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Are you looking for the best holiday cottages in the Cotswolds? From cute cottages to lakeside views, these are my top picks on where to stay!
One of my favourite places to get away from it all in the United Kingdom is the Cotswolds. There’s just something that really draws me to all the cute cottages and old-fashioned villages dotted around everywhere. It’s almost like stepping back in time into a Dickens novel. That, and the hiking is absolutely incredible in this region of England.
Over the years I’ve been to the Cotswolds on romantic breaks with my partner (the most recent one we hired a campervan for the weekend which was great fun). I’ve also hired the ginormous Marsden Manor in Rendcomb with about 16 of my friends for an epic weekend away. Now that was a weekend to remember.
However, when it comes to cute cottages in the Cotswolds, there are so many places to choose from. So to save you some scrolling, I wanted to put together this little guide showcasing some of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds.
From lakeside cabins with hot tubs to a vineyard stay and a thatched cottage near Tetbury, these are the best holiday cottages in the Cotswolds for an amazing getaway. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all with your own self-catered accommodation, then you can’t go wrong with any of these!
I’ve stayed at three of these myself, and I’ve checked the rest are still open and taking bookings. If you want to see what a cottage break here looks like, read my review of Bank Cottage in Longborough.
Planning a trip to the Cotswolds? Then read my guides on how to spend a weekend in the Cotswolds, all the best things to do in Tetbury, and what are the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds.
Cotswolds holiday cottages and Airbnbs at a glance
| Stay | Area | Sleeps | Best for | Dogs | Hot tub or pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daisy’s Den | Mickleton | 4 | Couples | No | Hot tub |
| Log House Holidays | Near Cirencester | 4 to 11 | Families | Yes | Hot tub |
| Castle Gatehouse | Winchcombe | 4 | History lovers | Yes | No |
| The Island Lodge | South Cerney | 2 | Couples (adults only) | No | Hot tub |
| Top Cottage | Broadway | 4 | Village base | Ask | Ask |
| Asphodel Cottage | Near Tetbury | 2 | Couples | Yes | No |
| Shepherd’s View | Naunton | 2 | Couples | Ask | No |
| Woodchester Valley Vineyard | Near Stroud | 2 | Wine lovers | No | No |
| Bourton Croft Cottage | Bourton-on-the-Water | 6 | Families | No | No |
| Willowherb Pod | Notgrove | 4 | Budget | No | No |
| Marsden Manor | Rendcomb | 20 | Big groups | Up to 2 | Pool |
Daisy’s Den, Mickleton
Good to know: Sleeps 4 · No dogs · Two nights at weekends · Bring covers and towels
Do you want to know what makes Daisy’s Den so special? It comes with its own private wood-fired hot tub. Yes, you read that right. How romantic is that! These hand-crafted cabins can be found in Mickleton in the North Cotswolds countryside. Just a short 5-minute walk away is the village, where there are a couple of pubs, a shop, a butcher and a greengrocer, so you genuinely don’t need to get back in the car once you’ve arrived.
Inside there’s a micro-kitchen with a couple of hobs and a fridge if you want to cook your own stuff, plus a flush toilet so you’re not dashing outside at 2am. There’s a wood burner with a grill and oven out on the covered deck too, which is easily the best bit. We cooked a whole chicken on ours.
The team light the hot tub for you and keep it stoked until around 5pm. If you’re arriving later in the evening, you’ll be keeping the fire going yourself, so bring a bottle of something cold and settle in.
A few things to know before you book. They provide the mattress, base sheet, duvet and pillows, but you’ll need to bring your own duvet cover, pillow cases and towels. There’s no wifi on site, and dogs can’t stay in the cabins, although there are kennels on the farm. Weekend breaks are two nights from a Friday. It’s also not recommended for children under five because of the ladder up to the sleeping loft.
If Daisy’s Den is booked, DJ’s Digs next door has the same set-up. For two, there’s also Finley’s Fort, which has an electric hot tub and a proper indoor shower room.
Log House Holidays, Poole Keynes
Good to know: Sleeps 4 to 11 · Dog-friendly · Near Cirencester
If you want a lake to yourself, this is the place. Log House Holidays is a family-run, 130-acre nature reserve near Cirencester with just eight Finnish-style log cabins dotted around the water. Each one is tucked out of sight of the others.
We’ve stayed here and loved getting out on the lake. Every cabin comes with its own rowing boat, private beach, fire pit and lakeside hot tub, though check whether the hot tub is included when you book. You can swim in the spring-fed lake, walk the 2.5-mile nature trail and, if you’re lucky, spot the resident otters.
The cabins sleep between four and 11, and every one is dog-friendly. For a bigger group, Mayo Landing has its own heated outdoor pool and wood-fired sauna.
Castle Gatehouse, Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe
Good to know: Sleeps 4 · Dogs welcome · Free castle entry mid-March to early November
Who wants to stay in their own private castle with beautiful gardens to boot? Of course you do!
I think this is one of the most unusual places to stay in the Cotswolds. The gatehouse sits at the entrance to Sudeley Castle, which has more than 1,000 years of history and is still a family home. Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, is buried in St Mary’s Church in the grounds. That makes Sudeley the only private castle in England with a queen buried there.
As for the Castle Gatehouse itself, it is a dog-friendly property that comfortably sleeps four guests in two en-suite bedrooms, although the gardens aren’t secure for dogs. The Gatehouse is split into two wings, accessed by separate doors. On one side you have the master bedroom, with a two-poster bed and en-suite shower room. On the other side you enter the kitchen/diner, going upstairs to the living area and then up into the second king size bedroom with en-suite shower room. It all sounds pretty grand, doesn’t it.
One of the best bits about staying here is free entry to Sudeley Castle & Gardens. In 2026 The Times named Sudeley among the UK’s top 10 holiday stays too. Just remember the castle is only open from mid-March to the start of November, with a few closures for summer events. If you’re booking a winter break, you’ll be admiring it from the outside.
The Island Lodge, Little Horseshoe Lake
Good to know: Sleeps 2 · Adults only · No dogs · Two-night minimum
This might be one of the most peaceful places you can stay in the UK. The Island Lodge is straight from a design magazine and it is simply beautiful.
The lodge sits on Little Horseshoe Lake in South Cerney, a private gated estate of just five homes near Cirencester. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the living room means you always have a view of the water. There’s a private pontoon and a big lakefront deck for sunny afternoons. Beers are an added bonus.
Inside it’s open plan, with the bed up on a mezzanine looking out over the lake. There’s a log burner and underfloor heating for colder nights, and it now has its own private hot tub too.
You also get two kayaks, and you can swim in the lake itself. Fishing is available for experienced anglers. It’s adults only, dogs aren’t allowed and the minimum stay is two nights. The lake is part of the Cotswold Lakes, the new name for the Cotswold Water Park, so there’s plenty more to do on the water nearby.
Top Cottage, Broadway
Good to know: Sleeps 4 · Three floors · Just off the High Street
Another lovely place to stay is Top Cottage in Broadway. Broadway is actually one of my favourite villages in the Cotswolds as it’s got this stunning street where all the buildings are made of traditional Cotswold stone. The main high street is packed full of independent shops and tea rooms – you can even pop into The Cotswolds Distillery for the local gin. Broadway is also home to The Lygon Arms, one of the oldest hotels in the UK.
Top Cottage sits in a short row of picturesque cottages just off Broadway’s High Street. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage sleeps four and is spread over three floors. The top bedroom sits up in the eaves, with views over the rooftops of Broadway to the countryside beyond. The cottage has traditional wood beams throughout the property and it is really charming. Also, there’s a lovely little courtyard out back which is perfect to relax in after exploring the countryside for the day. I’d really recommend a visit to Broadway Tower while you’re in the area – it’s such a unique tower!
If you’d rather someone else made the bed, The Lygon Arms is one of my favourite boutique hotels in the Cotswolds.
Asphodel Cottage, Tarlton
Good to know: Sleeps 2 · Dog-friendly · Three-night minimum · Two miles from Kemble station
When I think of places to stay in the Cotswolds, I automatically think of cottages like this one. With a beautiful thatched roof and wooden beams throughout the property, Asphodel Cottage just oozes charm and character.
With its own well-kept garden and stunning views of the countryside, this place is located in the sleepy village of Tarlton. This means you’re close to Cirencester and Tetbury while still being a secluded stay. Obviously it goes without saying but there are some amazing hikes around the area and a number of traditional pubs within walking distance too.
The owners, an art advisor and writer, have taken great care in creating a unique interior of great style in a restoration of the highest quality. All the original features have been retained with natural floors, beamed ceilings and an inglenook fireplace. There are velvet sofas, beautiful oriental carpets, fine art and classic books. All in all this is one of the best cottages near Tetbury.
As Asphodel Cottage sleeps two, I would say this is the perfect romantic Cotswolds retreat. It’s dog-friendly too, and the minimum stay is three nights. If you’re coming by train, Kemble station is only a couple of miles away, with direct services from London Paddington.
Tetbury is only ten minutes away, so have a look at my favourite things to do in Tetbury while you’re there.
Shepherd’s View, Naunton
Good to know: Sleeps 2 · Parking on site · Logs £5 a bundle
This is one of the more unique Airbnbs in the Cotswolds you’ll find. Shepherd’s View is an old converted shepherd’s hut with some gorgeous views of the countryside. Expect green fields and lots of wide-open spaces here.
The hut itself is quite small, that just makes it extra cosy and romantic. Inside the hut there is a double bed, a shower room and a kitchen, so you’ve got everything you need for a short weekend away.
Outside there’s a really nice decking area where you can relax in the afternoon or have dinner in the evening. There’s also a fire pit to sit around while you watch the stars, plus a separate barbecue. You can buy bundles of logs and kindling from the hosts for £5, but bring your own charcoal.
This is one of the most highly rated Airbnbs in the area, with a 4.96 rating from nearly 200 reviews. Horses graze in the fields around the hut, and on a clear night the sky is properly dark.
If you love a stay with a bit of a story, take a look at my guide to the most unusual places to stay in the UK.
Woodchester Valley Vineyard, Stroud
Good to know: Sleeps 2 · Adults only · From £165 a night
This one is for all you wine lovers out there. Just outside Stroud in the south Cotswolds you’ll find Woodchester Valley Vineyard, and it’s here you can stay on a very romantic Cotswolds retreat.
Located in an idyllic setting, you can enjoy a glass of their award-winning wine while taking in incredible views from the terraces.
Each suite has a living area with a gas log burner, underfloor heating and a large TV, plus a kettle, toaster, microwave and mini-fridge. There’s no full kitchen, so it isn’t properly self-catering. Instead, you can pre-order breakfast or cheese and charcuterie hampers made with local produce.
There are three barn suites in total, all very similar, each with a king or super-king bed, an en-suite with walk-in shower and separate bath, and a private terrace overlooking the vines or the Stroud valleys. Rooms start from £165 a night.
The best bit is that you can book onto a tour of the vineyard and learn how they make the wine, which of course finishes with a tasting. The Classic tour costs £30 per person and all tours are pre-booked, so check the calendar when you book your stay.
Two things worth knowing. The barns are adults only and no pets, so if you’re bringing the kids or the dog, look at The Retreat farmhouse (sleeps four) or Woodchester Valley House (sleeps 12) instead. And weekends are a two-night minimum with a Friday check-in.
Woodchester is in the south Cotswolds, so it pairs nicely with a day trip to Bath.
Bourton Croft Cottage, Bourton-on-the-Water
Good to know: Sleeps 6 · No dogs · Parking nearby, not on site
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds. Well, you can stay right in the heart of this village at Bourton Croft Cottage. This cottage was fully renovated in 2014 and still feels modern inside. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms it sleeps six, so it’s a really good option for a family or a few friends on a weekend away.
There is a fully equipped kitchen which is very bright and airy, perfect for a croissant from the local bakery in the morning. If you want to stay in in the evenings there’s a lovely wood-fire burner and loads of board games to choose from. There’s a private courtyard garden for sunny days and free parking a short walk away. Just note it isn’t dog-friendly.
One of the best things about this place is being so close to Bourton-on-the-Water so I’d really recommend exploring the village and popping into a few of the pubs here. Oh, and there’s an amazing model village in Bourton-on-the-Water for the little ones too!
Willowherb Pod, Notgrove
Good to know: Sleeps 4 · From £60 a night · Linen extra
For those of you looking for a bit of glamping in the Cotswolds, look no further than the Willowherb Pod at Notgrove Holidays. It’s about three miles from Bourton-on-the-Water, and you can head straight out onto the 1,500-acre Notgrove Estate for your daily hikes.
All the pods come with an en-suite shower, toilet and kitchenette. There’s an on-site games room for when it rains, plus a play area for the kids. Oh, and the pods look out over paddocks of alpacas, goats, donkeys, highland cattle and a pig, making this a great spot for families with young ones.
One of the best things to do here is hire a bike and explore the surrounding countryside. You can book bikes and e-bikes through the site, and they’ve mapped out their favourite cycle routes for you.
Pods start from £60 a night for two, with a two-night minimum (three nights over bank holidays). Bedding isn’t included, so bring your own or pre-book a linen pack for £30. Willowherb isn’t dog-friendly, but four of the other pods are.
If you love a glamping break, these are my favourite glamping sites in Devon too.
Marsden Manor, Rendcomb
Good to know: Sleeps 20 · Up to 2 dogs · Outdoor pool and tennis
If you’re getting a big group together, this is the one. Remember that epic weekend I mentioned at the start? This is where it happened.
It’s a grand Grade II listed country house near Cirencester that sleeps 20 across ten bedrooms. There’s an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a snooker room and a dining table big enough for everyone. It’s booked through kate & tom’s, and up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome too.
Planning your Cotswolds cottage break
Getting there
The easiest way to reach most of these cottages is by car. Public transport out here is patchy, and you’ll want a car for food shops and village hopping anyway.
If you’re coming by train, Moreton-in-Marsh is around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Paddington and works well for the north Cotswolds. For the south, Kemble is the station you want. It’s a couple of miles from Asphodel Cottage and about seven miles from the Island Lodge. You can check times and book tickets on Omio.
If you’re arriving by train, the Moreton-in-Marsh circular from my guide to the best hikes near London makes a great first afternoon.
When to book
Cottages get snapped up around the big events, so book early if your dates clash with the Cheltenham Festival (16 to 19 March 2027) or the August bank holiday. Most places have a two-night minimum at weekends, and some only change over on set days, so midweek stays tend to be more flexible.
Winter is a brilliant time for a hot tub break, but check what’s open. Sudeley Castle, for example, closes to visitors from early November to mid-March.
What to pack
Not every cottage supplies the basics. At Daisy’s Den you’ll need your own duvet cover, pillow cases and towels, and at Notgrove the linen pack costs extra. A torch is handy for dark country lanes too.
Dogs and accessibility
If you’re bringing the dog, Log House Holidays, Asphodel Cottage, Castle Gatehouse and Marsden Manor all welcome them. Woodchester’s farmhouse and four of the Notgrove pods do too.
Many of these are old buildings, so check the layout if stairs are an issue. Daisy’s Den has a ladder up to the sleeping loft, Top Cottage is spread over three floors and the Island Lodge’s bed is on a mezzanine. Castle Gatehouse has plenty of stairs between its two wings.
If none of these are free for your dates, cozycozy is a good way to compare cottages, B&Bs and more unusual stays across different sites in one search.
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