10 Prettiest Viewpoints In The Cotswolds You Must See!
Visiting the Cotswolds should be on everyone’s UK bucket list, and as someone who has travelled extensively throughout the Cotswolds, I’m giving you the lowdown on the best viewpoints in the Cotswolds.
This fascinating region is home to traditional stone houses, calm rivers, and unbelievable rolling hills.
And, the wildlife roaming through the landscape is an added bonus. It’s the ultimate British destination for long walks in nature and appreciating your surroundings. So, where better to test out your new camera, or add to your flawless Instagram grid?
This is a particularly popular place for photographers and photoshoots of all kinds. There are so many viewpoints and picturesque areas to do this. This list aims to help you find all the best spots in the Cotswolds to take photos of the landscape views, your friends and family, or just a smashing selfie.
1. Bibury – One of the Best Villages in Cotswolds
This is one of the best places in The Cotswolds to go for a good selection of photo possibilities. The delightful village boasts honey-coloured stone cottages set against an English countryside backdrop.
The striking town is famous for these homes and would make for a fantastic photograph. You’ll find this postcard-worthy scene in Arlington Row – it’s known to be one of England’s most photographed line of houses, which is really no surprise.
Just remember to be courteous and not invade the residents’ privacy. There are also fun family activities to do in the village, so make a day of it.
2. Bourton-on-the-Water Bridges – Best of Cotswolds River Views
You can’t do a photography tour of the English countryside and not visit the place that’s lovingly named “The Venice of the Cotswolds”. Bourton-on-the-Water is a magical Cotswolds village with traditional stone houses and quaint streets on the edges of River Windrush.
The village’s main attraction, especially if you’re practising your photography skills, is the many low bridges dating back to 1654.
Try to explore them first thing in the morning, or at sunset. This will give you unforgettable scenes to capture, and you may miss the throngs of visitors wanting to see them for themselves.
3. Burford – One of the Prettiest Cotswolds Villages
One of the best towns in the Cotswolds to add to your Instagram feed, Burford offers quaint and charming scenes throughout the streets. Take a trip up Burford Hill for dazzling morning photos and stop in at one (or more) of the picture-worthy cafes.
High Street is a fabulous place to take photos but be warned, it can get packed with parked cars. The weekends are also quite busy in the town, so it’s wiser to try and visit during the week. Then, you’ll have a bit more space to snap stunning photos.
4. Broadway Tower – “ Cotswolds’ Highest Tower”
Set on a space 312 metres above sea level, Broadway Tower is a tiny folly set in the middle of a field, offering views across the countryside. It sits atop Broadway Hill, and from the top, you can see up to 16 counties. There’s also the chance to catch a glimpse (and a photograph) of the resident red deer.
Read my guide on how to get from London to the Cotswolds
The area is loved by locals and visitors alike, it’s a lovely place to go for a walk and breathe in the fresh country air. There’s a cafe in the tower, so you can do a morning trip and still enjoy your coffee, or an afternoon tea with a view.
5. The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter
Located in one of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages, this is a top tourist attraction in the area. The site is from way back in the 14th century, and one of the mills is so old that it features in the Doomsday Book of 1086.
Photos of the mills themselves will be admired by all your friends (and followers) and being right on the edge of the river, and there are fantastic water views as well. You can browse the Old Mill Museum and grab something at the gift shop while you’re here too.
6. Poppy Fields – Colourful Countryside Views
Undeniably some of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds, the poppy fields found throughout the countryside make for mesmerising postcard-worthy photographs.
One of the most well-known of these massive fields of bright orange wildflowers is the Condicote Poppy field, but there are other spots scattered throughout The Cotswolds. During the blooming season, the fields are absolutely full of splendid poppies, making a dreamlike scene.
Plan out your spring outfit and pack your tripod, because this is the ideal spot for a new profile picture. Bring the family and friends and enjoy the views while capturing some of the natural beauty.
7. Cleeve Hill – Highest Point in The Cotswolds
There aren’t many places that can beat the scenes from Cleeve Hill. Standing at the top, you’ll be 330 m above the stunning landscapes and villages below. This is a popular place for photographers and anyone with a camera in the Cotswolds really.
Located in Cleeve Commons, the hill offers panoramic views of the River Severn, Winchcombe, and Cheltenham, depending on which way you look. There’s a golf course in the commons, and you may even catch a glimpse of grazing sheep. For a proper experience, you can hike the 2 – 3 hours to the top and arrive in time for a sunset shoot.
8. Sherborne Park Estate – A Wildlife Wonderland
If you’re looking for somewhere to snap pics of wildlife in gorgeous green surroundings, Sherborne Park Estate is the perfect place. Here you’ll find 18th-century buildings, wildlife, woodlands, and an array of birdlife.
You’ll often find groups of people walking through the estate, and a big attraction is the working water meadows.
Read my detail guide on the best Cotswolds towns to visit
Practice your photography and stroll through the park and estate. If you’re quiet and careful enough, you may be able to spot a dainty dragonfly and add that to your Instagram feed. Near the park and estate, you can also visit the Deer Park.
9. Dover’s Hill – Home of Original English Olympic Games
Another spectacular view from high up can be found atop Dover’s Hill. This viewpoint is at the top of the Cotswolds Way walking trail and provides panoramic views of the magnificence around it.
The hill is a natural amphitheatre and was once home to the original English Olympic Games. Each year groups of people still meet up to take part in strange ‘sports’, but you don’t have to partake to enjoy the photography opportunities.
Park your car at the car park and then make the 7-minute walk up to the hill’s summit. You’ll be instantly rewarded with the scenes below.
10. Crickley Hill – Another of the Great Cotswolds Hills
This natural splendour of a hill became a biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire in 1974. It’s a great place to view the surrounding countryside, and there’s a cafe and picnic area to enjoy as well.
There’s so much wildlife to spot here, as well as archaeological wonders. The area is excellent for walking, and many people bring their dogs to get out and about. Even if you’re just going to take a few photos and continue on your way, the beauty will captivate you for a moment at least.