If you’ve spent any time looking at Cotswolds brochures, you’ve seen the heavy hitters: Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe, and Bibury. They are stunning, don't get me wrong, but they are also packed. If you want to see the Cotswolds as they were 100 years ago: without the gift shops, the ice cream vans, and the coach-load crowds: you need to go to Stanton.
Stanton is frequently cited by locals and travel experts as the most "untouched" village in the region. It’s a place where time didn't just slow down; it effectively stopped. This is our no-nonsense Stanton guide to help you understand why this tiny village belongs on your itinerary and how to get there without the stress.
Why Stanton is Different: The "Untouched" Factor
Most Cotswolds villages have adapted to tourism. You’ll find tea rooms with floral bunting and shops selling lavender-scented everything. Stanton has none of that. There isn't a single shop. There isn't a post office. There isn't a visitor center.
What it does have is a single long, winding street of honey-colored Jurassic limestone cottages that look like they were grown out of the ground rather than built. Most of these homes date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
The reason Stanton feels so preserved is largely thanks to a man named Philip Stott. Between 1906 and 1949, he owned the village and spent his fortune restoring the cottages and ensuring that no modern "eyesores" were allowed to creep in. He paved the way for the village to remain a living museum. Today, it has a population of fewer than 200 people. It’s quiet, it’s authentic, and it’s arguably the most beautiful spot in the entire AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
What to See in Stanton (The Short List)
Since the village is small, you don't need a map. You just need your eyes. However, there are three spots you shouldn't miss:
1. The High Street
Walking from one end of the village to the other takes about 15 minutes if you don't stop. You will stop, though. The architecture here is the gold standard for the Cotswolds. Look for the "mullioned" windows (those stone dividers between the glass) and the steep gables. Every house is a masterclass in traditional masonry.
2. St. Michael and All Angels Church
This church is the heart of the village. Parts of it date back to the year 1200. It’s small, atmospheric, and contains some incredible medieval stained glass. Even if you aren't "into" churches, the peace and quiet inside this building are worth experiencing. It feels ancient because it is.
3. Stanton Court
You can’t go inside (it’s a private manor house), but you can admire the Jacobean architecture from the road. It was the centerpiece of the Stott family’s estate and remains one of the most impressive private homes in Gloucestershire.
The Mount Inn: The Only Pub You Need
Because Stanton has resisted commercialization, there is only one place to get a drink or a bite to eat: The Mount Inn.
Fortunately, it happens to be one of the best pubs in England. Located at the top of a steep hill at the end of the village, the climb is worth it for one reason: the view. From the garden of The Mount Inn, you can look out across the Vale of Evesham all the way to the Malvern Hills and even the mountains of Wales on a clear day.
Here is the no-nonsense advice for The Mount Inn:
- The View: Grab a local ale and sit outside if the weather is even remotely nice.
- The Food: It’s proper pub food: hearty, locally sourced, and delicious.
- The Vibe: It’s a "local" pub that welcomes visitors, but it doesn't feel like a tourist trap because it’s the only game in town.
How to Get There: London to Stanton
Stanton is tucked away. It’s about 2.5 miles from Broadway, but it feels a world away from the busy High Street there.
If you are coming from London, driving yourself can be a bit of a nightmare. The lanes are narrow, and while there is some free parking near the village center, it fills up fast. Public transport is nearly non-existent for a village this small.
This is where we come in. At Shakespeare Coaches, we specialize in Cotswolds Tours that focus on the "real" side of the region. We don't use massive 50-seater buses because they can't even get into villages like Stanton without causing a traffic jam.
Our tours are limited to small groups (maximum 16 people). This means we can pull right into the heart of the village, let you hop out, and give you the freedom to explore at your own pace without feeling like you’re part of a herd.
Whether you are looking for a London to Stratford-upon-Avon day trip or a dedicated Cotswolds tour in a day, we make sure Stanton is on the list for those who want to see the "untouched" side of England.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Footwear: If you plan on walking up to The Mount Inn or hitting a bit of the Cotswold Way (the famous walking trail that passes right through the village), wear comfortable shoes. The village is on a slope.
- Silence is Golden: Remember that this is a residential village, not a theme park. People live here. It’s part of the charm, so keep the noise down and respect the private gardens.
- Photography: The best light is usually in the late afternoon when the sun hits the golden stone of the High Street.
- Timing: You can see the whole village in about 45 minutes, but you’ll want to stay for two hours to enjoy a slow lunch at the pub.
The Shakespeare Coaches Experience
We believe travel should be friendly, casual, and easy. That’s why we’ve designed our tours to feel like a road trip with friends rather than a formal lecture. We handle the logistics, the narrow roads, and the parking, so you can just focus on the views and the history.
If you’re ready to see Stanton and the rest of the best-kept secrets in the area, check out our destinations or book a spot on our Shakespeare’s Stratford and Cotswolds Tour.
Explore More Destination Guides
- Woodstock
- Northleach
- Great Tew
- Naunton
- Minster Lovell
- Moreton-in-Marsh
- Malmesbury
- Blockley
- Stanton
- Lacock
- Cirencester
- Winchcombe
- Painswick
- Tetbury
- Upper Slaughter
- Broadway
- Lower Slaughter
- Castle Combe
- Bibury
- Burford
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- Stow-on-the-Wold
- Snowshill
- Chipping Campden
- Stratford-upon-Avon