If you’re already plotting next year’s escapes (because who isn’t?), here’s some travel news worth getting excited about.
According to Expedia, one of the top 10 trending destinations in the world for 2026 isn’t a far-flung island or sun-soaked coast – it’s right here in England. And for Londoners, it’s practically on our doorsteps.
Why the Cotswolds is Expedia’s Top 10 Destinations of the Year
That’s right: the Cotswolds has clinched a spot among the world’s hottest travel destinations for next year. Sure, it’s no secret that this region has always been postcard-perfect, but Expedia’s data backs up just how much global attention it’s commanding – international searches for the Cotswolds jumped by 39 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Set across five counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire, the Cotswolds is the quintessential English countryside escape.
Think stone villages with honey-hued cottages, peaceful brooks winding under ancient bridges, and stately manors tucked behind rose-draped gates. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping London’s relentless pace for somewhere that feels straight out of a storybook, this is where to go.
Its growing buzz isn’t just about aesthetics, either. The region has a timeless charm that’s winning over visitors worldwide from charming spots like Castle Combe, the film-set village featured in War Horse, to Bourton-on-the-Water, often dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ for its low stone bridges over the River Windrush.
And then there’s Bibury, the much-photographed village recently dubbed ‘the most beautiful in the world’ by Forbes.
How to get to Cotswolds from London
One of the Cotswolds’ biggest perks? It’s a genuine escape that doesn’t require a passport or a long-haul flight. Hop on a train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, and you’ll be in the heart of the region in under 90 minutes. Alternatively, a drive along the M40 or M4 will get you there in roughly two hours – ideal for a spontaneous weekend break.
What to do in Cotswolds once you’re there
Wander through Sudeley Castle and Gardens, a historic gem once home to Queen Katherine Parr.
Pop into cosy tearooms and boutique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold or Chipping Campden.
Lace up your walking boots for segments of the Cotswold Way, a 100-mile trail that winds through rolling hills and chocolate-box villages.
If you’re looking for something romantic, stroll by the river in Bourton-on-the-Water at golden hour.