Rediscover the gentle, nostalgic charm of England amidst the seven villages of the Cotswolds.
Nestled between London and Oxford lies a pastoral paradise where time seems reluctant to disturb its tranquility—the Cotswolds.
There are no tall buildings or hustle and bustle here, only honey-colored stone houses, sheep grazing on the hillside, and a slow and elegant life behind every window.
If you're looking for a slow-paced trip through England, these seven towns are the perfect stopover points.
Burford
Known as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds," this is the starting point of the English countryside.
Descending the steps along the undulating main street, you'll find stone houses and old shops preserved from the 16th century on both sides; the chapel, the old inn, and every bookstore with its rich collection are all gentle greetings from this town to travelers.
Bibury
The village that William Morris called "the most beautiful village in England" lives up to its reputation.
Arlington Row sits serenely beside a creek, with ducks skimming the surface, like a watercolor painting fallen to earth. Walking along the cobblestone paths, you might wonder if this place truly exists.
Lower Slaughter
It's only a kilometer from Bourton-on-the-Water, but it feels like a century apart.
A stream meanders through the village, an ancient bridge spans its waters, and the waterwheel of the old mill still turns slowly. At dusk, sunlight filters through the treetops and falls on the honey-colored stone walls, making the whole village seem to whisper an old English fairy tale.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," it is one of the most popular towns.
The clear Windrush River flows through the town center, with low stone bridges connecting the two banks. In summer, children play barefoot in the water, and people leisurely drink afternoon tea in cafes. Everything slows down.
Stow-on-the-Wold
A "Wool Town" built on a mountaintop was the center of the trade era.
Antique shops, handicraft stores, and traditional tea rooms abound. Don't forget to visit St. Edward's Church, whose wooden door, nestled between two old trees, seems to open up the otherworldly realm of "The Lord of the Rings."
Naim Naunton
A small town nestled in a valley, with few tourists, quiet and charming.
There are no signs of commercialization, yet it offers the most authentic British lifestyle. Strolling along the creek, sunlight filters through the stone walls and onto the grass, and occasionally a horse-drawn carriage passes by, as if stepping into a lost history.
Cheltenham
It's a local favorite art town and the elegant finale of the Cotswolds.
The Georgian-style buildings house numerous independent bookstores and cafes, and host a year-round series of festivals focusing on literature, jazz, and technology. Compared to the tranquility of the countryside, this is a crossroads of culture and life.
