A guide to holiday homes in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is an area of natural beauty that is a magnet for holidaymakers and tourists from across the UK and further afield.

It encompasses 800 square miles, takes in five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire) and boasts some of the country’s most stunning countryside.

The Cotswolds is also home to many things to see and do, from majestic country houses and historical sites to quaint villages and bustling market towns, not to mention the ‘Wolds’, the world-famous hills from which the region takes its name.

Because of its rich diversity and the sheer number of locations on offer, if you’re thinking of investing in a holiday property, then the Cotswolds could be an ideal choice.

In this guide, we’ll cover some of the places to consider for a holiday home, along with some tips to help you get the right mortgage to fund your purchase.

Why buy a holiday home in the Cotswolds?

The Cotswolds is a vast expanse of countryside, with more than 3,000 miles of rolling hill walks, bridleways and footpaths to explore, along with woodland and wildflower meadow. More than 4,000 miles of iconic Cotswold dry stone walls divide its diverse landscape.

It’s an area famed for its food and drink, with locally produced cheese, meat, cider and other delicacies appearing on restaurant and gastropub menus and in foodie hotspots across the UK.

Because it’s such a large area, knowing where to look for your ideal holiday property can be a challenge.

While the Cotswolds has a wide range of holiday properties on the market to suit all budgets and tastes, it’s important to remember that the cost of properties can vary due to many factors, such as size and location. While the local property market remains buoyant because of its rural location and promise of countryside living, the area is extremely popular with second homeowners, commuters and property investors. As such, prices may be higher than other holiday destinations in the UK.

However, don’t be deterred, as investing in a Cotswolds holiday home can achieve greater capital growth over the years.

Best locations for a holiday home in the Cotswolds

Investing in a holiday home in the Cotswolds has become an attractive proposition for many reasons. With so many things to see and do, if you’re looking for a country bolthole to escape the rat race and enjoy year-round breaks, then buying a Cotswolds holiday home could be perfect for you.

And if you’re looking for an investment property you can let out to holidaymakers when you’re not using it to generate a second income, then a holiday let in the Cotswolds could make perfect sense.

Whatever your reasons for buying a holiday home, here are some of the best locations in the Cotswolds to consider:

Cirencester

The market town of Cirencester is the capital of the Cotswolds. It offers excellent shopping, eating and leisure activities, and its market square, in the shadow of a towering church spire, is iconic.

Bath

No list of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds would be complete without mentioning Bath, one of the area’s biggest draws. The historic spa town is located at the southern tip of the region and boasts stunning architecture, quirky shops and the world-famous Thermae Baths.

Painswick

Also known as the Queen of the Cotswolds, Painswick’s central location makes it the perfect base for anyone wanting to explore the best countryside and walking routes the region has to offer.

Cheltenham

Cheltenham has a real European vibe, with a café culture that makes it the perfect destination for a peaceful weekend away. It’s also home to a world-renowned racecourse, while the Cheltenham Festival is a must for all music, arts and literature lovers.

Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton serves as a gateway to the Cotswolds and is the perfect base for hiking and outdoor pursuits. It also boasts some great traditional country pubs and restaurants.

Gloucester

If you’re looking for a more action-packed destination with plenty of hustle and bustle, then the cathedral city of Gloucester could be just for you. It boasts a vibrant nightlife, shopping and food & drink, but a more relaxed and leisurely pace of life than other – more urban – cities.

Avebury

Avebury is a real hidden gem in this part of the country. It’s home to the Avebury Ring, the biggest Neolithic circle in Europe, constructed sometime between 2850 and 2200 BC.

Tewkesbury

The medieval town of Tewkesbury boasts a beautiful abbey and nature reserve, along with stunning black and white Tudor architecture lining its quaint and traditional high street.

Stroud

Last but by no means least on our list is our home town of Stroud. It makes an excellent base for anyone looking to explore all the Cotswolds has to offer. Stroud has a fantastic museum, a vibrant shopping area, and many unique and quirky places to eat, drink and socialise.

How do I get a mortgage for a Cotswolds holiday home?

If you’re looking to buy a holiday home in the Cotswolds, you’ll probably need a mortgage unless you’re a cash buyer.

If you’re looking to purchase a property for personal use only, then a holiday home mortgage is the way to go. However, if you plan to let your property out to tourists on a short-term basis, you’ll need a holiday let mortgage. These mortgages are designed specifically for people wanting to invest in a property they plan to let out.

Understanding your options for the type of holiday home mortgage you need is essential.

Our expert team has over 40 years of experience in the holiday home market and is dedicated to taking the stress away from getting the right mortgage.

We’ll provide honest, straightforward advice and guidance on the right way forward and help you arrange the deal that’s right for you to make your investment a Cotswolds holiday property as pain-free as possible. For more information, get in touch today.