Best Photography Spots in The Cotswolds

Broadway Tower

Perched on the second-highest point of the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. This 18th-century folly, designed by landscape architect Capability Brown, makes an irresistible subject for landscape and architectural photography.

Broadway Tower shines during golden hour, when its honey-coloured stone glows. On clear days, you can see up to 16 counties from the top. Whether you’re capturing early morning mist or a fiery sunset over the Malvern Hills, this spot delivers mood and beauty in equal measure. In the surrounding grounds, deer often graze, offering bonus opportunities for wildlife photography. The nearby village of Broadway is also worth a visit and pairs beautifully with a shoot at the tower.

Broadway Tower is more than just a beautiful landmark - it’s a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Whether you're an experienced photographer or simply enjoy taking pictures on your travels, it's a rewarding spot to explore with your camera and capture something memorable.

Painswick

Painswick is a picturesque Cotswold village with plenty of charm and character, making it a great destination for photography. The village is known for its striking stone buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful surrounding countryside. One of the best places to capture the essence of Painswick is Hale Lane, a quiet, cobbled lane that offers a peaceful atmosphere compared to the main village roads. Its charming stone cottages and ivy-clad walls provide a perfect backdrop for intimate, detailed shots.

The grounds of St. Mary’s Church are another highlight for photographers. The churchyard is home to the famous yew trees, some of which are believed to be over 1,000 years old. The trees set against the backdrop of the church, and the surrounding rolling hills make for striking compositions. Whether capturing the ancient trees or the church itself, the area offers a serene, timeless quality that's perfect for photography.

Painswick’s combination of quiet streets, and natural beauty makes it a fantastic location for photographers.

The Old Mill - Lower Slaughter

Set beside the tranquil River Eye, The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter is a picture-perfect slice of Cotswold charm. With its red-brick chimney, stone walls, and gently turning waterwheel, it offers a classic countryside scene that’s especially beautiful at golden hour. Reflections in the slow-moving water add extra magic, and the arched footbridges nearby provide great compositional angles.

Lower Slaughter itself is wonderfully quiet and unspoiled, and full of that postcard-perfect charm. Go early for misty, moody vibes or stay late for that warm sunset glow. The whole village adds to the magic with honey-coloured cottages and winding lanes.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the "Venice of the Cotswolds," is a standout location for photography, offering a rich blend of natural beauty and architectural charm. The village is defined by the River Windrush, which flows gently through the centre, crossed by several low, stone bridges that provide striking focal points for compositions. The soft reflections in the water and the tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for capturing peaceful, postcard-perfect scenes.

The traditional Cotswold stone architecture is perfect for photographing timeless village settings. The mellow tones of the limestone buildings create warm, inviting images, and the village’s compact layout makes it easy to explore thoroughly on foot.

Whether you're focusing on landscapes, architectural details, or tranquil natural scenes, Bourton-on-the-Water is a visually rich and rewarding destination for any photographer visiting the Cotswolds.

Snowshill

Snowshill is a quiet, picturesque village that offers a peaceful setting for photography, away from the busier tourist spots in the Cotswolds. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, it's a great place for capturing classic countryside scenes, especially in spring and summer when the fields are green and full of life. The village itself is small but full of character. Stone cottages with traditional Cotswold features, narrow lanes, and well-kept gardens create charming compositions.

The local church and village square provide additional interest, especially when framed with seasonal flowers or soft morning light.

Just outside the village, Cotswold Lavender is a highlight during peak bloom in mid to late summer. The rows of purple stretching across the landscape make for striking images, with strong lines and bold colour contrasts.

Snowshill may be quieter than other locations, but its calm atmosphere and classic Cotswold scenery make it a lovely spot for thoughtful, unhurried photography.

St Edward's Church - Stow-on-the-wold

In the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, St Edward’s Church is one of the most enchanting photography spots in the Cotswolds - especially famous for its magical, tree-framed north door. Flanked by ancient yew trees that arch protectively over the wooden doorway, this scene has become iconic among photographers alike.

The church’s interior is equally photogenic, with stained glass, carved wood, and medieval architecture offering plenty of detail for low-light or atmospheric photography.

The best times to visit are early morning or golden hour, when soft light filters through the trees and highlights the textures of the ancient stone. Whether you're shooting wide to capture the dramatic doorway or focusing in on historic details, St Edward’s is a place where history and imagination meet - perfect for storytelling through your lens.

Stanton

Stanton is a beautifully preserved village that offers a quiet and authentic glimpse of traditional Cotswold life, making it a rewarding location for photography. Nestled along the edge of the Cotswold escarpment, it provides a mix of charming village scenes and far-reaching countryside views.

The main street, gently sloping uphill, is lined with honey-coloured stone cottages, many with thatched roofs, climbing plants, and original features that add character to every frame.

Stanton’s church, St. Michael and All Angels, is another strong subject, especially with its stone tower rising above the trees. The surrounding lanes and footpaths lead to peaceful, elevated viewpoints, offering sweeping vistas of the Vale of Evesham and beyond.

Though Stanton is a small and quiet village, its simplicity and charm are what make it such a photogenic spot. It’s perfect for photographers seeking a slower pace and more natural compositions in a truly unspoilt setting.

Broadway High Street

Broadway High Street is one of the most visually striking locations in the Cotswolds, combining elegant architecture with a classic village atmosphere. The wide, gently curving main street is lined with horse chestnut trees and beautiful golden stone buildings that make for balanced, eye-catching compositions in every season.

While the main High Street offers plenty of opportunities - photographers seeking a quieter perspective should wander up to the old Upper High Street.

This peaceful stretch, once the main route through the village, now sees very little traffic and has a still, timeless quality. The buildings here are among the oldest in Broadway, with weathered stone, cottage gardens, and traditional features that create a strong sense of place.

Whether you’re photographing the bustling main street or the tranquil Upper High Street, Broadway offers a range of scenes that showcase the village’s timeless beauty.

Bibury

Bibury is one of the most iconic villages in the Cotswolds, offering plenty of beautiful photo opportunities. One of its standout features is Arlington Row, a row of charming 17th-century weavers' cottages made of traditional Cotswold stone. The picturesque scene of these stone buildings with their steep gabled roofs, nestled beside the tranquil river, is a photographer’s dream. The cottages reflect in the water, creating a perfect symmetry that’s especially stunning during early mornings or overcast days.

Another great spot for photos is the view of The Swan Hotel, which sits across a stone bridge over the River Coln. The gentle flow of the river, combined with the rustic charm of the bridge and hotel, creates a peaceful and timeless scene. The setting is ideal for capturing the essence of this lovely village, with the stone buildings and greenery providing a rich contrast to the clear waters of the river.

Bibury’s combination of historic architecture and natural beauty makes it an ideal location for photographers.

The Chipping Steps - Tetbury

Tucked away in the heart of Tetbury, the Chipping Steps offer one of the most atmospheric photography spots in the Cotswolds. This narrow, cobbled lane is lined with a row of cottages, each built from classic honey-coloured stone and steeped in history. The curving slope, flanked by weathered walls and old wooden doors, creates a naturally leading line - perfect for drawing the eye into your shot.

The light shifts beautifully through the day, with early morning and late afternoon offering the softest tones and longest shadows. In spring and summer, ivy and blooms spill over garden walls, adding bursts of color to the muted stone textures.

Whether you’re shooting wide-angle to capture the full row or focusing in on the unique details—worn steps, antique lamps, or textured stonework—the Chipping Steps offer endless visual interest in a setting that feels like a step back in time.