An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds’ mix of chocolate-box villages, green and sheep-dotted hills, and thatched-roof cottages epitomizes quaint English countryside for many. Within day-trip distance of hubs such as Oxford, Bristol, and London, the well-heeled region’s postcard-come-to-life good looks attract upwards of 38 million visitors per year. While the region is sizable, spanning some 800 square miles (2,072 square kilometers), visiting the villages of Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold are among the universally agreed-upon top things to do in the Cotswolds.
There’s no bad time to visit the Cotswolds. This lush, rural region is lovely year-round due to its mild climate, honey-stone villages, rolling fields, and busy calendar, which includes events like the Three Counties Show in June and Christmas markets in December. The summer (June through August) delivers maximum sunshine with temperatures around 70°F (21°C), but you’ll still get rainy days. Spring and fall see frequent sunny days but much cooler and wetter weather. Christmas has special appeal, with the chance of snow.
Renting a car is the best way to enjoy the Cotswolds in your own time, but parking can be limited and pricey. Buses and trains are also good options, especially if you’re based in one spot and plan on taking daily walks or outings. Most rail stations are located around the perimeter of the Cotswolds’ (except for the station at Moreton-in-Marsh) but link up with buses that travel to nearby villages. If time is short, consider booking one or two guided minibus tours to see the region’s highlights.
Just south of Winchcombe, you’ll find the Belas Knap Long Barrow, a Neolithic burial mound that is one of the Cotswolds’ off-the-beaten-track treasures. The remains of 31 ancient people were unearthed here. History buffs will love exploring the mound and peeping into its doorways and false entrance—possibly a gateway designed for the spirits of the dead. Be ready for a steep but scenic hike from the parking area to the site, which is accessible during daylight hours only.
