine dining options, and beautiful surroundings over practical convenience.
For a family holiday: A self-catering cottage near Bourton-on-the-Water or Stow-on-the-Wold, where family attractions and village amenities are within easy reach. For a hotel stay, Calcot Manor or The Fish Hotel. Consider a farm stay for a uniquely educational family experience.
For a walking holiday: A base in Chipping Campden (starting point of the Cotswold Way), Broadway, or Winchcombe, with good pub dining options for hungry evenings after long days on the trail. B&Bs are ideal for walkers — hosts will often provide packed lunches and drying facilities for wet gear.
For a group celebration: A large self-catering property — the Cotswolds has spectacular country houses and barn conversions sleeping 10 to 20+ guests, often with games rooms, swimming pools, and grounds for outdoor gatherings.
For visiting without a car: Base yourself in Moreton-in-Marsh (best rail connections), Stow-on-the-Wold (good bus connections), or Cheltenham (rail and bus hub). All three have sufficient amenities to enjoy without needing to drive to dinner.
For combining with Bath or Oxford: The south Cotswolds (Tetbury, Castle Combe) for Bath; Burford or Woodstock for Oxford. Both combinations work beautifully as twin-centre trips.
Booking Tips and Practical Advice
Book early for peak periods. Summer weekends (June to August), school half-terms, Easter, and the Christmas/New Year period are the busiest times. The best properties for these dates are often booked six months or more in advance. If you have specific dates and a preferred property, do not delay.
Midweek stays offer the best value. Most Cotswolds accommodation is significantly cheaper from Sunday through Thursday. If your schedule allows midweek travel, you will often get the same room for 20 to 40 percent less than the weekend rate.
Consider the shoulder seasons. April, May, September, and October offer beautiful weather, manageable crowds, and better availability than the peak summer months. The Cotswolds is stunning in every season, and spring and autumn are arguably more photogenic than summer.
Check cancellation policies carefully. Policies vary widely — some hotels offer free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before arrival, while many B&Bs and cottages require payment in full at booking with limited refund options. Travel insurance that covers cancellation is strongly recommended.
Read recent reviews. Properties can change significantly under new management. Prioritise reviews from the last six months over older ones, and look for patterns (consistently praised breakfasts, recurring complaints about noise, etc.) rather than individual outlier experiences.
Ask about parking. If you are driving, confirm that your accommodation has on-site parking — it is not guaranteed, particularly in village centres where parking can be extremely limited. Some hotels charge for parking, and some village B&Bs require you to park on the street.
Consider a multi-base approach. If you have a week or longer, consider splitting your stay between two bases — perhaps three nights in the north (Broadway or Stow-on-the-Wold) and three in the south or central area (Cirencester, Tetbury, or Bibury). This reduces driving time and lets you explore each area more thoroughly.
Start Planning Your Cotswolds Stay
The Cotswolds offers an extraordinary range of accommodation — from some of the finest luxury hotels in England to atmospheric pubs with rooms, romantic cottages with hot tubs, and unique glamping experiences under the stars. Whatever your style, budget, and travel priorities, there is a perfect Cotswolds base waiting for you.
Explore our detailed accommodation guides for more specific recommendations: Luxury Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Spa Hotels, B&Bs and Guesthouses, Holiday Cottages, Glamping, Family Hotels, Dog-Friendly Stays, and Budget Options.
Once you have chosen a base, plan the rest of the trip with our complete guide to visiting the Cotswolds, line up the best things to do, and work out how many days you need to see it all.