The best towns and villages in the Cotswolds

Cirencester

One of the best towns to visit in the Cotswolds is Cirencester. This charming market town is more substantial than most of its Cotswolds counterparts, yet it still manages to retain a special old-world charm.

The Roman town’s history comes alive at its Corinium Museum, where you’ll find a wealth of locally excavated treasures from floor mosaics to jewellery. Nearby, you can escape into the immaculately maintained walled gardens of Cerney House Gardens or cool off in Cirencester’s open-air swimming pool, which enjoys stunning views of the historic Cecily Hill Gates, the grand entrance to Cirencester Park, and the parkland beyond.

• Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 6 miles

Bibury is just a short drive away from the town of Cirencester, but standing beside the picture-perfect 14th century cottages of Arlington Row leaves you feeling a world away from the hustle and bustle.

Come rain or shine, Bibury is one of the best places to enjoy a scenic stroll when visiting the Cotswolds. Pull on your walking boots and embark on the Bibury to Coln St Aldwyns circular walk for beautiful river views, with The New Inn offering an excellent pub pit-stop. Or head to Bilbury Trout Farm where you can take a tour of England’s oldest trout farm, do a spot of fishing, or enjoy a round of crazy golf!

• Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 13 miles

Castle Combe

No new houses have been built in Castle Combe since the 1600s and so it makes sense that the beautiful and historic town served as the location for much of everybody’s favourite period drama, Downton Abbey.

Sitting in the Cotswolds National Landscape (formerly AONB) and often named its prettiest town, Castle Combe’s sleepy streets house a combination of fabulous pubs and restaurants; the roaring fire and welcoming courtyard at the Castle Inn make it a particular favourite.

• Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 20 miles

Burford is considered the gateway to the Cotswolds and one of the area's most popular destinations. It offers a warm welcome with grand architecture, an array of independent clothing and interiors boutiques and even its own garden centre.

Take in the view across the town and the River Windrush from Burford Hill, then delve into the picturesque high street for a charming shopping experience. Elsewhere locally, Burford Garden Centre is a must for the green-fingered, with exhibitions and workshops running throughout the year. It also has a wide selection of children’s toys and clothes, making it a perfect day out for all the family.

• Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 24 miles

Credit: Mike McBey

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds. Football in the river draws a crowd here each August Bank Holiday, as it has for over 100 years, but the picturesque village is beautiful all year round

Marvel at miniatures in the model village, or indulge a need for speed at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, home to 50 rare classic cars and bikes. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Smiths of Bourton for an award-winning boutique burger, or visit the photogenic Bakery on the Water, load up with warm scones and find a grassy spot beside one of the many bridges for which this beautiful Cotswold village is best known.

Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 23 miles

Often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," Lower Slaughter is renowned for its quiet, romantic charm, and is a must see in your Cotswold holiday plans. Take a walk down memory lane in a sleepy spot that has changed very little since centuries gone by and admire its old limestone cottages and mills, teetering on the edge of the stream that runs through the heart of the village.

You can tick off three villages to visit in the Cotswolds in one day: Bourton-on-the-Water and both Upper and Lower Slaughter, by walking or cycling the popular Bourton and the Slaughters circular route.

Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 24 miles

Upper Slaughter

A short walk from Lower Slaughter, Upper Slaughter is as charming as Cotswolds villages come. In spite of its slightly macabre name, the village is idyllic, featuring a medley of golden almshouses with immaculately manicured gardens. There’s delightfully little to do here but admire the fairytale homes and hide away at The Lords of the Manor for an indulgent lunch or afternoon tea at the 4AA Rosette Atrium restaurant.

Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 25 miles

In Stow-on-the-Wold’s wool trade heyday, over 20,000 sheep changed hands in the Market Square of this historic wool town in the Cotswolds. Today, you are more likely to come across antique shops, art galleries and interior boutiques in the winding streets, though a weekly farmer’s market harks back to its roots.

Stow-on-the-Wold has a reputation as one of the best places in the Cotswolds to visit for antiques shopping, making it a must-visit for avid collectors. Scout for treasures before tucking into afternoon tea at one of the town’s many cafes; the New England Coffee House and Coach House Coffee are just two of our favourites.

Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 26 miles

Credit: David Dixon

Kingham

Once crowned "England's Favourite Village" by Country Life magazine, Kingham is viewed by many as one of the best Cotswold villages to visit.

You’re likely to stumble upon a famous face or two here, many of them passing through on their way to nearby Daylesford Farm. This isn’t just a farm shop but a foodie institution where artisan breads, award-winning cheese and pasture-raised meats jostle for space in your basket.

If you’d rather let someone else do the cooking, treat yourself with fine dining at The Wild Rabbit, or opt for a pub supper at The Kingham Plough, a traditional country pub in one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds.

Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 32 miles

In Victorian times, the picturesque village of Broadway served as a sanctuary for creatives. William Morris led the charge, adopting Broadway Tower as his country retreat in 1880, with American artists including John Singer Sargent and Frank Millet joining him in this new-found affordable English base surrounded by natural beauty and inspiration.

Today, Broadway maintains its artistic ties with the Gordon Russell Design Museum, which celebrates the life and work of renowned 20th-century designer Sir Gordon Russell. Located in his one-time workshop behind the Lygon Arms, it is a Cotswold must-see for fans of the Modernist movement.

Distance from Lower Mill Estate: 34 miles