If you love the Cotswolds but don’t want to share, then here’s all you need to do – get there early, go in midweek if possible, and choose its smaller gems instead of headline villages. You can still find honey-stone cottages, undulating hills, and stunning snaps, you just might not be vying for space to get your hands on them.
Quiet villages worth a detour
These little spots are perfect for a slow meander and an unqueued coffee:
Guiting Power – classic Cotswold feel with a relaxed, secluded atmosphere.
Naunton – quaint bridges and riverside sights; often a lot quieter.
Snowshill – cottages and lanes from the realms of postcards.
Blockley – steep, sharp streets of Cotswold stone houses and a greater sense of being surrounded by ‘locals’.
Top Tip: Choose one calm village and explore it leisurely, instead of trying to cover multiple places in a day. For more information on Cotswolds Guided Tours, contact //cotswoldtour.co.uk/cotswolds-private-tours/classic-cotswolds-guided-tour/
Perspective – Big scenery doesn’t always require a paid attraction.
Broadway Tower Country Park: Panoramic vistas and excellent walking areas.
Cleeve Hill: A clear day, big skies, and the highest point in the Cotswolds.
Painswick Beacon: A small ascent for a big view
How to keep it peaceful
A few easy tips can be a game-changer. Stay in market towns and take short drives out. You’ll have better access to guesthouses and eateries, but can still escape to the smaller spots. Bring a flask and nibbles so you can pause where the view is prettiest.
