Stratford-upon-Avon is rightly celebrated as the home of William Shakespeare, but its true advantage for visitors lies in its position right on the doorstep of the Cotswolds. Once you’ve toured the historic houses and enjoyed a show at the theatre, it’s time to discover the quieter, more enchanting side of the English countryside.
Forget crowded tourist traps; the villages closest to Stratford-upon-Avon are some of the region’s most authentic and charming hidden gems. Here are our top recommendations for those who prefer winding lanes and traditional pubs over gift shops and crowds.
The Nearby Gems: Accessible Charm
These villages are within a very easy drive or are key stops on a well-planned tour, offering that quintessential Cotswold stone experience without the major crowds of the southern villages.
1. Chipping Campden: The Wool Town Jewel
Just a short distance from Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden is the perfect introduction to the Cotswolds. This historic ‘wool town’ boasts one of the most beautiful and complete medieval High Streets in England.
Why it’s a gem: Unlike some villages, Campden still feels like a thriving, local market town. Its magnificent fan-vaulted Market Hall and centuries-old almshouses are spectacular.
Must-See: The beginning (or end) of the famous 102-mile Cotswold Way walking trail is here.
The Link: Chipping Campden is a core stop on our best-selling Cotswolds in a Day Tour, departing right from Stratford-upon-Avon.
2. Snowshill: Village on a Hill
A little gem tucked away on the side of the Cotswold escarpment, Snowshill (which gets missed by larger tours) offers a perfect, peaceful atmosphere.
Why it’s a gem: It’s tiny, quiet, and absolutely picture-perfect. The village green is overlooked by traditional honey-coloured stone cottages and a beautiful Victorian church.
Must-See: The nearby Snowshill Manor, a fascinating National Trust property known for its eccentric collection of thousands of everyday objects.
3. Ilmington: The Northern Outpost
Often overlooked because it sits just on the edge of the official National Landscape, Ilmington is a true local find.
Why it’s a gem: It’s a genuine working village, complete with rolling hills perfect for gentle walks, traditional apple orchards, and two excellent old pubs—The Red Lion and The Howard Arms—perfect for a quiet pint.
The Go-To: It perfectly captures the quiet, unspoiled feel of the northern Cotswolds.
The Hidden Backroad Beauties (Best Seen by Tour)
To really escape the crowds and discover the backroads, a guided tour is indispensable. You’ll bypass the confusion of navigation and be taken straight to locations you might otherwise miss.
The Secret Cotswolds Tour Difference:
On our Secret Cotswolds Tour, we take you away from the famous hotspots and into the quieter heart of the countryside to discover villages like:
Stanton: Perhaps one of the most perfectly preserved villages in the entire region, Stanton’s single, beautifully curved street of golden-stone cottages feels like stepping back 300 years. Usually the only other people around are hikers passing through on the Cotswold Way, and horse-riders from the nearby stables.
Guiting Power: A lovely village nestled in the Windrush Valley, known for its small, community-run feel and picturesque setting.
Travel the Easy Way
Exploring these smaller, more remote villages without a car can be almost impossible due to limited or non-existent public transport. That’s why we make it simple.
Go Cotswolds offers the most convenient way to explore the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon. We collect you right from the central Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coach Terminal and navigate the narrow country lanes, ensuring you spend your day seeing beautiful villages, not getting lost!
Don’t just visit Stratford; use it as your launchpad to discover the hidden, charming heart of the Cotswolds.
Ready to swap the theatre for the thatched roof? Click here to book your guided tour from Stratford-upon-Avon today!
