Best Places To Stay In The Cotswolds

What you need to know about staying in the Cotswolds

Before you start booking, it helps to understand what you’re working with. The Cotswolds cover a huge area, we’re talking 800 square miles spread across five counties. So “staying in the Cotswolds” is a bit vague. You could be in a bustling market town or a quiet village.

Most places fall into a few categories: luxury country hotels with spas and gourmet restaurants, historic inns that have been around for centuries, boutique B&Bs run by locals, and self-catering cottages if you want your own space. Prices range from £100 a night for a decent pub room to over £500 for the full countryside experience.

Location matters more than you think. If you don’t have a car, you’ll need somewhere central like Stow-on-the-Wold or Moreton-in-Marsh with good transport links. But if you drive, the quieter villages, like Tetbury or The Slaughters, offer more atmosphere and fewer tourist groups.

The end of luxury: when you want to have fun

Lygon Arms, Broadway

This place has been around since the 1500s, which gives you an idea of ​​the character and history you’ll find there. It was renovated fairly recently, so you get historic architecture with modern comforts, no need to choose between charm and a decent shower.

The rooms are spacious and the vaulted ceilings of the spa make it feel really special. People love the food here, especially the steaks and afternoon tea.

Broadway itself is central enough to explore, you’re close to Chipping Campden and the Cotswold Way if you like walking. The main drawback is the price. You’re looking at between £200 and £400 a night depending on when you go. And in summer, the village is crowded with visitors, so it’s not exactly a peaceful refuge in high season.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

If you want to fully experience the fantasy of a country property, this is it. Situated on 500 acres near Chippenham (technically on the edge of the Cotswolds, but close enough), it has everything: an equestrian center, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa that people travel specially to visit.

The rooms are truly luxurious and more of a destination in themselves than a base for exploration. You could easily spend your entire weekend in the field without needing to leave. The main problem is the price (300+ per night) and the fact that you will definitely need a car as it is quite isolated. But for a special occasion or if you just want to be spoiled, this is the perfect place.

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

Upper Slaughter is one of those villages that doesn’t seem real, so picturesque. This hotel fits perfectly into the decor: elegant without being stuffy, with gardens overlooking the valley and a restaurant that is very pleasant.

The place attracts many couples looking for a romantic getaway, and you’ll see why. It offers that ‘get away from it all’ feeling whilst still being close to classic Cotswold villages like Bourton-on-the-Water. Breakfast is often mentioned in reviews, apparently it’s plentiful enough to get you through a morning walk.

Historic inns: character without the price of luxury

Wood Norton Hotel, Evesham

Technically this is right on the edge of the Cotswolds, but it’s a great option if you want Victorian grandeur without the full price of a luxury hotel. Upon arrival, you can collect an information sheet giving you a brief history. Amazingly, the building was used by the BBC during World War II and was owned by French royalty.

The hotel staff were really friendly and as our room was not yet ready when we arrived, we sat in one of the wood-paneled rooms and enjoyed a delicious cream tea.

The rooms are spacious with wonderful views over Evesham Vale, we watched the sun go down from the terrace and also had stunning views from our bedroom window.

When we visited in January, we were delighted to find an open fireplace in the bar, where we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink. The restaurant serves excellent food and some dishes are created in collaboration with their culinary director, Glynn Purnell, who puts his personal touch on the menu.

We loved the relaxed atmosphere and rural setting, with easy access to Broadway and the villages of the North Cotswolds.

The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

The Porch House claims to be the oldest inn in England, allegedly dating back to 947 AD. It features exposed beams, rickety floors and is full of history.

Stow-on-the-Wold is truly central for exploring the Cotswolds, with the Thursday market and antique shops offering activities beyond just wandering. The pub food is excellent (not Michelin-starred, but plentiful and local), and being right in the city center means easy access to others Restaurants in the Cotswolds and cafes.

Rooms are comfortable rather than spacious and the walls of old buildings are not always thick, so weekends can get a little noisy if the pub is busy. But for authentic Cotswolds character at £150-£250 a night it’s a great option.

The Howard Arms, Ilmington

This one has existed for 400 years, in a village that most tourists completely miss. That’s part of its charm, you get the cottages and hills without the crowds.

The rooms have fireplaces and the breakfast always gets good reviews. The village has some great walking routes if that’s your thing, with paths leading straight to the pub.

Its location is perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet, but less ideal if you’re looking for convenience.

If you are watching the budget

The Holford Arms, Reversal

Close to Tetbury so not in the heart of the tourist center but close enough to the main attractions. This one kept coming up when people were looking for a place that prioritizes food quality without charging luxury hotel rates.

The gastropub vibe means you get good meals without the crowds, and the area is quieter than somewhere like Bourton-on-the-Water, which can seem a little busy in summer. The rooms are simple, clean, comfortable, nothing fancy but reasonably priced for the Cotswolds.

Self Catering Options

If hotels aren’t your thing, there are plenty of cottages and Airbnbs dotted throughout the area, especially around Lechlade and the smaller villages. You can often find accommodation for less than £150 per night, especially if you’re booking for a few days.

The advantage is having your own space and kitchen, which helps keep costs down if you stay a while. The downside is that you are responsible for breakfast and may miss out on the social aspect of staying in a pub or hotel. But for families or groups, this often makes more sense than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Booking Tips

Spring and fall are your best bet for avoiding crowds while enjoying great weather. Summer is beautiful, but expect crowded parking lots and full restaurants everywhere.

You really need a car unless you’re staying somewhere like Moreton-in-Marsh with a train station. The villages are scattered and the buses are spotty at best.

Pack several layers and decent walking shoes. Even if you don’t plan on serious hiking, you’ll end up wandering through fields and along trails.

Final Thoughts

The Cotswolds have a reputation for being quintessentially English, and I suppose it is, but that means different things depending on where you stay. Luxury hotels offer refinement and well-being. Historic inns give you character and stories. The quieter places offer true peace rather than postcard perfect tourism.

What works for you depends on whether you want to be in the heart of the action or hide away somewhere really quiet. Whether you care more about the room or the restaurant. Whether you enjoy walking the country lanes or prefer to walk to the village pub.

There is no “best” place to stay, just the one that fits what you are looking for. But I will say this: wherever you are, book dinner in advance. Nothing ruins a romantic evening in the Cotswolds like ending up eating sandwiches in your room because everything is full.