Best Places To Stay In The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds has plenty of places to stay from the honey-stone manor houses, thatched-roof B&Bs, and converted coaching inns, there’s almost too much choice. While that sounds like a luxury problem, it makes picking somewhere even harder, especially when you’re trying to balance location, budget, and “Cotswolds charm”.

I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit digging through reviews, watching room tours, and reading traveller stories to figure out which are the best places to stay in The Cotswolds, whatever your budget.

What You Need to Know About Cotswolds Stays

Before you start booking, it helps to understand what you’re working with. The Cotswolds covers a massive area, we’re talking 800 square miles across five counties. So “staying in the Cotswolds” is a bit vague. You could be in a bustling market town or a quiet village.

Most places fall into a few categories: luxury country hotels with spas and fine dining, historic inns that’ve been around for centuries, boutique B&Bs run by locals, and self-catering cottages if you want your own space. Prices range anywhere from £100 a night for a decent pub room to £500+ for the full country estate experience.

Location matters more than you’d think. If you don’t have a car, you’ll want somewhere central like Stow-on-the-Wold or Moreton-in-Marsh with good transport links. But if you’re driving, the quieter villages, like Tetbury or the Slaughters, offer more atmosphere and fewer tour groups.

The Luxury End: When You Want to Splash Out

Lygon Arms, Broadway

This place has been around since the 1500s, which gives you some idea of the character and history you’ll find there. It’s been renovated fairly recently, so you get the historic bones with modern comforts, no need to choose between charm and a decent shower.

The rooms are spacious, and the spa’s vaulted ceilings make it feel a really special. People rave about the food here, particularly the steaks and afternoon tea.

Broadway itself is central enough for exploring, you’re close to Chipping Campden and the Cotswold Way if you’re into walking. The main downside is the price tag. You’re looking at £200-£400 a night depending on when you go. And in summer, the village gets absolutely rammed with visitors, so it’s not exactly a peaceful hideaway during peak season.

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa

If you want the full country estate fantasy, this is it. Set in 500 acres near Chippenham (technically on the edge of the Cotswolds, but close enough), it’s got everything: an equestrian centre, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a spa that people travel specifically to visit.

The rooms are truly luxurious and it’s more of a destination in itself than a base for exploration. You could easily spend your whole weekend on the grounds without needing to leave. The main catch is the price (£300+ per night) and the fact you’ll definitely need a car since it’s quite remote. But for a special occasion or if you just want to be spoiled, it’s the perfect place.

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

Upper Slaughter is one of those villages that doesn’t feel real, it’s so picturesque. This hotel fits right in: elegant without being stuffy, with gardens that overlook the valley and a restaurant people get quite excited about.

The place attracts a lot of couples looking for a romantic break, and you can see why. It’s got that “escape from everything” feel whilst still being close to the classic Cotswolds villages like Bourton-on-the-Water. Breakfast gets mentioned a lot in reviews, apparently it’s substantial enough to keep you going through a morning’s walk.

Historic Inns: Character Without the Luxury Price Tag

The Wood Norton Hotel, Evesham

Technically this sits just on the edge of the Cotswolds, but it’s a great option if you want Victorian grandeur without the full luxury hotel price. On arrival you can pick up an information sheet giving you a brief history, surprisingly the building was used by the BBC during World War II as well as being owned by French royalty.

The hotel staff were really friendly, and as our room was not quite ready when we arrived, we sat in one of the wood panelled rooms and enjoyed a lovely cream tea.

The rooms are spacious with gorgeous views over the Evesham Vale, we watched the sun set from the terrace and also had amazing views from our bedroom window.

As we visited in January we were delighted to find an open fire in the bar, where we enjoyed a cosy drink before dinner. The restaurant serves great food and a few dishes are created in collaboration with their Culinary Director, Glynn Purnell, who brings his signature flair to the menu.

We loved the relaxed atmosphere and the rural setting, with easy access to Broadway and the northern Cotswolds villages.

The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold

The Porch House claims to be England’s oldest inn, allegedly dating back to 947 AD. It has exposed beams, wonky floors and is packed full of history.

Stow-on-the-Wold is really central for Cotswolds exploring, with the Thursday market and antique shops providing some activity beyond just wandering. The pub food is great (not Michelin-starred, but hearty and local), and being right in the town centre means easy access to other Cotswolds restaurants and cafes.

The rooms are cosy rather than spacious, and walls in old buildings aren’t always thick, so weekends can get a bit noisy if the pub’s busy. But for authentic Cotswolds character at £150-£250 a night, it’s a great option.

The Howard Arms, Ilmington

This one’s been around for 400 years, sitting in a village that most tourists miss entirely. That’s part of its charm, you get the thatched cottages and rolling hills without the crowds.

The rooms have fireplaces and breakfast gets consistently good reviews. The village has some brilliant walking routes if you’re into that, with footpaths leading straight from the pub.

Its location is perfect if you want peace, less ideal if you want convenience.

If You’re Watching the Budget

The Holford Arms, Knockdown

Near Tetbury, so not in the thick of tourist central but still close enough to the main attractions. This one kept coming up when people were looking for somewhere that prioritizes food quality without charging luxury hotel rates.

The gastropub vibe means you’re getting good meals without stuffiness, and the area’s quieter than somewhere like Bourton-on-the-Water, which can feel a bit busy in the summer. Rooms are straightforward, clean, comfortable, nothing fancy but at a reasonable price for The Cotswolds.

Self-Catering Options

If hotels aren’t your thing, there are loads of cottages and Airbnbs scattered throughout the area, particularly around Lechlade and the smaller villages. You can often find places for under £150 per night, especially if you’re booking for a few days.

The advantage is having your own space and a kitchen, which helps with costs if you’re staying a while. The downside is you’re responsible for breakfast and you might miss out on the social aspect of staying in a pub or hotel. But for families or groups, it often makes more sense than booking multiple hotel rooms.

Booking Tips

Spring and autumn are your best bet for avoiding crowds whilst still getting decent weather. Summer is gorgeous but expect packed car parks and fully booked restaurants everywhere.

You really do need a car unless you’re staying somewhere like Moreton-in-Marsh with a train station. The villages are spread out, and buses are patchy at best.

Pack layers and decent walking shoes. Even if you’re not planning serious hikes, you’ll end up wandering through fields and along footpaths.

Final Thoughts

The Cotswolds has this reputation for being quintessentially English, and I suppose it is, but that means different things depending on where you stay. The luxury hotels offer polish and pampering. The historic inns give you character and stories. The quieter spots provide actual peace rather than postcard-perfect tourism.

What works for you depends on whether you want to be in the thick of things or tucked away somewhere genuinely quiet. Whether you care more about the room or the restaurant. Whether you’re happy navigating country lanes or prefer walking to the village pub.

There’s no single “best” place to stay, just the one that matches what you’re looking for. Though I will say this: wherever you end up, book dinner in advance. Nothing ruins a romantic Cotswolds evening quite like ending up eating meal deal sandwiches in your room because everything’s fully booked.