The Slaughters (Lower and Upper) might well win the top spot if forced to choose the nicest Cotswolds villages. Both villages feature traditional Cotswold limestone homes, and the little River Eye stream, a tributary of the River Windrush, connects them. The Eye flows and tinkles beneath a number of stone bridges.

While the name might conjure images of a bloody historic battle, Slaughter actually derives from the Old English word for a miry, muddy place - a “slough” or “slothre” - which describes the land on which the villages lie. Lower Slaughter’s Old Mill is a must-visit beacon of loveliness, with a long history to boot - the 1086 Doomsday Book records a mill on this very site. Today it houses a museum, craft shop, and tearooms, plus a parlor famed far and wide for its home-made ice cream.

Follow the route that follows the Eye upstream to get to Upper Slaughter. As you get closer to the settlement, keep an eye out for the Elizabethan manor on your right. The Lords of the Manor Hotel, a 17th-century former rectory set on 8 acres of gardens and parks with a river running through its lovely grounds, is well worth staying in if you want to live large and aristocratically. You'll discover strolling lanes shaded by trees and charming stone cottages decked with flowers as you explore. You'll get the impression that you've left this world and are now in the land of Mr. and Mrs. Prince Charming, living happily ever after, if you stroll leisurely around the town.

Location: on the shallow River Eye, a few miles north of Bourton-on-the-Water

Beautiful Blockley, which was constructed on a series of terraces above the Knee Brook valley, provides a glimpse into the medieval topography of England. The vast meadows on the hill opposite the settlement, scattered with grazing sheep, still resemble the way they were in the past when sheep were brought there to be sheared before their wool was woven in mills at the foot of the valley. A picturesque journey through the village's labyrinth of paths will allow you to observe the legacy left by the woolen mills' eventual conversion to the production of silk.

The pretty village green at Blockley overlooks a hill that sweeps down to the Norman church. It’s an under-the-radar corner of the Cotswolds, which means you can stroll the peaceful streets without contending with daytrippers. A short drive away in busier Moreton-on-Marsh, the Cotswold Cheese Co draws dairy lovers with more than 80 artisan cheeses.

A prominent landmark is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which served as a location for filming Father Brown on television. It has a little cafe in the front. Spend 30 to 60 minutes strolling the charming streets, looking for wisteria in the spring, and paddling in the bubbling brook at the foot of the hill. When Blockley was the center of the industry, this is where the silk mills would have cleaned their product.

Location: midway between Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden

The ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds. The River Windrush flows through the village with five low-arched bridges, creating a peaceful and beautiful natural environment. While it’s one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds to visit, it’s also home to attractions that will keep the whole family happy, among them the Old New Inn's fun Model Village that depicts Bourton as it was in 1937. You can also book a stay at the inn - the rooms ooze warm and welcoming country elegance.

Children can be seen splashing in the river and families feeding ducks on the riverbanks while enjoying fish and chips while wandering along the charming walkways.

The Cotswolds village is surrounded by quaint stone structures that house the Cotswold Motoring Museum, Birdland Parks and Gardens, and the model village, which lets you explore a scaled-down version of Bourton-on-the-Water. You can visit one of the many pubs and eateries in this Cotswolds must-see village in the evening and participate in the Bourton Ghost walking tour.

Location: the Cotswolds, within the heart of England

Situated in North Oxfordshire, Burford is known as the gateway to the Cotswolds and attracts plenty of tourists and locals to this Cotswold town. It is one of the most beautiful villages in England, filled with traditional pubs, quaint tea rooms, and quirky independent shops.

With charming 17th- and 18th-century homes descending to a packhorse bridge over the River Windrush, Burford has an exceptionally lovely high street. The Tolsey Museum is housed in the 16th-century Tolsey building, which is halfway down the hill. As you descend, keep an eye out for Reavley's, the oldest pharmacy in England, which has been a pharmacist since 1734 and continues to offer time-tested conventional treatments.

Burford Cotswolds is filled with great places to eat, notably the Bakery on the Hill, and Lynwood & Co. Café. If you plan to stay a few days in the Cotswolds book a night or two at The Bull at Burford – a family-run hotel with 600 years of history, a must-do experience for your Cotswolds bucket list.

Location: the River Windrush, in the Cotswold hills, in the West Oxfordshire

The chocolate box village of Castle Combe is situated in the idyllic countryside of Wiltshire. It is often called the ‘prettiest village in England’, and has even been featured in several films, including Dr. Dolittle and the War Horse.

Castle Combe’s popularity stems from the village being untouched by time. Since the 1600s, there have been no new houses built in Castle Combe, so the ancient and well-preserved honey stone cottages remain the standout architectural feature of this quaint village in the Cotswolds.

The Old Rectory Tearoom, one of the greatest locations in the Cotswolds to enjoy traditional afternoon tea, and St Andrew's Church, notable for containing one of the oldest working clocks in the nation, are both located in the village itself.

In this tranquil village, you won't find chain stores or tourist shops. Instead, as you stroll through its narrow alleys, you'll experience local life. Speaking of streets, you'll want to spend the entire day exploring them. Each structure lining the lanes is old, at least dating to the 14th century.

Location: within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, England

Dubbed the "Capital of the Cotswolds," this ancient town is beautiful and bustling, not to mention one of the best villages in the Cotswolds. The largest village in the region, Cirencester is a popular tourist destination. You'll find plenty of great lodging options, as well as a high street filled with shops ranging from chain stores to eclectic boutiques.

The Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, one of the three Anglican churches in town, is the most remarkable example of a medieval masterpiece. From the middle of March until October, there are two daily guided excursions that visitors can take. The tower can occasionally be climbed as well.

Cirencester Park is one of the city's additional attractions. Locally known as "The Mansion," it is situated in a 3000-acre park with pastures and woodlands and is separated from the town by the highest yew hedge in the world, no less.

Not least for those who enjoy handmade crafts, Cirencester is a terrific place to browse. One of the best contemporary craft hubs in southern England is New Brewery Arts, which features a coffee shop, gallery, and studio stores to browse.

Location: lies on the River Churn, a tributary of the River Thames

In every season, you may enjoy the beauty of the small Cotswolds village of Stanton. This undeveloped, ancient hamlet is one of the most stunning settlements in the Cotswolds, whether it is draped in a layer of snow, bursting with vivid flower blossoms, or emphasized by the vibrant autumnal tones.

This tranquil village is devoid of technology and high street businesses, as well as of crowds and enormous structures, like the best Cotswold towns. Instead, you'll discover a serene, superbly photogenic mixture of honey-colored limestone homes and a 12th-century medieval church (St. Michael and All Angels).

A mere three miles from Broadway, this charming village is located close to multiple walking trails, making it easy for visitors to spend a few hours exploring the pastoral landscape. Don't miss a trip to the Shenberrow Hilfort, a historic Iron Age camp that overlooks the village.

Location: Tewkesbury Borough, Gloucestershire, England

Typically ivy-clad buildings hem the town square of Stow-on-the-Wold. This is where you’ll find what claims to be England’s oldest inn, The Porch House, founded in 947 AD, with its cozy open fires and low ceilings. St Edward’s Church could be the prettiest church in the area; with a traditional squat door flanked by ancient trees, it looks like something from a Tolkien story.

The village served as a major hub for the wool trade during the middle times, so the town's winding lanes were initially built to aid shepherds in leading their flock of sheep to markets. The Cotswolds town is now brimming with wonderful architecture, including lovely 16th-century churches, unusually crooked buildings, stunning cottages that can be hired, and lovely camping locations that can be appreciated.

In addition, there are many wonderful shops in the Cotswold hamlet to discover, including a local butcher, art galleries, craft stores, and antique stores, as well as a number of locations serving afternoon tea and scones.

Location: Gloucestershire, England

Home to Arlington Row, the small but picturesque village of Bibury is so famous it features on the inside cover of the British passport. Owned by the National Trust, the postcard view of Arlington Row is unsurprisingly one of the most photographed locations in the whole of England.

Once you’ve photographed Arlington Row from every angle, head to Bibury Trout Farm. As one of the oldest trout farms in the country, and with 15 acres of countryside, it is the perfect place for budding fishermen.

The most well-known street in Bibury is Arlington Row, which is lined with quaint 14th-century weavers' cottages. You won't want to miss it and have probably seen it on a gazillion postcards. This stunning location, surrounded by a sloping slope, is one of the most photographed places in the nation and one of the best villages in the Cotswolds.

The greatest time of year to visit the riverside town of Bibury is in the spring when the traditional cottages are draped in beautiful flowers and the weather is mild enough to enjoy the rich ice creams on offer from the neighborhood ice cream truck.

Location: the Gloucestershire Cotswolds on the River Coln 9 miles from the market town of Burford

One of the larger Cotswolds settlements, Chipping Campden is simple to visit if you're organizing a road trip throughout the UK thanks to its excellent road access. In contrast to the other most picturesque Cotswold villages, Chipping Campden is busier and more buzzing. Tourists are invited to participate in charity events that are frequently held by locals in the village center.

In Chipping Campden, there are many dining options, including the well-known Badgers Hall Tea Room and the Eight Bells Inn, which has been providing food, lodging, and other services to travelers since the 14th century. Visit the Bantam Tea Rooms or Badger's Hall Tea Rooms to satisfy your desire to partake in a traditional English tea service. Both offer a delectable feast that will satisfy your senses.

An important market town during its wool trade heyday, Chipping Campden boasts a beautiful stone marketplace in the center of town. Alongside the streets lining this marketplace are quaint shops, excellent restaurants, and the most adorable cottages, easily making this one of the best villages in the Cotswolds.

Location: the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire, England

Traditional honey-colored houses line the streets of beautiful Broadway. Its shining glory is the chestnut tree-lined high street, which is peppered with quaint shops, adorable cafés, charming restaurants, and intriguing art galleries. If you're on a hunt for antiques, you'll find them aplenty on Broadway.

The impressive Broadway Tower lies just outside the center of town in the 50-acre Broadway Tower Park. You'll find three floors of the museum inside this well-positioned structure, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see 16 counties form the rooftop platform in this beautiful village in the Cotswolds.

The tower has served a variety of functions, including housing Sir Thomas Phillips' printing machine, serving as an artists' retreat, and serving as a farmhouse. Additionally, there are Cold War-era nuclear bunkers on the property.

A 312-meter-tall Saxon tower with a panoramic view of the English countryside, Broadway Tower is one of the most well-known sights in the Cotswold region. The Swan Pub, one of the best restaurants on Broadway, offers top-notch cuisine, including an explosive chocolate dessert.

Location: beneath Fish Hill on the western Cotswold escarpment, in the county of Worcestershire

Lacock is one of the most endearing and stunning Cotswold villages. Lacock, which was given its Saxon name, means "small brook." This outstanding Cotswolds village's appeal is substantially increased by the flowing Bide Brook, which rushes dramatically through the heart of the community.

Lacock, which is managed by the National Trust, is immaculately maintained, with flawlessly manicured greens. As a result, it's a well-liked setting for movies and television shows. Its historical structures and charming streets are well-known from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Pride, and Prejudice, and Downton Abbey.

The 13th-century Lacock Abbey is one of the village's most popular attractions. Founded by Ela, Countess of Salisbury, this later became the quirky home of Henry Fox Talbot (he invented the photographic negative). Today, it also houses the Fox Talbot Museum.

Elsewhere in the Lacock village, you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at a traditional British pub or browse the honesty boxes containing products made or grown by locals. Lacock is so stereotypically quaint and British, you can’t help but love this village in the Cotswolds.

Location: near the town of Chippenham (3 miles) in North Wiltshire

Beautiful Kingham sits between Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Norton in the pretty Evenlode Valley. A mere hour-and-a-half train ride from London's Paddington Station, this lovely Cotswold village is a popular weekend destination for big-city folk looking for peace.

For a tiny hamlet, Kingham dishes up a bevy of fantastic food options. The Kingham Plough is a wonderful spot to grab a British meal with a Mediterranean twist. The menu changes daily, so you never know what you'll get, but it's guaranteed to be delicious.

Kingham is a lovely area, although it's probably preferable to live there than to travel there. While there aren't many must-do activities, gourmet foodies should still go. The White Rabbit bills itself as a contemporary British inn and boasts Michelin-starred seasonal fare created by acclaimed head chef Nathan Eades.

Kingham not only has delicious meals but also the stunning Cotswolds cottages you've come to admire. The Big Feastival, a music and food festival with performances, cooking classes, and other family-friendly activities, is available if you go in late August.

Location: West Oxfordshire District of the Cotswolds

Best known as ‘the Queen of The Cotswolds’, Painswick is a romantic village away from the tourist hotspots in the area. Painswick's most awe-inspiring attraction is the 14th-century St. Mary's Church. Outside lies a churchyard so fabulous, it belongs in a storybook. Tombs dating to the 17th century and 99 perfectly groomed yew trees (legend says the devil won't let the 100th grow) cover the grounds, providing a photo-worthy backdrop.

Once a wool town, Painswick is located just over seven miles south of Gloucester. This charming town's captivating scenery will put your camera into a frenzy. Quintessential Costwold stone homes line the churchyard's borders and the steep, winding streets of the town.

The charmingly small town of Painswick makes it easy to get lost in the laneways, but you'll soon find your way. Additionally, getting lost provides you with a reason to discover places you might otherwise pass by.

Visitors who look closely can see traces of the village's past all over the place, such as the donkey doors on Bisley Street. Rococo Gardens, an 18th-century attraction with gorgeous gardens, family paths, and art exhibits, is another must-see. This is a fantastic location to take in expansive views of the countryside just outside of town.

Location: just over seven miles south of Gloucester