The best cottages, estates and Airbnbs to rent in the Cotswolds
In the Cotswolds, quaint towns paved with cobblestone and dotted with delightful shops, bakeries and artisans make way for grand expanses of rolling green hills and fields of flowers and sheep. Home to many of England’s prettiest villages' the Cotswolds is a true year-round destination, whether it be for a countryside weekender or a longer summer holiday. With plenty of chocolate box cottages and crown jewels of estates and manors to choose from, those seeking a Cotswold retreat needn't look too far… we've rounded up the best rentals and Airbnbs for your next countryside getaway.
The best, quaintest and quintessentially Cotswold cottages, estates and Airbnbs to rent
1/15Little Scarlet, Burford, Oxfordshire
A quintessential cottage in the Cotswolds, Little Scarlet is the ideal romantic getaway for a couple seeking to leave behind the day-to-day hustle and bustle and dive into a well-deserved bubble bath (there's a twin set, perfect for ‘alone together’ relaxation). With a contemporary update on classic furnishings, the cottage is as beautiful as its surrounding town, the absurdly pretty Burford.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,650 per week and £1,195 per short break.
2/15Golden Knights, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Three lavish, stylishly decorated houses (and one chic barn conversion) comprise the accommodation on this estate. With a hot tub, swimming pool, secret garden, children's playground, home cinema, boating lake and tennis court, you will never run out of activities. There is also a shop and café on the grounds, both at the ready to supply guests with excellent coffee and treats. A stay here is ideal for a larger group looking to take advantage of Golden Knights' sprawl – garden party, anyone?
Sleeps up to 34 guests, from £5,211 per night.
3/15Filly Island - Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Built on a small, grassy island in the middle of a babbling brook only accessed by a humpback bridge, sits this delightful, homely cottage. Here, it is only the knick knacks from the owners' far-fetched travels that allude to any life beyond Filly Island. Ideal for a week- or weekend-long stay for a couple (and, should they have a barking friend, their dogs).
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £1,050 per week and £795 per short break.
4/15Deery Me - Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Tucked away on the rolling hills in Blenheim Palace Park sits this lovely manor house in miniature. To stay at Deery Me is to stay in history: not only is Blenheim Palace one of Britain's most spectacular stately homes, it is also the birthplace of the fiery, iconic Sir Winston Churchill. Families especially will enjoy their getaway here: beyond the endless nature, there is a zip line, trampoline and swing set on site. For those seeking an adults-only holiday, however, Deery Me is still a wonderful choice; after a long day of walking the grounds, enjoy a glass of wine in front of the house's grand fireplace.
Sleeps up to six, from £1,716 per night.
5/15In a Nutshell - Chalford Hill, Gloucestershire
Writers, solo travellers or well-adjusted couples who need little personal space will delight in a stay at this teeny shepherd's hut. Small but smartly designed, ‘In a Nutshell’ is well-equipped for an idyllic weekend away. With gorgeous views and plenty of trails surrounding the property, too, there is plenty to do during the day.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £65 per night.
6/15Burdock Fox - Chippenham, Wiltshire
If you dream of living a slower life in a teeny town rather than the big, bad city, a stay at the Burdock Fox will make it come true. Smack in the middle of the quaint village of Castle Combe on the edge of the Cotswolds, once crowned England's prettiest village, this honey-brick townhouse dating to the 14th century is perfect for a holidaying family or those seeking out the luxuries of roaring fireplaces, a grand library and chocolate box charm.
Sleeps up to 4 guests, from £1,850 per week and £1,395 per short stay.
7/15The Country Set - Tetbury, Gloucestershire
On the outskirts of the ancient village of Shipton Moyne sits this sprawling country farmhouse. Surrounded by thirty acres of woodland, green pastures and a glimmering lake, a stay here is guaranteed to help you become one with nature. With a newly-refurbished pool house, too, a summertime stay at ‘The Country Set’ is very tempting. With grand fireplaces, rolltop baths and timeless interiors, too, this farmhouse is a luxurious stay with just the right amount of countryside charm.
Sleeps up to 13 guests, from £2,228 per night.
8/15Spinners Welle Cottage - Kington Langley, Wiltshire
As if plucked from a Nancy Meyers film (hello, The Holiday, or, at the very least, a very English It's Complicated), this charming thatched cottage is perhaps one of the most romantic, loveliest stays on this list. With over three centuries worth of history, too, a weekend at the Spinners Welle is a three-night opportunity to become part of it. On the outskirts of the Chippenham market town, this historic beauty is quite accessible, making it a great choice for a group of friends or couple fleeing the city on a last minute whim.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £145 per night.
9/15The Palladian - Ampney Crucis, Gloucestershire
A timeless manor house with classic Georgian design, The Palladian is a perfect destination for those with great expectations of their holiday rental. Furnished with an eclectic mix of both contemporary and antique furnishings, the house is rich with thoughtful design detail. With a large pond, secret treehouse and beautiful pathways, too, guests will enjoy the myriad outdoor activities on offer. Those seeking a bit more rest will love sinking into one of the cloud-soft beds or relaxing in front of roaring fires sunk into comfortable sofas and armchairs. A stay at The Palladian, too, is perfect for a larger group, whether it be for a celebratory weekend or family reunion.
10/15Wych Elm - Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Modern open-plan living blends seamlessly with Cotswold cottage sensibility at Wych Elm. Kitted out with fireplaces, original detailing and traditional windows, too, the house is as comfortable as it is historic. With a grand study, wood-burning kitchen fireplace and plenty of well-decorated rooms perfect for spreading out, a stay at Wych Elm is ideal for families, a group of friends or a few sets of couples.
Sleeps up to 10 guests, from £1,785 (with a 10% discount offered for stays over a week).
11/15The Retreat at Tetbury
The Retreat, a beautiful and historic, 300-year-old Grade II listed property that's a part of the eviivo Collection, overlooks the Millennium Green in the heart of Tetbury, the second largest town in the Cotswolds. Inside, the cottage is all about comfort, with a super-king-sized bed with a Hypnos hotel mattress and 400+ luxury Egyptian cotton bedsheets. There's also a private cottage garden complete with seating and a chiminea for al fresco dining for two.
Flat 2, Delburn House 40 Gumstool Hill Tetbury Gloucestershire GL8 8DG
MAY WE SUGGEST: A local interior designer's guide to the beautiful Cotswold town of Tetbury
12/15Anthology Farm - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Those yearning to host the most soignée summer soirée will do well to reserve a weekend at Anthology Farm, a unique converted barn carved from Doddles Hill. Equipped with a massive chef's kitchen, massive dining room and fabulous indoor/outdoor pool, a weekend here is certain to be a memorable one. With the chance to hire a private chef or personal party planner, too, you will never go it alone in planning a perfect getaway… off we trot to the Cotswolds (and don't forget to post those invites).
Sleeps up to 18 guests, from £8,995 per week and £7,195 per short break. Day hires are available upon request.
13/15Silver Spoons - Kingham, Oxfordshire
For a group of friends or couples looking for a countryside getaway with all of the bells and whistles, a stay at Silver Spoons is perfect. A stone's throw from the lovely village of Kingham, guests will delight in strolling through the meandering streets and wandering into one of the many local shops and pubs. With updated interiors within a traditional Cotswolds cottage, every comfort is attended to. Indulge in a long soak in the bathtub, relax with a book and glass of wine in front of the great stone fireplace or enjoy long walks from the garden and along country lanes.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from £376 per night.
14/15The Apple Loft - Saint Briavels, Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Perfect for outdoorsy types, honeymooners and city mice wishing they could go country, a stay at this loft is just the ticket. With panoramic views across Mork Valley, morning sunrises here are unforgettable and the perfect accompaniment to an early morning coffee. Set out for the day armed with a picnic basket, suncream and good walking shoes; do say ‘baa’ back to the sheep you pass along the way. Upon your return, relax on the porch under the stars before returning for a quiet, cosy night in front of the fire.
Sleeps up to 2 guests, from £125 per night.
15/15Midsummer Wood - Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
There must be magic in the honey-coloured stones here. An ancient millhouse fixed between acres of private woodland and meadows of wildflowers, Midsummer Wood is the perfect destination for those in search of enchantment and charm. Though built in the 14th century, the house is well-equipped with a tennis court, cinema room, heated swimming pool and updated country kitchen, making it the perfect getaway for a family or group of friends. After a long day of exploring the wild outside and paying visits to some of England's prettiest villages (each just a short drive away), dine in the opulent banquet room before retiring in front of one of the grand fireplaces or relaxing in the steam room. For those seeking a refuge during one of the many horse races and garden parties happening throughout the area, a stay at Midsummer Wood is a must.
Sleeps up to 8 guests, from £5,995 per week and £4,495 per short break.
Can't get enough of the Cotswolds? Take a peek into an idyllic Cotswolds farmhouse or the Cotswolds cottage simply too charming to be real
