English Cottage Rental

Check the National Trust rental program - you can rent cottages all over England located on some of the many historic properties owned by the Trust - www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/

Take a look at Windsor Cottage in Winchombe ( we stayed there and enjoyed it ) and Sudeley Castle has cottages on their grounds. Let me know via message ( not on here often ) if you have any questions.

There are many companies offering self-catering accommodation in Britain. One of the largest is English Country Cottages, but a Google search of Cotswold Cottages will bring up many others. You need to be aware that some people will interpret the term "Cotswolds" quite widely, so check the actual location on a map before choosing. The prettiest and best-equipped cottages are naturally more expensive.

For a typical American, a week in the Cotswolds is probably too long unless you are very into walks/hikes. The area is very scenic and definitely pictureseque. It is also very touristy and can get crowded. If you don't stay within walking distance of a village, you'll be driving for food and drinks. I personally never get behind the wheel after a "pint or two." To find out if you would have enough to do, get a guidebook and see what's there that interests you. Also, the Cotswolds are a decent base to see other parts of England and Wales (Scotland is way too far away) but a significant amount of driving would be involved. Personally, I move accomodations with our sightseeing destinations. Also, I feel 2 or 3 nights in the Cotswolds pretty much gives you plenty of time there. Be sure to see Blenheim Palace if you go to the Cotswolds.

Here is a site with tons of information about each town. It lists hotels, B & B's, and holiday rentals. http://www.cotswolds.info
I hope this aids your in your making a decision.

We stayed in a thatched cottage in Wroxton that we got through hideaways.co.uk that we liked very much. It is close to the Cotswolds and also not far from Stratford Upon Avon. There are several pubs in walking distance. The White Horse Inn pub was especially helpful in our itinerary.

My husband and I just returned from our second visit to the Cotswolds. It is truly a wonderful place. Last year we stayed in a cottage near Cirencester. We found it on VRBO.com It is called Newton Cottage. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. Very charming!! Extremely clean and comfortable. There is a pub called The Black Horse within walking distance. It is very friendly and the food is good(especially the sticky toffee pudding). We also enjoy a drink and were driving so we could indulge without worrying about the drive home. We rented in Moreton in Marsh this past September and stayed at the Cottage on High street. It was very charming with a fireplace, but I did not find it as clean or the beds as comfortable. Moreton has very good bus and train connections. We had initially not wanted to rent a car, but at the last minute changed our minds. So we could have rented Newton Cottage, but had already made our deposit for cottage in Moreton. There is also a pub near Moreton that I would highly recommend. It is The HOrse and Groom. Fabulous food and desserts. Very friendly service. You must have a reservation. We reserved 1 month in advance. If you can't get in you can eat in the bar. It has the same menu. If you would like any other suggestions please feel free to ask. A few of the place I would recommend are Bibury, Chavenage House, day trip to Oxford(evensong at Christ College), Kelmscott,Berkley Castle,Chipping NOrton,antique market in Cirencester on Fridays. Hope this helps.Jo Johnson

My husband and I just returned from our second visit to the Cotswolds. It is truly a wonderful place. Last year we stayed in a cottage near Cirencester. We found it on VRBO.com It is called Newton Cottage. I cannot say enough wonderful things about it. Very charming!! Extremely clean and comfortable. There is a pub called The Black Horse within walking distance. It is very friendly and the food is good(especially the sticky toffee pudding). We also enjoy a drink and were driving so we could indulge without worrying about the drive home. We rented in Moreton in Marsh this past September and stayed at the Cottage on High street. It was very charming with a fireplace, but I did not find it as clean or the beds as comfortable. Moreton has very good bus and train connections. We had initially not wanted to rent a car, but at the last minute changed our minds. So we could have rented Newton Cottage, but had already made our deposit for cottage in Moreton. There is also a pub near Moreton that I would highly recommend. It is The HOrse and Groom. Fabulous food and desserts. Very friendly service. You must have a reservation. We reserved 1 month in advance. If you can't get in you can eat in the bar. It has the same menu. If you would like any other suggestions please feel free to ask. A few of the place I would recommend are Bibury, Chavenage House, day trip to Oxford(evensong at Christ College), Kelmscott,Berkley Castle,Chipping NOrton,antique market in Cirencester on Fridays. Hope this helps.Jo Johnson

-Thanks for the info. When you mentioned desserts my wife was immediately interested.

Steve, I recommend a beautiful thatched roof cottage. Tythe Barn in Ebrington which is 3 miles from Chipping Camden. This cottage is beautiful, has fire place in the sitting room. Great garden (yard) in enjoy coffee/tea in. The website for the cottage is....Tythebarn.co.uk ~~ You can see pictures of it on the website.