Thinking Of Moving To The Cotswolds? Try These Locations Instead

Whether you call it the Poshwolds, the Hamptons of the UK, or simply Taylor Swift’s favourite hangout, there’s a reason the Cotswolds is associated with rather hefty price tags. If you’re dreaming of life in the country but you’re looking for somewhere that isn’t, in fact, a celebrity hotspot, we’ve enlisted the help of experts at Strutt & Parker to advise where, exactly, is similar to the Cotswolds (but less pricy, of course). These villages just might be Britain’s best kept secrets…

Where Is Similar To The Cotswolds?

Rutland

If you’re looking for a Cotswolds dupe, Lincolnshire is the place to be – at least according to Edward Brassey, Senior Associate Director at Strutt & Parker, who points out the market towns of Rutland and Stamford.

‘Both Rutland and Stamford have long been likened to the Cotswolds,’ he explains. ‘The Lincolnshire area shares much of the same appeal, with charming villages, thriving communities miles of countryside. However, the region has its own distinctive character – typically at a more accessible price point.’ 

So, where exactly should you be house-hunting in Rutland? Edward notes ‘villages like Exton, with its honey-coloured thatched cottages; Hambleton, surrounded by Rutland Water and known for its high-end pub and hotel; and Market Overton, with larger detached Victorian and Edwardian homes.’ 

You can expect a particularly idyllic life here, it seems. ‘Although they share the same high-end feel as the Cotswolds, these areas offer a quieter lifestyle thanks to their smaller size, rural setting, and low levels of traffic. You’ll simply find winding country lanes, quaint village greens, and a handful of amenities like the village pub or shop.’ Sounds like heaven.

Stamford

Just over the border in Lincolnshire is the picture-perfect town of Stamford, which is practically identical to beloved Cotswold areas like Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold.

Stamford’s high street is bustling with charm thanks to ‘antique shops, artisan bakeries, boutique clothing stores and regular markets offering fresh produce, crafts, and flowers,’ says Edward. ‘Cafés and two exceptional wine bars bring a modern, stylish edge, comparable to spots in Kingham or Daylesford.’ (Back in Rutland, meanwhile, you’ll find the likes of Rutland Nursery, a ‘chic garden centre and restaurant which also rivals the Daylesford experience.’)

Of course, it’s the farm shops, wine bars and (most importantly) members’ clubs that really draw A-listers to the Cotswolds – but Stamford and Rutland don’t fall short. Take Rutland Polo Club, for example, or Woolfox, a wellness-focused members’ club boasting a golf course, gym, fitness studio and Padel courts, plus an elegant café. ‘This is really what today’s buyers are looking for,’ says Edward. ‘It’s about more than just finding the perfect home, but also an area that complements modern living.’

When it comes to family life, Edward notes that ‘Stamford and Rutland are hard to beat due to their outstanding schools. ‘Stamford, Oundle, Uppingham and Oakham are among the best private schools in the country, supported by high-performing state options including a number of grammar schools. Combine this with the area’s safe, welcoming atmosphere, and it’s clear why so many families are choosing to put down their roots here,’ he reflects.

The cherry on the cake? Easy travel connections. Catch a train to the capital from nearby Peterborough, or hop on the A1, which stretches from London to Edinburgh.

‘With additional links to Birmingham and Cambridge – and Stansted Airport within easy reach – the area is practical yet tranquil, connected, yet far from the hustle and bustle,’ says Edward. It seems that living the Cotswolds life without the Cotswolds price tag isn’t, in fact, too good to be true…