Best Places to Stay in The Cotswolds for All Kinds of Travellers
The Cotswolds is a magical region of the UK, filled to the brim with natural beauty it would be hard to find anywhere else in England.
Of course, stunning accommodation can be found in the area, with luxury, mid-range, and budget options in just about every quaint village.
The best places to stay in the Cotswolds are totally up to personal preference, but I’ve created an extensive list of where to stay in the Cotswolds so that you don’t have to.
Your perfect accommodation option is sure to be placed somewhere on this list. With plenty of things to do in The Cotswolds, you could stay for a week, or even a month exploring all the quaint towns and historical villages.
READ MORE | BEST VIEWPOINTS IN THE COTSWOLDS
Top 3 Picks: Best Places to Stay in The Cotswolds
#1 TOP PICK
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Fish Hotel
✔️ Luxurious suites
✔️ Set in a magical woodland area
🚫 Con
#2 PICK
The Keepers Arms
✔️ Old pub with modern rooms
✔️ Cozy restaurant
🚫 Con
#3 PICK
Manor by the Lake
✔️ Old-school castle-like accommodation
✔️ Terrace with garden views
🚫 Con
Where to Stay in The Cotswolds
Getting to The Cotswolds from London is fairly easy. The 100-mile trip is best taken by train as the time seems to fly by. And you can take in spectacular views of the English countryside as you go. But it all depends on which town you’d like to spend your time in.
There’s no best town to stay in the Cotswolds, so it’s suggested that you visit a few, so you get a taste and feel for more than one of the villages while you’re there.
Here are a few of the quaint Cotswold towns that you should consider during your visit:
- Chipping Campden – for its classic Cotswolds charm
- Cirencester – for its shopping opportunities
- Stow-on-the-Wold – for a taste of The Cotswolds culture
- Kingham – for a delectable foodie experience
- Bourton-on-the-Water – for its stunning views of the river
- Tetbury – for the quiet old town feel and beautiful surrounding walks
- Burford – for its incredible history and surrounding hikes
- Painswick – for both its art and cultural experiences
- Bibury – for being the picture-perfect place, a photo-worthy trip
- Broadway – for an old-school English afternoon tea experience
- Castle Combe – for being the synonymous with the Cotswolds, a photo-worthy trip
READ MORE | BEST TOWNS IN THE COTSWOLDS
The Cotswolds | Where to Stay
It’s clear to see that there’s something for everyone in this picturesque region of the UK.
Whether you’re looking to relax in a fancy hotel with your every whim taken care of, or you’d prefer a self-catering cottage with a quaint feel, there’s something that will tickle your fancy.
Here are some of the top places to stay in the Cotswolds, England for just about every taste.
Unusual Places to Stay in The Cotswolds
If you’re looking for something a little different from your everyday accommodation option, then these quirky places to stay in the Cotswolds might be right up your alley.
The Summerhouse
Be transported back in time at The Summerhouse located in Shipton under Wychwood. While being driven up to the house in a good old-fashioned Morris Minor, you’ll feel like absolute royalty.
The grand entranceway and garden with a magnificent water feature make this property perfect for anyone looking for something a little different.
The bed and breakfast style accommodation has modern finishes, while still preserving its authentic olden day charms.
A delectable breakfast of your choice is served each morning, either to your room or to the terrace which offers stunning views of the garden.
You don’t have to worry about staying connected in this hotel, as strong WiFi is available all throughout the hotel.
The Fish Hotel
The Fish Hotel is completely out of the ordinary and offers luxurious suites in the quaint town of Broadway.
Situated in the heart of a magical woodland area, you can take your pick between treehouses, huts with hilltop views, or hideaway huts located deep within the woodland.
Although they sound incredibly remote, they still offer luxuries in a stunning setting. You can expect underfloor heating, a Nespresso machine, and a minibar – all the amenities you’d need in your magical suite.
The treehouse suites come highly recommended with their beautiful views and quirky character. They’re created to bring out your inner child.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Places to Stay in The Cotswolds with a Hot Tub
If you’re one for relaxing, then consider staying somewhere that provides you with a hot tub. A few of these options prove to be some of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, UK.
DoubleTree by Hilton Cheltenham
- ⭐ Rating: 7.2 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Luxurious four-star hotel with beautifully landscaped gardens
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
DoubleTree is a luxurious four-star hotel located in a Georgian manor house. It has beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for those who would appreciate some good old-fashioned natural beauty in Cheltenham.
The hotel also overlooks the Lilley Brook 18-hole golf course, so don’t forget your clubs at home.
Guests can pamper themselves at the on-site spa before heading to the sauna, steam room, or hot tub. If you’re looking to stay fit while on holiday, the gym and 15-metre pool can help you do just that.
The rooms are equally as luxurious as their other amenities, offering suites that contain their own sofa and dressing rooms, as well as flat-screen TVs.
Although you’re unlikely to switch them on with the stunning garden views right outside your window.
Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and the on-site restaurant serves world-class breakfast and dinners – which can be delivered to your room should you choose this option. Spend the afternoon at the on-site bar for delicious beverages and snacks.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Windrush Turret Lodge
- ⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Cozy holiday accommodation with lake views, water sporting facilities, and a tennis court
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Windrush Turret Lodge is located right on the banks of Windrush Lake in South Cerney. This accommodation option in the Cotswolds is for those who love to stay active during their holiday, with water sporting facilities and a tennis court to keep them busy.
The quaint three bedroom home has a terrace for enjoying the stunning lake views, and a balcony hot tub for a bit of added relaxation.
When you’re not relaxing in the hot tub, be sure to explore the nearby hiking trails and try your hand at catching a fish at the fishing spot just a few paces from the guest house.
Windrush Turret Lodge has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a flat-screen TV, fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, and washing machine.
If location means everything to you, then this guest house is sure to be high on your list of places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Best Places to Stay in The Cotswolds for Walking
If you’re looking for somewhere to base yourself so that you can attempt many of the beautiful walks in the area, then these Cotswolds lodging options are tailored just for you.
The Keepers Arms
- ⭐ Rating: 9.4 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Cozy, family-run inn with an award-winning pub and four modern rooms
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Located in the charming village of Quenington, this old pub features modern rooms and a cosy restaurant that’s sure to win you over. Each and every room has coffee making facilities, WiFi, and an en-suite bathroom, as well as a TV.
The pub offers incredibly easy access to The Cotswolds countryside, and many nearby walking, hiking and cycling paths.
It also has horse riding and fishing spots if those activities tickle your fancy. When you come back from a day filled with exploring the tranquil countryside, you can tuck into a home-cooked meal and a pint at the on-site restaurant/pub.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Campion Glamping Pod
- ⭐ Rating: 8.6 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Cozy glamping pod with homey luxuries and cycling trails
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Talk about being at one with nature, you certainly can’t get closer than this. The Campion Glamping Pod is located in Cheltenham and contains all the luxuries of home. Free WiFi, a kitchenette, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom make this little pod comfortable.
Sip your tea or coffee on the sun terrace in the morning while enjoying views of the surrounding lush countryside before heading out for the day.
Spend some time exploring the hiking and cycling trails in the area before heading back to the glamping pod for a game of table tennis with your significant other or travel partner. This is a great budget option if you’re looking to make your vacation money go a little further.
Castle Hotels in The Cotswolds
If you want to stay in a Cotswold hotel that’s grander than all the rest, a castle-like hotel is just the place to stay. They’re some of the most beautiful Cotswold accommodations around.
Manor by the Lake
Located in Cheltenham, Manor by the Lake provides extravagant accommodation fit for a king! The modern facilities fit perfectly into the old-school castle-like building with beautiful touches, like a stained-glass window that projects colourful shards of light into the grand hallway.
The manor provides an on-site bar for refreshments or an alcoholic beverage. In each room, there’s access to free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and a private bathroom.
The terrace offers stunning garden views, and when you get tired of looking at them, simply venture into them to discover the property’s many secret gardens and hideaways.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Ellenborough Park
- ⭐ Rating: 8.3 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Relaxing hotel with fabulous gardens and luxury Indian-themed spa
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Ellenborough Park is a beautiful estate located in the heart of The Cotswolds countryside, yet it’s just a 10-minute drive from the centre of Cheltenham town. It has magnificent gardens, a luxury Indian-themed spa, mood-shower, a hypnotherapy pool as well as a sauna.
When you’re not floating in a state of complete and utter relaxation, you can make your way to the restaurant for a bite of traditional cuisine. Or head to the adjacent racecourse to watch the horses galloping along the track.
The luxurious rooms are spacious and provide guests with a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, free WiFi and splendid views of the garden. With world-class service at this wonderful castle-like hotel, you may never want to leave.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Boutique Hotels in The Cotswolds with a Spa
If you need that extra bit of pampering while you’re on holiday, then these are some of the best hotels in the Cotswolds with a spa.
Stratton House Hotel & Spa
- ⭐ Rating: 8.0 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Cozy suites with garden views, garden restaurant, and spa
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Stratton House Hotel & Spa is located just outside the town of Cirencester and contains an on-site restaurant as well as function rooms.
All rooms feature an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
Some of the suites provide stunning garden views and walk-in showers, so if you’d like to opt for an extra touch of luxury, these rooms are for you. The garden restaurant and spa are open all day for you to enjoy at your leisure.
If you feel like treating yourself to something special, try out the hot tub with panoramic garden views. This is one of the best boutique hotels in the Cotswolds.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
The Greenway Hotel & Spa
- ⭐ Rating: 8.9 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Traditional manor with countryside elegance and an award-winning restaurant
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
This Elizabethan manor is located amongst the rolling hills of The Cotswolds, not far from the centre of Cheltenham. The hotel is decked out with boutique furniture and the comfy rooms give the entire hotel a cosy atmosphere.
Indulge yourself in hydrotherapy and relax in the outdoor hot tub while taking in splendid views of the surroundings. When you’re feeling famished, head to the award-winning on-site restaurant for a fine dining experience.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay in The Cotswolds
If you’re not prepared to leave your fur child at home while you travel around the countryside, then you don’t have to.
Bring your doggo along with you to some of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds with dogs.
The Inn at Fossebridge
- ⭐ Rating: 8.5 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Pet-friendly hotel with lake views and on-site restaurant
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
The Inn at Fossebridge is located a short drive from Cirencester and welcomes you and your fur babies. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, and some rooms even have a lake view.
There’s an on-site restaurant that provides views over the lake, and the hotel is very accommodating to pets. If you do decide to take your doggo with you, be sure to request a water bowl and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
The Wheatsheaf Inn
This traditional inn is located in Northleach and features a beautiful garden, as well as a locally popular bar and restaurant. The rooms are modern, and each has its own WiFi, TV, and private bathroom.
Enjoy views of the garden from the terrace while eating your breakfast each morning. Then take your dog for a walk along the surrounding walking trails, and forest paths.
The inn is also more than happy to provide a basket and water bowl for your pup.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
5-Star Hotels in The Cotswolds
If you’re looking for Cotswolds accommodation that will blow you away, then consider staying in these 5-star stays during your tour of The Cotswolds.
Barnsley House
- ⭐ Rating: 9.1 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: 5-star hotel with beautifully manicured gardens
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
If you’re looking for something special, Barnsley House is a 5-star hotel located in Cirencester that has just what you need. Rooms have free WiFi and 24-hour room service. The luxurious en-suite bathrooms have large bathtubs perfect for relaxing.
Enjoy the a la carte restaurant menu while sitting on the sunny terrace overlooking the perfectly manicured gardens. Barnsley House is everything you could want, and more.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
No131 The Promenade
- ⭐ Rating: 8.7 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Superb hotel with modern amenities, a la carte restaurant serving meals, and a lively bar
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Everything about No131 The Promenade is dripping in 5-star luxury. The spacious rooms with stylish, modern finishings contain a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, en-suite bathroom, as well as a minibar and coffee and tea making facilities.
The hotel is known for its a la carte restaurant serving meals made with the freshest of organic ingredients, and its vibrant cocktail bar situated on the terrace overlooking the gardens.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Baby-Friendly Hotels in The Cotswolds
Travelling with a baby can be very challenging. But if your hotel is kitted out correctly to handle baby guests, it becomes a breeze. Here are some of the best baby-friendly hotels in The Cotswolds.
Woolley Grange
- ⭐ Rating: 8.7 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Luxury family hotel with playroom and kids zone
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Woolley Grange calls themselves a luxury family hotel because that’s just what they are. They cater to families with small children including babies, by offering baby seats, and child safety gates to ensure you don’t lose your little one.
The grounds are absolutely beautiful and can be explored at your leisure. There’s also a children’s playroom and a kids zone. So, if you and your partner want some alone time, you can simply drop your children off to be taken care of while you enjoy your stay.
The bedrooms are designed to have a little extra space so that your family can comfortably stay in the suites without feeling too cramped.
If your kids are a little older, there are also family suites which contain full-sized beds for your children.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Days Inn Michaelwood M5
- ⭐ Rating: 7.7 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Elegant inn with rooms designed with an en-suite bathroom and a minibar
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Days Inn is a simple yet sophisticated inn that is more than happy to cater to you and your baby. They do this by providing family rooms that are big enough for you, your partner and your little one.
Rooms contain an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities as well as a minibar, perfect for a night in with your partner and little one.
Each morning a continental breakfast will be delivered to your room for your enjoyment, saving you the hassle of getting the baby ready for the morning in a restaurant.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Best Place to Stay in The Cotswolds for Families
If you’re travelling with your family, then your needs are a little more unique than that of those travelling by themselves or as a couple.
But fortunately, there is Cotswold lodging tailored to those travelling as a family. Here are some of the best accommodation options for your unique needs.
Aurora’s Dream Lodge
- ⭐ Rating: 9.0 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Dreamy lodge with a terrace balcony, lake views, and a supervised pool
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
Just like the name suggests, Aurora’s Dream Lodge is an absolutely dreamy location, especially for families.
The guest house sits overlooking the lake with a terrace balcony that lights up at night, providing guests with the perfect place to sit and watch the stars.
During the daytime, kids have access to a supervised pool, an indoor as well as an outdoor play area, and there’s plenty of activities to take part in on the lake. Including a floating obstacle course and paddle boats.
The guest house is well kitted out with free WiFi, a full kitchen, comfortable bedrooms and a porch swing. If you’re looking to have heaps of fun with your family, Aurora Dream Lodge is certainly the place to take them.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
De Vere Cotswolds Water Park
- ⭐ Rating: 8.0 out of 10 Stars
- 🏆 Known for: Sophisticated hotel with a spacious lawn and beautiful lake views
- 🏨 Check Rates & Availability on Booking.com
This luxurious 4-star hotel might not seem like the perfect place to take your family at first, but with all the outdoor activities on offer, your kids will be begging you for a stay at de Vere Cotswolds Water Park.
The hotel faces onto a large, manicured lawn, which opens up to a beautiful lake – perfect for teaching your kids how to fish or taking a paddle around the lagoon.
If you’d like your kids to remain within earshot, then the indoor pool is a great place for them to keep entertained.
The family rooms are large, perfect for a family stay. And the balconies overlooking the lake are the perfect place to have breakfast with your loved ones.
Read Reviews | TripAdvisor
Where to Stay in The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds hold plenty of adventure for anyone willing to venture off-the-beaten-track. Choosing the right accommodation for your stay can completely make or break your trip.
So, while you’re planning your Cotswolds itinerary, be sure to book your accommodation too. It’s not worth waiting until the last minute and risking losing your first choice stays.
With so many great accommodation options to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. So whether you’re planning on exploring the quaint Castle Combe, or going on a shopping spree like no other in Cirencester, there’s a hotel or cottage that will fit your needs down to a tee.
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