Last Updated on 17/11/2024
The Cotswolds are the epitome of romance, with timeless villages filled with cobbled streets and honey-coloured cottages that capture the hearts of all who visit.
Located in a beautiful region in the South West of England and named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), The Cotswolds offers a perfect romantic getaway. In this post, I’ll be highlighting the best things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, including places to dine, with plenty of romantic activities and pretty countryside walks I’ve experienced that you’ll want to discover all year round – not just on Valentines’ Day!
It goes without saying, anyone looking to book a Cotswolds romantic weekend has visions of the cute countryside cottage featured in the Christmas blockbuster The Holiday, dusted with snow and an open fire for those cold, cosy nights (if visiting in the colder months), or adorned in a haze of floral blooms offering a sweet-smelling aroma through the cottage windows (if you’re visiting during the warmer months). Regardless, of what time of year you choose to visit, be prepared to have your loved one swept off their feet by the charm of the Cotswolds.
This post is written in collaboration with Classic Cottages, who bring The Holiday to life with their fabulous selection of cosy countryside Cotswold cottages, with plenty to choose from including many dog-friendly cottages to browse and to book your own stay in the Cotswolds.
Best Things to Do in the Cotswolds for Couples
Whether you are looking for a unique UK staycation or Cotswolds romantic weekend ideas, here’s a list of the best activities in the Cotswolds for couples you won’t want to miss!
Planning a romantic weekend in the Cotswolds at a later date? Click the image below to save this Cotswolds itinerary to Pinterest!
Explore Cotswolds Filming Locations in real life
Although Rosehill Cottage (from The Holiday), sadly does not exist in the Cotswolds, you may be pleased to hear there are plenty of filming locations to visit in the Cotswolds from both movies and TV shows, which you can peruse at your own leisure with a loved one to combine exploring the Cotswolds with inspiration from some of your favourite films. Alternatively, you can book a Cotswold film tour with a local guide.
Here are some of my favourite Cotswold film locations:
- Bibury featured in the film Stardust in 2007 as the village of Wall, and Arlington Row (one of the Cotswolds’ prettiest streets and is shown above) is where Victoria (Sienna Miller’s character) was wooed by both Tristan and Humphrey.
- Castle Combe was also featured in Stardust, Steven Speilberg’s War Horse (2011) and Dr Doolittle apparently (need to rewatch this!)
- Snowshill village became the home of Bridget’s parents in the film Bridget Jones’ Diary, where she would visit wearing the ugliest Christmas jumper and encounter her love interest Mark Darcy. Please note, no ugly Christmas jumpers are required to enjoy this beautiful village!
- Bourton-on-the-Water provided the backdrop for Pierce Brosnan’s high-speed car chase in the James Bond film Die Another Day (2002).
- Bath is best known for its Jane Austen influences and is also where you will find many Bridgerton filming locations.
- Stow-on-the-Wold has its very own magical hidden gem. The enchanting doors on the west entry of St Edward’s Church are believed to have inspired Cotswolds resident J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation of the Doors of Durin leading to the land of Moria in Middle Earth. Simply speak friend and enter…
- Lacock is best known for being featured in various Harry Potter films, most notably Lacock Abbey, with various rooms featured as Hogwarts classrooms, not to mention the beautiful cloisters which are well worth seeing on their own. Please note, Lacock Abbey is a National Trust property and costs £17.00 per adult entry for non-members. Lacock is also featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as the village of Budleigh Babberton where Professor Slughorn is hiding before being enticed to return to Hogwarts by Dumbledore with the help of Harry.
To be close to the action – why not book a stay at The Dovecote, a one-bedroom self-catering cottage near Chippenham (close to both Lacock and Castle Combe) as well as Cotswolds Country Park and Beach, which gives couples a swimming lagoon to enjoy and activities such as paddle-boarding to experience.
Whilst filming locations will not appeal to everyone, I personally love finding film locations on my travels with my fiance Adam- we have visited Harry Potter filming locations in Wales, and the inspiration for the films in both Edinburgh and Porto.
Exploring the Cotswolds whilst uncovering filming locations makes for a cute date idea – why not create your own Cotswold film locations map?
Stroll through beautiful flower fields in The Cotswolds
When it comes to romance, flower fields are some of the prettiest photo spots to take romantic pictures with your love, and often have resident photographers you can hire to capture special moments, with pictures to cherish for a lifetime.
There are a great selection of Cotswolds flower fields to visit, from Cotswold Lavender Fields to The Real Flower Petal Confetti Fields located just off the border in Pershore, which has fields filled with colourful delphiniums, lupins and cornflowers, unlike other UK flower fields I’ve visited.
Take a stroll through the wonderful Snowshill Lavender Farm, located in the heart of the Cotswolds. This family-run farm is set among acres of fragrant lavender fields with stunning views across the surrounding countryside. You can explore the beautiful gardens and meadows, or take a peaceful and romantic stroll around the farm.
At Snowshill Lavender Farm you can enjoy also try homemade lavender cakes and scones in their tea garden while sipping on their special lavender teas. If you fancy something stronger, why not try tasting some of the delicious lavender liqueurs?
As with all flower fields in the UK, it’s best to check blooming and opening dates before visiting, as a long Winter can be known to delay the blooming season.
The Cotswolds are full of stunning gardens, perfect for adding a splash of beauty and romance to your day out. Stourhead and Hidcote Manor Garden are both must-sees for anyone seeking beautiful scenery, interesting history and a little bit of peace and quiet away from the busier tourist spots.
The Painswick Rococo Gardens (the last remaining rococo garden in the UK) are also delightful to visit at the beginning of the year, as this is a time when the gardens are carpeted in white snowdrops.
After strolling the Cotswolds flower fields, why not stay in equally pretty accommodation? Piggy in the Middle is a luxury 2 bedroom apartment in Moreton-in-Marsh with all the home-away-from-home vibes in the Cotswolds. I love the pretty blush pink furnishings, which are a home favourite of mine too!
Walk an Alpaca in the Cotswolds
They say two’s company and three’s a crowd, but if you’re looking for an unusual date in the Cotswolds, why not take a stroll with an alpaca in tow?
Snowshill Alpacas (located close to the lavender field and Bridget Jones filming location mentioned earlier in this post) is not open to the general public, but visits can be arranged by appointment, which makes it even more special I think.
Alternatively, you can visit Cotswolds Alpacas in Cheltenham to enjoy this experience, followed by a truly one-of-a-kind luxurious stay!
For those looking to really sweep their date off their feet with a luxurious stay, Moonstone has its own private indoor spa, games room and cinema! Yes, you did read that right! This huge 6-bedroom property is far from small and cosy but brings contemporary to the Cotswolds in luscious countryside surroundings. Whether you choose to bring along your couple friends to visit nearby Cheltenham Races, or simply want to give your date the wow factor by enjoying your own romantic Cotswolds spa break – a romantic weekend in the Cotswolds has never looked so good!
Moonstone, quite frankly gives me The Beckhams in the Cotswolds vibes (they are Cotswolds residents after all!) Ahem, if someone can please let me know when David returns from Miami…
Take a romantic stroll in the Cotswolds Way
The Cotswolds are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in England, from rolling hills and pretty villages to miles of walking trails. In fact, The Cotswolds Way walking trail runs from Chipping Campden to Bath, and is a staggering 102 miles of beautiful English countryside.
It’s best to start at the beginning of the walk and explore as far as you can on foot while enjoying some of Britain’s most stunning scenery. I love The Cotswolds Way because it has lots of historic towns, villages and attractions along the way like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow on the Wold and Painswick known as “The Queen of The Cotswolds”, which is a hidden gem that many tourists miss and is one of my favourite Cotswolds villages to explore as it has a quieter, rural feel than some of the busier villages.
On our first romantic getaway to Painswick, we ventured along Bull’s Cross and encountered a bull in the road on the way down into the village, which made for a memorable experience! Alas, you may want to leave Bull’s Cross off the walking list!
Enjoy a luxury spa experience
After a long day of exploring the Cotswolds, why not treat yourself and your loved one to some pamper time at one of the many spas in the area? From full-body massages and facials to body scrubs and manicures.
Bath Thermae Spa boasts a range of luxurious pamper packages, with state-of-the-art thermal baths and steam rooms. The Thermae Spa Package includes an hour-long massage, an outdoor rooftop pool and a range of couples treatments.
The peaceful Barnsley House Spa in Cirencester is a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy indoor and outdoor heated pools, Jacuzzi baths, hydrotherapy pool, saunas and even couples’ treatment rooms – all with stunning views.
If you’re looking for something more intimate, then try the Cotswold House Spa in Chipping Campden, which has an array of packages to treat yourselves and unwind before returning to Box Tree Cottage, a cosy self-catering cottage located 250 yards from the centre of Chipping Camden.
Known as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Cotswolds, Chipping Camden boasts intriguing galleries, unique shops and some great upper-end eateries to suit the village’s status as one the wealthiest areas in the Cotswolds.
Go wine tasting at a Cotswold Vineyard
Enjoy a day of wine tasting, complete with cheese platters and other delicious nibbles, as you explore the vineyards of the Cotswolds.
Many offer guided tours of the vineyards in the afternoon or evening, where you will learn about the different types of grapes grown in the area and how they are used to create a range of English wines. Enjoy samples along the way with your partner as you explore hand-in-hand.
There are a selection of Cotswolds Vineyards to visit:
- Woodchester Valley is located on a 58-acre estate near Stroud, with vineyard tours and sparkling wine tasting with afternoon tea.
- Three Choirs Vineyard has great options for a budget boozy experience and some foodie wine-tasting experiences too.
- Poulton Hill Vineyard is located close to the picturesque Cotswold village of Bibury and is the sister company to Bibury Trout Farm, where you can browse the beautiful grounds and play a round of crazy golf.
- Little Oak Vineyard has a great selection of sparkling wines, as well as its own Little Oak brandy. Located in Chipping Camden, why not enjoy a wine-tasting experience & grab a bottle to watch the sunset at Broadway Tower nearby?
Little Oak Vineyard is ideal for those staying at Box Tree Cottage mentioned earlier in this post, and is also located near this beautiful property in Moreton-in-Marsh:
Located above Piggy in the Middle (mentioned earlier in this post), Topside is a slightly larger apartment with an alfresco terrace perfect for dining.
After a romantic day out, tasting the finest English wines and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside, why not buy a bottle or two to take home with you to enjoy on the terrace of your Topside apartment?!
Tuck into a romantic dinner in The Cotswolds
When it comes to romantic things to do in the Cotswolds, nothing beats a delicious dinner date. The Cotswolds has a number of cosy pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic meal together or just have a quiet drink. From traditional inns to Michelin-starred eateries, there are plenty of places to explore the local Cotswold cuisine.
- Indulge in a candle-lit dinner for two at The Wild Rabbit, a Michelin star serving some of the finest dishes using local ingredients.
- The Painswick is a delightful place to dine for brunch or dinner with views of the rolling Cotswolds hills from the window and is particularly pretty during Spring with wisteria adorning the terrace bar.
- Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold offers that Cotswold old-world charm and also happens to be the oldest inn in England.
- The Double Red Duke is one of the most popular places to dine in the Cotswolds and for good reason!
- Burleigh Court in Stroud is one to check out for one of the best roasts in the Cotswolds
- The Bath Arms is another great place to dine in the Cotswolds and is located within easy reach of Longleat Safari Park.
Lastly, The Potting Shed in Crudwell (another popular Cotswolds eaterie) is a short 8-minute drive from Park Farm Cottage, which is a dog-friendly Cotswolds Cottage and rural retreat with uninterrupted countryside views in nearby Malmesbury.
Of course, If you’re looking to dine on something more budget-friendly yet equally as delicious, then make sure to check out the local farmers’ markets and delis like Stroud Market for some tasty treats – don’t miss the raclette cheese and olives!
Relax with a romantic picnic in the Cotswolds
A great reason for exploring the Cotswolds markets such as those located in Tetbury, Chipping Norton and Stroud is to stock up on delicious local produce for a romantic picnic. Head out for a walk or bike ride around the countryside, find a picturesque spot and settle down with a picnic filled with locally sourced items from the market.
If you’d prefer someone else does the hard work then there are plenty of spots where you can buy ready-made hampers such as the Woodchester Valley Vineyard near Stroud or The Classic Picnic Company in Cheltenham.
Enjoy a romantic row on the river
The charming towns of Bourton-on-the Water, Stow on the Wold and Moreton in Marsh all have some lovely boat trips available for a truly romantic outing. You can choose a leisurely rowboat from Bourton-on-the-Water or enjoy an elegant afternoon tea cruise along the river.
When it comes to romantic things to do in the Cotswolds for couples, this particular activity has a special place in my heart as this is how Adam and I got engaged in Stratford Upon Avon.
After enjoying a romantic picnic, Adam took me out on the rowing boats along the River Avon where he proposed under a willow tree – it was quite The Little Mermaid “Kiss the Girl” moment and I said yes, of course! Stratford upon Avon has always been special for us as we had visited previously for our 7-year anniversary and have visited each year after.
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of William Shakespeare’s birthplace, and visit the Butterfly Farm in Stratford upon Avon, before taking a romantic row down the River Avon in one of the many rental boats on offer.
Enjoy a romantic meal on Sheep Street, which is where you will find the best restaurants in Stratford upon Avon (Loxleys and The Opposition are some of our favourites), before retreating to the log fire at Rectory Cottage (a 2 bedroom self-catering cottage near Stratford-upon-Avon.)
Spend an evening at the theatre
When dining in Stratford-upon-Avon it’s worthwhile checking if any restaurants do any special theatre menus, as you will find many local restaurants offer dinner at a reduced price before or after a theatre performance.
After dining, enjoy a romantic night out at the theatre and watch an enchanting performance of Shakespeare’s classic plays in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Head to the Royal Shakespeare Company website to check upcoming performances to ensure your night doesn’t end in tragedy…Please note, if your date cries as much as I do during sad scenes, you may want to give Romeo & Juliet a miss!
Explore the Cotswolds castles, palaces and stately homes
Covering a huge area of 5 counties across almost 800 square miles, The Cotswolds are home to some of the finest castles and stately homes in England, all perfectly preserved and full of romantic atmosphere.
- Warwick Castle is a 15-minute drive northeast of Stratford-upon-Avon and is well worth a visit if your Cotswolds itinerary allows.
- Sudeley Castle, this 1000-year-old castle is the only private castle in England to have a Queen buried onsite. The last surviving wife of King Henry VIII, Katherine Parr lived and died in Sudeley Castle. As someone who has always been fascinated by Tudor history, I must visit Sudeley Castle on my next trip to the Cotswolds as I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Hever Castle – the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
- Hidcote Manor Garden has one of England’s most beautiful gardens, where you can stroll with your partner and take in all its beauty.
- Blenheim Palace, the birthplace and last resting place of Sir Winston Churchill, is a great place to explore during a visit to the Cotswolds. Why not take a romantic picnic and explore the grounds of Blenheim Palace, before getting lost in the maze? It’s undoubtedly one of the best mazes I’ve experienced, even if I did get rather flustered trying to find my way out!
Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and admire the architecture – you may even spot a few local wildlife too!
Afternoon tea in the Cotswolds
Similarly to visiting pretty towns in Cornwall, it’s no visit to the Cotswolds without enjoying afternoon tea. Just don’t ask me what comes first, jam or cream! I think anything goes in the Cotswolds!
- The Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford-on-Avon is an award-winning tea room often featured on Instagram.
- The Manor House is an idyllic 14th Century retreat serving afternoon tea in Castle Coombe
- Lucy’s Tea Room in Stow-on-the-Wold. To be honest, I need to return here for the Iced vanilla cream float on its own!
- Martha’s in Moreton-on Marsh is a Cotswolds hidden gem! You’ll have to take my word for it as this Cotswolds tea room doesn’t have a website! Known for its epic cream teas, the delicious bacon and brie toastie served with chilli jam comes in a close second!
- Daylesford Farm is a Cotswolds hotpot, not just for the farm and great selection of dining options, but there is also a garden centre onsite too.
Evenlode, a one-bedroom, dog-friendly cottage in the centre of Stow is located nearby both Lucy’s Tea Room and Daylesford Farm making it a great place to stay to be close to these Cotswolds afternoon tea spots, let alone located in one of the best Cotswolds villages.
Explore The Cotswolds on Horseback
Ride off into the wilderness with your partner and explore The Cotswolds from a different perspective, whilst soaking up the picturesque hillsides and woodlands on horseback.
Exploring the glorious scenery in the Cotswolds only highlights why this area is one of the most romantic places to visit in the UK.
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon ride
Nothing says romance like taking to the skies with your partner by your side! Hot air balloon rides are a popular activity in the Cotswolds and offer stunning views of the area – it’s perfect for an unforgettable experience that you’ll both remember forever.
You can choose from a range of hot air balloon companies operating in the Cotswolds, all offering an exhilarating and romantic experience. With champagne toasts to celebrate your flight, you can make it extra special as you take in the beauty of the countryside below. This is definitely one of the most romantic things to do for couples in the Cotswolds.
The annual Bath Balloon Festival takes place every August when hot air balloons from all over the world come to Bath and fly around the city, creating an amazing spectacle of colour and light that will take your breath away!
Enjoy all that Bath has to offer, from balloon festivals to Roman spas and architecture by staying at Kingham Cottage, a beautiful detached stone cottage with wooden-beamed ceilings, which is located just 2 miles from central Bath.
Watch an Outdoor Cinema Screening at Sunset
Of course, if you’re not taking to the skies at sunset on a hot air balloon, you can also see the stars on screen at a Cotswolds outdoor cinema screening!
Luna Outdoor Cinema provides the perfect setting for a romantic evening outdoor cinema screening, where you can watch one of your favourite films in the open air and beneath the stars, sharing some popcorn and a bottle of wine as you cuddle up to watch an old classic or new release!
When we visited Luna Outdoor Cinema in Bath, we loved watching golden hour as the sun set over the beautiful Royal Crescent in Bath.
The Luna Cinema can also be found in Longleat and it’s worth checking the Luna website to see what screenings are available during your romantic trip to the Cotswolds.
It’s also worthwhile checking out The Alfresco Film Company, and Moonlight Flicks; a unique outdoor cinema experience that takes place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace to see if they have any events on during your visit.
Gaze upon the stars at one of the Cotswolds dark sky reserves
The Cotswolds is home to some of the best dark sky reserves in England, meaning you can enjoy a romantic view of the stars without light pollution getting in the way. Pack up a picnic and have a romantic evening under the starry skies with plenty of scenic places to choose from.
Romantic Things to Do in the Cotswolds for Couples
The Cotswolds are truly one of the most romantic destinations to visit in the UK and offers couples old-world charm in pretty villages that have stood the test of time, with scenic views and rolling hills that go on for miles.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the best romantic things to do in the Cotswolds to inspire your own romantic getaway, with an array of Cotswolds cottages to stay in from Classic Cottages. Whether you choose a cottage with a log fire in one of the prettiest Cotswolds villages, to rural contemporary Cotswolds accommodation that will really sweep your loved one off their feet – I trust you have found the perfect place to stay in the Cotswolds from reading this post.
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Happy travels!
Jaz
If you enjoyed reading this post – check out these other posts on the blog:
Painswick – Cotswolds Hidden Gem
Most Romantic Places in Europe for Couples
Magical London Christmas Lights Walking Route