The area was well represented in a round-up of the 15 prettiest UK villages to visit right now by the magazine in a new springtime guide.

Castle Combe, Bibury, Broadway, Great Tew and Lower Slaughter all feature in Country Living’s May 2026 issue.

This celebrates the villages coming into their own this spring, with blossom-lined lanes, honey-coloured stone and wildflowers in abundance.

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Tracy Archer, owner director at StayCotswold, the Cotswolds’ largest independent holiday let agency with over 300 properties, welcomed the news.

“To see five of the Cotswolds’ villages featured in a list like this is a wonderful reminder of just how special the region is,” she said.

“Our guests are perfectly placed to explore all five, and we’re seeing strong bookings right through to the summer as people look to make the most of the longer days and nature in full bloom.”

Castle Combe

Frequently used as a filming location, Castle Combe’s honey-coloured cottages and medieval market cross feel almost untouched by time.

The Bybrook River runs clear beneath the bridge, with fresh greenery lining its banks and early wildflowers appearing on nearby woodland paths.

Bibury

Often described as one of England’s most beautiful villages, Bibury is home to Arlington Row, a terrace of 17th-century weavers’ cottages now in the care of the National Trust.

In spring, wildflowers scatter across the meadows, and the River Coln runs quickly and clear, offering an ideal backdrop for a gentle riverside walk.

Broadway

With its wide high street and elegant Cotswold stone buildings, Broadway lends itself to a slow wander at any time of year.

As spring takes hold, colour comes through along the verges and field edges, and the walk towards Broadway Tower is particularly rewarding.

Great Tew

With its thatched cottages and mellow stone houses, Great Tew feels quietly tucked away from the world.

In spring, blossom hangs over low stone walls, gardens are full of early planting, and the verges are thick with fresh greenery.

Lower Slaughter

Set along the River Eye, Lower Slaughter is known for its old mill and low stone bridges.

The footpath towards Upper Slaughter is at its most picturesque this time of year, with cow parsley, green fields and early wildflowers lining the route.

StayCotswold offers a wide range of holiday lets across the region, from cosy cottages in the heart of the villages featured to larger properties for family and group stays.

With properties available to book year-round, the agency provides guests with expert local knowledge and a hand-picked selection of accommodation to suit every occasion.

Reg Martin, from Bicester, spent 13 years working behind the scenes on the Paul Daniels Magic Show.

The magical performer, who is also known as a creator of magical effects, is set to receive the Magic Circle Gold Star award in July – the highest level of membership.

With more than 1,700 members worldwide, including Dynamo, the Magic Circle is one of the most respected organisations in the magic world.

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Mr Martin joined the circle more than 40 years ago when entry to the society required sponsorship from existing members and a formal performance exam.

After surviving a stroke a decade ago, he has been unable to perform and has since stepped away from magic. Instead, he continues creating, designing and contributing to the craft.

Signs have appeared outside a shop unit in Bath Street to inform customers that Brown’s butcher’s shop will be opening soon.

It is understood the shop will open in the next few weeks and it will be the first traditional butcher’s shop since Hedges closed its branch in 2022.

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Abbey Fresh Food, a short-lived grocery store in High Street, included a meat counter when the shop was open in 2024.

The Bath Street shop unit next to Tiffins indian restaurant, where Brown’s will be based, was previously home to a catering and sandwich business.

Recent social media updates from the business say it will continue to operate from the address, from a dedicated kitchen space within part of the building.

One of the business owners told the public: “Hello everyone – I’m blown away with all the positivity you have all shown.

“Myself and my husband are super excited to welcome you all into the shop.

“Everything in the shop is going to be coming in in carcass form and butchered traditionally.

“Nothing is bought in boxed or vacuum packed. The meat in our shop will not be halal – this is our preference.

“All of the meat will be produced in Oxfordshire by local farms and will be traditional breeds, not hybrids bred for a quick turnaround.

“We will be making our own handmade sausages and dry cured bacon. Also a hog roast for hire for any special occasions. Keep an eye out for the grand opening.”

One shopper replied: “This is just what we need, I’m vegetarian but I buy good quality, ethically dispatched meat for my family, look forward to doing business with you.”

The opening of the butcher’s shop is a boost for Bath Street.

In February, The Blue Boar pub reopened following refurbishment.

The Punch Taverns-owned pub now operates under the Unity Social brand and has new TV screens showing sports including football.