The Cotswold area of the English countryside is filled with quaint and charming small villages scattered over this south central area. Rolling hills divide the small towns and offer gorgeous scenic views for the ride between villages. The area is infamous for residing above a bedrock of Jurassic age limestone that supplies the definitive golden stone buildings of the Cotswolds.

The area is best explored with a car allowing you to meander through villages at your own pace and possibly even stumble upon ones off the beaten path. These villages are all easy day trips from London but a weekend would be perfect to see the area.

Here are the little villages you NEED to see:

Bourton-on-the-water: known as Venice of the Cotswolds, it’s quaint and charming, and it seems usually the most crowded. With a little stream running through the middle and the classic stone cottages decorated throughout, you can spend a few hours wandering along. Save time for an afternoon tea at Smiths of Bourton, read about it here.

Obsessed with this Whistles hat …see similar here.

The drive…

Chipping Camden: yes that says 689, and no the 1 isn’t just missing.

Bibury: this was one of my favorites! Super charming with lots of little walking paths to wander down.

Minchinhampton: where you might just have a cow crossing in the middle of town.

Leave Minchinhampton and head toward Rodborough Common via Butterrow Hill and stop into Winstone’s for incredible local ice cream. 
  
  

Where to stay:

• Splurge: Foxhill Manor
• Moderate: Cowley Manor ; Old Stocks Inn
• Affordable: The Slaughters Country Inn

Where to eat:

• The Chef’s Dozen, Chipping Camden
• Jolly Nice Café, Minchinhampton
• Smiths of Bourton, Bourton on the Water

I loved the Cotswolds in autumn with all the leaves changing vibrant colors, but I can just imagine in the winter with a snowfall, or the spring with new plants blooming, or even summer with all the bright shades of green and blue skies! Have you been? What’s your favorite time of year to visit?