Our guide to luxury Cotswolds holidays

Originally built to be a monastic wool store in the 1380s, maple-tinted Arlington Row is thought by many to be the prettiest street in all England. Later, in the 17th century, the buildings were converted into a row of weaver’s cottages that would become one of The Cotswolds’ most loved streets. Head to Bibury early, when the mist is yet to rise off the meadows and morning birdsong still pierces the air, then pick up a pastry for the bimble home as sightseers trickle in.

Whilst July to August heralds long summer days, it’s also the most popular time to visit. Larger towns and villages like Bibury, Burford, and Bourton-on-the-Water draw reams of photo-snapping holidaymakers (and for good reason), but whilst these gentle streets will impress no matter the buzz, there are lesser-known spots where those in the know seek refuge from the flocks.

For days spent bimbling through wildflower meadows, discovering hidden artisanal cafes, and trying out life as a local, head to these secret spots:

Lower Slaughter – unspoilt and decidedly romantic, this village is known for its soothing brook

Snowshill – next to Broadway, Cotswold Lavender grows around the outside of this historic parish

Naunton – in this Windrush Valley hamlet, a famed 17th-century dovecote graces the church, overlooked by a gentle hill climb

Lechlade – make your way to the start of the navigable Thames, then stop for baked soufflé at its A-lister favourite pub

Mickleton – see rare plants and fluted columns in the secret garden at Kiftsgate Court, close to lively Hidcote Manor

The best way to explore The Cotswolds is by car, and many of our luxury homestays have EV chargers on-site. You can also find rapid chargers in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Norton, as well as at various hotels and restaurants and The Cotswolds Distillery.

The Cotswolds is well-connected by public transport, with direct and main line trains running from London, the Midlands, the north and the south west of England. . The key stations are in Moreton-in-Marsh, Kemble, Kingham, Stroud, Charlbury, Bath, Cheltenham, and Gloucester. There are also buses that run throughout The Cotswolds on a regular basis. Think of it as the local’s way to sightsee, on probably one of the prettiest bus rides you’ll ever take.

Heading out on foot, following noses and chasing tails, it’s always dog owners who delve deeper into the ‘Wolds. A hop-skip to the outskirts of Cirencester will take you to the ancient earthwork remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain, welcoming dogs on leads. Whilst the start of the 102-mile Cotswolds Way begins in the market town of Chipping Campden, passing Neolithic burial barrows, stately homes, and historic battle sites. You’ll also find plenty of dog-friendly inns all across this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, welcoming four-legged ramblers for biscuits and fireside naps all day long. Stand-out dog-friendly pubs worth a pint of Old Hooky include:

Swan Hotel, Bibury

Lamb Inn, Burford

The Royal Oak, Burford

Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh

The Old Stocks Inn, Stow-on-the-Wold

The Crown & Trumpet, Broadway

The Lion Inn, Winchcombe

The Fox, Chipping Norton

The Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill

The Prince Albert, Stroud

Yes – Highgrove House is the official family residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, lying regally south-west of Tetbury. The King bought the country house in 1980, devoting his spare time to transforming its ornate gardens, adding rare trees and plants throughout. So the King says, the gardens have been designed to, “please the eye and sit in harmony with nature,” from the Cottage Garden to the Wildflower Meadow. The gardens are open for guided tours between April and September, and provide a rare glimpse inside the mind of a King. Of course, there’s an indulgent cream tea to devour at the end too…