Spanning across nearly 800 square miles, no two places in The Cotswolds are the same, which means there is something individual in this stunningly diverse region for every visitor. From the canals of Bourton on the Water which has been named as ‘The Venice of The Cotswolds’, to the Roman spa city of Bath, there is no shortage of picturesque historic locations to explore in this area. Whatever is drawing you to The Cotswolds, Likibu has the perfect accommodation for your stay. From a traditional holiday cottage to an apartment or b&b in one of the region's cities, you can secure your own piece of The Cotswolds here today.
Find and book the perfect holiday cottage in The Cotswolds
The unique honey-coloured stone is a trademark of The Cotswolds and is what the area is known for, so why not stay in a holiday cottage which is made of this famous material? Nothing will bring you closer to The Cotswolds than the feeling of waking up in a holiday home which is made of this iconic stone, which will allow you to live like a local and step back in time for your stay. With these cottages dotted across the entire width and length of the area, from Chipping Norton to Bath, renting a cottage in this Southern English region will allow you to immerse yourself in this quintessentially British experience, which The Cotswolds is so well known for.
When to go to The Cotswolds
The southern English climate is best enjoyed in the late spring months of May and early June which is before the peak summer holiday season. Alternately, the rainfall should still hold off in September when the leaves turn red, and the fields are harvested which bring a new colour to the traditionally green landscape.
What types of holiday rentals are available in The Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds offers suitable accommodation for every visitor's needs, whether you are looking for a cultured city break or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure across the rolling hills. If you are travelling to the Cotswolds as a family, then reserve an idyllic honey-stone holiday cottage which will act as a home away from home during your stay. A cottage offers the perfect chance to experiment cooking with local produce in your kitchen or hide away with a book in your private garden. Although couples may also enjoy the quaintness of a country cottage, why not secure an elegant townhouse or bed and breakfast in one of the many magnificent cities across the area? Whether you want a slice of sanctuary in one of Bath's Georgian wonders, or an apartment rental overlooking Cirencester high street, there is a luxurious piece of historic urban architecture just waiting to be secured.
How to get there?
Located in south-central England, The Cotswolds is a vast area which runs through Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. These five regions are all easily accessible by rail from London Paddington Station, with Great Western Railway offering daily services from the capital to Cheltenham, Gloucester, Moreton in Marsh and Bath, the beauty of The Cotswolds can be accessed from the city in around two hours. Alternatively, if you are travelling from across the UK and would instead reach The Cotswolds by road, the area has excellent links to the M4, M5 and M40 motorways. At just 45 minutes from Bristol, it could be worth visiting The Cotswolds for a day trip from your accommodation in Bristol. This outstanding area is also less than an hour from a holiday apartment in Birmingham, and around 3 hours from Manchester, why not take your car and use it to explore the area when you arrive?
Getting around
Holding the prestigious title of an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', The Cotswolds' natural beauty is far-reaching across hundreds of square miles, none of which should be missed. With so much area to cover, it is essential to find an efficient method of travelling around, and perhaps the very best way of doing this is by road. Renting or owning a car during your stay enables you to access the widespread attractions at your leisure, from Cirencester and Chipping Campden to Winchcombe and the grand city of Gloucester, nothing is out of reach. If you would prefer to explore the area using public transport, then fear not, as there are excellent transport links across the region. With railway stations situated in various key towns, including Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon and Bath and bus connections throughout the entire area, there are no restrictions to what The Cotswolds has to offer.
Where to stay
Cirencester, ‘The Capital of The Cotswolds'
Find your accommodation in one of the market squares pastel houses to wake up in a room with a view of the medieval church or reserve a self-catered cottage on the fringe of this town where you can try your hand at home cooking with some of the local markets produce.
Bath
The historic spa city of Bath is unlike any other city in The Cotswolds or the entire country, as choosing an apartment rental here puts you in the very midst of globally renowned Roman architecture, prestigious restaurants and museums. Choose a townhouse in Bath, a city which is recognised for its Georgian houses which curve beautifully around its Crescent, there is no better place to secure a luxury apartment rental than in this affluent area.
Bourton on the Water
Known as the ‘Venice of The Cotswolds', this idyllic northern village is the perfect place to choose a self-catered holiday cottage if you want to rest and rejuvenate on the fringe of the River Windrush. Bursting with traditional tea rooms, independent shops and beautiful views across the water, Bourton is the epitome of a great British village, bursting with beauty, charm.
Cheltenham
If you consider yourself a foodie and want to delve into the rich Cotswolds culture, the northern town of Cheltenham is the place to stay. Offering various holiday lettings, from an apartment to a regency townhouse on the border of the town's Pittville Park or Montpellier Gardens, booking your accommodation here will leave you just a stone's throw away from gastropub dining and The Wilson, a premier art gallery.
Tewkesbury
Nothing oozes historic charm quite like the medieval town of Tewkesbury, which boasts an impressive 350 buildings which are listed as having particular architectural or historical importance. There is no better way to combine these two categories than by staying in one of the black and white Tudor houses or on the high street, where the holiday homes brim with the quintessential architecture which The Cotswolds is so renowned for.
Gloucester
The city of Gloucester offers everything you could want from a southern English city and entices visitors of all ages if they wish to explore the grandeur of the Cathedral, or enjoy the best nightlife which The Cotswolds has to offer. Here you can stay out until dawn and wake up in the very centre of the city at a surprisingly affordable cost, as a reasonably priced home stay here is even more accessible than a hotel room and will leave you some extra spending money to sample some of the local craft beers.
What to do in The Cotswolds?
The Roman Baths
Built on the site of Britain's first and only hot spring in Bath almost 2000 years ago, The Roman Baths are now a World Heritage site which attract thousands of visitors annually to marvel at their architectural splendour. The crumbling ruins of the Great Bath still produces naturally hot water. The impressive temple of Minerva is another must-see attraction.
Blenheim Palace
A trip to The Cotswolds is not complete without a journey back in time through one of the area's magnificent castles or stately homes, and Blenheim Palace is one of the very best. Famously recognised as the birth of Sir Winston Churchill, this palace has been a staple of The Cotswolds impressive landscape for over 300 years and welcomes visitors to gaze upon the same art and gardens which have been enjoyed by the aristocracy since the 12th Duke of Marlborough.
Shop in Cirencester Market
Every Monday and Friday, the ‘Capital of The Cotswolds' comes alive when one of the country's oldest charter markets takes over the streets and fills the town with local flavours and artefacts, from fresh foods to endless flowers and unique keepsakes. There is no better place to find the perfect souvenir as a reminder from your time in this traditional English town.
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Located around 3 miles southwest of Tetbury, this Victorian arboretum is the grandest in the entire country. With a collection of 15,000 tree specimens and 2,500 different species from across the world, these leaves are crafted into a beautiful botanical experience which will leave you in awe of The Cotswolds rich natural wonders and uniquely individual rural scenery.
Take in the views from Broadway Tower
1024 feet above sea level, this tower is one of the highest points in the area, offering panoramic views which reach as far as 62 miles away. If you need a break after taking the stairs up to the summit, you can enjoy some tea and cake in the cafe and learn more about the history of the tower from its role through a time of industrial revolution and war in the country.
Cotswold Water Park
Just south of Cirencester you will find the Cotswold Water Park, which at 40 square miles is the largest marl lake system in the entire country. With a collection of over 150 lakes, this park is a hub of activity for any visitor who wants to fill their trip with adventure and embrace the opportunities this rural area has to offer. From canoeing and water-skiing on the lakes to cycling or the chance to try some archery on dry land, this nature reserve is the ideal way for families of all ages to push themselves into adrenaline pumped adventures.