The 7 best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds

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 littler manor house of sorts, in front of the wood-burning stove. Or out on the patio. Lovely stuff.

On your best behaviour please kiddies, let’s respect the big guy. And if it’s not too sacrilegious to say, we think he’d approve of the conversion of this stunning chapel in the pretty village of Poulton. It’s modern, open-plan and just, well, gorgeous, to be perfectly honest with you. If you're looking for a big family (or friends) getaway, this place sleeps eight. There’s a big garden too and for decent drinks nearby, head to The Falcon, just down the road. Ideal retreating. 

This charming cottage is located in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water, which is locally known as ‘the Venice of The Cotswolds’. How swish. Don’t worry though, your gondola can stay at home – the name's just because there's a river going through it, that's all. While a lot of the properties on this list are remote, this one is on the village high street so is perfect for those that like a bit more bustle. You know, as far as bustle goes in the land of rolling hills.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.