Visiting England and wanting to find the cutest places to see in and near the Cotswolds? Discover a number of very photogenic (very Instagrammable) and beautiful places on (or within) the outskirts of the Cotswolds. Whether you’re spending a weekend (or longer) or visiting as a day trip from London, be sure to add the following cute places to your Cotswolds and near itinerary.
1. Bibury
One of the most well known sights in the Cotswolds, Bibury is a gorgeous British village found on the eastern side of the Cotswolds. Make your way to Arlington Row (Google Maps location here) to snap a picture against a backdrop of beautifully quaint British cottages.
2. Castle Combe
While in the Cotswolds, you can’t miss stopping at Castle Combe. This is one of the most popular and busiest places in the Cotswolds so be prepared for crowds if you are visiting during the main part of the day. This village is one of my favourite places I’ve ever seen in England and is must see for your Cotswolds and near itinerary. Find this village on Google Maps here.
3. Avebury Henge and Stone Circles
While Stonehenge may be the most well known henge in the UK (and even the world), there is another historic henge found near the Cotswolds: Avebury Henge and Stone Circles. These monuments are estimated to be approximately 4,500 years old and you can walk through the area, taking in the history as you do. Find Avebury Henge and Stone Circles near the Cotswolds on Google Maps here.
4. Lacock
Found just outside of the Cotswolds towards the east (Google Maps location here), Lacock is a must do for everyone looking for cute places near the Cotswolds. The majority of the village is actually owned by the National Trust, and you can spend an afternoon wandering through the quaint streets and exploring Lacock Abbey. Lacock is one to visit if you’re a Harry Potter fan, with many filming locations found in Lacock. Suggested read: All of the Harry Potter filming locations in Lacock
5. Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is a gorgeous British village found on the northern side of the Cotswolds (Google Maps location here). When visiting be sure to head towards St Edward’s Church in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold (Google Maps location here). Once you arrive, head into the grounds and around to the back to find this Instagram famous church door flanked by two large trees.
6. Gloucester
Found just to the west, Gloucester is a city near the Cotswolds that you should include in your Cotswolds and near itinerary. Gloucester Cathedral is a great activity in this city, and the cathedral cloisters are absolutely incredible in their detail. Plus, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you may recognise the cathedral from the famous films (suggested read: All the Harry Potter filming locations at Gloucester Cathedral). You can find Gloucester on Google Maps here.
7. Oxford
Oxford is a brilliant destination for a weekend or day trip in itself, and one you can easily include if you have a slightly longer Cotswolds and around itinerary. Home to one of the most famous universities in the world, you can spend quite a while walking through the cobbled streets, eating and drinking at the British pubs and exploring the colleges (especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan because, like Gloucester Cathedral and Lacock, the Oxford colleges are the backdrop for a number of Harry Potter film scenes).
8. Bath
Found at the southern end of the Cotswolds (Google Maps location here), Bath is one of the most popular and cutest places near the Cotswolds. You can spend a day or a weekend wandering through Bath checking out the sights and admiring the beautiful town. Suggested read: Instagrammable locations in Bath, England.
9. Bristol
Just 20 minutes west by train from Bath and the Cotswolds, you’ll find yourself at Bristol (Google Maps location here). This bustling city is a hub for fun things to do and see including the iconic colourful houses and Banksy street art. Tick off all the major tourist sights in Bristol here: The Bristol tourist: Things to see in Bristol.
10. Stonehenge
One of the most iconic sights in England is Stonehenge. Found about an hour drive south of the Cotswolds (Google Maps location here), Stonehenge is a bucket list destination that isn’t too far away from your Cotswolds holiday.
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