Looking for the very best things to do in the Cotswolds? Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend, a family holiday, or a scenic day trip, the Cotswolds offers a huge variety of experiences — from postcard-perfect villages and historic market towns to countryside walks, gardens, attractions, and cosy pubs.
Spanning five counties and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds is a place where you can slow down, explore at your own pace, and enjoy some of the prettiest scenery in England.
Below is a complete guide to what to do in the Cotswolds, with ideas for every type of traveller and every season.
Explore the Prettiest Villages in the Cotswolds
One of the most popular things to do in the Cotswolds is simply wandering through its villages. Expect honey-coloured stone cottages, winding lanes, village greens, and gently flowing rivers.
Must-visit villages include Bourton-on-the-Water, famous for its low bridges and riverside setting, Bibury, home to the iconic Arlington Row, and Lower Slaughter, often described as one of the most unspoilt villages in England.
Village hopping is easy by car and makes for a perfect Cotswolds itinerary, especially when paired with lunch in a traditional pub or a countryside walk between villages.
Visit Historic Market Towns
Beyond the villages, the Cotswolds is dotted with charming market towns, each with its own character. Stow-on-the-Wold is known for its antiques shops and historic market square, while Chipping Campden marks the start of the famous Cotswold Way walking route.
Other popular towns include Bourton-on-the-Water nearby Moreton-in-Marsh, which has excellent rail connections, and Cirencester, often called the capital of the Cotswolds thanks to its Roman history and lively centre.
Go Walking in the Cotswolds Countryside
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the Cotswolds. Rolling hills, dry-stone walls, woodland paths, and wide open views make it a dream destination for walkers of all abilities.
You can enjoy short circular walks around villages, gentle riverside strolls, or longer routes such as sections of the Cotswold Way. Popular walking areas include the Slaughters, Broadway Tower, and the countryside around Chipping Campden.
Many walks finish conveniently at a pub, which feels like a very Cotswolds way to end the day.
Discover Gardens and Country Estates
The Cotswolds is home to some exceptional gardens and historic estates. Highlights include Hidcote Manor Garden, known for its garden rooms, and Kiftsgate Court Gardens, with breathtaking views across the Vale of Evesham.
For stately homes, Blenheim Palace is one of the most impressive attractions near the Cotswolds, offering grand architecture, landscaped parkland, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.
Enjoy Traditional Food and Drink
Sampling local food and drink is an essential part of any visit. The Cotswolds is known for hearty pub meals, local ales, farm shops, and excellent afternoon teas.
Look out for village pubs with roaring fires in winter and large beer gardens in summer. Many towns and villages also host regular farmers’ markets, where you can pick up local cheese, baked goods, and fresh produce.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in the Cotswolds
If you’re visiting with children, there’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions. Popular options include Cotswold Farm Park, where kids can meet farm animals, and Cotswold Wildlife Park, home to giraffes, lions, and a walk-through lemur enclosure.
Steam railways, adventure parks, and gentle cycling routes also make the Cotswolds a great destination for families.
Shop in Independent Boutiques and Antiques Shops
Shopping is another enjoyable thing to do in the Cotswolds, particularly if you love independent shops. Antique lovers will enjoy browsing in Stow-on-the-Wold, while towns like Burford and Tetbury are filled with boutiques, homeware shops, and delis selling local products.
Experience the Cotswolds in Every Season
The Cotswolds is a year-round destination. Spring brings lambs in the fields and blooming gardens, summer is perfect for village wandering and outdoor dining, autumn offers colourful woodland walks, and winter transforms the region into a cosy escape with Christmas markets and roaring pub fires.
No matter when you visit, there’s always something to see and do.
Plan Your Time in the Cotswolds
With so many wonderful things to do in the Cotswolds, it’s worth planning ahead — especially during peak seasons. Whether you want to focus on villages, walking, attractions, or food and drink, the Cotswolds rewards slow travel and longer stays.
From iconic villages to hidden corners of countryside, this is a region that invites you to explore, unwind, and keep coming back for more.
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.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the villages, this Stonehenge day trip guide shows you exactly how to visit from the Cotswolds.
“The Cotswolds never feels rushed. Whether it’s a village wander, a countryside walk, or a long pub lunch, there’s always something that makes you slow down and enjoy where you are. It’s that mix of scenery, character and simple pleasures that keeps drawing us back.”
