What and Where is the Cotswolds? A Clear Map, Best Towns & First-Time Tips
- James Long
- Feb 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 22 hours ago
Last updated: 10 December 2025
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what the Cotswolds is, where it is, and how the region fits together — so you can plan your first visit with confidence.
TL;DR: What you Need to Know
The Cotswolds is a National Landscape in south-central England.
It covers nearly 800 square miles across six counties.
Think stone villages, rolling hills, historic towns, and great food.
First-timers usually stay in the North Cotswolds near Stow, Broadway or Bourton.
You can reach the region from London in 90 minutes by train.
If you are thinking of coming to the Cotswolds, you might like to read our in depth article on how to plan a trip to the Cotswolds.
What Exactly is the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is one of England’s most distinctive regions: a National Landscape (formerly an AONB) known for honey-coloured stone villages, soft green hills, and historic market towns. It spans parts of six counties — Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset.
The name comes from Old English:
“cot” – sheep enclosure
“wold” – rolling hills
The area’s medieval wealth came from wool, leaving behind impressive churches, manor houses and perfectly preserved villages that look unchanged for centuries.
As a local who guides visitors here, I often explain that what makes the Cotswolds feel so distinctive is its limestone geology. The Jurassic limestone beneath your feet creates the region’s trademark:
warm yellow stone
dry-stone walls
gently folded valleys
springy wildflower meadows
It’s this combination that gives the Cotswolds its atmosphere — unmistakably English, without feeling artificial.
Where Exactly is the Cotswolds Located?
The region sits in south-central England, roughly bounded by:
Bath (south)
Stratford-upon-Avon (north)
Oxford (east)
Cheltenham & Gloucester (west)
From London, Bristol and Birmingham, it’s an easy day trip or weekend break.
Although there are no official borders, people usually think of the Cotswolds in two halves:
North Cotswolds
The area most first-timers imagine:
golden stone villages
rolling views
small market towns
Broadway, Stow, Bourton, Bibury
easy to explore in 2–3 days
South Cotswolds
Quieter, more rural, with:
fewer crowds
bigger market towns
more variation in landscape
Castle Combe, Tetbury, Painswick, Cirencester
Both are beautiful, but the North Cotswolds is usually where people start.
Key Villages and Towns to Know
The region has no strict boundaries, but some of the best-known towns and villages include:
Bourton-on-the-Water – Known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds,' this village has charming stone bridges over the River Windrush and family-friendly attractions like Birdland and the Cotswold Motoring Museum. To learn more you can read our article Bourton on the Water: How to Visit Without the Crowds.
Stow-on-the-Wold – A historic market town with antique shops, cosy tea rooms, and the famous St. Edward’s Church, which has a magical tree-framed doorway. To plan your visit your can read our article Stow-on-the-Wold: A Practical Local Guide.
Bibury – Home to the iconic Arlington Row, a row of 14th-century weavers’ cottages often featured on postcards and calendars. To learn more about this iconic village read Bibury: A Quintessential Village.
Castle Combe – Frequently named England’s prettiest village, Castle Combe’s unspoilt beauty has been featured in films like Stardust and War Horse.
Broadway – Known for its wide, picturesque High Street lined with independent shops and art galleries, as well as the nearby Broadway Tower offering panoramic views. To help plan your trip to Broad visit our article: The Ultimate Guide to Broadway.
Chipping Campden – A charming market town famous for its historic wool trade and beautiful thatched cottages. Our guide - Chipping Campden: A Practical Local Guide - will show you what there is to do and how to plan your visit.
Lacock – A beautifully preserved village that feels like stepping back in time. Lacock has been used as a filming location for TV and films, including Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter series, making it a must-visit for history and film enthusiasts alike.
Why Visit the Cotswolds?
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a walking holiday or a family trip, the Cotswolds suits almost everyone. Some highlights:
Walking and Outdoor Adventures
Miles of walking trails, including sections of the Cotswold Way. Expect riverside paths, gentle hills, and big views.
Historic Houses & Gardens
Including:
Sudeley Castle
Hidcote Manor Garden
Blenheim Palace (technically outside, but often part of a Cotswolds trip)
Country Pubs and Local Food
From cosy village pubs with roaring fires to award-winning restaurants. Farm shops and local cheeses are a big part of the region’s food culture.
Independent Shops & Crafts
Ceramics, antiques, art galleries — each village has its own personality.
Seasonal Events
Christmas markets, summer festivals and autumn colours draw visitors year-round.
How to Get to the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is very accessible:
By Train
The main routes from London Paddington go to:
Moreton-in-Marsh (best for North Cotswolds villages)
Cheltenham Spa
Stroud
Gloucester
This is the easiest option for first-timers without a car.
If you would like, you can read our article about getting to the Cotswolds from London by train.
By Car
The region is surrounded by:
M4
M5
A40
A46
A car gives you flexibility, especially for small villages and walks.
Once You’re Here
Public transport is limited. Taxis often need booking in advance. Walking is wonderful in the right areas — but distances between villages are larger than most visitors expect.
Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make
From guiding and watching travellers explore, here are the pitfalls to avoid:
Trying to see too many villages in one day
Assuming villages are close together (some are, but most are not)
Arriving at Bibury/Bourton midday in summer — extremely crowded
Not booking restaurants or taxis in advance
Staying too far from your main interests
Underestimating walking times and terrain
A little planning goes a long way.
To help you further, we have written an article about 10 things to know before you visit the Cotswolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cotswolds?
A National Landscape known for its rolling hills, stone villages, and historic towns — one of the largest protected rural areas in England.
What County is the Cotswolds in?
Gloucestershire (largest area), Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
Where is the Cotswolds in England?
In south-central England, between Oxford and Cheltenham, stretching from Bath to Stratford-upon-Avon.
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you enjoy walking, history, photography or countryside villages.