The 11 best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds for an English country escape

Situated right in the middle of a charming little village called Duns Tew, this 18th century barn has been lovingly reimagined as The Barn, with its original features (think wooden beams, exposed stone walls) sitting proudly amongst a bold, modern design. Like something out of The Holiday – but a little more Soho Farmhouse.

What’s the budget range? Starting from £150 a night, plus cleaning and service fees
What’s it like to stay here? Cute, cosy and tucked away, with very easy access to the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside
Rooms: 2 beds, plus 2 pull-out beds (sleeps six)

While this Airbnb isn't quite in the coutryside, this Cheltenham stunner is worth spending a little extra time in the car to explore the natural beauty on the outskirts of the city. Everything about this place is lavish and luxurious, from the celeb-worthy decor to the Egyptian cotton linens and White Company toiletries. It also means you'll get to make the most of Cheltenham's shopping and nightlife hotspots while also being close to those vast green expanses that make the cotswolds so mesmerising. It's the best of both worlds... 

What’s the budget range? We'd be willing to pay even more, but that's just us. 
What’s it like to stay here? A quaint city location that provdes easy access to the Cotswolds countryside. 
Rooms: 2 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 4. 

Just 20 minutes outside of Bourton on the water, sits this beautiful self-contained cottage in Charlton Kings. Being surrounded by so much gorgeous natural scenery calls for a hiking outing or two, and luckily there's one right round the corner - The Cotswold Way. For when you're not getting in your steps there's plenty of ways to get cosy during your stay; try your hand at freshly baked focaccia perhaps, curl up on the sofa and whack on Downton Abbey, or head into Cheltenham town centre, just up the road for a nosey around the shops. 

What’s the budget range? Pretty affordable for a short break.
What’s it like to stay here? A quaint countryside escape with picturesque natural surroundings.
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

Aptly named the 'Dassett Cabin' due to its beautiful rural location, this Hobbit-inspired Airbnb has all you need for a wonderful weekend away in the forest. From hot tubs and hammocks to outdoor showers and a sauna, this earthy retreat offers a variety of wonderfully wholesome things to enjoy while you unwind in the British countryside. Dreamy? Indeed.

What’s the budget range? Well-priced for a nature weekender.
What’s it like to stay here? A real-life forest fairytale.
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

Sure this is your classic Cotswold-stone cottage, but beyond that (and that's good in itself) the location is prime walking territory. You see, this is right in the heart of Owlpen Valley. Full of woodlands, lush green fields and a very fancy manor house that's well worth a visit. And after you’ve got your walking boots nice and muddy? Settle in your own little manor house of sorts, in front of the wood-burning stove. Or out on the patio. Lovely stuff.

What’s the budget range? A moderate price for a dog-friendly romantic getaway nestled in the woods.
What’s it like to stay here? Think warm-toned interiors and low ceilings, cosy chats by the fire and long strolls through the woodlands.  
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

Looking for a spiritual getaway on a farm in the country? This super secluded yurt in the heart of Southleigh Farm's gorgeous 200 acres of meadows is the one for you. Featuring three beds and a separate bathroom, as well as a kitchen cabin with hot water, a fridge-freezer and a cooker, your glamping dreams await. All that's left to do is light the fire at sunset before dipping in your own private hot tub. Ahhh, bliss.

What’s the budget range? A great deal for four.
What’s it like to stay here? Glamping in style. 
Rooms: 3 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.

Barn conversions. Done well, there's not much better. Spacious, stylish and super-cosy – just what you need after a day spent roaming the countryside (or sipping pints at a cute village pub, we're not judging). This luxurious medieval barn conversion ticks all the boxes – and look at that gorgeous spiral staircase! This one-bedroom conversion in Fairford is a perfect couple's getaway, and also just happens to be next door to a fifteenth-century inn. Plenty of good food around too. Nice. 

What’s the budget range? A moderately-priced couple's stay (three nights minimum).
What’s it like to stay here? Hidden down a pretty medieval alleyway, this characterful home and it's surroundings are the definition of rural village heaven. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

Nothing screams quintessentially English more than a thatched cottage. We literally refer to them as 'chocolate box cottages' and this three-bed in the impossibly quaint village of Broadway (often dubbed The Cotswolds’ loveliest) certainly lives up to its sweet moniker. It's 400 years old, but you wouldn't know it, as inside it's stylishly decorated with a modern eye and comes with all the usual creature comforts. The garden is lush and blooming, but the view from the upstairs windows also looks out over rolling green hills.

What’s the budget range? A mid-to-high range family stay moments from the high street. 
What’s it like to stay here? Like a tranquil, airy hideaway steeped in modern style.
Rooms: 3 beds, 2.5 baths. Sleeps 6. 

Travelling far afield is looking pretty tricky right now, so you know what you need? The, er, far afield, being brought to you. That’s exactly what this picturesque lodge provides. It’s modelled on the kind of lodge you see all over New England, so you’ll basically be in the big old US of A. You know, painted wooden exteriors, a decking looking over the water out back. Blissful. But if you ask us? We’re most wowed by the fact that it’s in the middle of the Cotswold Water Park. Wildlife abounds. It's an irresistible place to stay. 

What’s the budget range? This spenny weekend away is ideal for a group of friends. The pooch can join too!
What’s it like to stay here? This light-filled lake house is incredibly scenic and peaceful - perfect during the summer months.
Rooms: 3 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 6.

Here's your full-on nature immersion, and fire-side chilling, sans faffing around with tents. Pal, these glamping pods are exactly what you need. In fact, this set of eight individually named cabins (Bluebell! Poppy! Buttercup! etc.) are known as 'mega pods' and sleep up to four. They each have en-suite showers and toilets, TVs, kitchenettes, Wi-Fi and even heating and electrical points. That means you'll have more time to roam the 15,000 acres of private Notgrove Estate or just relax in front of your very own fire pit. There are loads of outdoor activities on offer to book, too. This is the camping break you deserve. There's also a bunch of extra activities available at an extra cost, including beauty treatments, falconry, tennis courts and more. 

What’s the budget range? A cheap and cheerful rural escape in Notgrove village. 
What’s it like to stay here? It's cosy pod meets rolling hills, blossoming fields, and the sound of bleating lambs. Wholesome. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.

Once a disused barn, this guest house received a much-needed facelift and has been transformed into quite the luxury modern bolt-hole. And it's certainly in the best spot for it: hidden along a country lane between Bath and Bristol, meaning plenty of picturesque walking routes and a cycle path. Ahh, country roads. Along with cosy, cottage-inspired interiors, you'll find a dining space, full kitchen, patio and hot tub to soak away all your cares. 

What’s the budget range? On the spenny end.
What’s it like to stay here? The space is absolutely stunning - it's decked out with a lot of cosy little touches for the perfect respite in the country. 
Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.