Cotswolds

A TINY village in the Cotswolds is home to a huge Indian-style palace – and you can easily visit it.

Sezincote House, which calls itself “India in the Cotswolds,” is a 200-year-old estate in the village of Sezincote near Moreton-on-Marsh.

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Said to have been inspired by the Taj Mahal, it was created by Colonel John Cockerell who returned to the UK with money from the East India Company.

The house, designed with Hindu and Muslin architecture seen in Rajasthan, was created by his brother Samuel who was an architect.

Works started in 1805 and completed two years later, before being restored again after World War II.

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It was even to have then inspired another famous Indian building – the Brighton Pavilion – after The Prince Regent visited in 1807.

It is now thought to be the only surviving building of its kind in Western Europe.

The house is still family run, who also run the nearby farm as well.

Across the 3,500 acres is the Mogul palace, as well as temples, gardens and pools.

You can also have some tea and cake at the Orangery Tearoom.

Just make sure to keep your phone in your pocket when exploring inside the house – still being privately owned, photos are not allwoed inside.

Previous tourists have praised its unique designs, with one saying: “The setting is absolutely stunning – from the moment you arrive, the house and grounds feel like stepping into another world.”

There are set opening times for the house throughout the year, usually from May to September, and only from Wednesday to Friday (along with some bank holidays).

Visits to the house need to be booked ahead, costing £15 for adults and £9 for kids.

This also includes access to the garden, but if you only want to visit that part, you don’t need to prebook and it is instead open from March to October.

Tickets are also cheaper, being £9 for adults and £3 for kids.

For something even more special, they even host a limited number of weddings every summer.

You can also stay in Sezincote with some converted farmhouses and cottages nearby.

Also in the UK is Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, or the Neasden Hindu Temple, in London.

Said to be the largest Hindu temple outside of India, some have even called it one of London’s seven man-made wonders.

Want to see India for yourself? We went on an Intrepid tour of four famous cities in India – here’s what we thought.

This village has been crowned the “world’s most beautiful” and it’s not hard to see why. There you can enjoy breathtaking views, walk along the river and it’s not far from London

The village named the “world’s most beautiful” is just a short train journey from London. In the UK, there’s so much on offer, from “pretty villages” to gorgeous coastal towns.

So if you fancy venturing out of the area this weekend, you must add this village to your list. Beyond its picturesque cottages, historic market towns and stunning views, the Cotswolds has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including Harry Potter. Not only is it appealing to locals, it’s also a great destination to tick off your bucket list if you’re visiting the UK.

Now one woman has declared Bibury as a must-visit location after it was crowned the “world’s most beautiful village”.

In a TikTok post, Amy, who showcases “the best of the UK and beyond”, shared footage with her 169,500 followers offering a glimpse of the gorgeous area.

She said: “This English village was just named the most beautiful in the world where 17th century cottages meet Riverside charm.

“Do you agree? Would it be top of your list?”

In late 2025, Forbes declared Bibury the most beautiful village on the planet. Its most celebrated feature is Arlington Row, where a terrace of 17th-century cottages sits alongside the picturesque River Coln and Bibury Trout Farm.

Why is Bibury so popular?

Beyond its renowned honey-coloured stone cottages, the village boasts rich heritage and picture-perfect scenery.

While poet William Morris famously described it as the “most beautiful village in England”, Forbes elevated its status just last year by naming Bibury the “most beautiful” globally.

There’s no shortage of things to do either, from wandering alongside the River Coln to taking in the peaceful riverside paths and stunning stone buildings.

Fishing fans, or those keen to give it a go, can visit Bibury Trout Farm, which opened its doors in 1902, making it the oldest and most popular trout farm in Britain.

Nestled in the village centre, you can stroll through the charming streets before diving into the experience.

Bibury’s appeal extends far beyond locals – it’s become one of the Cotswolds’ top tourist hotspots for visitors from all over.

Meanwhile, Bourton and Cirencester are both within easy reach for a day out. Even a brief couple of hours in Bibury is typically enough.

The compact village is ideal for a leisurely Sunday, though the surrounding areas are well worth discovering too.

It’s also featured as a filming location for several high-profile film and television productions, including Stardust (2007) and Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001).

THE Cotswolds are a sought out holiday spot for lots of celebrities – with even the likes of Kourtney Kardashian visiting.

One of the most beautiful is Bourton-on-the-Water, considered the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ thanks to its riverside restaurants and little stone bridges across the water.

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With it being one of the prettiest villages in the UK, it’s no wonder that celebs like Kourtney Kardashian are drawn to it.

The TV personality known for Keeping Up With the Kardashians revealed her stay on social media.

Posting pictures of a three-bedroom cottage, she said: “Dreamy storybook fairytale enchantment.”

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Called Stepping Stones, the cottage has now undergone a £50,000 makeover – as part of a £100,000 refurbishment project of properties owned by Cotswold Cottages.

Stepping Stones sits right next to the River Windrush which flows through the village.

The three bedrooms sleep five with a private patio where guests can enjoy dinners outside.

Inside, there’s a modern kitchen, cosy lounge area with a fireplace, and bedrooms with new furnishings.

Cotswold Cottages announced that work on Stepping Stones was completed this week.

It was part of a wider project, of which the first stage focused on the four neighbouring one-bedroom cottages; Kestrel, Robin, Swallow and Skylark Cottage.

These were completely overhauled with new kitchens and bathrooms along with new furniture as well.

For more hotels to stay in around the UK – here are some of our favourites…

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Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

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The Alan, Manchester

The Alan looks extremely grand, being built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.

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The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

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The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.

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Bourton-on-the-Water has lots of spots that draws in celebrity visitors, like its perfumery which was established in 1966.

It’s set inside a 300-year-old building and is known for creating bespoke scents – even the late Queen Elizabeth II was a former client.

It also operates a one-day perfume-making course which starts from £325.

The village has a Model Village too which is the only one of its kind in the country.

The Grade-II listed model village was built in the 1930s by the former owner of The New Inn pub.

When it comes to eating and drinking, the village is home to several riverside pubs and restaurants, including the Kingsbridge, which overlooks the River Windrush.

Other spots that make most of the riverside locations are the Green & Pleasant Tearooms and the Bourton Riverside Cafe.

For more on the Cotswolds, here’s one town with old-school sweet shops and riverside games that one Sun Writer loves.

And for more places where you might bump into a celebrity – check out the Cotswolds ‘Golden Triangle’.

A woman who moved from the Cotswolds to London over two decades ago has said that despite her vibrant life that there has been one massive downside of being based in the UK’s capital

There has been a noticeable ebb and flow in UK living patterns in recent years, as thousands of Britons weigh up whether they prefer city or countryside life.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many left urban centres in favour of the wide open spaces and cleaner air of the countryside, though some later returned when restrictions were lifted and they missed the convenience and amenities of city living.

As the cost of living crisis has continued, the debate over whether to stay in cities or relocate to the countryside has remained ongoing. One woman, who moved from the Cotswolds to London to run a pub in the East End, has explained why she has no intention of returning.

Artist and mother-of-five Pauline Forster, 76, runs The George Tavern on Commercial Road in Tower Hamlets, having bought the building for £500,000 in 2003 when she was 53.

More than 20 years and a major renovation later, the Grade II listed building — which had once been earmarked for demolition — is still standing and thriving. She has said that despite the high cost of living in London, she values the space her property provides for those who need it.

She told The Times: “There’s room here for whoever needs it, including my five sons. I like the scale and space of it — why would you buy a terraced house when you can get all this?

“I’ll admit that the bills, wages and utility bills are horrendous, and have rocketed in the time I have been here. I do have a mortgage but if I live to 80, I’ll have paid it off. I don’t really care because I’ll never stop working and the George will continue well after I’ve gone.”

Pauline added firmly that “nothing” would tempt her back to countryside living, saying the stimulating environment of London is both what she wants and what she needs.

However, while Pauline has chosen to remain in the capital, others have taken a different approach, opting to live outside the city while still commuting in for work.

Olivia Newton, 37, works in London but lives in South Hams in Devon with her husband Will.

Despite a four-hour commute and £150 off-peak train fare, she says she has no plans to move back to the city, largely because of the benefits the journey brings to her mental health and productivity.

She told The Times: “I once dreaded ‘the commute’ and that was from Shepherds Bush to my office in Shoreditch, but it’s become an integral and valuable part of my life in its own right.

“I get time to have a good think and finish off the deck I’ve been putting off, attempt to get to the end of my book club book and occasionally just zone out and watch the waves splash at the tracks as we pass through Dawlish.”

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead

You don’t have to travel to an exotic foreign destination to see some absolutely stunning sights, with so many amazing things to see right here in the UK. But one travel influencer has said some of UK’s best-known tourist sites might not be all they’re cracked up to be – and suggested some lesser-known alternatives that are just as good, if not better.

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead.

Writing in the description of her post she said: “Unpopular opinion… some of England’s most famous spots aren’t actually the best ones. These are just based on my experience, and what I’d do differently if I planned my trip again.” She added: “England is full of beautiful places… but I’ve realised there’s almost always a better, quieter alternative.”

The first place she said she’d skip? Stonehenge. The prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain is famous around the world and attracts more than one million visitors every year, drawn by the mystery of what exactly it was built for.

Apryl, from Manchester, said: “Looks iconic, but disappointing in person.” She added visitors “can’t get close”, tours and tickets are expensive, and there is “always a crowd”.

Instead, she recommended visitors should travel just 25 miles north to Avebury, home to the world’s largest stone circle. Apryl said the site is “older than Stonehenge”, and visitors can walk among the stones. She added it’s free to visit, and there are “no crowds”.

The second place Apryl said she’d avoid is the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The chocolate box village is known around the world for its iconic architecture and beautiful Gloucestershire surroundings.

Apryl said: “Charming, but can feel overcrowded.” She added it’s the “busiest spot in the Cotswolds” and is “very touristy” and “hard to enjoy at slower pace”.

Instead, she suggested visitors to the Cotswolds should instead pay a visit to the nearby villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. She described the villages as “quieter” and “just as scenic”. She added visitors can enjoy “a relaxing walk”.

Apryl’s third suggested location to skip is the stunning Seven Sisters and Beach Head cliffs in East Sussex, part of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Specifying the destination should be avoided in the spring, she warned it features “longer hikes than people expect”. She also said it is “very weather dependent” and “not the easiest to access”.

Instead, she suggested sightseers should travel just up the coast a little to the Birling Gap. She said this alternative offers views of the same cliffs, is “easier [to] access”, doesn’t require a hike, and is “just as stunning”. Writing in the post’s description, she added she would still recommend the Seven Sisters lighthouse walk “in calmer weather”.

People had a range of views in the comments. One said: “I thought Stonehenge was super cool!! Yes it’s crowded and you can’t walk up to them normally, but I thought the audio guide was really interesting and the museum and all the information was really cool, so I loved it!

“Also I did Seven Sisters both ways! Parked at Birling Gap and then walked to the lighthouse along the cliffs and loved it! I thought that’s what you were meant to do to reach it??”

Another said: “I loved Stonehenge. Yes there were a lot of people but honestly it never felt crowded. So awe inspiring.”

Another had an alternative suggestion. “I suggest you don’t skip these spots,” they said. “Just go off season. We had Bourton on the water to ourselves in December.”

The Cotswolds are home to picture-postcard towns and villages bursting with character, yet there’s one that stands out from them all with its famous street and prestigious title

A beautiful Cotswolds village has earned worldwide attention, thanks to its fairytale charm and famous cottages.

With honey-hued architecture, sweeping countryside hills and storybook villages, the Cotswolds undeniably boast some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation. So much so that many of its settlements have been graced with their very own prestigious accolades, thanks to their quintessentially English charm.

There’s the Gloucestershire village of Bourton-on-the-Water with its low, stone bridges that has been dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, the pretty Worcestershire village of Broadway, known as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, and the historic West Oxfordshire town of Burford, notably referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. Yet among these gems is a village that has frequently been hailed as the most beautiful not only in the Cotswolds but in the world.

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Nestled in Gloucestershire and in the heart of the Cotswolds, is the picturesque village of Bibury. It’s characterised by its ancient honey-coloured stone architecture, winding River Coln and the Rack Isle water meadow, and is conveniently positioned just a short drive from the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester.

Bibury has garnered worldwide attention, being named the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes in September last year, and previously called one of the world’s most picturesque villages. English textile designer and poet, William Morris, also described Bibury as ‘the most beautiful village in England’.

While it’s one of the smaller places to visit in the Cotswolds, it attracts thousands of visitors each year and is home to Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets. The quaint line of Arlington Row cottages was built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store and converted into weavers’ cottages during the 17th century.

Today, they are home to private residences, but Arlington Row remains Bibury’s most popular attraction and the most photographed place across the Cotswolds. Yet, some houses here have been known to bear a polite sign that reads, ‘No photos please’, as the area tends to get overrun with tourists.

But that doesn’t detract from its undeniable beauty, with the scenic River Coln flowing nearby, alongside pristine green spaces, streams and charming establishments. Over the bridge and directly opposite Arlington Row, is Eleven Bibury, offering a chic café, gallery shop and terraced garden.

Another tourist attraction in the village is Bibury Trout Farm, where visitors can take in the scenic setting before enjoying fishing, crazy golf or a refreshment from the café, or a sweet treat from Kelly’s Ice cream. There’s also The Twig café in the same area, the perfect coffee and cake stop, before wandering around the paths and walking routes that surround Bibury.

For accommodation in Bibury, there’s the holiday rental, Sackville House, The Bothy and Sundial Cottage, or the four-star, The Swan Hotel. While there’s not much to do in the village, its picture-perfect setting, tranquil river walks, and serene green space against its stone cottages are enough to warrant a visit.

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The city could be an affordable option for those who want to work from home or start a remote business, as it’s more affordable than some of the surrounding areas, and offers access to beautiful countryside

A city in the south west that offers affordable housing, a pretty centre, and easy access to the countryside for lunchtime walks has been named the UK’s best place to start a remote business.

A study that looked at factors including rent prices, number of post offices, business survival rates, and other information useful for remote workers identified Gloucester as the top place to work from your laptop.

The Roman city topped the list, compiled by payment provider Dojo, narrowly beating Norwich and Southampton. Carlisle and Swansea.

The average private rent in Gloucester came in at £1,069 in January 2026, and three-bedroom homes can be bought for under £200k according to Rightmove listings. The city has a five-year start-up survival rate of 43% thanks to local support networks, meaning entrepreneurs have a better chance of their business succeeding in this area.

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Gloucester’s Forum in the Kings Quarter is one example of projects being run by the council to support local businesses. A multi-million-pound regeneration scheme has seen co-working spaces and offices open in the area, so if you get bored with homeworking, you can rent a desk.

Best Cotswolds holiday cottage deals

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The Cotswolds is famous for its rolling hills, honey-coloured villages and quintessential English charm. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of places to stay, starting from £38 per night.

Just a short walk away is Gloucester Quays, another area of the city that has been given a complete makeover. Once an industrial wasteland, it has been turned into a pleasant waterfront promenade full of shops, restaurants and cafés, perfect for a lunchtime walk.

Around 88% of the Gloucester area also has access to ultrafast broadband – over 100 Mbps – a practical consideration that many homeworkers need to take into account.

If you’re just passing through the city, there’s plenty to see. Visit Gloucester Cathedral, a grand, imposing building that dates back to the 11th century and is the resting place of King Edward II. History buffs will also love the National Waterways Museum on the docks, where they can see vintage narrowboats up close and a replica lock.

Nature in Art is also worth a visit. Set in the grounds of a 17th-century mansion, this unique art trail includes paintings, sculptures, and many unique works.

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Perhaps best of all, Gloucester is set within the Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty made up of rolling green hills, meadows, and charming traditional villages. You’re just a short drive away from country walks and cosy pubs to explore after work or at weekends.

Visit Haresfield Beacon just south of the city, a walk that combines woodland and grassland, with a one-mile circular walk that enjoys beautiful views. WWT Slimbridge is nearby on the banks of the River Severn. This wetland wildlife reserve includes flocks of flamingos, pretty swans, and mischievous otters, which can be seen in their natural habitat. The best way to see it is on a canoe safari. Grab a paddle and follow the trails to see wetland creatures up close.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

THE Cotswolds are well-known for having celebrity visitors and the tiny village of Batsford even welcomed an unlikely A-Lister this week.

Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively was spotted there earlier this week on a visit to the region.

Blake Lively posted snaps of herself exploring the English countryside, including a tiny spot called Batsford.

She and her family visited the Falconry Centre – which coincidentally is right next to Batsford Arboretum, one of the biggest attractions in the area.

Batsford Arboretum is home to a unique collection of some of the world’s most beautiful and rare trees, shrubs and bamboos all spread across 60 acres.

There are over 1,500 tree species from Japanese maples to pines and oaks.

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One of the rarest is nicknamed the ‘dinosaur tree’.

The species was believed to be extinct for two million years before it was discovered in 1994.

Two of its off-spring were then planted at Batsford Arboretum in 2007 – and you can see them there today.

The arboretum brings in lots of visitors and is open year-round, but lots say one of the best times to go is in autumn when the leaves change colour.

Another added: “The arboretum is interesting whatever the season. From snowdrops through to autumn displays.

“Even in the depth of winter it is a pleasure to appreciate the architectural structure of the mature trees – and somewhere there is always something in flower. The collection of Daphnes is particularly noteworthy.”

However, it’s also one of the best places to see cherry blossom in the UK from late March through and April.

Tickets into Batsford Arboretum for adults start from £10.90 and day tickets for children start from £3.15.

It also has a visitor centre where the café, garden centre and gift shop are – all of which are completely free to enter. 

One visitor even called it “the best I’ve been to in a long time.”

After having a gander around the plants, head to the café which serves lunch, and a range of freshly baked cakes.

The huge Batsford House is on the estate of a Victorian country house built in 1892, but is a private residence and isn’t open to the public.

Blake Lively was in the Cotswolds visiting former Celebrity Bake Off judge, Prue Leith, who lives just 5-minutes from Batsford in Moreton-in-Marsh.

Blake Lively and her family set up shop at Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew which opened 10 years ago.

The hotel is surrounded by 100 acres of countryside, and has 113 bedrooms, cabins along with a health club, spa and gym.

There are indoor and outdoor pools, sunken hot tubs as well as plenty of activities like horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and padel.

When it comes to celebrities, Blake Lively isn’t the only one that’s been spotted in the Cotswolds.

The ‘golden triangle’ covers the most popular towns in the area; Chipping Norton, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

Chipping Norton is where a number of celebrities live like the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson and Kate Moss.

It’s also home to Clarkson’s famous farm Diddly Squat.

Stow-on-the-Wold is said to be one of the UK’s prettiest towns and uniquely claims to have the most photographed door.

This was rumoured to have inspired Lord of The Rings author J.R.R Tolkien’s book Doors Of Durin.

Burford is a pretty Cotswolds town dotted with lots of independent shops and a popular garden centre.

Beyonce and Jay Z were rumoured to have been spotted there before.

Here’s more on the stunning Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside.

And Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey, who grew up in the Cotswolds, reveals her favourite town to visit.

MANY hotels claim to be big on wellness, but the recently-opened Cotswolds escape Hyll has mastered it.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Where is Hyll?

Buried deep in the Cotswolds countryside, near Chipping Campden and fancy members clubs like Soho Farmhouse, Hyll is undoubtedly as stylish as its plush neighbours – only you won’t need to sell out for an extortionate members fee.

Named after the old English word hill, meaning elevated piece of ground, rural views are pretty spectacular from this retreat’s high perch.

There’s a car park on site or the hotel can arrange transfers from the train station.

What’s it like?

Not just a hotel, Hyll is more of a sanctuary where guests are gently encouraged to switch off – whether that’s with a board game in front of a freshly-stoked fire or with a scenic stroll around the 60 acres of manicured grounds.

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Views are just as gorgeous from within the Grade-II listed 14th century manor house thanks to its original stone frame, timber beams and framed artwork that wouldn’t look out of place in a French farmhouse.

What are the rooms like?

The 26 unique bedrooms (some in the main house and some in the courtyard) feel homely yet luxurious with plump feathered cushions, freestanding bathtubs and chic coffee table books.

If the strict colour palette of neutral browns and sandy tones doesn’t soothe you, a guided yoga nidra (a type of specific relaxation yoga) session sure will.

A series of wellness videos have been designed exclusively for hotel guests and are text to your phone ahead of bedtime.

What is there to eat and drink?

Eat in the dining room, living room, outside or wherever you please, thanks to the laid back “mi casa, su casa” ethos.

Dinner relies on local ingredients sourced from nearby farms, mills and distilleries.

Star dishes include Briar Hill Farm hogget served with salsa verde and baklava tart soaked in the hotel’s own honey.

Post dinner, retire to the marshmallow-like sofas next door with a book and signature cocktail – I liked the yuzu and plum sour, both tart and sweet.

Non-drinkers are catered for, too, with a decent selection of no and low cocktails including a sharp No-groni.

Breakfast is a farm-style mix of homemade granola and hot options like full English and scotch woodcock (scrambled eggs on toast, topped with salty anchovies) both on the menu.

Breakfast hampers can also be delivered straight to your bed.

What else is there to do?

Small books labelled ‘Do Nothing’ and ‘Do something’ are left on bedside tables with suggestions on how to fully embrace and unwind in the Cotswolds nature.

In-room massages can be booked on request and dogs are welcome in certain bedrooms and throughout living rooms and restaurants in the main house.

The essence of the place, in general, is to do very little.

I’d recommend just kicking back with a book – each of the three lounge areas are kitted out with bookshelves and artsy side tables covered in fiction and non-fictions reads that you can borrow for the duration of your stay.

Thanks to a partnership with Borzoi Books, these are refreshed on a monthly basis.

You can even arrange to take a book home with you, for a fee.

How much are rooms at Hyll?

Rooms cost from £210 per night including breakfast.

Is Hyll family friendly?

Kids are welcome but it’s not the most child-friendly of places.

Cost and additional child beds are available on request, however.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Although, staff are always on hand to help, Hyll is not the ideal place for wheelchair users.

Given the historic property is Grade II listed, a lift cannot be installed and therefore bedrooms are accessed via stairs.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

IF you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, one of the most popular areas is the ‘Golden Triangle’.

Not to be confused with the Indian Golden Triangle (covering New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur) the Golden Triangle of the Cotswolds covers three of the most popular towns.

In between these towns are the famous fancy attractions such as Soho Farmhouse and Daylesford organic farm shop.

The first town is Chipping Norton, which is where a number of famous celebs live.

Nicknamed the Chipping Norton set, this includes the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson and Kate Moss.

This is also where you will find Clarkson’s farm Diddly Squat although pop into The Chequers pub and you might pop into David Beckham.

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Otherwise the town has the Chipping Norton lido, with two heated outdoor pools, as well as the National Trust owned Chastleton house.

The second location in the Cotswolds Golden Triangle is Stow-on-the-Wold.

Not only is it said to be one of the UK’s prettiest towns but it also claims to have the most photographed door.

A door of St Edward’s Church is rumoured to have inspired Lord of The Rings author J.R.R Tolkien’s book Doors Of Durin.

Stow-on-the-Wold is also home to The Porch House, one of the oldest inns in the country.

Dating back to 947AD, it is now a five star hotel.

And finally, the third place that makes up the Golden Triangle is Burford.

The small town’s main shops are found on one long hill, and they’re mainly independent sellers.

Try the Burford Sweet Shop for some sweet treats or Huffkins for some afternoon tea.

Otherwise the other celeb-heavy spot is Burford Garden Centre, often said to be one of the fancies garden centres in the UK.

Beyonce and Jay Z were rumoured to have been spotted there before.

While not in the Golden Triangle, the nearby town of Witney is home to one of the world’s best hotels called Estelle Manor.

Here’s another place called the “capital of the Cotswolds”.

And we spoke to a Cotswolds expert to get her top tips on how to visit on a budget.

ONE town in Wiltshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK – and it was once very popular with royalty.

Malmesbury in Wiltshire sits just outside of the Cotswolds border with a pretty high street, stone cottages and it is home to what is considered England‘s oldest hotel.

The Times named Malmesbury one of the best places to live in the UK, and the best in the Southwest.

It said: “If the high street is a good indicator of the health of a town, then historic Malmesbury should be feeling decidedly chipper.“

Malmesbury is on the very edge of the Cotswolds, sometimes even known as the ‘southern gateway’ to the region.

It’s also nicknamed Queen of Hilltop Towns because it sits around 302 feet above sea level.

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It has 300 listed buildings with pretty stone cottages, like you find in the neighbouring Cotswolds, and lots sit alongside the River Avon.

The town is one of the oldest boroughs in England – it was given the status in around the year 880 AD by Alfred the Great.

Malmesbury was also a favourite location of the very first King of England, Athelstan.

When he ruled, he even made himself King of all England and named Malmesbury the nation’s very first capital in around 925 AD.

King Athelstan chose to be buried within the grounds of the historic Malmesbury Abbey which still stands today.

Now, Malmesbury is a classic English market town, but with the charm of the Cotswolds.

It has lots of independent shops on the high street, along with farmers’ markets.

The Flying Monk Café & Taproom is popular for everything from craft beer to a hearty breakfast.

In August, Malmesbury holds its own carnival and festival where there are lots of pop up stalls as well as parades and music.

Near the river is The Old Bell Hotel which is rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel.

The Grade I-listed spot has been welcoming guests since 1220, where it used to be lodgings for monks.

Now, it has 34 rooms that cater to everyone from single travellers to families, and a few suites too

One reported who spent a night at The Old Bell Hotel called it the “perfect spot for some post-party pampering this summer.”

They added: “Our room was a delight, dominated by a vast, comfy bed covered in a rainbow of soft throws and cushions, while a menagerie of monkeys and peacocks danced across the wallpaper.

“The helpful team at The Old Bell can arrange a guided tour of the King’s gardens in nearby Highgrove House, a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum or paddleboarding at Cotswold Water Park.

“However, it’s just as nice to potter around Malmesbury.”

If you want to explore out of the town, a 22-minute drive away from Malmesbury is Cotswold Country Park and the UK’s biggest inland beach.

Along with swimming, there’s an AquaVenture inflatable course and boat hire.

On land there is more to do with mini golf, playgrounds and lake walks.

It opens for the new season on March 27, 2026.

The town is also close to Castle Combe Race Circuit, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre and Brinkworth Golf Course.

For more on the Cotswolds, here’s how to visit on a budget and how to find the lesser-visited villages.

And Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey reveals her favourite Cotswold town with old-school sweet shop and riverside games.

IF you fancy a stay in the Cotswolds, then there are few places as quaint as the Woodstock.

Here is everything you need to know about staying at The Feathers hotel.

Where is The Feathers hotel?

The stunning boutique hotel situated in the heart of the Oxfordshire village with more than a hint of Cotswolds charm.

Woodstock is also near Blenheim Palace, although its nearest train station is Hanborough Station which is around an hour to London.

What is the hotel like?

The hotel says it has both “modern comfort and historic charm” with a cozy lounge area by the bar.

Last year it underwent a huge six month refurbishment which saw an upgraded bar and terrace area.

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What are the rooms like?

The 18 rooms and five suites combine original features with extravagant modern touches to make for a luxurious stay.

Our dog-friendly Cotswold Room had exposed wooden beams complemented by sleek interior design, including air con and a massive TV.

The bed was enormous and beyond comfortable, while the marble-effect bathroom had a belter of a shower.

There was also a doggy welcome pack, which included treats, toys and a plush sleeping pad.

It was the most wonderful stay in an idyllic village setting. Relaxing, even with our nutter of a cockapoo.

Rooms start at £250 including breakfast. Dogs charged at £30 per stay. See feathers.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink there?

If the sun’s out, head to the hotel’s cute courtyard at The Aviary and get that Aperol spritz ordered.

For dinner, move inside to The Nest for fine dining with a flourish. Every item was off the scale but the star of the show was the lamb main.

For the lamb dish alone I would walk from my home in South West London.

Make sure to return for lunch as they serve a beautiful afternoon tea.

What else is there to do?

Woodstock is perfect for a genteel traipse, and a visit to nearby Blenheim Palace is a no-brainer.

The signs boast this is “Britain’s Greatest Palace” – and the beauty of the undulating grounds coupled with the striking palace itself definitely put it in there with a good shout.

Is it family friendly?

Two of the suites have sofa beds at an additional cost, for families staying with kids.

Cots can also be rented for £10 a night.

Is the hotel accessible?

The hotel has an accessible room on the ground floor.

The village has been crowned the world’s most beautiful by Forbes and receives 20,000 visitors on weekends – but overtourism has caused serious problems

A UK village crowned the most beautiful in the world has moved forward in the fight against overtourism, with a huge cash boost and a raft of new potential measures.

Bibury, nestled in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, is an undeniably charming spot. It boasts honey-hued stone cottages, a gently winding river, and a historic, fairytale-like atmosphere. Its allure led Forbes to name it the world’s most attractive village for 2025, approximately 150 years after poet William Morris declared Bibury “the most beautiful village in England.”

The cottages of Arlington Row are often hailed as the most photographed and breathtaking cottages in Britain. Built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, it was later converted into a row of weavers’ cottages in the 17th century.

It’s easy to see why Bibury garners such accolades, with accommodation options like the Swan Hotel and The Catherine Wheel pub both welcoming inside and festooned with climbing plants outside. The village’s charm has put Bibury firmly on the tourist trail. And now, some locals say, things are getting out of hand.

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Chairman of the local parking action group, Mark Honeyball, who has resided in Bibury for a decade, has had some rather unpleasant experiences with visitors. He revealed to the Express that he asked a coach driver to move on from some double yellow lines before drama unfolded.

He said last year: “I’ve been physically attacked four times now, but once really quite badly two weeks ago, I was kicked in the chest and stomach and kneed and punched in the face full force by a driver that I’d just asked simply to move on from double yellows at the top of the village.

“The coach drivers themselves are being pushed here by their coach companies, they don’t really want to be here, they find it really difficult to park. The tour operators are the key behind this, the coach operators are doing what the tour operators ask them to do, primarily with people from China, India, and South Korea at the moment.”

Up to 20,000 tourists flood into Bibury over weekends in the high season, with as many as 50 coaches arriving daily. That’s a staggering number for a village home to merely 600 residents.

This week, Gloucestershire County Council announced it was investing £175,000 in a project to combat ‘overtourism’ in Bibury, Punchline Gloucester reports.

Following the period of consultation, the county council is considering a series of measures to control the impact of tourism. They include:

• Permanent removal of coach parking bays and implementation of on-street parking restrictions.
• Additional enforcement of parking restrictions.
• Introducing pay-and-display parking.
• Restricting coach parking/waiting using enforcement officers to support traffic flow.
• Exploring if there are improvements that can be made to local bus services including options such as park and ride.

Restrictions on coaches entering the village were implemented in May last year. At that point, parking bays in the heart of the village were shut and new public bus stop clearways were established. The objective was to put a stop to “unsafe coach manoeuvres.” Following the summer trial period, Gloucestershire County Council decided to implement permanent restrictions on coaches entering the area.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of the county council, said: “Hopefully we are getting somewhere. We did a trial last year which has been extended where we essentially removed the coach parking bays in the centre of the village and created drop off and pick up points for coaches, so we are now going to make that a more permanent solution.

“They have currently got some red and white plastic barriers which don’t look very nice in a historic village so we want to make that look nice. We are going to introduce pay and display parking so we can pay for more enforcement to make sure people aren’t parking where they shouldn’t be and causing an issue.

“We’ve been working alongside the coach operators and other stakeholders to really encourage the use of smaller vehicles to come into the village. There’s been a huge amount of engagement with the coach operators, Cotswold Tourism, the parish council, businesses, the police etc. Lots of people have been involved.”