The enchantments of Cotswolds cottages

So you’ve decided to make the Cotswolds your next country escape? Get ready for clutches of cosy cafés and antique emporiums, for chocolate box villages built from honey-hued limestone, and – of course – for rolling dales filled with pockets of woodland and hedgerow. There are many reasons that this corner of the West Country is hailed as one of the most quintessential pictures of Ye Olde England. Cottages have long been the popular option in the region, with thatched-roof boltholes, farm conversions, and more, all beckoning.

Luxury Cotswolds cottages are up for grabs

The Cotswolds have garnered something of a reputation for upscale living. The Chipping towns of the north are home to plenty of luminaries from Fleet Street and even Downing Street. Meanwhile, elegant cottages draw those in search of a little luxury in the countryside.

Find a cottage in the Cotswolds with a hot tub

For a balance between country living and the high-life, a hot tub is the perfect addition to a Cotswolds cottage. There are lots of places with a steaming spa tub waiting on site. Some put them outside, with views over the babbling West Country rivers. Others incorporate them into the en suite bathrooms, enabling you to unwind in an indoor bubbling bath after long walks on the Cotswold Way.

Historic architecture in Cotswolds cottages

Move beyond the usual real-wood beams and exposed-brick walls and discover truly historic cottages for rent in the Cotswolds – some places are Grade-listed, with a tale that can take you back centuries. Medieval mill houses and limestone-faced homes from the 1600s are all on the menu, while the luxury element dictates that they also come with 21st-century features, such as Bluetooth speakers and flat-screen TVs.

Opulent living in luxury Cotswolds cottages

There are a select few Cotswolds retreats that can take the meaning of luxury to whole new and dizzying heights. These are sprawling manor houses-come-rentals. They often have space for huge parties of up to 30 guests, along with games rooms, billiard rooms, dedicated bars and enchanting period features from the Middle Ages.

How to get a great deal on cheap Cotswolds cottages

The Cotswolds certainly aren’t the cheapest part of the UK to retreat to, and the sculpted hills and romantic villages come at a premium. That said, there’s still a chance you’ll be able to score a bargain in these parts, especially if you follow these 3 top tips.

Get your Cotswold cottage booked in advance

While securing your Cotswold rental long in advance might not lower the cost of it, being prepared means that you will get the widest selection of homes in the region. More options means more chance of finding a great deal, not to mention a whole load of extra possible destinations, from Chipping Campden all the way to Bath.

Last-minute bookings on Cotswold cottages

It’s not always the case that the early bird catches the best deals when it comes to cottage stays in the Cotswolds. Sometimes, you can secure wallet-friendly rentals by being flexible and spontaneous. If you’re keen to see what you can score, just days before your weekend away, be sure to check regularly, so that you don’t miss the home that could be perfect for you.

Come to the Cotswolds during low seasons

There’s way more than just low rates beckoning travellers to Cotswold cottages outside of the summer and Christmas periods, which is when most people book their stays. For a start, popular towns, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, won’t be inundated with travellers, so you can find a quiet spot in the local tearooms and enjoy the riverside walks in peace. What’s more, the backcountry looks positively enchanting, come autumn and spring, with coatings of dew and frost adding a whole other layer of romance to the mix.

Holiday cottages in the Cotswolds for different travellers

A stay in the Cotswolds can be about adventure, culture, family fun or just a little quality time with the other half. That’s why cottages in the region lend themselves to a whole host of different types of travellers.

Dog-friendly Cotswold cottages abound

So long as dogs are kept under control as you navigate the green fields of cows and sheep that pepper the Cotswolds, there’s no reason that they can’t enjoy this region, too. Plenty of cottages have pet-friendly policies that can let you bring the barker, while popular walks, such as the one to Broadway and its Tower, are eminently accessible to those with a tail.

Cotswold cottages for large groups

Whether it’s a corporate retreat with the work crew or a family that needs a large kitchen and garden, it’s always possible to find holiday cottages in the Cotswolds with enough room for larger groups. They often have lounges, multiple bedrooms and well-equipped cooking areas.

Romantic Cotswolds cottages for 2

You can snuggle up by a crackling log fire or light the wood-burning stove, bring down the duvet and just watch the leaves rustle on the Cotswold trees outside. Alternatively, you and your other half can pull on the boots and hit the backcountry, where walks in the woods mean plenty of time to chat and be together.