Best Bed & Breakfasts in the Cotswolds

If you head west from London on the M4, you’ll reach the city of Bath in about 190 kilometers: meaning, you’ve reached the gateway to the Cotswolds.  The Cotswolds is a large, rural area in south-central England filled with rolling hills, castles, medieval churches, & charming thatched towns right out of “Pride & Prejudice.”  It’s officially known as one of England’s “Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”  And because charm is the Cotswolds’ middle name, in this post, we’re searching for the best bed & breakfasts in the Cotswolds!  

Welcome to the Cotswolds!

The Cotswolds area is so large, it covers six counties, including Gloucestershire & Oxfordshire.  You’ll find beautiful countryside, verdant green hills, stately gardens, cute country pubs, & of course, darling bed & breakfasts.  In the Cotswolds, B&B’s are where you want to be, chatting with delightful owners on graceful porches, enjoying the good life.  

You won’t be staying at a Marriott in the Cotswolds. Charming cottages are the “thing.”

**Important to Note About Travel in the Cotswolds: There’s very little public transport in this area.  Meaning, the best way to visit the Cotswolds is by renting a car.  This gives you freedom & flexibility to meander through the countryside at your own pace.

Cotswolds Map

We’re taking a tour of the Cotswolds below ~ in search of the cutest towns, & the best bed & breakfasts in the Cotswolds!  From Bath in the far south, we’ll head north towards Cirencester, “The Capital of the Cotswolds.”  Then, we’ll wind our way up towards the sumptuous Hidcote Manor Garden in Chipping Campden.  

Overview of the Cotswolds

This section gives you an overview, so you can best determine where to stay, as we search for the best bed & breakfasts in the Cotswolds.  We’ll dig in a bit & see what makes each town tick!  

Best Bed & Breakfasts in the Cotswolds

Bath: Population 84,000.  If you like spas, Roman baths, & Jane Austen ~ then Bath is the city for you.  It’s more sophisticated than many of the smaller Cotswold villages, so for more of a “city” experience, with good shopping & nightlife options: give Bath a try.  

Stay in a luxurious Victorian B&B with sumptuous gardens in Bath, at: Grays Boutique B&B ($92+).  

If Roman baths & stately elegance appeal, with a side of Jane Austen ~ stay in Bath.

Cirencester: Population 19,000.  Cirencester lies in the center of the Cotswolds, & is known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds.”  It’s a major shopping town ~ so if that’s your thing, then this is where you want to be. 

To be within walking distance of shops & Cirencester’s museum, try out cozy: The Fleece at Cirencester ($115+).  

For medieval churches & shopping: head to Cirencester.

Burford: Population 1,340.  If you want to get away from the crowds, & have a true “small town” experience in the Cotswolds: check out Burford!  With its population of just over 1,000 people ~ you’ll definitely be steeped in village life here.  Also, if you love antique shopping, this is where you want to go. 

For elegant country cottages & plush rooms, try: The Lamb Inn ($207+).

If you want a quaint, charming little town ~ head to Burford. Shown here is Burford’s High Street.

Cheltenham: Population 115,000.  Cheltenham is one of the larger towns in the Cotswolds, so if you want more of a “buzz” ~ then it’s a good choice.  This city is also known as a healthy spa town, with mineral springs discovered there in 1716.  So if spa time & pampering is what you’re after, stay here.  

For an open & airy B&B with a great full-cooked daily breakfast, try: Crossways Guesthouse Cheltenham.  

For a healthy spa getaway, head to Cheltenham.

Best Bed & Breakfasts in the Cotswolds

Bourton-on-the-Water: Population 3,296.  Bourton-on-the-Water is known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” with its many picturesque, arched bridges over River Windrush, which runs right through town.  It’s is also known for its elegant High Street, Cotswold Motor Museum, & Birdland Park & Gardens.  This is one of the Cotswold’s most beautiful towns, full of charm: so a great choice if you want to see what this area is all about…

For a great location & friendly hosts, try: Webby’s Windrush Walk B&B ($102+).  

Stow-on-the-Wold: Population 2,000.  Stow-on-the-Wold is a small, market town sitting on top of an 800-foot hill, where several roads converge ~ making it a popular little place.  It’s also one of the most scenic Cotswolds towns, oozing charm & color.  If you want easy access to other towns, plus the charm of a quaint village: go to Stow.  

For an upscale boutique B&B with a cute bar & restaurant, try: The Old Stocks Inn.  

One of the most darling Cotswold towns is Stow-on-the-Wold.

Chipping Campden: Population 2,206.  Finally, we’ve made it all the way north, near the top of the Cotswolds, to Chipping Campden ~ home of famous Hidcote Manor Garden (a MUST!!).  Aside from lovely gardens, it’s known for having an uber-elegant & shop-filled High Street, & for being the northern-most town on the “Cotswold Way.”  

For a great location right off High Street & lovely English breakfasts, try: Eight Bells Inn. 

Chipping Campden is a great base to explore Hidcote Manor Garden, the “Cotswolds Way,” or simply shop on High Street.

Best Bed & Breakfasts in the Cotswolds

I hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of great B&B’s in the Cotswolds.  Rent a car in Bath or Chipping Campden, then work your way up or down the countryside for a proper British adventure! 

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