While the Cotswolds are renowned for picture-perfect villages like Castle Combe and Bibury, some of the region's most charming settlements remain blissfully under the tourist radar. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through five lesser-known Cotswold villages that offer authentic charm without the crowds.
1. Eastleach
Actually two villages in one – Eastleach Martin and Eastleach Turville – this tranquil spot is divided by the River Leach and connected by a narrow stone clapper bridge known as the Keble Bridge. The villages feature two magnificent medieval churches, stone cottages clustered around village greens, and stunning riverside walks.
What makes Eastleach special is its sense of timelessness. With no shop, tearoom, or tourist facilities, it presents the Cotswolds at their most authentic. Visit in spring when daffodils carpet the riverbanks and churchyards.
2. Adlestrop
Literary enthusiasts will recognize Adlestrop as the subject of Edward Thomas's famous poem, inspired by a brief train stop at the village's now-defunct railway station in 1914. Today, the original station sign is preserved on a bench in the village's bus shelter.
Beyond its literary connection, Adlestrop is a quintessential small Cotswold village with honey-colored stone cottages, a historic church, and beautiful gardens. The novelist Jane Austen visited Adlestrop House (then the rectory) when her uncle was rector here, and the village is thought to have inspired locations in her novels.
Local Insight:
Visit Daylesford Organic Farm Shop near Adlestrop for a taste of contemporary Cotswold luxury. This award-winning farm shop sells artisanal foods and crafts in a beautifully converted farm setting.
3. Swinbrook
Nestled along the River Windrush, Swinbrook is famed as the childhood home of the eccentric Mitford sisters, six celebrated and controversial women who left an indelible mark on 20th-century British society. Their father, Lord Redesdale, is buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's, along with several of his daughters.
The village pub, The Swan, was once owned by the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire (née Deborah Mitford) and features memorabilia from this fascinating family. The surrounding countryside offers picturesque walks, and the ancient church contains unique tomb carvings of wool merchants with sheep at their feet – a nod to the source of Cotswold wealth.
4. Guiting Power
This enchanting village centers around a lovely green bordered by traditional cottages, a post office, and a welcoming pub. Its name derives from the Saxon word "Gytinge," meaning rushing stream, referring to the nearby River Windrush.
The village is home to the Guiting Power Music Festival, held each July and August, which brings classical, jazz, and folk music to this rural setting. Just outside the village, the Cotswold Farm Park (owned by BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson) offers a family-friendly introduction to rare breed conservation and traditional farming.
5. Stanway
Dominated by Stanway House, a magnificent Jacobean manor house, this small village is a study in architectural harmony. The house itself, while privately owned by Lord Neidpath, opens to visitors during summer months and boasts a spectacular fountain – at 300 feet, it's the tallest gravity-fed fountain in the world.
The village's wooded valley setting, historic church, and medieval tithe barn create an atmosphere of timeless peace. Don't miss the working water mill, restored to full operation and occasionally grinding flour using traditional methods.
Travel Tip:
The Cotswolds are best explored by car, allowing you to meander along narrow lanes and discover villages at your own pace. However, if you prefer not to drive, consider basing yourself in a larger town like Moreton-in-Marsh (with direct trains from London) and arranging local tours or using the limited bus services.
When to Visit These Hidden Gems
While the Cotswolds are beautiful year-round, these smaller villages are particularly magical in spring (April-May) when gardens and wildflowers burst into color, and in early autumn (September-October) when the crowds thin and the tree-lined lanes turn golden.
Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends, especially during summer months. If visiting between November and March, check opening times for attractions, as many operate on reduced winter schedules.
Respectful Tourism
Remember that these charming villages are living communities, not theme parks. Residents go about their daily lives amid the historic beauty that attracts visitors. Park considerately, keep voices low when near homes, and support local businesses where possible.
The unspoiled nature of these villages is precisely what makes them special – let's help keep them that way for future generations of residents and visitors alike.
Whether you're seeking literary connections, architectural beauty, or simply the tranquility of authentic rural England, these hidden Cotswold villages offer a glimpse into a timeless way of life. Far from the tour buses and gift shops, they represent the Cotswolds at their most genuine – a landscape of gentle beauty that has inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries.
