Explore The Cotswolds

Plan your visit to the Wiltshire Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) located in the West of England. This lovely, rural location covers 790 square miles, spanning many counties including parts of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worchestershire and - of course - Wiltshire! 

7% of the Cotswolds AONB sits within the Wiltshire county boundaries, encompassing picturesque Wiltshire villages like Castle Combe, Sherston and Slaughterford. The pretty Wiltshire market towns of Corsham, Malmesbury and Bradford on Avon are also all located on the Cotswolds borders, and make excellent bases for exploring the area.
 
The Cotswolds area is famous for its picture-perfect landscape and villages, making it an ideal countryside location to retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Southern Cotswolds have their own distinctive look comprised of pretty honey-coloured stone villages, narrow lanes and stunning countryside. Farming is still one of the main industries in The Cotswolds and the area is largely rural and agricultural. The local stone, used to build many of the houses you will see while exploring the Wiltshire Cotswolds, has been quarried here since Roman times. So, as you travel down winding country lanes past picture-perfect villages, you will see history all around you! This historic heritage and the local lush countryside have been enticing visitors to the Wiltshire Cotswolds for centuries - and continue to do so today. 

Travelling to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are the ideal location for a weekend away. Just a short drive from both London and Bristol, it couldn’t be easier to retreat to this idyllic countryside location! Or, travel by train to Bradford on Avon, located on the edge of the Wiltshire Cotswolds for lovely walks and easy access to the surrounding countryside. Nearby Wiltshire towns like Melksham, Chippenham and Swindon also have great rail links and offer easy access to the Southern Cotswolds.

What is there to see and do in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is home to over 3,000 miles of footpath – making it an ideal destination for walking. Many visitors to the area are attracted by the swathes of beautiful English countryside dotted with chocolate box villages and cottages, and visit the Cotswolds to explore these delights on a walking holiday. Whether you fancy a short stroll to the pub or want to conquer the long-distance path the Cotswold Way National Trail, there are certainly many options for keen walkers! But the area has plenty to offer for everyone; you can explore by foot, by bike or even on horseback - or why not rent a classic car for your trip? And if you’re planning a visit to the Cotswolds, make sure you make time to visit these local attractions and things to do…

The village of Castle Combe, situated within the Wiltshire part of the Cotswolds, is a must-see. Often voted the prettiest village in England, it features beautiful honey-coloured cottages and a babbling brook. With its historic atmosphere, the village has regularly been used as a backdrop for films and TV shows, including Dr Dolittle (1960s), War Horse and Stardust. Many visitors come to the Wiltshire Cotswolds purely to visit Castle Combe – but we certainly recommend extending your trip to see the other delights the area has to offer! Surrounding villages and hamlets like Sherston, Avoncliff and Slaughterford offer plenty more Cotswold country charm. 

On the outskirts of the village of Castle Combe, keen adrenalin junkies can take part in driving experiences or watch motor racing at the Castle Combe Circuit with events taking place throughout the year.

Get closer to nature on a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum, home to around 15,000 trees! Walk through the pathways cut through the woodlands, take in the views at the tree top walkway or take part in some of the hands-on events including bush craft and nature spotting. Look out for the illuminated gardens event and pay a visit during autumn for truly spectacular colours. Westonbirt Arboretum is also regularly used as a concert venue.

See a different kind of nature on a trip to Cotswold Wildlife Park. The park is home to around 250 species of animal including lions, meerkats and rhino. In addition to this, the gardens are well worth a visit for anyone who’s interested in horticulture.

Just across the boundary of the AONB you’ll find the Cotswold Water Park – home to around 150 lakes. The lakes make a tranquil base for walking, cycling and bird watching. Some of the lakes are also set up for water sports and fishing.

Discover more of the Cotswolds and the wider area on a guided tour with local tour companies Heritage Holidays and Mad Max Tours.

Make a break of it and book a stay in some beautiful Cotswolds accommodation

If you are looking for high end accommodation in the Cotswolds you might like the look of these five star luxury hotels:

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Nr Malmesbury
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Colerne, Nr Chippenham
The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club, Castle Combe

Nearby, Woolley Grange Hotel also offers luxury spa accommodation aimed at families.

If you have a more modest budget, why not consider a farm stay, country pub, B&B or guest accommodation in the Cotswolds or alternatively, a self-catering cottage? There are plenty to choose from!

The 12th century Castle Inn offers comfortable rooms in the heart of picture-perfect Cotswold village Castle Combe. Also within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Fosse Farmhouse in Nettleton Shrub offers lovely accommodation options in a traditional farmhouse made from Cotswold stone. Award-winning Church Farm Country Cottages lie just outside the Wiltshire Cotswolds in the village of Winsley near Bradford on Avon. In the same village you will also find the Farm Camp where you can experience cosy glamping in a gorgeous bell tent. 

The Wiltshire Cotswolds offer a wide range of lovely accommodation to suit all needs and budgets.