Whether you know your Rubens from your Rossetti or you simply like to gaze at something captivating, you’ll find a treasure trove of fabulous art galleries in the Cotswolds. From bright contemporary paintings and Italian Renaissance portraiture to the Arts & Crafts movement and fine Japanese ceramics, this beautiful county has so much to offer for the art aficionado.
From contemporary galleries to museums and stunning stately homes, there is a wonderfully varied collection of art galleries to visit when staying in the Cotswolds. There’s just something so peaceful about stepping into a gallery and taking time to contemplate the works in front of you, making it a wonderful way to unwind a busy mind. And some galleries even run their own art courses, so you can let your creativity loose too.
If you’re a fan of a traditional landscape, want to be challenged by abstract art, or are charmed by ceramics, a visit to one of the Cotswolds’ galleries won’t disappoint! Here’s a selection of our favourite art galleries to whet your appetite.
The Wilson, Cheltenham
Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT
Set in the heart of Regency Cheltenham, The Wilson is the town’s award-winning museum and art gallery. Home to several permanent art collections and numerous visiting exhibitions, the majority of the exhibitions are free to enter with a suggested donation. The Wilson has a fabulous Arts & Crafts collection, with works inspired by William Morris, an important collection of Dutch 17th- and 19th-century paintings, exquisite Oriental porcelain and a wide collection of English ceramics.
There are also various art classes available throughout the year, should you feel moved to put paintbrush to paper and try something creative while on holiday.
After you’ve had a good look around, take yourself off into the beautiful spa town. Enjoy a walk along the promenade towards the stunning Neptune fountain, browse the shops, and treat yourself to a bite to eat, then head up to the Pittville Pump Room and its lovely park for a tree-lined stroll. Keep an eye out for Cheltenham’s famous hare and minotaur statue!
Broadway Museum & Art Gallery, Broadway
Tudor House, 65 High Street, Broadway WR12 7DP
Nestled within a beautiful 17th-century building, Broadway Museum & Art Gallery is a gorgeous spot in the heart of the pretty market town of Broadway in the north of the Cotswolds. Its art gallery has a wonderful permanent display from the 17th century through to the 19th century, created in partnership with the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
The world-famous portrait artist John Singer Sargent lived in Broadway and formed an artistic colony here, and you’ll see his influence throughout the museum and art gallery, alongside collections from the Arts & Crafts movement.
Afterwards, head to nearby Broadway Tower, perched majestically on an escarpment and designed by Capability Brown, and visited by many Pre-Raphaelite artists such as William Morris, Dante Gabrielle Rossetti, and Edward Burne-Jones. Climb up to the viewing platform for the highest panoramic views in the Cotswolds.
The Stratford Gallery, Broadway
62 High Street, Broadway WR12 7DT
Situated within a beautiful honey-hued Georgian mansion opposite Broadway Museum & Art Gallery, The Stratford Gallery hosts a beautiful display from British and international contemporary painters, ceramicists, and sculptors.
The gallery has three floors of artwork to view, including a carefully curated selection of exhibitions throughout the year, so no one visit will ever be the same - giving you a good reason to come again! Open Monday to Saturday (Sundays by prior arrangement), the gallery also has an art sourcing service if you’re looking for something in particular to take home with you.
Afterwards, head out to explore the oh-so-pretty market town of Broadway with its excellent selection of independent shops and places to eat.
Buscot Park & The Faringdon Collection
Lechlade Road, Faringdon SN7 8BU
A stunning collection of art acquired by the Lords Faringdon across a century, The Faringdon Collection is located within the stately home of Buscot Park not far from Cirencester.
This exquisite collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Botticelli and Reynolds as well as by the Pre-Raphaelite artists Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. You’ll also discover a unique collection of drawings, as well as important works from the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition to the astonishing artworks kept here, you’ll also find a vast collection of furniture, ceramics, and objets d’art. The house, built between 1780 and 1783, is owned by the National Trust but cared for by the current Lord Faringdon, and is a delight to explore.
Make sure to find time to take a stroll through the extensive pleasure garden and woodland avenues, while the tea room is on hand should you need refreshments after your visit. Please note that National Trust members have to pay the entrance fee here.
The Brian Sinfield Gallery, Burford
127 The Hill, Burford OX18 4RE
Situated in the heart of the market town of Burford, the Brian Sinfield Gallery opened its doors in 1972 and specialises in 21st-century traditional and semi-abstract art, mainly by British artists. They also have an annual exhibition programme, showcasing groups of artists as well as individuals.
Step inside and you’ll find a carefully curated collection of contemporary art, with a reputation as one of the finest galleries in its field outside London. Open Tuesday to Saturday (other days by appointment), this is a peaceful space in which to immerse yourself in the glorious artwork.
Set on the main high street, the gallery is well located to explore the rest of the town with its independent shops and boutiques. For a treat, head to Huffkins for a decadent cream tea.
Red Rag Gallery, Stow-on-the-Wold
5-7 Church Street, Stow-on-the-Wold GL54 1BB
Specialising in contemporary art by living British and Irish artists, Red Rag Gallery began life in 2003 and sits within three Cotswold cottages built in the 1600s in the beautiful hilltop market town of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Showcasing art and sculpture over two floors, the gallery is particularly known for its large collection of works by Scottish artists, influenced by the Glasgow and Edinburgh Schools and the Scottish Colourists. Alongside its sister gallery in Bath, Red Rag Gallery has a huge collection of works that are constantly rotated, as well as carefully curated exhibitions throughout the year.
After you’ve perused the artwork, take some time to have a look around the town, pay a visit to St Edward’s Church, just a few steps away, whose tree-flanked door was such an inspiration for JRR Tolkien that it appears in The Lord of the Rings.
Nature In Art, Gloucester
Wallsworth Hall, Sandhurst Lane, Gloucester GL2 9PA
The world’s first museum and art gallery inspired by nature, Nature in Art lies close to the city of Gloucester and is a must-visit for nature and art lovers alike. Set within a graceful Georgian mansion surrounded by tranquil gardens, the collection includes breathtaking examples of fine, decorative, and applied art inspired by the wild world around us and British heritage.
Opened in 1988, the displays cover over 1,500 years of art history, with temporary exhibitions throughout the year. There’s even an artist in residence, whom you can visit and watch at work, alongside a programme of art and nature-inspired events and activities should you wish to flex your own artistic muscles.
There’s a lovely café on site (perfect for afternoon tea), and the gardens are a must for a breath of fresh air after exploring the galleries. Afterwards, head into the historic city of Gloucester and take a walk around the stunning cathedral and surrounding ancient buildings.
Museum in the Park, Stroud
Stratford Road, Stroud GL5 4AF
Enjoying an idyllic position within beautiful Stratford Park in the town of Stroud, the Museum in the Park sits within a Grade II listed mansion that once belonged to a wool merchant and dates back to 1674.
Although primarily a museum, there is a fantastic art gallery housed here too, showcasing mainly picturesque landscapes of the local area, offering a fascinating glimpse into what the Cotswolds looked like hundreds of years ago. There are also exhibitions throughout the year in the temporary exhibition art gallery.
The museum is free to enter, and its other exhibitions are well worth visiting, with over 4,000 objects on display from dinosaur bones to one of the world’s first lawnmowers! In addition to the museum and gallery, the gardens are simply beautiful and a delight to walk around, and there’s a café and gift shop on site too.
Compton Verney
Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ
Although not strictly in the Cotswolds, it’s well worth the drive to visit this excellent art gallery near Stratford-upon-Avon. Compton Verney is set within 120 acres of beautiful parkland, designed by Capability Brown.
The art gallery itself is displayed within a historic 18th-century Grade I listed Georgian mansion with six permanent collections and different exhibitions throughout the year. The art spans northern European art, British portraits and miniatures, a Marx-Lambert collection, and Neapolitan art - considered to be the finest in Europe outside of Naples. It’s also home to the largest collection of folk art in Britain.
Outside, there’s a wonderful collection of sculptures to look at, and if you’re feeling peckish, there’s an excellent café on site and a great shop where you can buy a memento of your visit.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our gorgeous holiday cottages in the Cotswolds and start planning your art-inspired getaway today.
