The Cotswolds is a region of England known for its beautiful villages. An excellent place for a nice walk, a bike ride or a drive. The Cotswolds consists of many small, cute villages with many features from the Middle Ages. This article discusses the top five most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds:
1. Cirencester
Cirencester is called the capital of the Cotswolds because it is the largest village in the Cotswolds. The origins of this village go back to Roman times which can be seen in its buildings. The town used to be an important market town, mainly for wool. There are many attractions to visit in Cirencester, such as the Corinium museum or Cirencester Park. Also, the oldest church in the region is located in Cirencester, called the Baptist. The church is beautiful and this is mainly because the wealth from the wool market was used to fund the church.
2. Bourton on the Water
Bourton on the water is an incredibly touristy village and is also known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. This is because many rivers flow through the village and there are therefore many bridges. What is also special about the village is that it has remained in almost the same state for nine centuries. The only thing that is different in the village now is the traffic and crowds of people. The village has been inhabited for a long time; ancient remains dating back 4,000 BC have been found under the bridges, for instance. There is plenty to do in the village. There a bird park called Birdland Park and Gardens. In addition, the Cotswolds Motering Museum can be found. In summer, medieval football is played in the river, with not only the players but also the people in the audience getting wet.
3. Bibury
Bibury is such a beautiful village that when you visit it you feel like you are stepping into a painting. The unreal is because the village has largely remained in its old state. This village has been called the most beautiful village in England by many. When you visit Bibury, the style of the 17th-century cottages and the beautiful surroundings make you feel as if you have stepped into Shakespeare's time. Bibury is home to a row of cottages called ‘the Arlington Row’ and these are the most photographed cottages in the Cotswolds. These cottages are also often used on film sets, such as Bridget Jones Diary and Stardust.
4. Burford
The village of Burford is the southernmost village in the Cotswolds. This village flourished in the 14th century and was an important centre for trade and wool. In the Middle Ages, Burford was the site of the famous battle between the Saxons and the Mercians, which the Saxons won. That is why the children of Burford Primary wear a golden dragon on their uniforms every summer to honour the Mercians. Burford has many quaint little streets to explore and the village has many old pubs to visit. Because this village is so old, there are beautiful medieval cottages. There are also many antique shops where you can find the most beautiful treasures.
5. Broadway
When people talk about Broadway in the Cotswolds, it is often said to be ‘the jewel’ of the Cotswolds. Broadway is full of the distinctive yellow cottages of the Cotswolds. The village has been an inspiration for many famous artists and writers, which is why Broadway hosts the ‘Broadway Art Festival’ every year. This festival lasts for a fortnight and is held in June. Broadway has many old tea shops where you can enjoy the English tea and scones. There is also park close to all the sights called ‘the Activity Park’ where you can do activities or have a nice rest.
The Cotswolds are beautiful, have a nice history and there are plenty of fun things to do. An excellent place for a holiday or weekend break. The ferry takes you quickly from Dunkirk or Calais to Dover, after which it is a few hours' drive to the Cotswolds. Curious about the Cotswolds? Then take a look here for more information about this region, or read more about the best attractions.
