If you’re looking for an authentic and unique experience during your visit to the Cotswolds, you should definitely explore the region’s lesser-known villages. These hidden gems will offer you the beauty and charm of the English countryside without the tourist crowds that can be found in more popular villages. Here is a list of the best lesser known Cotswolds villages to visit.
1. Kingham
Kingham is a charming stone-built village just a few miles from Stow-on-the-Wold. It is known to be one of the least known and most picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. If you come up here you can admire stone houses, a picturesque water mill and a church with a medieval tower. Kingham is also famous for its world class restaurant, The Wild Rabbit which offers delicious cuisine.
2. Painswick
a perfect place for a relaxing stroll, thanks to its cobbled and stone houses. Here you can also take in the beauty of the surrounding English countryside.
9. Naunton
Naunton is a stone-built village in the heart of the Cotswolds. Here you can stroll along the River Windrush and take in the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Naunton is also famous for its historic pub, The Black Horse Inn, which offers traditional English cuisine.
10. Bibury
Bibury is a stone built village located near Cirencester. This village is famous for its stone houses and stream, which is said to have been described as ‘the most beautiful street in the world’ by William Morris. Bibury was also used as a location for the film “Bridget Jones’s Diary”.
11. Ampney Crucis
Ampney Crucis is a stone built village located near Cirencester. This village is famous for its medieval church and its 17th century stone houses. Ampney Crucis is also an ideal starting point for walks in the surrounding countryside.
12. Broadwell
Broadwell is a stone-built village located near Stow-on-the-Wold. In addition to the village, we must not forget the beauty of the surrounding countryside and visit the medieval church of San Paolo, which has recently been restored.
13. Upper Slaughter
Upper Slaughter is a stone-built village situated along the River Eye, close to Bourton-on-the-Water. This village is famous for its medieval church and water mill.
14. Turkdean
Turkdean is a stone built village located near Northleach. Here you can admire the beauty of the surrounding countryside and visit the medieval church of San Nicola.
15. Lower Swell
Lower Swell is a stone-built village located near Stow-on-the-Wold. It has beautiful cobbled streets and houses that are picturesque and very typical of the area. Lower Swell is also famous for its historic pub, The Golden Ball Inn.
These are just some of the lesser known but beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. If you want to experience the authentic beauty and charm of the English countryside, be sure to visit these hidden gems on your next visit to the Cotswolds.
