The Cotswolds are famous for the quaint, picturesque villages, rolling hills and open countryside, making the area a popular destination for weekend trips, outdoor adventures and luxury breaks in the UK.
With the trend for domestic travel increasing, the Cotswolds are a great option to consider for your next getaway. But if you’d prefer to avoid staying in hotels, or you’d like to make your trip one to remember, why not consider one of these unusual places to stay in the Cotswolds.
From converted barns and thatched cottages to glamping pods and castles, check out this list of cool places to stay in the Cotswolds.
You might also be interested in my Cotswolds weekend itinerary or my guide to the prettiest Cotswold villages.
Check out this post for more unique stays all over the UK.
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Unique places to stay in the Cotswolds
In a rush? Check out my complete list of all my favourite Cotswolds Airbnbs in one place so you can book direct.
Luxury Converted Barn with Hot Tub
If you’re looking for big places to stay with a group of friends or family and you’re looking for places to stay in the Cotswolds with hot tub, then this option is for you!
This stunning barn sleeps 10 people, has a stunning open plan living, kitchen and dining space with exposed beams and stone walls. The amenities are modern, there’s a huge TV and Xbox 360, plus the large outdoor area with patio, plenty of seating and the hot tub. There’s also a wood burner, perfect for cosy autumn or winder evenings too.
Located just on the southwestern edge of the Cotswolds, this location is perfect to explore the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as Bath and Bristol, both of which are just a short drive away.
Secluded Castle for 16 people
Looking for a castle to stay at near the Cotswolds? Because I’ve found it for you! This epic location is in Wiltshire, although not quite in the AONB Cotswolds area, it’s not far away but I had to include it because it is without a doubt one of the most unique stays in the south of England.
The whole castle, clockhouse and grounds are included in the price of this rental, making it perfect for a secluded getaway for friends or large family reunions.
The kitchen is fitted with all modern amenities and there’s a communal living room, conservatory, study and drawing room. Although the crown jewel is the Great Hall, with a long banquet table for up to 20 guests, perfect for a medieval-themed banquet or fancy dress weekend to really have some fun!
This location really is one of the most unique places to stay in the world!
Cotswolds Cabin with hot tub
If you’re looking for romantic places to stay in the Cotswolds or perhaps a girls weekend away, this wood cabin with a hot tub is perfect!
It easily makes my top ten places to stay in the Cotswolds because I had the best weekend there ever. It’s a tiny house style cabin, although sleeps up to 4 so it’s not that tiny, with a loft area with a double bed and a fold-out sofa for an extra double.
There’s a small kitchenette and bathroom. But the outdoor area is the best part. It’s completely covered so perfect for trips in the winter too, with outdoor seating by the wood burning fire and a wood fired hot tub. Absolute bliss, especially in the winter months to be outside but cosy and warm still!
There are three cabins on the farm so if the one linked below isn’t available, check out the host’s other listings for the best Airbnb Cotswolds deals!
This is a great stay in the north Cotswolds, with the lovely village of Mickleton just a walk away, where there’s a gorgeous pub, shop and amenities for your stay.
Glamping Pod
Another cute and secluded place I’ve enjoyed staying at and a great option if you’re looking for fun places to stay that are also cheap places to stay in the Cotswolds.
Located in the south of the Cotswolds and just a short drive from Bath and the famous Cotswold village of Castle Combe, this cute pod is in a tiny village and although located in someone’s large back garden, it’s completely secluded in it’s own private walled garden, it’s self-check in and feels very secluded - we didn’t see the property owners for our entire stay!
There’s all the kitchen utensils we need, with fridge, microwave and toaster, plus wifi. There’s also a BBQ and fire pit with free wood!
Unique Cottage in Bourton on the Water
Possibly the most famous village in the Cotswolds, so what could be more perfect than a cottage in Bourton on the Water, one of the top places to stay in the Cotswolds.
This cottage is full of character, with stone walls, exposed wooden beams, a farmhouse kitchen, a huge open log burning fire and of course the cottage is built of the famous Cotswold stone.
This adorable cottage sleeps 5 people, in the ideally located Bourton on the Water, very central to the north of the Cotswolds.
This is the perfect place to explore some of the beautiful Cotswolds villages and curl up by the fire in winter with a glass of wine.
Farm Cabin Hideaway
I love this Airbnb because it gives me all the Australia vibes (I lived in Australia for a year!). With it’s one floor, studio style with wood panel interior, a large covered deck and a wood fired hot tub. This is also the perfect option if you’re looking for places to stay in the Cotswolds with dogs.
Located near the famous village of Bibury and a short drive from the charming city of Oxford, this cabin is ideally located for a weekend exploring the Cotswolds.
Alternatively, if you’re just wanting to escape for a quiet, secluded weekend the cabin is perfect with its private hot tub and deck, plus the private meadow it’s in is south facing, meaning the sun loungers will get plenty of use in the summer months! Or the log burning fire indoors is ready and waiting for the chilly months.
Chocolate box Thatched Cottage
If you’re looking for the picture-perfect thatched cottage escape, this is one of the best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds for that true English countryside experience.
Located in the north Cotswolds, this property is just a short drive (or walk!) from the Cotswolds gin distillery. You’re also very near to the famous village of Moreton on Marsh, Chipping Campden and Chipping Norton.
Honeysuckle Cottage is a grade II listed cottage that sleeps 4 people with a beautiful interior to match the exterior, plus all the modern conveniences. Every room as quaint views of the garden or village and village green.
Without a doubt one of the best places to stay in the Cotswolds for the ultimate quaint countryside feel.
Gypsy Wagon
This awesome wagon is definitely one of the cool places to stay in the Cotswolds with a hot tub, plus it’s unique design, colourful wagon and fun outdoor space with a wood fired hot tub terrace, hammock and pizza oven.
The wagon is east of Gloucester so not in the Cotswolds, but just 25 minutes drive away. The wagon is in a beautifully secluded location, perfect for a relaxing countryside escape, close to nature on a romantic weekend away.
This is one of the most unusual places to stay in the Cotswolds with a hot tub and dogs are welcome too., with all the facilities you need, including a fridge, pizza oven, bedding and throws, a fire pit for BBQs, a chemical toilet and showers in the nearby cottage.
Hexagonal Home
This totally unique home is located in Stroud, in the heart of the Cotswolds, a listed house in a unusual hexagon shape with exposed Cotswold stone and features dating back to 1825.
This cosy space is so well equipped, even with a washer and dryer and sleeps two, perfect for a couples weekend away.
The exposed stone in the bedroom with the original windows makes it feel like you’re in a castle. With the incredible views and the beautiful terrace area that’s a real suntrap, this is perfect for a romantic place to stay in the Cotswolds.
Bubble pod
Without a doubt one of the most unique places to stay near the Cotswolds. This transparent bubble accommodation is located on the outskirts of Bristol, just a 30 minute drive to the famous Castle Combe - the prettiest village in the England.
With two bubbles on site, for four guests total, this whole site is exclusively for your party, with private bathroom and washroom facilities, an optional breakfast platter.
These clear glamping domes take stargazing to the next level as you feel completely at one with nature as you fall asleep under the stars.
With plenty of walks in the countryside around you, nearby pubs and restaurants and a short drive to the beautiful city of Bristol and the Cotswolds.
The Castle Gatehouse
This completely unique gatehouse located in the west of the Cotswolds at the entrance to Sudeley Castle. A beautiful dog friendly place to stay in the Cotswolds, the gatehouse sleeps four people with two bedrooms with ensuites, one four-poster bed and one king sized.
Staying here also gives you complimentary entry to Sudeley Castle during your stay.
With all the modern amenities and conveniences to make your stay completely comfortable, the two wings of the gatehouse feature stunning exposed beams, a modern kitchen and a beautiful patio area to enjoy in the sunshine.
Just a short walk from the cute Winchcombe village and 30 minutes from the beautiful Upper and Lower Slaughters, the gatehouse is ideally located for exploring the Cotswolds.
The Slaughters Manor House
Located in one of the best villages to stay in the Cotswolds, the Manor House at Lower Slaughter is the epitome of country homes and luxury places to stay in the Cotswolds.
The rooms are all spacious and individually designed, many with exposed beams, four-poster beds, free-standing bath tubs and private lounge areas. Breakfast is included every morning.
The hotel boasts a chic bar, antique decor and luxury finishes with roaring fires and cosy seating areas.
There are plenty of walks in the surrounding villages with a nearby golf course and onsite restaurant, as well as the beautiful villages of the Cotswolds around you.
I hope these unusual places to stay in the Cotswolds gives you some inspiration for your Cotswolds getaway and staying in one of these places gives you a unique experience to remember!
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Flights: I use Expedia to find great flights and the best deals all over the world, they have regular sales and offers so I always check their website. I also check CheapOair to find cheap deals on round trip flights.
Car Rental: I love the customer service I've always gotten and the variety of options with Rental Cars. But for short notice rentals, I've been using Expedia for the last year, they always seem to have great one-day rates or last-minute rates from the main rental companies.
Accommodation: I prefer the flexibility of booking accommodation with Booking.com so I can cancel or change my reservation without a fee or only pay on arrival for most properties. For longer or more unique stays I prefer AirBnB because you can get the long stay discount, you can also find more unique properties and book experiences with talented locals and businesses. For my budget trips, I always stay in hostels and book through Hostelworld because they have great guarantees if anything does go wrong. If you arrive and your booking is not at the property, they refund the full deposit AND give you $50 extra credit.
Tours and organised trips Although I don’t use tours that often, I do like to book local experiences or day trips once I reach my destination. For that I use GetYourGuide because it has the biggest selection and variety of tour and experience options.
Travel Insurance: I currently use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Which allows me to pay a rolling monthly fee to cover my long term travels.
My camera gear and equipment: I use a Canon 77D with an 18-135mm lens or a 50mm lens. And a DJI Mavic Mini Drone. For all my gear including laptops, tripods and more camera accessories read my travel photography gear guide.
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