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The Most Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds, and Where to Stay
July 15, 2025

Few places in the UK capture the imagination quite like the Cotswolds. With its honey-hued stone cottages, sweeping countryside views and timeworn charm, it’s no wonder the region draws visitors year-round. But beyond the well-trodden paths lie villages that are not only postcard-perfect, they offer somewhere truly special to stay. And we have cottages in or near all of them.

Upper Oddington

Tucked just moments from Stow-on-the-Wold, Upper Oddington is wonderfully peaceful yet close to cosy pubs, farm shops and boutique stores. With favourites like The Fox and easy walking access to Daylesford and the surrounding countryside, it’s a long-time local favourite.

Where to stay: Odd Cottage

A thoughtfully renovated two-bedroom hideaway with a beautiful inglenook fireplace.

Prices from: £220 per night

The Fox, Oddington

Slad

Known for its literary links to Laurie Lee, Slad is wild, poetic and wonderfully untamed. The Woolpack Inn serves hearty seasonal food and boasts one of the best pub gardens in the Cotswolds.

Where to stay: Loveview Cottage

Set just outside the village in Painswick, with sweeping views over the Slad Valley – the perfect base for walking, writing, or winding down.

Prices from: £220 per night

A View of Slad Valley

Tetbury

A handsome market town steeped in history, Tetbury is known for its antique shops, artisan boutiques and royal connections, with Highgrove House, the country residence of King Charles III, just around the corner. It’s a refined yet relaxed base for exploring Westonbirt Arboretum, the Nailsworth Valley and the southern Cotswolds.

Where to stay: Kingscote House

A beautifully restored country home just outside Tetbury, ideal for group gatherings or extended family stays. Elegant interiors, sweeping gardens and generous living spaces create a sense of easy luxury.

Prices from: £900 per night

Kingscote House

Painswick

Elegant and historic, Painswick is known for its Georgian architecture, narrow lanes and picturesque setting. Enjoy locally sourced food, browse the galleries, or take in the ancient yew trees at St Mary’s Church.

Where to stay: Lovedays Cottage

Right in the heart of the village, this charming cottage offers far-reaching views, a beautifully manicured garden and interiors that blend comfort with quiet sophistication.

Prices from: £250 per night

Lovedays Cottage

Cirencester

Often called the capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester blends Roman history with stylish market town energy. Independent shops, museums and cafés line its streets, and the surrounding Bathurst Estate offers some of the region’s most scenic walks.

Where to stay: Summer Lake Lodge

A peaceful, design-led lakeside lodge just outside Cirencester. With floor-to-ceiling windows, tranquil water views and elegant interiors, it’s perfect for guests wanting calm with easy access to town.

Prices from: £370 per night

Summer Lake Lodge

And Finally…

Whether you’re drawn to peaceful hamlets or elegant market towns, the Cotswolds offers a village to suit every pace of life, and a stay to match. At Arlington and Row, we pair beautiful homes with thoughtful hospitality in the places we know and love best. Browse our handpicked collection to find your perfect base and let us (and the Cotswolds) take care of the rest.

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