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Dreaming of a countryside escape in England? This relaxed two- or three-day itinerary for driving within the Cotswolds will present you the most effective of the realm.
A few years in the past, I headed off to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) for an in a single day countryside getaway.
Two days of driving via 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 jot down up the weblog publish! I’m now correcting that mistake with a fast and straightforward 6-stop Cotswolds driving route that may be finished over a weekend, or as a part of a brief break.
On my journey, I needed to see as a lot as doable 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 Classic Cottages, who’ve an unbelievable vary of vacation cottages within the Cotswolds, in addition to the remainder of the UK. I stayed at one in all their properties on my journey to St Agnes final summer season and it was an absolute dream – most likely the most effective place I stayed that yr!
So, get that Insta-worthy lodging booked, pack your mountaineering boots, and hit the highway for a beautiful few days exploring the Cotswolds by automotive…
This publish was delivered to you in collaboration with Classic Cottages, however as all the time all phrases and opinions are my very own. The two-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 following Cotswolds driving itinerary spreads properly throughout two or three days. I did three stops per day, which was manageable, however I’d advocate three days with two stops per day so that you’ve longer to take advantage of every village – and calm down a bit in between.
Alternatively, you may base your self in a single place for a couple of days and take journeys out to discover. Bourton-on-the-Water makes a pleasant central location, and from there you may do stops one and two as a day journey, adopted by stops 4 to 6 the following day.
However you do it, these are my prime spots for a calming Cotswolds highway journey…
1. Bibury
Kick off your driving tour with one of the iconic spots within the Cotswolds. Bibury is a ridiculously fairly village close to Cirencester which makes the proper introduction to the realm.
Close your eyes and picture an old style English village. That’s what Bibury seems to be like.
William Morris referred to as it “the most beautiful village in England” – and he might be proper.
At the center of the village, Arlington Row is likely one of the most visited and most photographed areas 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. Tourists 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!
Top issues to do in Bibury
- Snap a selfie outdoors 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 sights are located. But it’s additionally price heading somewhat 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 Way is a 5-mile strolling route dotted with ten posts, each containing one in all Lee’s poems. It’s a good way to find his work – and the route itself is a stunning woodland stroll with beautiful views of the valley.
Top Things to do in Slad
- Walk the Laurie Lee Wildlife Way
- Visit Laurie Lee Wood (particularly throughout bluebell season)
- Have a drink on the 300-year-old Woolpack Inn
3. Bourton-on-the-Water
Next 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 tons 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.
Top Tip: If you’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.
Top Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Visit the mannequin village, a one-ninth stone scale mannequin of the city
- Walk alongside the River Windrush
- Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum
- Take a brewery tour on the Cotswold Brewing Company
- More issues to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
4. The Slaughters
Get two villages for the worth of 1 with Upper and Lower Slaughter, two tremendous scenic spots located a mile aside alongside the River Eye.
The odd title truly comes from an previous English time period which means “wet land” or “muddy”. Since each villages are so shut collectively, you’ll be able to go away your automotive in a single and stroll between the 2.
When 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.
Top Things to do in Upper and Lower Slaughter
- Walk the 1-mile path alongside the river from Upper to Lower Slaughter or vice-versa.
- Visit Lower Slaughter Museum – housed in a Nineteenth-century flour mill with a working waterwheel
- Go for a meal on the Lords of the Manor Hotel – a shocking Seventeenth-century manor home.
- More issues to do in The Slaughters
5. Broadway Tower
Head in the 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 inbuilt 1799 as a Gothic-style folly (a constructing that had no actual objective).
It stands on Broadway Hill, 1,024 toes above sea stage. So climbing to the highest of the 65ft tower affords some spectacular views of the encompassing countryside.
The tower sits on a 200-acre property of parkland, so you may as well comply with a number of strolling routes to absorb the gorgeous countryside. Keep an eye fixed out for the resident deer and different wildlife.
Top Tip: Fans of the film Bridget Jones may wish to detour to Snowshill on the way in which. The scenic village was used as a filming location for Bridget’s guardian’s countryside residence.
6. Stow-on-the-Wold
The closing cease on our Cotswolds driving route is Stow-on-the-Wold. This is yet one more of the prettiest and hottest villages within the Cotswolds, and it additionally makes a very good base for exploring.
This fairytale-esque village is legendary for the historic Yew Door in St. Edward’s Church: a big picket door flanked by two monumental yew bushes, thought to have impressed JRR Tolkein to create the Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
Top Things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold
- Visit the Yew Tree Door
- Explore the unbiased boutiques, artwork galleries, and vintage outlets round Market Square
- Walk via the countryside to the close by village of Maugersbury
- More issues to do in Stow-on-the-Wold
Where to Stay within the Cotswolds
Bourton-on-the-Water, Upper Slaughter, and Stow-on-the-Wold are all supreme central areas for finishing this Cotswolds itinerary. All three villages have a number of resorts and inns if you wish to keep close by.
If you intend to spend a couple of days driving within the Cotswolds, but additionally stress-free within the countryside, a self-catering cottage is likely to be extra appropriate. Classic Cottages have some superb properties throughout the UK, so have a browse and also you’re certain to seek out your dream cottage. Here are a couple of of my favourites…
Stonewell Cottage, Stow on the Wold
Sleeps 4 + cot
Stonewell Cottage is a single-storey stone cottage with an enchanting historical past. Its thick picket beams and uncovered stone partitions are teamed with a lightweight and ethereal fashionable decor to create the last word countryside escape. And the skin patio space is good for al fresco eating or stress-free on sunny days.
Park Farm Cottage, close to Malmesbury
Sleeps 8 + 2 cots
Enjoy uninterrupted countryside views from a gorgeous 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. Outside, 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 stunning backyard, with massive bi-fold doorways to let the summer season breeze indoors on good days. But there’s additionally underfloor heating so as to add a comfortable contact on cooler days and nights – so it’s supreme should you’re visiting throughout winter.
Tips for Driving in The Cotswolds
Small Cars. If you’ve a selection, attempt to go for a smaller automotive. The Cotswolds’ slender lanes and restricted road parking imply massive vehicles usually wrestle to suit.
Download your maps! Signal is usually 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 utilize). If your sign drops out, you gained’t lose your instructions. Phew!
Travelling with Dogs. The Cotswolds are a dream vacation spot for individuals travelling with canine. Try to restrict your driving time in between stops, although, as your four-legged buddy may get stressed on longer drives. Thankfully, Classic Cottages have loads of dog-friendly vacation cottages with scorching tubs within the Cotswolds – so that you and your furry finest buddy 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 frequent, so should you see one, simply decelerate and be prepared. If you do drive into an enormous puddle, keep in mind your driving classes: don’t brake or pace up. And be sure you take a look at your brakes afterwards earlier than carrying on.
Take the scenic route. Satnavs will often ship you alongside probably the most direct route, which regularly means principal roads. Main roads in The Cotswolds are nonetheless fairly scenic, however the smaller backroads are sometimes a lot prettier. If time is in your aspect, check out the map and plot a route alongside a few of the winding nation lanes for a stunning scenic drive.
Driving within the Cotswolds: Final Thoughts
The fantastic thing about a relaxed itinerary like this one is you can tailor it to suit round you.
If you need a longer vacation, choose a pleasant vacation cottage to base your self for a protracted weekend or every week. You can spend two days of your keep taking mini highway journeys across the stops I’ve talked about – in addition to spending some days stress-free in your cottage backyard or taking walks across the space you’re staying in.
You may additionally do that as a three-day highway journey, staying in Bourton-on-the-Water one evening and at Stow-on-the-Wold or one other village on the second.
In reality, you may most likely even do that Cotswolds driving itinerary in at some point. Although I wouldn’t advocate it as you’d should rush, and a few of these villages invite a number of lingering!
Whatever you stand up to – driving within the Cotswolds is a gorgeous expertise that appears like getting proper to the center of the quintessential English countryside. Enjoy.