Must see villages in the Cotswolds
Bibury
Bibury is certainly the most well known village on this list, but it’s so pretty we had to include it. Home to Arlington Row, a street of 14th century weavers’ cottages, which are among the most photographed houses in Britain.
Dogs are welcome in Bibury Trout Farm, which sits right in the centre of the village, or for a lovely walk you can follow this route taking farm tracks in one direction before following along the river all the way back to Bibury (or reversed). There are plenty of swimming opportunities for dogs and we’d highly recommend a visit to The New Inn at Coln St Aldwyns, which can act as an excellent half way point on your walk!
Guiting Power
Guiting Power is a real hidden gem in The Cotswolds in my opinion. Surrounded by so many beautiful walks, places for the pups to paddle and shady woodlands, it ticks a lot of boxes for a dog friendly day out for us.
Head back after a walk to one of the two lovely dog friendly pubs in the village or swing by @thecotswoldguy farm shop to pick up some treats to take home.
Snowshill
Snowshill is a typically pretty Cotswold village with the Cotswold hills rising steeply around the village on three sides. It feels quiet and totally unspoilt, with a lovely pub in the village. Nearby Cotswold Lavender is just up the road and makes a lovely dog friendly visit during their summer opening times.
Why not try the walk between Stanton and Snowshill for a wonderful loop between two pretty villages – you’ll find the route on our favourite Cotswold walks post.
Stanton
Lined with honey coloured cottages and with no through traffic, Stanton is easily one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds and definitely one of our favourites. We love the walk along the Cotswold way to the equally idyllic village of Snowshill before returning for a pint with a view at the Mount Inn.
Check out the walk between Stanton and Snowshill for a wonderful loop between two pretty villages – you’ll find the route on our favourite Cotswold walks post.
Blockley
The North Cotswolds village of Blockley certainly isn’t one of the more commonly known gems on this list, but we think it rightly deserves a place in our favourite Cotswold villages to visit.
Wander around the village and admire the honey coloured buildings – Blockley was made a conservation area in 1976 to preserve it’s character so it is totally unspoilt. During the summer, head down to the ford where dogs can have a splash around and cool down, before going to the fabulous Blockley Village Cafe where dogs are welcome downstairs. This place is much more than just a cafe though, they serve fabulous food all day inspired by local produce on the doorstep.
Lower & Upper Slaughter
If ever we are asked to suggest a couple of villages that perfectly encapsulate the magic of the Cotswolds, they are Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter.
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds and under 2 miles from Bourton-on-the-water, these two villages are overflowing with classic Cotswolds charm; the combination of golden Cotswold stone cottages and the babbling shallow waters of the River Eye with perfectly positioned stone bridges make it feel like you’re stepping back in time. Read more about a couple of our favourite local walks here.
There are many more villages we could add to this list so it certainly isn’t exhaustive, but hopefully gives a bit of inspiration for your next Cotswolds trip.
Thanks for reading,
Cara, Andy, Poppy & Maple x
