Living in the Cotswolds sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Rolling hills, charming stone cottages, quaint little villages where the postman knows your name and greets you by it. Well, if you’re imagining a life of eternal peace and Instagram-perfect moments, I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s not all frolicking in wildflower meadows with tea parties on the village green. While the Cotswolds are indeed a stunning part of the UK, living here isn’t quite as romantic as those glossy brochures or Instagram reels make it out to be.
So, what’s it really like living in the Cotswolds? Let me break it down for you—honestly, and with a bit of blunt truth you don’t often hear about.
The Scenery Is as Good as They Say… Until It Rains
Let’s start with the good stuff. The landscape here is undeniably beautiful. Whether it’s the rolling green hills stretching out like something from a Tolkien novel, or the honey-coloured limestone cottages that make up the backbone of so many villages, the Cotswolds genuinely does have that picture-perfect charm.
But the thing no one really tells you is how bloody wet it can get. On a bright, sunny day, yes, it’s like living in a postcard. On a dreary, rainy day, though, which happens more often than I care to admit, it’s a different story. The roads get muddy, and those charming little streams can quickly turn into rushing torrents. That walk you’ve planned? You’ll need wellies and waterproofs, or you’ll come back looking like you’ve waded through a swamp. Living here means adjusting to the reality that you’ll spend as much time dealing with damp socks and rain as you will basking in golden-hour glow.
It’s Remote—And That’s Both a Blessing and a Curse
I’ll admit, the peace and quiet is one of the reasons I love living here. You’re not constantly bombarded with the noise of traffic, sirens, or, heaven forbid, people. When I step outside, it’s often just me, a few birds, and the occasional sheep. There’s something magical about having space, real space, to breathe.
But—and this is a big but—remote living has its downsides. Want to pop to the shop for a loaf of bread? Prepare for a half-hour round trip, if you’re lucky. And that’s if the shop’s open. Living in the Cotswolds means that convenience isn’t a word we often use. The nearest Tesco might be miles away, and if you need something urgent, you might have to make do or wait until you can make the trip. Oh, and Amazon Prime? Forget about next-day delivery out here. It’s more like “sometime this week if the roads aren’t flooded.”
The truth is, if you’re used to living in a city where everything is just around the corner, the Cotswolds will feel like a lesson in patience. You’ll learn to stock up, plan ahead, and lower your expectations of spontaneity.
The Villages Are Adorable… But There’s No Hiding in Small Communities
If you’ve ever visited a Cotswolds village, you’ve probably fallen in love with the thatched roofs, winding lanes, and blooming flower boxes. And yes, I’ll admit, living in one of these villages feels a bit like stepping into a fairytale. The sense of history is palpable; some of these cottages have been standing for centuries.
But while those stone walls might be thick, they’re not thick enough to block out the gossip. In small communities like these, everyone knows everyone else’s business. You can’t exactly disappear into the crowd here. If you don’t show up to the village fete, someone will ask why. And heaven help you if you upset the wrong person at the pub—word travels fast. It’s a bit like being part of a big, nosy family. For some people, this can be comforting. For others, it’s suffocating.
There’s also the challenge of fitting in. While most locals are friendly, some can be wary of “outsiders,” especially if you’re a city-dweller who’s decided to “escape to the country.” There’s a certain amount of skepticism you might have to face, and it can take time to feel truly accepted. But once you’ve been here long enough, you’ll find your place.
The Wildlife Is Everywhere, and You’d Better Be Ready for It
One thing you’ll quickly discover living in the Cotswolds is that the wildlife is just as much a part of the landscape as the hills and trees. From deer darting across country lanes to badgers raiding your bins, you’ll have your fair share of run-ins with the local fauna. And while the sight of a pheasant strutting through your garden might seem quaint at first, it’s less charming when it’s 5 a.m., and a fox is howling outside your window, waking you up from a deep sleep.
You also learn to live with the less glamorous side of country life—mice in the house, spiders the size of your hand, and the odd bat that somehow gets into the attic. If you’re not an animal lover, you’ll either have to toughen up or invest in some serious pest control.
Oh, and let’s not forget the farm animals. Sheep are lovely to look at from afar, but they’re noisy and smell worse than you’d think. Cows too. That serene mooing is nice until you’re downwind of a herd.
Driving Is an Art Form
If you move to the Cotswolds and don’t know how to drive, you’re going to struggle. Public transport here is, to put it mildly, unreliable. The buses exist, sure, but they run when they feel like it, and routes are limited. Unless you want to be stranded, you’ll need a car. And driving here is an adventure in itself.
The roads, for starters, are narrow. I’m talking barely-wide-enough-for-one-car narrow. Add in a few blind corners and some wandering livestock, and you’ve got yourself a real challenge. If you’ve never had to reverse 100 meters down a lane to let someone pass, you’ll learn fast. And don’t get me started on winter driving. I’ve slid down my fair share of icy hills, praying to every higher power that I won’t end up in a ditch.
But once you’ve mastered the roads, you get a strange sense of accomplishment. It’s like you’ve passed some unspoken Cotswolds test.
The Tourist Invasion
There’s no denying that the Cotswolds are a tourist hotspot. On weekends and during the summer, the normally peaceful villages are flooded with visitors. Suddenly, those quiet lanes are packed with cars, and the quaint tea rooms are overflowing with people who’ve come to “get a taste of country life.”
As a local, this can be a bit of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, tourism brings money and supports local businesses. On the other, it’s a bit annoying when you can’t get a table at your favourite pub because a coach-load of tourists got there first. You learn to avoid the main attractions on weekends and head for the quieter, less well-known spots when you want some peace.
But despite the occasional frustration, I’ll admit that it’s nice to see people appreciating the beauty of the Cotswolds. It reminds you why you live here in the first place.
The Cost of Living Is High—Very High
One of the biggest shocks for anyone thinking about moving to the Cotswolds is the cost of living. For an area known for its simplicity and rustic charm, it’s surprisingly expensive to live here. Property prices are sky-high, especially in the more picturesque villages. If you’re dreaming of buying a quaint stone cottage, be prepared to spend a small fortune.
Even day-to-day expenses can add up. Groceries are more expensive than you’d expect, and eating out, even at the local pub, isn’t always as affordable as it should be. Part of this is because the Cotswolds are seen as a desirable place to live, and with that comes a bit of a premium.
The Community Spirit
Despite the challenges, one of the best parts about living in the Cotswolds is the sense of community. There’s something special about being part of a village where people genuinely care about each other. It’s not uncommon for neighbours to drop by with freshly baked cakes or vegetables from their garden. And when something goes wrong—whether it’s a power cut or a flood—the community rallies together to help out.
There’s a real sense of looking out for one another here, and that’s something you don’t often find in cities. People take the time to chat, to lend a hand, and to make sure no one is left out. If you’re someone who values that kind of connection, you’ll find it in abundance in the Cotswolds.
Life Slows Down—and That’s a Good Thing
Living in the Cotswolds forces you to slow down. Life here doesn’t move at the same frenetic pace as it does in the city. Things take time, whether it’s getting your morning coffee or driving to the nearest town. But that slower pace brings a certain level of peace. You learn to appreciate the small things—a walk in the woods, a chat with a neighbour, or just sitting in your garden with a cup of tea, watching the clouds drift by.
In a world that’s constantly rushing, living in the Cotswolds feels like a return to a simpler, more grounded way of life. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. And that’s what I love about it.
Conclusion
Living in the Cotswolds isn’t for everyone. It’s beautiful, yes, but it’s also remote, expensive, and occasionally frustrating. The weather can be brutal, the roads are a challenge, and tourists can make life difficult in peak season. But despite all of that, there’s something undeniably magical about this place.
The Cotswolds is a place where you can find peace, where community matters, and where the beauty of nature is always just outside your door. It’s a place where life slows down, where you learn to adapt, and where the simple pleasures become the most important ones. So, if you’re thinking about making the move, just know that while it won’t always be easy, it will definitely be worth it.
