Six must-visit villages to explore in UK region hailed as ‘one of the most beautiful in country’

Every year, the Cotswolds beckon millions of travellers from around the world with its rural charm and quaint villages.
With so many attractions to see in the region, one traveller has rounded up her top picks.
Jess Louise Ellis recently shared a list of six villages she considers to be some of the nation’s most picturesque spots, including:
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Upper and Lower Slaughter
- Moreton-in-Marsh
- Broadway
- Castle Combe
- Painswick
The Cotswolds region is bursting with rural charm
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The blogger told her viewers: “The Cotswolds is easily one of the most beautiful regions in the UK, and here are the cutest villages to add to your road trip itinerary.
“First up is Bourton-on-the-Water, a magical spot on a sunny day, with plenty of charming shops and eateries to explore.
“If it feels a bit busy, take a peaceful walk to Upper and Lower Slaughter, terrible names, I know, but these villages are much quieter, with quaint cottages and picturesque streets.”
Closer to Oxford, visitors will find Moreton-in-Marsh, which Jess praised for its “adorable laneways” and the Cotswolds Cheese Company shop.
She continued: “Not far from there is Broadway, one of the larger villages, where you can easily spend a few hours shopping and dining. Don’t miss Broadway Deli for something delicious.”
Castle Combe is another standout destination in the region, often described by visitors as one of the most picturesque villages in the country.
Jess explained: “It’s often called one of the most beautiful villages in the UK, but it is tiny and gets busy during the day, so I recommend stopping by in the morning.”
“For an alternative to Castle Combe, I suggest checking out Painswick,” she added.
The Cotswolds is full of stunning villages
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“This unique village offers incredible panoramic views, along with a few lovely pubs and shops to explore.
“The thing about the Cotswolds is that it’s full of stunning villages, so while these are some of my favourites, take your trip at a slow pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.”
The fastest way to access the region from London is by train, with travellers able to access Moreton-in-Marsh between 1.5 and two hours.
While a car isn’t strictly required to visit the region, it will make it significantly easier to explore smaller villages and towns.