The Cotswolds, in south-central England, is a region of rolling hills, picturesque villages, and characteristic grey stone houses made from Jurassic limestone. It stretches roughly from Stratford-upon-Avon in the north to Bath in the south and Oxford in the east. I’ve long loved this part of England, spending several weekends exploring its charming villages.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON gives you an overview of the eastern Cotswolds, near Oxford.

Discover Burford, the jewel of the Cotswolds

Burford, often called the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds,’ is a charming market town known for its historic high street lined with honey-colored stone cottages, independent shops, and traditional pubs.

Nestled along the River Windrush, it offers a perfect blend of history, scenic beauty, and quintessential Cotswolds charm, making it a must-visit stop for anyone exploring the region.

I really loved this beautiful town. Burford was my first taste of the Cotswolds that weekend, and I was struck by its strong character and pride in its heritage.

Once an important crossroads and prosperous wool town, Burford retains its historic charm. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world, as the many international coaches arriving in town clearly show.

The wide main street gently slopes down to the river, lined with historic houses and charming shops. Many of these shops appear little changed over the centuries, adding to the town’s authentic and timeless charm.

Looking for a place to eat? I recommend the Golden Pheasant Inn, where you can enjoy grilled dishes or fresh salads in a cozy outdoor courtyard.

Interested in art? Visit the Brian Sinfield Art Gallery, showcasing contemporary artists (mainly British) in a spacious setting with a wide variety of styles.

Bourton on the Water

Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds,’ is a picture-perfect village famous for its charming stone bridges over the River Windrush.

Quaint streets, traditional cottages, and riverside cafés create an idyllic atmosphere that captures the essence of the Cotswolds.

Always buzzing with visitors, the village feels welcoming and vibrant, and on a sunny day, its scenery is simply enchanting!

I loved wandering through the main streets, exploring the traditional shops, including one with a model railway that’s sure to delight any child (or the young at heart!).

Looking for a place to eat? Try the Green and Pleasant Tea Room. We had a lovely time enjoying great tea and creative salads. The service was a bit slow, but the friendly staff made up for it.

Another must-do in Bourton-on-the-Water is a visit to Birdland, a delightful park home to a wide variety of exotic and native birds.

It’s a wonderful spot to stroll through beautiful gardens, observe a variety of birds, from elegant flamingos to playful penguins, and learn fascinating facts about them.

We had a fantastic time, and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the animals living in the park!

Stow-on-the-Wold: a Cotswolds market town

Stow-on-the-Wold, perched atop a Cotswolds hill, is famous for its historic market square, antique shops, and vibrant local atmosphere.

Its elevated views and charming streets make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

Stow-on-the-Wold was once famous for its annual fairs, where up to 20,000 sheep were sold at a time.

It is also the highest town in the Cotswolds and home to England’s oldest inn, The Porch House, founded in 947 AD.

And for a modern cultural note, the funeral of John Entwistle, the legendary bassist of The Who, was held at St Edward’s Church here on 10 July 2002.

A stay at Eynsham Hall: luxury and history combined!

For our stay in the eastern Cotswolds, we chose the charming Eynsham Hall.

This romantic country house offers sweeping views that make you forget the passage of time and the hustle and bustle of the city, just an hour away.

This peaceful retreat offers a range of facilities, from expansive parkland to a fitness and spa center, plus several elegant dining rooms.

This 18th-century manor blends modern interior design, especially in the dining and living rooms, with traditional touches of woodwork and charming decorative details.

The Cotswolds are fascinating for how they preserve their authentic charm while embracing modern comforts. The stunning villages make this region of England truly unmissable.

“I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found some inspiration for your visit. If you’re planning to explore this part of the eastern Cotswolds soon, please share your experiences and thoughts on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

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To find out more:

Burford

The Golden Pheasant Inn website
Address: 91 High St, Burford OX18 4QA

The Brian Sinfield Art Gallery website
Address: 127 The Hill, Burford OX18 4RE

Bourton on the water

The Green and Pleasant Tea Room
Address: Windrush Cottage, Riverside, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2DP

Birdland website
Address: Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water Glos, GL54 2BN

Stow-on-the-Wold

The Porch House website
Address: 1 Digbeth St, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1BN

Eynsham Hall website
Address: A4095, North Leigh, Witney OX29 6PN

See my other recommendations for England getaways here.