The Cotswolds is full of photogenic, lesser-known spots ideal for capturing the area’s charm without the usual tourist crowds. Here are five hidden gems where you can enjoy the Cotswolds’ beauty in peace:

1. Snowshill Village

• What makes it special: Known for its perfectly preserved stone cottages, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere, Snowshill is off the main tourist radar.
• Photographic highlights: The iconic, honey-colored cottages, winding lanes, and views of the surrounding hills offer classic Cotswolds charm without the crowds. Snowshill Lavender Fields, blooming in summer, are especially picturesque.

2. Bibury (at dawn or off the main street)

• What makes it special: Bibury is famous but can still be enjoyed quietly by visiting during early mornings, ideally around sunrise.
• Photographic highlights: Arlington Row and the tranquil River Coln are ideal subjects. If you wander just outside the village center, you’ll find rural fields and pathways leading to serene, unspoiled views.

3. Castle Combe Woodlands and Waterways

• What makes it special: Although Castle Combe’s main street attracts visitors, the woodlands and streams just beyond the village offer peaceful, picturesque settings.
• Photographic highlights: Hidden woodland trails, charming stone bridges over babbling brooks, and soft, dappled forest light make this an ideal spot for nature and landscape photography.

4. Guiting Power

• What makes it special: This small village feels like a hidden world, with few visitors and a traditional Cotswolds vibe.
• Photographic highlights: The village green, rustic church, and nearby pastures with grazing sheep offer the quintessential Cotswold countryside experience without the crowds. The footpaths around Guiting Power provide idyllic scenes, especially during golden hour.

5. Malmesbury

• What makes it special: Known as England’s oldest continually inhabited town, Malmesbury has a fascinating mix of ancient architecture, including the historic Abbey, traditional cottages, and a hilltop setting overlooking the Avon River.
• Photographic highlights: The Malmesbury Abbey and its beautiful 12th-century architecture, Abbey House Gardens (especially in spring and summer, where the flowers bloom in full), and the quiet river walk along the Avon make for diverse photo opportunities. There’s also a charming row of houses known as St. John’s Street—it’s less crowded than other Cotswold streets but equally picturesque with stone facades and quirky doorways.
• Malmesbury is particularly magical in the early morning when mist sometimes blankets the river valley, adding an ethereal touch to landscape photos. This town combines historical allure with natural beauty, making it a unique, crowd-free Cotswold gem for photographers.

Tips for Capturing the Best Shots:

• Timing: Sunrise and sunset light is softer and warmer, plus there are fewer people around.
• Seasonal variation: Spring brings wildflowers, summer has lush greenery, autumn highlights warm foliage, and winter can lend a frosty magic.