Visiting the best villages in the Cotswolds was one of the best trips we have ever taken. This network of historic and unspoiled English villages and towns reminded us of the fairy tales stories for its charm found nowhere else.

But there too many places to see, so you need a plan if you want to make the most of your time to make sure you don’t miss all the worth-visiting villages. On top of it, moving around can be tricky if you don’t have a car.

That is why we have done all the work for you and we have collected the 12 best villages in the Cotswolds you should visit and the resources you need to do so including some tips and stunning photographs.

If you would like to discover more, then keep reading.

Broadway is another picturesque and charm village of the Cotswolds. Its image remains as it was in the past, becoming a village rich in cultural heritage. Broadway is the perfect starting point to visit the Cotswolds due to its location and where you can enjoy the beautiful postcard landscapes, its honey-colored stone houses, and the highly-rated cuisine.

Visiting Lacock is taking a step back in time. This well preserved 13-century village features quaint stone houses that have barely changed over the years.

No wonder why the beautiful village of Lacock is one of the Uk’s favorite film settings, appearing several times in Harry Potter films, Pride, and Prejudice, and many other famous ones. This place captivates the essence and charm of the most traditional English villages thanks to its outstanding preservation.

One of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds is Stow-on-the-wold. This is the largest and highest town in the Cotswolds and it’s famous for its strategic role in history, its market square, and its steep alleys that were used to direct the sheep to the fair. This town has some curious places that you haven’t seen before.

Bourton-on-the-water is high on the list of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, also known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. This charming village offers a romantic scene to its visitors.

There is a river that flows through the heart of the village with small stone bridges that connect both sides and traditional cottages at the riverfront that have been converted into pubs, boutiques, and accommodation. Burton-on-the-water is the perfect place to walk around and enjoy the peace of this gorgeous village.

Neighbour of Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter is another Cotswold Village that you cannot miss. What you can see here are buttery stone houses and the well-preserved gardens with flowers and leafy vegetation, giving this peaceful village the beauty to be one of the most charming villages of the Cotswolds. Here you can also visit a beautiful 12^th– century church, St Peter’s Church.

Connected to Upper Slaughter by a babbly stream, Lower Slaughter was for us one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. It has a special charm and it is less visited than the rest of the villages and towns of the Cotswolds.

Here you can also take wonderful pictures of the Cotswold style buildings and the small bridges that cross the stream. It also has a converted mill with a water wheel that you can visit.

Bibury is of the most popular villages that cannot be missed on the list of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. It is undeniable the allure of this unique place, with Cotswold-style houses, a river that flows through the village offering, the most picturesque image of the Cotswolds. This charming village receives lots of visitors every year, that is why we recommend getting there early.

The quintessentially English village, known as the prettiest village in England. You might have probably seen Castle Combe on TV series and films due to its charm that the film industry could not ignore. It features honey-colored stone buildings, a Market Cross, and a 13th-century church that homes one of the oldest working clocks in the country.

Castle Combe is the perfect place to wander around and take lots of pictures of this charming place.

We have to admit that we found Lechlade by chance as we did not find much about it. Once we got there, we walked through a green and leafy field, where we could enjoy the soft breeze and the colors of nature. We kept walking until we found the river Thames that connect with London as that was crowded with people paddling, kayaking, and having fun.

A less visited village in the Cotswolds where you can enjoy some beautiful and vibrant views of Naunton. This small yet alluring village is settled on the Windrush valley from where the Windrush river flows through Naunton. If you are looking for a fairytale village with lovely views, Naunton will not disappoint you.

Known as the capital of the Cotswolds Cirencester is a lovely market place with a rich Roman past. Cirencester offers more atmosphere than the rest of the Cotswolds villages as there is more going on. Here you can walk around the wide variety of local shops and boutiques, take a stroll in the park, visit the local market and meet the gorgeous St John Baptiste church.

Burford is another Cotswold destination with a vibrant high street lined with local shops, boutiques, and lots of places to eat. Unlike some of the quiet Cotswolds villages, here you will find more attractions, shops, and things to do. Some of the things you can do here are visiting Burford Church, Tosley Museum and England’s oldest pharmacy, Reavley’s

A trip to the best villages in the Cotswolds is an experience you should not miss if you ever visit the UK.

Although we recommend at least a weekend to make the most of it, you also have the chance to make a day trip from London to the Cotswolds.

If you have any questions or want to add something else, leave us a comment below.