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Described by The Telegraph as ‘a love letter’ to author Jilly Cooper’s Cotswolds, Rivals is undoubtedly creating a stir on our TV screens this autumn. The adaptation, which is set in a fictionalised Cotswolds village, was filmed in Tetbury, and puts its location centre stage.

Until now perhaps, the South Cotswolds has tended to avoid the spotlight, with the North attracting the most attention as a global destination. Quietly but decisively, however, this more understated part of the beautiful, world-famous region is upping its lifestyle game.

If you are considering moving to the Cotswolds then read on for our guide to South Cotswolds living.

Living in the South Cotswolds

Characterised by rolling hills, honey-hued stone cottages and historic landmarks, the South Cotswolds is the epitome of English picture-postcard beauty. Here, we explore some of the area’s most enticing and sought-after towns, each one with its own unique appeal.

Cirencester

We start in Cirencester, known as the capital of the Cotswolds, which is one of the country’s oldest and finest market towns. In Roman times, Cirencester, known as Corinium Dobunnorum, was the second largest town only to London. It went on to become a very prosperous wool town in the medieval period, which is the basis for what it is today – charming, peaceful and surprisingly well-connected.

The Grade I listed Bathurst Estate is an incredible gem – 15,000 acres of beautiful and historic parkland within walking distance of the town. The estate has much to offer equine enthusiasts, from its numerous riding routes to the Cirencester Park Polo Club; one of the most historic clubs in the country.

Beyond the town to the east, THE PIG in the Cotswolds is a compelling addition to the area’s lifestyle offering. The 17th century manor house and garden is a first-class retreat that has quickly become an established part of the scene.

The stylish Thyme Hotel is a renowned, yet still relatively under-the-radar, Cotswold destination. Described by its founder as ‘a village in a village’, Thyme began life as a cookery school and has grown to encompass a hotel, restaurant, pub and spa, set within a tranquil 150-acre estate.

Elkstone Studios, to the north of Cirencester, is another unique venue. Once a farmyard, it now offers an enticing mix of studios and co-working spaces, independent shops and boutiques and a food hall. It is also home to one of the Cotswolds’ only Padel clubs.

Stroud

Heading west, the Stroud district, with the market town of Stroud at its heart, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Five Valleys, and with the Cotswold Way running through it, the area is well-known for its independent spirit, impressive foodie credentials and rich artistic scene.

Once referred to by Jasper Conran as ‘the Covent Garden of the Cotswolds’, Stroud is brimming with independent shops, cafés and galleries, and is home to one of the best farmer’s markets in the country. Stroud Fringe brings the town alive in August with an array of free music events, and events such as Select Festival and a month-long SITE Art Festival, where open-studio tours allow a glimpse into artists’ homes and studios.

Minchinhampton and Nailsworth

The surrounding towns of Minchinhampton and Nailsworth are prominent hotspots for buyers for all the right reasons. Despite being incredibly rich in history and amenity, and home to many illustrious figures, past and present, Minchinhampton remains desirably understated. Nestled in a wooded valley to the east of Stroud, Nailsworth is renowned for its selection of award-winning restaurants, pubs and cafés, including the original Hobbs House Bakery.

Tetbury

Moving further south, the second-largest town in the Cotswolds is best-known for its royal connections. Its architectural provenance is evident throughout the town, remaining substantially the same as it was during its prosperous years as a wool town in the 16th and 17th centuries. Boasting a wonderful range of antique shops, and the Westonbirt Arboretum nearby, Tetbury is another jewel in the South Cotswolds crown.

There is so much to inspire about the South Cotswolds lifestyle – plus the area is well-connected, with direct train services to and from London at Kemble (approximately 1 hour, 11 minutes), Stroud (approximately 1 hour, 29 minutes) and Stonehouse (approximately 1 hour, 32 minutes). The road network offers good connectivity via the M4 to the south-east and M5 to the south-west.

If you are feeling inspired then read on for our pick of homes for sale today.