With everything from luxury huts with freestanding baths and room service from the hot tub, to rustic romantic hideaways in your own private meadow, you’ll find the perfect place to stay in my guide to the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds.
The Cotswolds is one of my favourite places in the UK. It’s full of idyllic villages, honey-coloured cottages, incredible restaurants and beautiful countryside. And where better to soak up the views than from the comfort of a shepherds hut.
Gone are the days when staying in a shepherd’s hut was just glorified camping (I’m not a huge fan of freezing cold tents and running across fields to use the toilet). Nowadays, they have all the amenities you’d expect to find in a hotel. Everything from private hot tubs to fully functioning kitchens.
Shepherd hut holidays give you the best of both worlds. You get to wake up to views of rolling hills and lush green countryside, but from the comfort of a luxurious bed, not a blow-up mattress and a sleeping bag.
I’ve stayed in plenty of shepherds huts over the years, and I’m an expert in what to look out for to make your stay a good one. In this guide I cover 10 of my favourite shepherds huts in the Cotswolds, carefully curated to give you the best of the best.
I cover exactly what’s included in each hut, what I think makes them special, and things to do during your stay. Plus, you’ll learn how close they are to my favourite Cotswolds villages, to make planning your trip even easier.
Best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where you can get away from it all, or a luxury staycation with room service and world-class service, there’s something for everyone on this list.
1. Artist Residence
Artist Residence are known for their design-led hotels, featuring good food and carefully curated art. They have 5 locations across the UK, and their Cotswolds bolthole is the most magical of them all. The fairytale-like 16th-century inn is predominantly a pub with rooms, but tucked away at the bottom of the garden, you’ll find one of the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds.
Overlooking the herb garden, this romantic shepherd’s hut is in an idyllic location. There’s a built-in double bed, log burner, rainfall shower and an outdoor table. It’s cosy and rustic, with plenty of wood, clashing prints and bold colours. You can just imagine snuggling up in here when it’s raining outside.
Inside, The Mason Arms (the pub underneath the hotel), serves up some of my favourite food in the area. There’s an all-day menu, with ingredients sourced from the Oxfordshire countryside. Expect pub classics such as fish and chips and burgers, as well as more innovative additions like chickpea & spinach tagine, and marinated lamb rump.
Whilst most shepherds huts on this list are more remote, what I love the most about this one is that you have the hustle and bustle of the pub on your doorstep. If you’ve not stayed in a shepherds hut before and want to ease yourself in gently, this is the perfect choice.
The area: Artist Residence is in South Leigh, a small and sleepy hamlet about 15-minutes from Burford. There’s not much to do in the village, but it’s a great base for exploring the rest of The Cotswolds. You’re 35-minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury and Lower & Upper Slaughter.
Is anything included? You can grab breakfast in the pub, but it comes at an additional cost.
2. Slad Valley
If you want to get away from it all, this shepherd hut in The Cotswolds is the perfect choice. The secluded hilltop position on a working farm offers beautiful views. The dog-friendly hut is a short drive from the historic village of Painswick, and 30-minutes from Cotswolds Water Park. It makes the most of the beautiful Cotswolds views, surrounded by nothing but sheep, horses and fresh country air.
The hut was hand-made in Cornwall and features a double bed, power shower, and under bed storage. The kitchen has everything you need – a fridge, hob and and microwave, and fold-away table. Cosy country pub, The Woolpack Inn, is just 400metres away, and a great spot for a cosy dinner and drinks.
The Laurie Lee Wildlife Way walk is on your doorstep – a 5-mile circular walk covering most of the Slad Valley. You’ll stroll through woodland and small rivers and streams, hopefully spotting some wildlife on the way.
This hut’s a great choice if you like your home comforts. There’s unlimited Wi-fi, a Smart TV and a Bose Wi-fi Bluetooth Speaker.
The area: Slad is a small village with a brilliant pub. Nearby Stroud is worth a visit, especially for the Farmer’s market on Saturday’s. One of my favourite places in the Cotswolds, Painswick, is a 10-minute drive and Bibury is 30-minutes. Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are 40-minutes in the car.
Is anything included? Not this time, but there’s a great pub on your doorstep.
3. Vespers
Vespers is brand new, and one of the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds, with views over the River Thames that take full advantage of the beautiful sunsets. It’s one of the most spacious huts on this list. There’s a large kitchen area complete with hob, kettle, toaster, fridge with freezer box and combination microwave/ oven. There’s also a dining table with two chairs, and a log burner in the corner. At the back is a separate bedroom with a cosy double bed and a large bathroom.
Vespers has a large private terrace, a BBQ, and a table and benches. The hut is dog-friendly with a fully fenced garden if you want to bring your furry friend. Vespers sits on the Camden Farm Estate, just a short walk from the river. It’s the perfect place to hire a paddle board or go for a stroll.
There’s even a truck available to hire for a picnic or BBQ at the water’s edge. In the winter, the Hub barn is available for guests. It’s perfect for playing board games or trying your hand at ping pong.
The area: Vespers is located just outside Faringdon, a beautiful small town with lots of pubs, cafes and shops. You’re a 10-minute drive from 2 of my favourite pubs in the Cotswolds, The Bell Inn Langford and Double Red Duke. Vespers is a 25-minutes from Bibury and the market town of Cirencester. Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water are 40-minutes away.
Is anything included? No, make sure you purchase food beforehand for cooking in the hut.
4. Littlestock
Littlestock is everything you imagine a shepherds hut in the Cotswolds to be – rustic, peaceful, and in the middle of a meadow. It’s picture perfect, and utterly romantic. The interiors are quirky and whimsical, they look straight out of a Beatrix Potter novel.
Whilst it is a little compact, the cosiness adds to its charm. There’s a comfy double bed with a wood burning stove and a small mini kitchen. At the end of the hut is a shower room with walk in shower, toilet and basin.
The hut sits within a beautiful enclosed meadow, often frequented by sheep. There’s a rattan sofa, parasol, foot stool, two chairs and a small table, plus a firepit. And most importantly, incredible views over miles of countryside.
This hut is perfect for being outdoors and watching the world go by, or relaxing with a good book. Whilst Littlestock makes the perfect romantic break, it’s family friendly too (a lot of huts don’t accept children), and they can provide a highchair upon request.
The area: Littlestock is just outside Shipton under Wychwood, a small village with a brilliant pub, The Lamb Inn (the sister pub to The Bell Inn). You’re a 12-minute drive from Chipping Norton, with a lively town centre and plenty of independent shops.
This is one of the best shepherd’s huts if you want to visit the most popular villages, as you’re about 10-minutes from Burford, and just 20-minutes from Stow-on-the-Wold. Bibury, Lower and Upper Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water are 25-minutes away by car.
Want to know where to get the best food and drink in The Cotswolds? My guide to the best pub food in The Cotswolds covers all my favourite places to eat!
5. Secluded shepherd’s hut
This secluded shepherds hut in The Cotswolds is the perfect spot for a relaxing break and a chance to get away from it all. Describing itself as a “mini home from home”, there’s a TV, a full-size double bed, fully equipped kitchen and a shower room with high pressure shower. There’s a wood burner and underfloor heating, so even in the winter you’ll be cosy inside.
The location of this hut is truly beautiful, tucked away beneath the apple trees in the corner of a paddock, you have a large fenced garden around the hut, complete with bbq, and a full-size table and chairs for alfresco dining in the summer.
The area: One of the best parts about the hut is its a rural location, but you’re a short drive from Melksham, a town on the River Avon with plenty of restaurants, pubs and cafes. The hut is ideally located for visiting Bradford-on-Avon, Bath and Castle Combe, probably the most magical village in The Cotswolds.
6. Christie’s Cabin
Ok so Christie’s Cabin isn’t technically a shepherd’s hut, but I couldn’t miss this amazing cabin off the list. Located on the Euridge Estate, its distinctive domed shape and timber-cladding gives it a fairytale feel – your very own magical hideaway. The inside is finished immacuately, with timber walls, louvre shutters and pale linens. There’s a kitchenette area with an induction hob, kettle and microwave, as well as a cushioned seating area and a table.
There’s a cosy little nook that houses the comfy double bed, a few books and a TV. The window infront of the bed offers incredible views over the countryside, so you can lie in bed and watch the world wake up. At the other end of the cabin there’s a spacious shower, toilet and basin with storage beneath. Although you don’t have a dedicated garden area, there’s table and chairs beneath the olive tree, just around the corner, for you to enjoy.
The area: The hut is close to the market town of Chippenham, which has a great selection of independent and chain restaurants. You’re only a 10-minute drive from Castle Combe, and about 30-minutes from Bath and Bristol.
Want to plan the perfect Cotswolds itinerary? My guide to the best villages in the area includes a map with the perfect route so you don’t miss a thing!
Best shepherds huts with hot tubs in The Cotswolds
There’s only one thing that could make staying in a shepherds hut better, and that’s a shepherd’s hut with a hot tub. They’re the perfect place to spend the evening, relaxing with a drink in hand. Here’s 4 of my favourites:
1. Cotswolds Country Escapes
Cotswolds Country Escapes is one of the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds. This luxury shepherds hut is actually made up of two hand-crafted huts joined together, giving you plenty of space for relaxing indoors. There’s a separate kitchen/dining area, with a kitchen, log burner and seating area, and a large bedroom with double bed and an en-suite bathroom with a shower.
Outside, there’s a wood-fired bath, bbq, fire pit, and seating area. And there’s no need to worry about being overlooked, it’s all private, with your own entrance and car parking area. Although this shepherd hut is conveniently located just a 12-minute drive from the city of Cheltenham, its rural location is perfect for a relaxing break. You’re surrounded by trees, with views over the Churn valley from the rear of the hut.
The area: As well as brilliant country pubs on your doorstep, there’s plenty of great restaurants in the nearby town of Cheltenham. You’re just 30-minutes from some of the best villages in The Cotswolds, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, Bibury and Stow-on-the-Wold.
And, a 25-minute drive from Cotswold water park, which is made up of 180 lakes and is the perfect place to do a spot of bird watching. Plus, you’re just 15-minutes from the market town of Cirencester.
What’s included? Breakfast is included in the price of your stay, and food from the local farm shop is available upon request. There’s board games in the hut, and you can even choose your preferred duvet tog, and type of pillow!
2. Outbak Shepherds Hut
Located at the very end of the owner’s garden, Outbak Shepherd’s Hut offers beautiful views of the hills. This is one of the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds for keen walkers as the Cotswolds Way footpath is less than a mile away, connecting Bath with Chipping Camden. You probably won’t want to walk the whole way (it’d take you nearly 20 hours), but there’s plenty of nearby, shorter walks to choose from.
Your own wood-fired hot tub sits upon the decking area, and there’s screens the whole way round for total privacy. There’s also a bbq and loungers for the summer, when the patio soaks up the sun. Inside is beautifully decorated, with calm, neutral tones throughout. There’s a king-sized bed, 2 chairs, a fixed dining table and kitchen area complete with Belfast sink, electric hob, microwave, and fridge-freezer.
The bathroom includes a rainfall shower, a vintage-style toilet, and a window providing lots of natural light. There’s also a smart TV above the bed, as well as a shelf and hanging storage space.
The area: You’re within walking distance of the Hayles Farm Shop and Cafe – the perfect place to grab locally-sourced produce for the BBQ. Cheltenham is a 15-minute drive away, and the quintessential Cotswolds villages of Broadway, Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Bibury are about 30-minutes in the car.
Looking for things to do in The Cotswolds? Top of the list has to be exploring all the beautiful villages – and I have a complete guide to the most beautiful towns in the area!
3. Tudor Oak
Tudor Oak offers uninterrupted views over the Painswick Valley, and it’s the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. The bedroom features a king-sized bed, and a window meaning you can take in the views without even having to move. This shepherds hut has been cleverly designed to maximise space and ensure you have everything you need for your trip. There’s a double powerpoint next to the bed, and ample storage underneath to store your suitcases out of the way.
If you fancy a cosy night in, the kitchen comes with a microwave, hob, butler sink and a fridge freezer, and there’s a table that slides out from under the bed, giving you space to enjoy your meal.
At the other end of the kitchen, there’s a bathroom with a full-size shower, toilet and even a heated towel rail. Tudor Oak is nestled with the garden of the friendly owner, but it’s completely secluded, with its own patio and wood-fired hot tub underneath an old walnut tree. There’s also a firepit, a BBQ, two armchairs, and two sun loungers. It’s one of the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds.
The area: You’re within walking distance of The Butchers Arms in Sheepscombe, a village pub serving good food. And it’s only a 1.5 mile walk to the centre of Painswick – often referred to as the “Queen of The Cotswolds”.
What’s included? A complimentary breakfast hamper containing milk, bread, butter eggs and bacon is included if requested. Your first nights logs are included for the fire pit, and after that you can buy them for £6 per box.
4. The Fish
The Fish is one of my favourite hotels in the area, and as well its beautiful bedrooms, it’s home to some of the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds. Choose from 3 different types – Hilly Huts, Hideaway Huts and a one-of-a-kind hut, Boaty McBoatface.
These huts are perfect if you want a slice of luxury. They’re tucked away in the hillside surrounded by trees. All you can hear is the tweeting of birds. They come with a private hot tub, and an intercom so you can order room service without having to get out. There’s a complimentary mini bar, under-floor heating, and a wood burner.
Hilly Huts are classic shepherd’s huts, with a corrugated design, and brilliant views over the countryside. Hideaway Huts are perfect if you want a bit more space – two huts are joined together to give you a separate kitchen/dining area, and you get the addition of a free-standing bath inside, as well as the hot tub outside.
Boaty McBoatface has its own paddle boat for you to sail around your own private lake. And you have access to a private island perfect for enjoying a romantic evening.
One of the best things about staying in the grounds of a hotel, is that you have access to the amenities you don’t get elsewhere, such as Hook, the seafood-inspired restaurant. Plus, guests can use the spa at sister hotel Dormy House for an extra charge.
The area: The Fish is just a 5-minute drive from one of my favourite villages in The Cotswolds, Broadway. There’s plenty to see and do, including lots of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter & Bourton-on-the-Water are 20-minutes in the car, and Burford is 30-minutes away.
Is anything included? A full-English, or continental breakfast is included with your stay.
Shepherds huts in The Cotswolds – FAQs
Why is it called a shepherds hut?
Shepherds huts get their name because shepherds used to live in them. Traditionally made of wood, with a corrugated iron roof, they provided secure accommodation for the shepherd to herd his flock. Back then, they were pretty basic, usually containing a kitchen, bedroom, dining room and storage in one.
Are there toilets in shepherds huts?
Yes, the majority of modern shepherds huts have toilets inside the hut. In fact, a lot of shepherds huts have bathrooms to rival luxury hotels. With rainfall showers, heated towel rails, and even freestanding bath tubs. No need to worry about running across a field in the freezing cold!
Are shepherds huts warm?
Yes, shepherds huts are warm. Not only are they well insulated, but they usually have heating you can adjust to the perfect temperature for you. Even if you’re staying in an off-grid hut, they’ll most likely have log burners to keep you warm.
Do shepherds huts have electricity?
Most shepherds huts have electricity, so you can charge your phone, watch TV, and even cook a 3-course meal. Some shepherds huts are off-grid, but that will always be clearly stated at the time of booking. Staying off-grid is an amazing experience, giving you a chance to completely unwind.
Are shepherds huts hot in summer?
No, shepherds huts aren’t hot in summer. They’re well insulated to prevent extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. Plus, you can control the heating to prevent it getting too warm. Most shepherd’s huts have several windows too, so if you are to warm, you can let a breeze in.
Are shepherds huts glamping?
Staying in a Shepherds Hut is a form of glamping, but these days, they’re so well designed with incredible amenities it can feel like you’re staying in a luxury hotel. Plus, shepherds huts tend to be secluded, whereas glamping tents are usually found on sites alongside lots of other people.
I hope you found my guide to the best shepherds huts in The Cotswolds useful. Need help planning your trip? Here’s what I’d recommend reading next: