Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds
If you’re short on time, start here. These are the crowd-pleasers: classic villages, viewpoints, beautiful walks, and a few standout attractions to anchor your day.
Classic Cotswolds highlights
- Wander a honey-stone village and make time for a slow pub lunch.
- Pick one “big sight” (castle, garden, stately home) and build the day around it.
- Add a viewpoint or short circular walk for that “proper countryside” feeling.
Best walks + views
- Start with Walks in the Cotswolds and choose by length and difficulty.
- Chasing panoramas? Use Cotswolds Viewpoints.
Family-friendly favourites
- For animals and interactive days out, see Things to Do with Kids.
- Wet weather backup: Things to Do When It Rains.
Seasonal standouts
- Spring gardens: Gardens in the Cotswolds.
- Winter sparkle: Christmas in the Cotswolds.
Local tip
When you’ve picked your shortlist, check the map and cluster your day. The Cotswolds rewards slow travel — one area per day tends to feel better than racing around.