Cotswolds villages

Since you have a car, you might want to consider renting a holiday cottage. My husband and I did that a few years ago and we enjoyed it. We had a rental car and we drove to several villages and did circular walks. As to best villages/towns, some of my favorites are: Chipping Campden, Moreton in Marsh, Broadway, Stow in the Wold, Ladcock, Bourton on the Water, Upper Slaughter, Lower Slaughter, and Blockley. We rented in Blockley and it is a very easy walk, just my opinion, to Moreton in Marsh (about 3 miles one way) and Chipping Campden (one way about 5 miles.)

Here is a link to the National Trail site. And another link for Cotswold Information.

5-8?

IMHO, based on having lived there as a boy and many many visits since.

Blockley.
Chipping Campden.
Broadway.
Cold Ashton.
Temple Guiting.

That's 5. (why 5?)

Stanway.
Bourton on the Water.
Lower Slaughter.

That's 8. (why 8?)

I have another 5 to 8 but my ration has run out.

My Mother's birthday was a little while ago and her favourite was Long Compton.

Bigger than villages are towns:

Burford
Winchcombe.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Cirencester.
Stroud.

But you only asked for villages, and I've over-run with 5 towns, and never even got to Moreton-in-Marsh.

We are staying in Castle Combe for two days next week—I will report back after the trip. I know there’s not a lot to do in Castle Combe, but it’s picturesque and close to some other sights we want to see, so we decided to make it our base.

Thanks for posting such a thorough list Nigel! We'll be there mid June. I hadn't considered Temple Guiting, but did notice they are hosting a Fete and dog show while we are there. Any advice on if this might be a worthwhile way to spend some time?

Thank you. I have much to research. I like the idea of a central “home”base.

Fetes are fun for me, boring for my wife. I love playing silly games like coconut shie (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_shy) wet sponge, plate shie, three-legged race, wheelbarrow race, and such silliness, maybe a flyover, maybe a speech by the curate, messy cupcakes or slices of cake, the tea tent, maybe a car club will show up, flower show, dog show, burgers and sausages and all sorts.

Always for charity in a typically British way, always very inexpensive and great fun. Love it. Always find the tombola.

In the Cotswolds you have a better than average chance that a troupe of Morris Dancers will turn up.

Depends on where the fete is at the time but if near the church (often) there is always a tour of the church and often a tour of the bells or the tower.

Word to the wise - unless the church has toilets (or a toilet) or the fete is at the village hall, it is good practice to use the toilet before you arrive.

Concur with the idea of booking a cottage, which, of course, must be booked ahead. Suggest you look mostly for the best property amenities for you. Location is secondary as you will have a car and distances are short. We used VRBO (homeaway and airbnb work too). Browsing through the listings is great fun.

We found a one bedroom cottage in Mickelton (a couple of miles from Chipping Campden) with a lovely private garden and a gastropub across the street. With that cottage we were able to make our own breakfasts and get out fairly early. We got in the routine of heading "home" in mid-afternoon, resting up with a glass of wine in our garden and going to dinner at the local pub. We were recognized as temporary locals at the pub after our first visit. We did have a couple of light dinners in the garden on days we had a big lunch. All in all a very enjoyable experience.

When researching - don't forget the many formal gardens in the Cotswolds. They are uniquely English. Depending on the season they can be spectacular.

Enjoy! Robbie

Chipping Campden, Broadway, Bourton-on-the-Water, Painswick, Stow-on-the-Wold and a sixth one Ebrington.

If you’re a Downton Abbey fan, I suggest visiting Bampton. It’s where they filmed the church scenes, the exterior of Mrs Crowley’s house and the village hospital. I was there last week and is inspired to rematch the shows to see those scenes!

The village of Lacock looks like the old days, on purpose. Such modern gizmos as utility wires and satellite dishes have been hidden behind the old houses, for the convenience of film and TV crews shooting period stories. There are pleasant public gardens, several pubs, an abbey, a 14th-century church and an ancient stable. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacock

I completely agree with the above comments on Lacock. We visited the abbey and did not stop to visit the village and it is at the top of our list for our August trip. Lacock looks to be not far from Castle Combe which is also on the list. If you have not been to Highclere that is fairly easy if you will have a car.

I completely agree with the above comments on Lacock. We visited the
abbey and did not stop to visit the village and it is at the top of
our list for our August trip. Lacock looks to be not far from Castle
Combe which is also on the list. If you have not been to Highclere
that is fairly easy if you will have a car.

Oh, gosh, I was in Lacock nine years ago and still remember it fondly, and wouldn't mind seeing it again. I was lucky enough to be able to go with London Walks on their Lacock and Avebury outing. It was in September, the weather was glorious, and it was such a happy day - and still a good memory. So, if you can, see Lacock or Avebury, and preferably visit both!

Also I need some Info on short moderate walks < 5 miles. Either circular walks or village to village in northern Cotswolds. Thank you.

Here are a few routes with descriptions:National Trails. Here are a few circular and linear walks. Amazon has a paperback book of Short Walks. Here is a link to GPS Cycle and Walk Routes, you can print Ordnance Survey Maps.

I hope this is of help.

Bibury
Northleach