The Cotswolds has a great many gems to offer for those who look for them. To get you started, we have put together our top ten emerging towns and villages in the region...
Famed for its picture-perfect villages and idyllic rolling countryside, the Cotswolds enjoys a longstanding reputation as one of the country’s most desirable places to live.
Full of quintessentially English charm, the region is, for many, a place to escape to. A firm favourite weekend getaway, the Cotswolds is also close enough to the capital to commute to, and in recent years, an increasing number of city dwellers have chosen to settle in the Cotswolds full time.
There are certain parts of the Cotswolds that need little introduction and many buyers start their search in and around these hip and well-documented hotspots. However, with the region extending across Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, it is well worth doing your homework.
The Cotswolds has a great many gems to offer for those who look for them. To get you started, we have put together our top ten emerging Cotswolds hotspots...
1. Shipston-on-Stour
A quaint small town on the River Stour, Shipston-on-Stour boasts attractive Georgian architecture and is home to a host of shops, pubs and hotels.
2. Whichford
Nestled into a hollow on the borders of Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire is the pretty Warwickshire village of Whichford. Centred around a large village green, and a good pub, The Norman Knight, the village just falls into the CV postcode area, which is probably why it is still a little more affordable than its neighbouring villages.
3. Church Enstone
Often confused with its larger sister village of Enstone, Church Enstone is tiny and unspoiled. Its period stone houses are conveniently clustered around the local pub, while up the hill is the hotel, leisure complex and golf club of Heythrop Park. Whilst it feels you are stepping back in time, actually it is really accessible for Oxford, Cotswolds and Charlbury station.
4. Longborough
Sat between the thriving north Cotswolds market towns of Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold, Longborough’s growing popularity is, perhaps, inevitable. Enjoying particularly fine views over the countryside, the village has a good deal going for it in its own right, with a community-owned village shop, traditional pub and flourishing primary school, not to mention its annual festival, the Longborough Festival Opera.
5. Todenham
Three miles to the north east of Moreton-in-Marsh is the thriving rural community village of Todenham. Home to several working arable farms and a fine steepled 14th century church, residents enjoy a wealth of fresh produce on offer from Todenham Manor Farm. Family buyers are drawn to Longborough and Todenham for their proximity to two sought-after prep schools and commuters appreciate the rail links into London Paddington from Moreton-in-the-Marsh and Kingham stations.
6. Chipping Campden
A bustling north Cotswolds market town, Chipping Campden boasts arguably the most beautiful high street in the country. With a great number of pubs, restaurants and hotels, two popular primary schools and an Ofsted-rated Outstanding comprehensive, it’s little wonder more families are being drawn to the town.
7. Uley
Not far from the well-known town of Tetbury is the pretty and active village of Uley. If it is your dream to live ‘off the beaten track’ then Uley is well worth looking at. Beautifully positioned in the Cotswold escarpment between Dursley and Stroud, Uley boasts good schools and community amenities, with special mention going to its 17th century pub. It is also home to the Uley Brewery.
8. Brockhampton
Brockhampton is a pretty and increasingly popular village between Cheltenham and Stow-on-the-Wold. With a great pub and countryside pursuits in abundance, you will find a good range of property here.
9. Winchcombe
Situated between Cheltenham and Broadway, the picturesque and historic town of Winchcombe is becoming known as a foodie haven, thanks to a Michelin starred restaurant and clutch of well-regarded pubs. With a good mix of quality independent shops and a lively social scene, Winchcombe is a town in its element.
10. Wootton by Woodstock
The west Oxfordshire village of Wootton by Woodstock offers a fantastic base for exploring Oxford, the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and the Cherwell Valley. It is now known for its community-run village store as much as it is for The Killingworth Castle, a seventeenth century former coaching inn, now multiple award-winning gastro pub.
