Cotswolds
United Kingdom
Overview
The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England with rolling green hills, honey-stone villages, and cottages so cute they look fake. It's where London's rich and famous go to "get away from it all" (in their second, third, or fourth homes): David and Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, and Liz Hurley all have places here. Despite its fancy nature, it is very family-friendly with lush open space for walking, river paddling in Bourton-on-the-Water and hands-on animal encounters at farm parks and wildlife centers. Villages are close together and pedestrian-friendly, so there's minimal car time and kids can roam safely. The serenity and peacefullness make parents feel more relaxed (even if it is just for a hot minute!).
How to get here:
Best time to visit:
Hotels we love:
From London by train: The fastest option is a train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (about 1.5–2 hours)
By Car: Drive via the M40 in roughly 1.5–2 hours to reach towns like Burford or Bourton-on-the-Water.
The best time to visit is late spring to early summer (May–June), when gardens are in bloom and the weather is mild, though early autumn (September) is also lovely with fewer crowds than peak summer.
Costwalds Blog
