Some posts on this web site comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you happen to e-book or purchase one thing by these hyperlinks, I earn a small fee (at no additional price to you). Check out my privateness coverage for extra info.
Dreaming of a countryside escape in England? This relaxed two- or three-day itinerary for driving within the Cotswolds will present you one of the best of the world.
A few years in the past, I headed off to the Cotswolds Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) for an in a single day countryside getaway.
Two days of driving by the idyllic countryside, stopping off for forest walks, pub lunches, and cute villages. It was lush – watch the video to see extra.
Then, lockdown struck and I by no means bothered to put in writing up the weblog publish! I’m now correcting that mistake with a fast and straightforward 6-stop Cotswolds driving route that may be executed over a weekend, or as a part of a brief break.
On my journey, I wished to see as a lot as attainable in two days, with out feeling rushed or spending an excessive amount of time driving. If that’s what you’re after too, hopefully you’ll discover it right here.
For this publish, I’ve teamed up with Traditional Cottages, who’ve an unimaginable vary of vacation cottages within the Cotswolds, in addition to the remainder of the UK. I stayed at one among their properties on my journey to St Agnes final summer season and it was an absolute dream – most likely one of the best place I stayed that 12 months!
So, get that Insta-worthy lodging booked, pack your mountain climbing boots, and hit the street for a beautiful few days exploring the Cotswolds by automobile…
This publish was delivered to you in collaboration with Traditional Cottages, however as all the time all phrases and opinions are my very own. The 2-day driving journey within the Cotswolds that I’ve primarily based my itinerary on was paid for by me.
Driving within the Cotswolds Itinerary Map
Cotswolds Itinerary Route Stops
The next Cotswolds driving itinerary spreads properly throughout two or three days. I did three stops per day, which was manageable, however I’d suggest three days with two stops per day so that you’ve got longer to profit from every village – and loosen up a bit in between.
Alternatively, you can base your self in a single place for a number of days and take journeys out to discover. Bourton-on-the-Water makes a pleasant central location, and from there you can do stops one and two as a day journey, adopted by stops 4 to 6 the following day.
Nevertheless you do it, these are my high spots for a calming Cotswolds street journey…
1. Bibury
Kick off your driving tour with one of the crucial iconic spots within the Cotswolds. Bibury is a ridiculously fairly village close to Cirencester which makes the proper introduction to the world.
Shut your eyes and picture an old style English village. That’s what Bibury seems to be like.
William Morris known as it “probably the most stunning village in England” – and he could be proper.
On the coronary heart of the village, Arlington Row is among the most visited and most photographed places within the space. It’s a picturesque row of Seventeenth-century weaver’s cottages, constructed from honey-coloured stone with steep gray slate roofs.
It was used as a backdrop for the 2007 film Stardust (although not for Bridget Jones, as some blogs will inform you – that was filmed in Snowshill).
Be warned – Arlington Row can get fairly busy. Vacationers flip up by the bus-load to {photograph} that fairly strip of homes. Arrive early within the day (earlier than 10am) or late afternoon to keep away from the frenzy!
High issues to do in Bibury
- Snap a selfie exterior Arlington Row
- Take a stroll alongside the River Coln
- Admire the historic Arlington Mill
2. Slad
Most Cotswolds itineraries appear to stay to the japanese half of the AONB, which is the place a few of the better-known villages and points of interest are located. But it surely’s additionally value heading a bit to the west, too. And after busy Bibury, the tranquil, often-overlooked village of Slad is the proper tonic.
This tiny village sits on the sting of the picturesque Slad Valley, not removed from Stroud, and is surrounded by woodlands and nature reserves.
Slad was the house of the author and poet Laurie Lee, creator of Cider with Rosie. The Laurie Lee Wildlife Method is a 5-mile strolling route dotted with ten posts, every one containing one among Lee’s poems. It’s a good way to find his work – and the route itself is a beautiful woodland stroll with beautiful views of the valley.
High Issues to do in Slad
- Stroll the Laurie Lee Wildlife Method
- Go to Laurie Lee Wooden (particularly throughout bluebell season)
- Have a drink on the 300-year-old Woolpack Inn
3. Bourton-on-the-Water
Subsequent cease – the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Nicknamed the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, that is one other of the prettiest villages within the space, seated on the scenic River Windrush.
It’s a bigger village than a few of the others, and fairly touristy, so that you’ll discover heaps to do. And prenty of nice pubs and eateries to take pleasure in, too. This makes the village a wonderful base for exploring the Cotswolds.
High Tip: If you happen to’re doing this Cotswolds driving itinerary over three days, I like to recommend arriving in Bourton-on-the-Water early in your second day to keep away from the crowds.
High Issues to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Go to the mannequin village, a one-ninth stone scale mannequin of the city
- Stroll alongside the River Windrush
- Go to the Cotswold Motoring Museum
- Take a brewery tour on the Cotswold Brewing Firm
- Extra issues to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
4. The Slaughters
Get two villages for the worth of 1 with Higher and Decrease Slaughter, two tremendous scenic spots located a mile aside alongside the River Eye.
The odd identify truly comes from an previous English time period which means “moist land” or “muddy”. Since each villages are so shut collectively, you may go away your automobile in a single and stroll between the 2.
Whenever you see the heat, gold-beige stone cottages mirrored within the calm waters of the river, you’ll quickly resolve that these are two of the prettiest villages within the Cotswolds.
High Issues to do in Higher and Decrease Slaughter
- Stroll the 1-mile path alongside the river from Higher to Decrease Slaughter or vice-versa.
- Go to Decrease Slaughter Museum – housed in a Nineteenth-century flour mill with a working waterwheel
- Go for a meal on the Lords of the Manor Lodge – a surprising Seventeenth-century manor home.
- Extra issues to do in The Slaughters
5. Broadway Tower
Head in direction of the northern border of the Cotswolds to achieve Broadway Tower. That’s proper – the primary cease on our driving itinerary that’s NOT a village!
Broadway Tower was in-built 1799 as a Gothic-style folly (a constructing that had no actual function).
It stands on Broadway Hill, 1,024 toes above sea degree. So climbing to the highest of the 65ft tower affords some spectacular views of the encircling countryside.
The tower sits on a 200-acre property of parkland, so you too can observe a number of strolling routes to take in the attractive countryside. Hold an eye fixed out for the resident deer and different wildlife.
High Tip: Followers of the film Bridget Jones may wish to detour to Snowshill on the best way. The scenic village was used as a filming location for Bridget’s mother or father’s countryside residence.
6. Stow-on-the-Wold
The ultimate cease on our Cotswolds driving route is Stow-on-the-Wold. That is yet one more of the prettiest and hottest villages within the Cotswolds, and it additionally makes base for exploring.
This fairytale-esque village is known for the historic Yew Door in St. Edward’s Church: a big wood door flanked by two monumental yew timber, thought to have impressed JRR Tolkein to create the Doorways of Durin in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
High Issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold
- Go to the Yew Tree Door
- Discover the unbiased boutiques, artwork galleries, and vintage outlets round Market Sq.
- Stroll by the countryside to the close by village of Maugersbury
- Extra issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold
The place to Keep within the Cotswolds
Bourton-on-the-Water, Higher Slaughter, and Stow-on-the-Wold are all perfect central places for finishing this Cotswolds itinerary. All three villages have a number of lodges and inns if you wish to keep close by.
If you happen to plan to spend a number of days driving within the Cotswolds, but in addition enjoyable within the countryside, a self-catering cottage could be extra appropriate. Traditional Cottages have some wonderful properties throughout the UK, so have a browse and also you’re positive to seek out your dream cottage. Listed here are a number of of my favourites…
Stonewell Cottage, Stow on the Wold
Sleeps 4 + cot
Stonewell Cottage is a single-storey stone cottage with a captivating historical past. Its thick wood beams and uncovered stone partitions are teamed with a light-weight and ethereal trendy decor to create the last word countryside escape. And the skin patio space is good for al fresco eating or enjoyable on sunny days.
Park Farm Cottage, close to Malmesbury
Sleeps 8 + 2 cots
Get pleasure from uninterrupted countryside views from a lovely farmhouse at Park Farm Cottage, a indifferent stone cottage nestled on the southern fringes of the Cotswolds. Highlights embody the function hearth, big flagstone kitchen, and the unique options all through. Outdoors, there’s a big enclosed backyard with a patio, an orchard, and two paddocks, totalling some three acres.
Little Maunditts Cottage, Sherston
Sleeps 6 + 2 cots
Nestled in a quiet lane in charming Sherston, Little Maunditts Cottage provides you the easiest of Cotswold village life. The cosy cottage boasts a beautiful backyard, with huge bi-fold doorways to let the summer season breeze indoors on good days. However there’s additionally underfloor heating so as to add a comfy contact on cooler days and nights – so it’s perfect when you’re visiting throughout winter.
Ideas for Driving in The Cotswolds
Small Vehicles. When you have a selection, attempt to go for a smaller automobile. The Cotswolds’ slender lanes and restricted avenue parking imply huge automobiles usually battle to suit.
Obtain your maps! Sign is commonly patchy throughout The Cotswolds, so it’s a good suggestion to obtain an offline model of Google Maps to your cellphone (or no matter equal you employ). In case your sign drops out, you gained’t lose your instructions. Phew!
Travelling with Canine. The Cotswolds are a dream vacation spot for individuals travelling with canine. Attempt to restrict your driving time in between stops, although, as your four-legged good friend may get stressed on longer drives. Fortunately, Traditional Cottages have loads of dog-friendly vacation cottages with scorching tubs within the Cotswolds – so that you and your furry finest good friend can unwind on the finish of the day.
Flood warnings. When it rains in The Cotswolds, a few of the roads can get big puddles. Yellow hazard warnings have been left at spots the place minor flooding is widespread, so when you see one, simply decelerate and be prepared. If you happen to do drive into a giant puddle, keep in mind your driving classes: don’t brake or velocity up. And remember to take a look at your brakes afterwards earlier than carrying on.
Take the scenic route. Satnavs will normally ship you alongside probably the most direct route, which frequently means foremost roads. Predominant roads in The Cotswolds are nonetheless fairly scenic, however the smaller backroads are sometimes a lot prettier. If time is in your facet, check out the map and plot a route alongside a few of the winding nation lanes for a beautiful scenic drive.
Driving within the Cotswolds: Last Ideas
The fantastic thing about a relaxed itinerary like this one is which you could tailor it to suit round you.
If you’d like an extended vacation, decide a pleasant vacation cottage to base your self for an extended weekend or per week. You may spend two days of your keep taking mini street journeys across the stops I’ve talked about – in addition to spending some days enjoyable in your cottage backyard or taking walks across the space you’re staying in.
You may additionally do that as a three-day street journey, staying in Bourton-on-the-Water one night time and at Stow-on-the-Wold or one other village on the second.
In reality, you can most likely even do that Cotswolds driving itinerary in sooner or later. Though I wouldn’t suggest it as you’d must rush, and a few of these villages invite loads of lingering!
No matter you rise up to – driving within the Cotswolds is a lovely expertise that looks like getting proper to the center of the quintessential English countryside. Get pleasure from.
Learn Extra
Greatest Street Journeys in England
