Looking for the best place to live in the Cotswolds? You’ve come to the right place! As Buying Agents in the Cotswolds we know a thing or two about some of the best areas to live in this beautiful part of England. From charming villages to bustling towns, we’ve got you covered. So, sit back and let us take you on a tour of the best places to live in the Cotswolds.
What are the Cotswolds?
The Cotswolds is an area of around 800 square miles characterised by golden-coloured Cotswold stone properties and uninterrupted hills that surround many beautiful ancient villages and market towns. It lies across the boundaries of several English counties; mainly Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, and parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire.
Finding the best place to live in the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds has a wide range of breath-taking villages and towns, making it difficult to choose the best location to live. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the finest locations, many of which we’ve helped clients find property, and our local expertise makes us well placed to help those looking to find a home or second property in the areas.
Bibury
The first stop on our list is the village of Bibury. This picturesque spot is often referred to as England’s prettiest village, and it’s not hard to see why. With its honey-coloured stone cottages and meandering rivers, Bibury is a true slice of English countryside. If you are looking for a tranquil place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then this is the perfect spot for you. There are plenty of walks and cycle routes to explore in the surrounding area, so you can really make the most of the great outdoors. And when you need a break from all that fresh air, there are some excellent pubs and restaurants in Bibury where you can enjoy a traditional English meal.
For schools in Bibury, Burford School is a popular choice. It’s a grammar school for pupils aged 11-18 and is located just 15 minutes away from Bibury.
Cheltenham
If you are looking for a slightly livelier place to live, then the town of Cheltenham might be just what you are after. This attractive spa town is home to a great selection of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as some excellent cultural attractions. Cheltenham is also well-connected, with good transport links to London and other major cities. And if you are a fan of the outdoors, you will be spoiled for choice in Cheltenham. The town is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for exploring with all the family.
Charlton Kings is considered one of the hotspots for residents, a charming village on the suburbs of Cheltenham, with a home in Charlton Park Gate setting you back just under £2.5million on average. This popular village is served by some excellent schools including Charlton Kings Junior School, and Charlton Kings Infant School, rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and Glenfall Community Primary School, rated as ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted inspection.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is another excellent option for those looking for somewhere to live in the Cotswolds. This historic market town is situated on top of a hill, so many of the properties in this village enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Stow-on-the-Wold is also home to a number of independent shops and businesses, and if you are a keen walker or cyclist, there are plenty of routes to explore in the area.
Stroud
Stroud has a reputation for being arty and creative, with a number of independent shops, galleries and cafes. The town is also home to the Stroud Fringe Festival, which is an annual event that celebrates the best of local arts and culture. It’s a popular commuter hub too, with trains departing from Stroud railway station in the centre of town, with frequent services to Gloucester, Cheltenham, Swindon, Reading and London.
Stroud is also home to a popular farmers market held at Cornhill Market Place and around the streets of Stroud. It’s one of the biggest and most popular farmers market in the UK, attracting both local residents and visitors.
Chipping Campden
Nice properties are a rare find in this popular Cotswolds town. Notable for its terraced High Street, dating back to the 14th century, and surrounded by charming chocolate box villages, cosy pubs, farm shops and stunning views over the Cotswolds countryside. The word ‘chipping’ means market, and markets are still held on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month from March to December.
Residents in Chipping Campden are served by several excellent schools include St James’ & Ebrington Church of England and St Catharine’s Catholic both rated “good” by Ofsted. Whilst Chipping Campden School is rated “outstanding”.
Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton is a charming market town situated in the heart of the Cotswolds with a lot to offer local residents, including a theatre, bookshops, art galleries, a museum and antique shops. Chipping Norton has one of the finest parish churches in the county, a medieval Guildhall, some quaint back lanes and beautiful Georgian houses.
Working with a Property Buying Agent in the Cotswolds
If you’re looking to find a property in the Cotswolds and you want to work with a local property finder who understands the local market and can match your requirements with the right property, contact our local Buying Agent on 0330 223 6339 or complete the form below to discuss your property search in the Cotswolds in more detail.
