1. Stow on the Wold

A delightful market town located in the heart of the Cotswolds on the Roman Fosse Way. It has a buzzing market square with a fantastic range of shops, cafes and eateries, and is particularly well known for its antique shops.

Our favourites include Coach House Coffee whose coffee is supplied by local roasters Ritual Coffee and The Borzoi Bookshop who are an independent bookshop who have been trading in Stow for over 40 years.

Stow has great road and rail links, with nearby Kingham Station offering a direct line into both Oxford and London Paddington. Easy access to the A40 connects the M40 into London in under 2 hours.

Top rated schools The Cotswold Academy and Kingham Hill are both located within striking distance of the town centre. Honey-coloured Cotswold houses and expanses of green open countryside that surround Stow-on-the-Wold make it a very appealing spot to call home.

2. Cirencester

Known as the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’ Cirencester is a vibrant market town which has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. It has a great range of shops, cafes and restaurants all set in the historic high street against the backdrop of The Bathurst Estate.

There are a huge number of clubs and groups to get involved in from badminton and books to gardening, art and running. Whatever you are into, you will be able to find something to enjoy in this friendly, community-focussed town.

We highly recommend trying out the award-winning restaurant Teatro Bar & Restaurant after a lovely long walk in the Bathurst Estate.

Cirencester is well placed for Rendcomb College, Hatherop Castle School, Cheltenham College, and the renowned Cheltenham Ladies College, and benefits from a direct service into London Paddington from nearby Kemble station in 1hr 15m.

3. Chipping Norton

Another lively market town, affectionately known as ‘Chippy’ by the locals, has risen in popularity over the last few years due to its North Cotswolds location, proximity to famed Soho Farmhouse, and the ease of commute into London when needed.

It’s a great base for walking and enjoying the Cotswold countryside with a great range of local amenities and lovely country pubs. There is a weekly farmers market on a Wednesday and the third Saturday of every month showcasing local produce from the area.

The recent opening of the Living Room, a community-focussed, boutique cinema has proved popular among the locals, and the town centre delivers a range of independent shops such as the gorgeous Beehive Home & Lifestyle emporium, Tickittyboo Children’s Boutique and Pink Salt Shed with its fabulous deli Little Delish

The property market in Chipping Norton and the surrounding villages is still very dynamic and competitive, making it one of the most sought-after locations in Oxfordshire. The very best properties sell at a rapid pace, and many sell off market.

Top rated Kingham Hill school is accessible from Chipping Norton, as well as Windrush Valley and Sibford School.

4. Burford

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and recently ranked the coolest place to live in Oxfordshire, and we couldn’t agree more! Gone are the days of twee tea rooms and chintzy B&B’s, Burford is now the place to be in the Cotswolds!

Probably most famous for its steep high street rising up from the river Windrush, and the dreamy chocolate-box houses that you can see on either side, there is a fantastic range of shops in Burford from antiques, to cheese and wine, deli’s, coffee shops, home and interiors and clothing and gifts. Dining options are first class with the opening of The Bull along with many lovely country pubs in the surrounding areas.

Located just off the A40 Burford is easily accessible by road from London, Oxford and Cheltenham. Many choose to live here due to its proximity to Cheltenham and both the Ladies College and Cheltenham College. Alternatively, Cokethorpe Park is equally renowned and hugely popular.

If you’re looking for a new home in or around Burford, the team at The Cotswold Letting Agency  have got you covered. They specialise in short and long lets and have an incredible selection of luxury properties. Or if you have just purchased a property Ellington Interiors offer a bespoke Interior Consulting Service to help you create your dream home.

5. Moreton in Marsh

A pretty, historic town, situated on the Fosse Way in the north Cotswolds. Moreton-in-Marsh sits in the beautiful Evenlode Valley, part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Surrounded by rolling hills and characterised by the sought-after honey coloured houses, it has a lovely wide high street full of fantastic independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

It is popular with both permanent residents and second-home owners, and is well connected to Oxford and London via the direct line from Moreton in Marsh station in 35 minutes and 90 minutes respectively.

The weekly market held every Tuesday is hugely popular and showcases the best of local produce and is the largest weekly market in the Cotswolds. Nearby Batsford Arboretum, Chastleton House and Seizincote House all offer tranquil and peaceful spots to enjoy the outdoors and the slower pace of life.

Kitebrook Prep School is a popular choice for families moving into the area, and The Cotswold School  Kingham Hill are also accessible from Moreton in Marsh.

Nearby Todenham Manor Farm Shop is an award winning 900 acre family farm and shop in the village of Todenham just 5 minutes from Moreton in Marsh. No visit is complete without a pit-stop in the fabulous Moo’s Café on site.