For an area that’s essentially made up of rolling hills and farmland, quaint villages and historic towns – not unlike many other areas of the UK – the Cotswolds certainly gets a disproportionate amount of attention.
But perhaps that’s because a number of its honey-coloured unspoilt villages are ridiculously attractive, and its residents include an notably large number of celebs, which include past and present the Beckhams, Jeremy Clarkson, Lily Allen, Ellen DeGeneres, David and Samantha Cameron, Kate Moss, Hugh Grant and Patrick Stewart.
As well as its visual appeal, the Cotswolds is desirable due to its enviable transport connections to London and other cities, so residents can enjoy both a town and country lifestyle.
However, the area has become a victim of its own success, with property prices going through the roof, one of the UK’s highest proportions of second homes, and its charm slowly draining away due to a huge influx of tourists and a trend for garish modern makeovers on traditional homes.
More and more buyers are realising that numerous other areas of southern England have much to offer that’s similar to the Cotswolds, for considerably less money.
‘The latest data set from the Office for National Statistics puts house prices in the Cotswolds up year on year when comparing August 2024 with August 2025,’ says Jonathan Handford, managing director at Fine & Country. ‘The district continues to outperform many parts of the South West, with average values around £447,000 and detached homes still exceeding £700,000.
‘There are plenty of locations across the UK that capture a similar sense of countryside beauty and community at a more accessible price point. With the growing trend of digital nomads and remote professionals seeking lifestyle-led moves, several areas are emerging as appealing alternatives to the Cotswolds.’
A term, ‘the Notswolds’, has been coined, referring to a region that is gaining recognition as an alternative to the Cotswolds.
Counties in the Notswolds include Rutland, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire and are characterised by rolling countryside, historic market towns and attractive limestone villages. But there are other counties further afield with similar attributes to the Cotswolds, too.
‘The south of England offers exceptional diversity, strong connectivity and a vibrant sense of community, all set within protected countryside that adds to its enduring appeal,’ says Johanna Cole, sales director at the Hamptons Marlborough office. ‘The property stock is varied and rich in character, offering historic homes and period cottages that deliver a similar lifestyle to the Cotswolds, often at better value for money.’
Mr Handford says: ‘Buyers are no longer limited by geography, they’re choosing places that deliver both beauty and balance, proving that rural Britain still offers extraordinary variety for those seeking a modern countryside life.’
Here, we feature a number of the regions currently seen as hot contenders to be classified as genuine alternatives to the Cotswolds and give examples of properties currently for sale – at rather more wallet-friendly prices.
East Lindsey, Lincolnshire
House prices in Lincolnshire have long been significantly lower than the national average, and therefore it may not spring to mind for many as an alternative to one of the swankiest rural areas of the UK. However, East Lindsey – situated between the North Sea coast and the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – has been receiving increasing interest from house buyers searching for a Cotswolds lifestyle with a lower price tab.
Louth in East Lindsey is situated between the North Sea coast and Lincolnshire Wolds
One of seven Lincolnshire districts, East Lindsey has both traditional market towns and sizeable coastal seaside resorts. They include Louth, known as the ‘capital of the Wolds’, and the historic market town of Horncastle, known for its antique shops. Caistor and Market Rasen are also popular, as are the villages of Somersby, Tealby, Walesby, Wragby, Spilsby and Coningsby. The area also has Sites of Special Scientific Interest, including Rigsby Wood and other protected heathlands.
Property options include lovely traditional thatched cottages as well as contemporary barn conversions, often boasting generous amounts of land or enjoying great sea views if near the coast.
The city of Lincoln is easily within reach and Newark and Grantham, around 80 minutes away, have good transport links to London.
BUY IT: Two-bedroom cottage for £120,000
This two-bedroom cottage is full of character and is located midway between Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes in the rural village of North Somercotes. While the village is delightfully quiet and ideal for those who love nature and wildlife, there are not many amenities locally and the property could do with some sprucing up.
https://www.williamhbrown.co.uk/properties/19201322/sales/SKG109026
Wiltshire
While around 7 per cent of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies within Wiltshire’s northern border, agents are seeing buyers unable to afford The Cotswolds search further into the county.
‘Mid-Wiltshire is emerging as a strong alternative to the Cotswolds thanks to its blend of countryside charm, historic villages and better value for money, says Johanna Cole, sales director at Hamptons in Marlborough.
‘Average house prices remain significantly lower than in the Cotswolds, yet buyers still enjoy attractive period homes, scenic surroundings and good transport links via towns like Chippenham, Melksham and Westbury. The area offers a similar rural lifestyle, peaceful and characterful, and is well-connected without the tourist crowds or price premiums of Cotswold hotspots.’
With steady price growth, quick sales and strong commuter access to Bath, Bristol and London, mid-Wiltshire provides a more affordable, less overheated, and still aspirational option for those seeking the ‘Cotswolds feel’ at better value.
Buy it: Two-bedroom semi-detached cottage for £410,000
This lovely chocolate-box Grade II-listed two-bedroom thatched semi-detached cottage has a pretty courtyard garden and is located in the popular village of Ramsbury. While fully modernised, it retains period features such as exposed brick and beams and a large inglenook brick fireplace fitted with a wood-burning stove. Ramsbury has good facilities including schools, a heathcare practice and thriving public house. Marlborough and Hungerford are around six miles away.
https://www.hamptons.co.uk/properties/20873480/sales/A1NQ500000NXDCRIAB#/
The village of Ashorne is only 45 minutes away from the Cotswolds ‘proper’
Warwickshire
Warwickshire has been considered a cheaper alternative to the Cotswolds, although part of the county is actually in the Cotswolds already.
‘We have some wonderful alternatives to the Cotswolds here in Warwickshire, where there are quick and direct transport links into London and Birmingham, the M40 and Chiltern Rail into London Marylebone,’ says Nick Martiny Roberts of Winkworth’s Royal Leamington Spa office. ‘It’s a short drive into the heart of the Cotswolds. The Fosse Way will get you into Chipping Campden in 45 minutes, the village of Broadway is 50 minutes, and Stow-on-the-Wold in an hour, yet it is a fraction of the cost.
‘We find a large number of buyers looking to the connectivity and affordability of South Warwickshire, with good schools and a diverse cultural scene driving a sense of community and proving increasingly popular with London buyers.’
BUY IT: Four-bedroom former blacksmith’s cottage for £575,000
This beautiful Grade II-listed, 17th century, four-bedroom former blacksmith’s cottage is situated in Ashorne, a pretty village between Stratford-upon-Avon and the Regency town of Leamington Spa. At £575,000, it boasts a drawing room with sleeping galley and manicured tiered gardens.
https://www.winkworth.co.uk/properties/sales/ashorne-warwick-warwickshire-cv35/LEA250110
North Norfolk
While the North Norfolk Coast has long been recognised as a prime property location thanks to its beautiful landscapes, national nature reserves and attractive villages and harbour towns, it is increasingly being seen as an alternative to the Cotswolds as its towns become more upmarket and fashionable. Georgian market town Holt now has swanky boutique shops, fine dining and independent galleries, while Burnham Market, dubbed ‘Chelsea on Sea’ due to its popularity with London buyers, offers swish hotels, antique shops, luxury holiday lets and private clubs.
Like the Cotswolds, it has celebrity appeal, including a royal residence at Sandringham. Other Norfolk residents include Stephen Fry, Janet Street-Porter and actor Martin Shaw. North Norfolk’s appeal has also been boosted by improved transport infrastructure, including improved rail services to Norwich.
‘Norfolk continues to attract interest for its medieval villages, coastal scenery, and artisan culture, offering the same storybook charm as the Cotswolds but with the added benefit of sea air,’ says Jonathan Handford, managing director at Fine & Country.
BUY IT: Two-bedroom cottage for £325,000
This lovely two-bedroom brick-and-flint cottage in Syderstone village boasts a large garden.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/167660630#/?channel=RES_BUY
Rutland Water in the East Midlands is excellent for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and sailing
Rutland
Rutland in the East Midlands, England’s smallest county, is another county earmarked by those priced out of the Cotswolds.
With its gently rolling hills and attractive historic market towns and villages, untroubled by too many tourists or high prices, it is easy to see why it is popular.
‘Rutland delivers golden-stone architecture, bustling markets, and a strong sense of community,’ says Jonathan Handford at Fine & Country.
Yes, that stunning honey-coloured stone, such a selling point in the Cotswolds, is here too. But despite its attraction, it has never been particularly fashionable, hence the lower property prices.
Rutland Water is a big draw, with its excellent birdwatching as well as outdoor pursuits such as hiking, swimming, sailing and cycling. Uppingham and Oakham public schools are another draw, and there are some excellent state schools too. Good road and rail links to London add to the appeal.
Stone and thatched villages Hambleton, Manton and Edith Weston are particularly popular, as are the villages of Exton, Barrowden and Lyddington, with their great selection of attractive stone buildings.
BUY IT: Two-bedroom cottage, starting bid of £225,000
This attractive two-bedroom iron-stone cottage in good condition with a landscaped garden at Bisbrooke, near Oakham, is being sold by auction later this month.
https://www.pattinson.co.uk/property?id=486051
Berkshire
With homebuyers increasingly seeking space, character and a sense of belonging, Reading, Newbury and the surrounding Berkshire villages are seeing renewed attention too.
‘The transformation of this area has been extraordinary,’ says Alun Graham, head of country house at Winkworth Reading & Newbury. ‘Superb rail and road connections – from the Elizabeth Line to the electrified Reading-Newbury route – have made it possible to enjoy a genuinely rural lifestyle while remaining well connected to London and the wider Thames Valley.
‘It’s the villages that truly capture the imagination. From the riverside charm of Pangbourne and Goring, to the traditional greens and timber-framed cottages of Yattendon, Chieveley and Bucklebury, each offers its own character, welcoming pubs, farm shops and a strong sense of community. These villages embody everything people want from country living: scenery, tranquillity and genuine neighbourliness.
‘This part of the county offers something very special – the charm of village life with the convenience of a modern, connected region. It’s where the best of town and country meet.’
BUY IT: Thatched family home for £1,250,000
This beautifully restored thatched family home, dating back to circa 1756, has spacious, flexible accommodation across two floors.
https://www.winkworth.co.uk/properties/sales/norton-road-wokingham-outskirts-berkshire-rg7/WKH250048
Somerset
The area around Bruton in Somerset is another destination Cotswolds wannabes are focusing on.
‘Somerset’s creative triangle centred around Bruton, Frome and Castle Cary has become a magnet for those in the arts, design and media sectors looking for space, style and substance,’ says Jonathan Handford, Managing Director at Fine & Country.
Bruton in particular has transformed itself from a rather staid market town into something of a party town, and has the sort of features a Cotswolds type looks for, such as its world-class Hauser and Wirth art gallery and near proximity to Babington House, Somerset’s private members’ club getaway to rival the Cotswolds’ Soho Farmhouse.
The nearby A303 and good train links to London add to the appeal.
BUY IT: Two-bedroom cottage for £300,000
This two-bed cottage with a garden and studio is one of a delightful row of cottages tucked away in a quiet enclave just behind Bruton’s bustling high street. It retains much of its original character, having features such as its original flagstone floor, a woodburning stove set within the fireplace and a painted wood-turned staircase.
https://www.lodestoneproperty.co.uk/property/a-charming-2-bedroom-cottage-with-garden-and-studio/
The market town of Brackley is part of an area which has been dubbed ‘the Notswolds’
Northamptonshire
Several villages and towns southwest of Northampton and near to the Oxfordshire border have been dubbed part of the ‘The Notswolds’, due to their similarities to the Cotswolds. Their significant rural appeal coupled with good transport connections including direct rail connections to London Euston have triggered plenty of interest in recent months.
Especially desirable villages include Culworth and the market town of Brackley, which boast typical Cotswolds features such as historic churches and chocolate-box cottages.
BUY IT: Five-bedroom family home for £600,000
This detached stone-built five-bedroom family home in Brackley is set across three floors and has an impressive private rear garden with a delightful patio area, mature plants including a herb garden, an archway and stepping stones, all complemented by a large lawn.
https://www.boughtonsestateagent.co.uk/property/5-bed-detached-house-for-sale-in-juno-crescent-brackley/683492
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