Travel guide to the Cotswolds
Find your perfect group stay in the Cotswolds
Group getaways to the Cotswolds
Planning a group holiday in the Cotswolds? This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of England’s most idyllic destinations. Think honey-stone cottages, winding country lanes, and rolling green hills that seem straight out of a storybook.
For big group breaks, the Cotswolds has it all: spacious cottages, traditional pubs with roaring fires, boutique shopping, and some of the best walking routes in the UK. Whether you’re gathering the family, celebrating with friends, or escaping with a group of couples, the Cotswolds makes for an unforgettable getaway.
This guide takes you through the top things to do, places to eat and walks to do as a group. Plus, you can browse our group-friendly places to stay.
At-a-glance info
- Idyllic countryside and rolling hills
- Famous honey-stone villages
- Cosy pubs and tearooms
- Scenic walks and cycle routes
- Great base for big group stays
Things to do in the Cotswolds
- Wander the villages – Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold are postcard-perfect.
- Visit Blenheim Palace – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill.
- Enjoy a group day out at Cotswold Wildlife Park – Perfect for families, with animals, gardens, and play areas.
- Explore Sudeley Castle – Stunning gardens and fascinating Tudor history.
- Shop and stroll in Cheltenham – A Regency spa town with boutique shops, restaurants and festivals.
- Go cycling or walking – Follow scenic trails like the Cotswold Way or shorter circular walks from pretty villages.
Popular towns and villages in the Cotswolds
- Bourton-on-the-Water – Known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, with charming riverside walks.
- Stow-on-the-Wold – A bustling market town, great for antique shops and tea rooms.
- Bibury – Famous for Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets in England.
- Broadway – A lovely base with art galleries, shops and the Broadway Tower nearby.
- Cirencester – The capital of the Cotswolds with Roman history, markets, and excellent eateries.
- Chipping Campden – A beautiful town with a traditional high street and great walking routes.
Popular local walks in the Cotswolds
Cotswold Way
Pick a manageable stretch of this 100-mile route for group walks with rolling countryside views.
Broadway Tower circular (3 miles)
A scenic loop taking in Broadway Tower and panoramic views of 16 counties.
Bibury to Coln St Aldwyns (6 miles)
A riverside walk through some of the prettiest countryside in the region.
Bourton-on-the-Water circular (4 miles)
A gentle trail along the River Windrush, ideal for families and groups.
Cleeve Hill (6 miles)
The highest point in the Cotswolds with sweeping views across Gloucestershire and beyond.
Eat and drink around the Cotswolds
Foodies will be spoilt for choice in the Cotswolds, with cosy pubs, fine dining, and farm-to-table cafés. Perfect for group dinners and celebrations:
- The Wild Rabbit, Kingham – This popular inn, serving seasonal dishes, is listed in the MICHELIN Guide.
- The Porch House, Stow-on-the-Wold – England’s oldest inn, with hearty pub classics.
- The Wheatsheaf Inn, Northleach – A stylish gastropub with a buzzing atmosphere.
- The Angel at Burford – A welcoming pub with local ales and group-friendly menus.
- Daylesford Organic Farm, near Kingham – A must-visit for organic food, café dining, and a farm shop.
Top tips for visiting the Cotswolds on a group holiday
- Book popular restaurants ahead – The Cotswolds is a foodie hotspot and tables for large groups fill up quickly.
- Consider transport – Villages are spread out, so a car (or minibus for groups) is the easiest way to explore.
- Visit off-peak – Spring and autumn are quieter but just as beautiful. Perfect for groups wanting space to explore.
- Pack for walking – Even if you’re not tackling big hikes, good walking shoes are handy for exploring villages and countryside trails.
- Mix towns and countryside – Balance cosy village days with trips to Cheltenham, Oxford, or Bath.
The Cotswolds are calling – find your perfect group stay with Big Cottages
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