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Undiscovered Cotswolds: Where to Stay & Explore Like a Local

Each year, thousands of visitors’ flock to the Cotswolds. While popular hotspots like Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury draw heavy crowds, you might be wondering: where can I go to escape the tourist spots in the undiscovered Cotswolds and slot in like a local?

Beyond the famous sights lie lesser-known gems, peaceful villages well worth discovering to experience everything this stunning region has to offer. For those seeking a quieter break, these hidden spots are our top recommendations to help you get the very most out of your next relaxing Cotswold stay.

Minster Lovell

Set along the River Windrush just outside Burford, Minster Lovell is a quintessential village made for history lovers, wild swimmers, and countryside walkers alike.

At its heart lies the striking 15th-century ruins of Minster Lovell Hall. You can picnic on the riverbank, explore the atmospheric remains, or slip into the water for a spot of wild swimming beneath dappled trees overlooking the manor. Afterwards, stroll past rows of picturesque, thatched cottages to The Old Swan, a standout riverside pub where you can enjoy a local ale and a bite to eat in one of the Cotswolds’ most cherished public houses.

Where to Stay:

Stanton:

We have all heard of Broadway, but just outside this iconic town sits the gorgeous village of Stanton. Complete with a stunning church, its streets are lined with stone cottages straight out of a fairytale. With a riding stable close by, you are almost guaranteed to see horses setting off or returning from a hack through the rolling countryside.

To top it off, the village boasts one of the finest pub garden views in the entire Cotswolds. The Mount Inn offers spectacular panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills, the Black Mountains and beyond. From here, you can also set off on a longer walk to Snowshill, another truly idyllic spot that captures everything that is charming about the Cotswolds.

Fun fact: Snowshill was featured in the hit 2001 film Bridget Jones’s Diary (Starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant) as the village where Bridget visits her family for their annual Boxing Day turkey curry buffet.

Where to Stay:

Lower Swell:

Lower Swell is a hidden haven tucked away just on the outskirts of Stow on the Wold. Offering complete tranquillity, this village makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time. With timeless stone houses lining the streets, its rich historic aesthetic makes it the perfect place to unwind.

Fir Farm operates a fresh produce and milk vending machine right within the village, allowing residents and visitors to stroll along the bridleway to pick up local treats, whether that is fresh milk, sourdough, organic meat, or even homemade ice-cream. For food and drink, head to The Golden Ball, a classic 18th-century pub serving traditional British dishes like pie and mash or fish and chips, alongside fresh pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.

Where to Stay:

Lower Oddington:

Lower Oddington is a place where time seems to stand still. With peaceful lanes filled with whimsical cottages, it offers a true taste of a slower way of life. It makes a brilliant base for exploring busier nearby spots like Stow-on-the-Wold while guaranteeing a peaceful retreat to return to each evening.

During your stay, take time to visit St Nicholas Church to view its magnificent medieval wall paintings, then pop down to The Fox at Oddington, a historic 16th-century pub brimming with Cotswold character. With its roaring fires, exposed stone, and warm atmosphere, it is the ideal spot to unwind with a local ale, craft beer, or seasonal cocktail.

Where to Stay:

South Cerney:

Set in the south of the Cotswolds, in the midst of the Cotswold Lakes, South Cerney is a serene, tucked-away gem where you can make special memories far from the usual crowds. The village is filled with Cotswold-stone cottages, a striking thatched village hall, and gentle river walks. Stepping into its winding streets feels almost like wandering through an illustration from ‘The Wind in the Willows‘.

For a bite to eat, pop into The Pennycress for speciality coffee and brunch. When evening comes, head over to The Eliot Arms, a welcoming pub serving quality meats and classic British dishes, best enjoyed over a fine bottle of wine.

Where to Stay:

Winchcombe:

Winchcombe is one of those places that many people drive straight through on their way further north in the Cotswolds to places like Broadway or Chipping Campden. However, this quaint town offers everything you need for a truly tranquil stay, from historic sights to welcoming local pubs. Stroll through the surrounding countryside before ending with a well-deserved pint, or step into one of England’s most beloved heritage sites at Sudeley Castle, the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr.

With many of our properties located on the Sudeley Estate itself, booking a stay here grants you free admission to the castle and grounds, making your visit even more special.

Where to Stay:

Guiting Power:

Nestled in the picturesque Windrush Valley, Guiting Power is a thriving Cotswold village with a vibrant, tight-knit community. Over half the homes are managed by the Guiting Manor Amenity Trust, which prioritises local families and workers, ensuring a welcoming, balanced, and stable environment to call feel right at home.

A must try when visiting Guiting Power is The Cotswold Guy, a café filled with the finest local produce and fresh bakes, owned by former private chef to David Beckham, Chris Davey. In addition, make sure to visit Cotswold Farm Park, one of the region’s best family days out, alongside award winning local pubs like The Hollow Bottom.

Please note: Guests of Bolthole Retreats can claim an exclusive discount for Cotswold Fark Park.

Where to Stay:

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