Best places to live in the Cotswolds 2022

As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is no surprise that the Cotswolds draws people from all over, with its picture-postcard villages, rolling countryside and quintessential English charm. The region has long been regarded as one of the UK's most desirable places to live and this popularity has only risen since the pandemic largely due to flexible working.

The Cotswolds cover a large area of central England, crossing the counties of Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire. It is perfect for those seeking a rural escape while remaining accessible for commuting and trips to Bristol, Bath, Oxford, Birmingham and even London.In this article, we will take a look at five top places to live in the region, whether you are renting or buying.

Stroud, Gloucestershire

Commute time: 90 minutes (Paddington)

Named by The Times as the Best Place to Live in the UK 2021, Stroud remains a top place to live. A market town in central Gloucestershire, Stroud is set against the backdrop of the Five Valleys and has plenty of green space to explore. A popular commuter town thanks to its proximity to the cities of Cheltenham and Bristol but with a strong community spirit, Stroud’s high streets are full of independent shops and boutiques, cafes and art galleries. It also boasts the unbeatable Stroud Farmers’ Market every Saturday.

House prices are steadily creeping up thanks to all the town has to offer. On average, a detached house costs £546,388, which is up 19.1% on last year. A semi-detached house on average costs £328,126, a terraced house £262,025 and a flat £172,070. Renting a two bedroom flat will cost you £698 per month.

For more information on Stroud, visit our location page here.

Great Tew, Oxfordshire

Sat on the edge of the Cotswolds is the picture postcard village of Great Tew. A quintessential English countryside setting with honey coloured stone, thatched cottages and rolling hills, what’s not to like? The Great Tew Estate (familiar to fans of The Crown) offers plenty of walking routes with over 3,500 acres to explore, while those seeking to improve their wellness have the Cowshed Spa at the members-only Soho Farmhouse and nearby Daylesford Bamford Wellness Spa to choose from. A short drive away is the town of Chipping Norton for most of your shopping needs, although it is particularly well known for its interior and antique stores including Station Mill Antiques and Mash Lifestyle. Those seeking a bigger shopping experience only need to drive 30 minutes to the designer outlet Bicester Village.

One advantage of its location in North Cotswolds is that Great Tew is only 90 minutes from London, with Banbury and Oxford Parkway stations 25 minutes drive away with direct trains into London Marylebone.

The lack of property sales in recent years is a . Looking at the wider West Oxfordshire property market, a detached house costs on average £618,768, which is up 14.8% on last year. A semi-detached house on average costs £392,138, a terraced house £320,394 and a flat £209,861. Renting a two bedroom flat will cost you £922 per month.

For more information on Great Tew, visit our location page here.

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

If you are after more buzz, the beautiful Regency Spa town of Cheltenham is a popular choice. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family happy with its many cultural festivals, from horse racing to science, literature, poetry. There are a wide range of upmarket retail experiences to rival most cities and it's a foodie’s dream, with the likes of The Ivy, No.131 and Brasserie Blanc to choose from.

It will also tick a lot of boxes if you are looking for a good place to raise a family, with renowned schools and colleges such as Cheltenham Ladies College and the nationally recognised Balcarras School, alongside outstanding primary schools on your doorstep. Surrounded by stunning architecture and with great connections to Bristol, Birmingham and even London, which can be reached by train within two hours, it is not hard to see why the town continues to attract new residents and visitors alike.

All of these positives are reflected in the local property market. On average, a detached house costs £606,434, which is up 10.4% on last year. A semi-detached house on average costs £377,364, a terraced house £303,068 and a flat £216,275. Renting a two bedroom flat will cost you £813 per month.

For more information on Cheltenham, visit our location page here.

Winchcombe, Gloucestershire

Only 15 minutes drive from Cheltenham is the picturesque market town of Winchcombe. A hidden gem compared to other areas of the Cotswolds, so if you are looking for a more lowkey and tranquil place to live while still having everything you need on your doorstep, this could be the perfect spot. You’ll find a variety of antique and homeware stores, charming tearooms and cafes, as well as some great pubs and restaurants, from the high end 5 North Street serving anglo-french fare by a Michelin-acclaimed chef to The Lion Inn with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced produce. The Old Bakery Cafe is locally favoured for its homemade cakes, a great stop after rambling around the many local walks. There is even an annual Walking Festival! For an even bigger shopping experience head to nearby Cheltenham.

While the town remains under the radar it is still pricey like most of the Cotswolds. Its enviable position and close proximity to Cheltenham and ongoing connections makes Winchcombe very desirable. In the last year the average sales price was £397,031. Detached properties sold for an average of £560,278, semi-detached properties £311,224, terraced properties £302,364 and flats £144,063.

For more information on Winchcombe, visit our location page here.

Tetbury, Gloucestershire

Positioned in the south of the Cotswolds, Tetbury is famously known for its Royal connections - HRH Prince Charles and Camila reside in the nearby Highgrove House and HRH’s The Highgrove Shop and Deli sits pride of place in the town. It is surrounded by an eclectic range of independents and artisans. You’ll not be short of great places to eat, with popular spots Blue Zucchini and Cafe 53 ready to satisfy your breakfast and lunch cravings to the stylish KNEAD bakery and Hobbs House Bakery serving up a variety of delicious sweet treats. For those seeking a grander dining experience head to The Close Restaurant on Tetbury High Street or nearby Calcot Hotel & Spa. Tetbury’s history as a wool town is reflected in its races, Woolsack day and street fairs with the Tetbury Music Festival, the town’s annual classical music festival, drawing crowds during the year.

It is also well-connected with only a 40-50 minute drive to Bristol and Bath, while Oxford is just over an hour away and London two hours. 15 minutes drive away is Kemble station with hourly trains to London Paddington that take 75 minutes.

The property market in Tetbury has had a steep increase over the last few years with detached houses on average costing a pricey £711,490, which is up 17.4% on last year. A semi-detached house on average costs £425,808, a terraced house £363,108 and a flat £207,233. Renting a two bedroom flat will cost you £812 per month.

For more information on Tetbury, visit our location page here.