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17 photos that prove the Cotswolds is one of the prettiest places in the world

From its honey-coloured cottages to the vibrant wildflower fields

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cotswolds   photos that prove it's the prettiest place in the world
Alexey_Fedoren//Getty Images

Loved by its locals, staycationing Brits and international visitors, the Cotswolds has undeniable appeal for anyone who appreciates the beauty of quintessential England.

From its honey-hued cottages lining the streets of quaint villages to the rolling countryside that comes alive with wildflowers, including cornflowers and poppies, the Cotswolds offers everything we love about Britain.

The picturesque scenes feature ancient pubs, excellently preserved medieval churches and luxury hotels that have hosted royals.

As the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds straddles six counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

It's also home to Castle Combe, often named the most beautiful village in England. There are many other attractive towns and villages too – from Bibury to Painswick – and so much more.

The fantastic Cotswold Way walking trail, antique shops in Cirencester, Batsford Arboretum in spring and the rare plants on display at Hidcote Manor Garden are other highlights to add to your list for when it's safe to travel again.

In celebration of one of the most beautiful places on the planet, we've rounded up the dreamiest photos of the Cotswolds for you to enjoy. You can also check out our exclusive trip to the Cotswolds next April, where we'll be joined by TV farmer Adam Henson.

1

The stone cottages of the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold

cotswolds   stow on the wold
GordonBellPhotography//Getty Images
2

The flower fields around the village of Broadway

cotswolds lavender fields
David Dean Photography//Getty Images
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3

A stone bridge and cottage in the village of Lower Slaughter

cotswolds stone bridge and cottage, lower slaughter
Travelpix Ltd//Getty Images
4

Sheep near the market town of Chipping Campden at sunrise

cotswolds   chipping campden church with sheep in foreground
David Knibbs//Getty Images
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5

The stone cottages of Arlington Row in the parish of Bibury

cotswolds   arlington row
Roger Hollingsworth photography//Getty Images
6

The 99 yew trees in the churchyard of St Mary's Church in the village of Painswick

painswick village, cotswold, england
Andrea Pistolesi//Getty Images
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7

A cottage garden in the village of Bibury

cotswolds   cottage garden at bibury
AndyRoland//Getty Images
8

The bluebells of Standish Wood in spring

a bluebell wood, the cotswolds, england, uk
Peter Llewellyn//Getty Images
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9

The village of Hidcote Bartrim near Hidcote Manor Garden

pretty cotswold village
AndyRoland//Getty Images
10

Suffolk sheep in Chipping Campden

suffolk sheep
Sergio Amiti//Getty Images
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11

Castle Combe, dubbed the prettiest village in England

early morning at castle combe village
Peter Adams//Getty Images
12

The oilseed rape fields of the hamlet of Bampton

scenic view of oilseed rape field
Lisa Thorn / EyeEm//Getty Images
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13

The River Windrush in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water

cafe and village hall in morning sun reflected in river windrush with sleeping ducks and bridge in bourton on the water village in the cotswolds england
Reimar Gaertner/Universal Images Group//Getty Images
14

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Painswick

church in painswick
Arantxa Perez / 500px//Getty Images
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15

The cottages in the village of Burford

cotswolds   burford
GordonBellPhotography//Getty Images
16

A steam train passing through the countryside near the town of Winchcombe

steam engine and carriages, uk
Tim Graham//Getty Images
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17

The village of Stanton

cotswold cottages
AndyRoland//Getty Images

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