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If you’re like me, fully committed to all things English and always happy to return to London, you’ve probably considered exploring the countryside at some point. If the Cotswolds haven’t made your list yet, they should. Let this be your introduction, and a little push, to start planning a trip to one of England’s most charming regions.
The Cotswolds stretches over 800 square miles and includes a myriad of towns and villages to visit. In between those towns are historic pubs, countryside trails to explore, and beautiful sites to see. So how do you see it all? How long should you plan for your visit? Well, I’m here to share the perfect 3, 5, and 7 day Cotswolds itinerary.
And if you’re wondering whether the Cotswolds are worth a visit at all, check out my post about why they may or may not be for you here.
What is the Cotswolds
What are the Cotswolds, you may ask? The Cotswolds is a rural region of rolling hills and historic villages in southwest England, known for its honey-colored stone cottages, countryside walks, and traditional market towns. You may have heard of some of the more unique villages, like Stow-on-the-Wold or Bourton-on-the-Water.
Before you start planning your trip to the Cotswolds and deciding how long to spend in this gorgeous area, I recommend reading my Cotswolds: What to Know Before You Go guide. There I break down the main regions, towns, and villages to help give you an idea of what to do and see while visiting.
How to Plan Your Cotswold Itinerary
There are a few factors to consider when planning your trip to the Cotswolds.
Transportation
The Cotswolds is best and most easily explored by car. Because some of the towns are more rural, it is simply easier to have a car to access them. That is not to say you can’t accomplish a trip to the English countryside without one. The Cotswolds’ public transportation gets better every year, and many of the towns are served by train from London. So if you don’t want to rent a car, you can absolutely manage with public transport and by being detail-oriented with your schedule.
Town vs Outdoor Time
One of the best things to do in the Cotswolds is go walking. Yes, walking. Strolling through sheep-dotted fields, climbing hills with incredible views over the region, and following historic trails that lead you to picturesque towns. Walking is so entrenched in the culture of the Cotswolds that there is a walking festival every spring that takes place in the town of Winchcombe.
If you are visiting the Cotswolds for the wonderful walking and hiking, you’ll likely spend a bit less time exploring the villages. And vice versa, if hiking isn’t really your thing, you’ll have plenty of time to poke around the towns.
Main Sights vs Local Gems
I think some of the best sights are the more low-key ones you may not have heard of. The town of Lacock, for example. It’s not on many radars, it sits quite far south, and it’s not super close to a lot of other spots. But it’s home to Lacock Abbey, which is iconic in its own right and grows infinitely cooler when you find out they filmed Harry Potter there.
Venture into town and you’ll see locals with honor-system farm stands outside their homes, selling everything from pickled eggs to friendship bracelets with a little tin nearby to collect cash. Plus, a house in Lacock was used as Harry’s parents’ home in Godric’s Hollow. So yes, did I love Lacock because of its Harry Potter references? Absolutely. Was it worth exploring even without that knowledge? One hundred percent.
If you are more interested in sticking to the better-known towns like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, or larger towns like Cirencester and Cheltenham, you don’t need a ton of time or even necessarily a car. But if you are hoping to dive into the lesser-known spots, the time and transportation needs do start to add up.
Homebase
Where you choose to make your home base can greatly affect how much time you need to spend in the Cotswolds. If you’re in love with the idea of staying at The Manor House in Castle Combe, one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, then you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the car driving north to explore other parts of the region.
So it really comes down to how you want to travel: do you want to settle into one town, get to know it, and embrace the local rhythm? Or use your home base as a jumping-off point to explore more of the region?
3 Day Cotswolds Itinerary
This is the minimum amount of time I would spend in the Cotswolds and is perfect for those using public transportation. In a 3 day Cotswolds itinerary, you’re going to focus on seeing the main sights, having time for one or two countryside walks, and enjoying a couple of great pubs.
- Home base: Stow-on-the-Wold
- Best for: first-time visitors
- Driving time: max 1 hour per day
Day 1
Either drive or take the train to Moreton-in-Marsh before transferring to the 801 bus for about 25 minutes to get to your home base of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring your home base. If you are in need of lunch, look no further than Cotswold Baguettes, which are delicious and won’t slow you down.
There is a lot to see and do in Stow-on-the-Wold. Head first to St. Edward’s Church and have a look around the property and a peek inside the historic church. Don’t miss a photo op at the famous yew-tree door, which is said to have inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in Moria. Pop around to see the historic market area and the Golden Triangle.
Evening
Wander into some of the shops like Cotswold Cheese Company or Cotswold Chocolate. If you are into art, there are a few galleries to explore as well. For a pre-dinner drink, head into Off the Square and grab a beer from the case or on tap. Your dinner stop should be The Porch House, the oldest pub in Britain, which is just rude to skip if you’re already there.
Day 2
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Stow Town Coffee before adventuring to your next town. Once you’re properly caffeinated, head to Lower Slaughter, about a five-minute drive away.
The Slaughters are very small villages, but they are absurdly quaint. Make sure to walk down Copsehill Road, which is often called one of the most romantic streets in Britain. Visit the church and old cemetery, and make sure to stop at the picturesque old mill.
Walk one mile to Upper Slaughter, about 20 minutes. There isn’t a ton to see here, but Lords of the Manor is a sight to behold. I also recommend walking down the hill toward the river to see some gorgeous houses, if that is your thing. Me? I am always picturing myself living in wildly impractical but beautiful places like this.
Afternoon
After your one-mile return walk back to Lower Slaughter, have lunch at The Slaughters Country Inn or continue on for more options in Bourton-on-the-Water.
If you decide to postpone your meal just a little longer, try The Mousetrap Inn for a pub lunch or grab some pasties at the Cornish Bakery for something lighter.
When you’re done, it’s time to explore Bourton-on-the-Water, about a four-minute drive away. Enjoy wandering through the village and make sure to stop at Bakery on the Water, stroll along the River Windrush, and see the 1/9th-size replica of the village at the Model Village. It is delightfully weird and charming.
Evening
When you’re ready to turn back, head toward Stow-on-the-Wold, about 10 minutes away. If you want to have dinner outside of Stow, head to The Fox in Oddington, which is only about a five-minute drive out of town. Otherwise, The Queen’s Head or D’Ambrosi are great options for dinner.
If you are feeling energized and want to spend more time walking in the countryside, this entire day is doable on foot, albeit a bit long. Start in Stow-on-the-Wold and walk to Upper Slaughter, about 3-ish miles. Then walk the mile to Lower Slaughter. After that, continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, about 1.5 miles. From there, you can opt for the V12 bus, about 15 minutes, or the 801 bus, about 20 minutes, back to Stow-on-the-Wold. Or continue the additional three miles and return on foot if you are feeling particularly outdoorsy.
Day 3
Start your day with a proper English breakfast at The Hive in Stow-on-the-Wold. After that, head out to Chipping Norton, about 17 minutes away. On your way, stop at the historic Chastleton House, which sits between Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Norton.
Explore Chipping Norton. If you want a more tranquil day, spend a few hours at the lido or visit nearby Soho Farmhouse. But if you’re feeling more adventurous, stroll through town, stopping by the historic theater and the Chipping Norton Museum of Local History. Once you’ve had your fill, move on to Daylesford Farm.
Afternoon
Shop around and have lunch at one of the restaurants at Daylesford Farm, about 15 minutes away. There is a lot to discover here, so take your time. If you want to jam-pack your schedule, swing by the nearby town of Kingham. While you’re there, walk through town and stop by St. Andrew’s Church. On your way out, also stop by All Saints Church, just two miles outside of Kingham. This church was modeled after Christ Church and Magdalen College in Oxford and is very cool to see.
Evening
Spend your early evening strolling down the main drag of Moreton-in-Marsh, about 15 minutes away. Keep an eye out for Redesdale Hall, built in 1886 and once an early venue for Elton John. If you have time and daylight, you could also stop at Bourton House Garden or Batsford Arboretum.
Plan for dinner at The Bell Inn, which was Tolkien’s inspiration for The Prancing Pony. Then head back to your accommodations in Stow-on-the-Wold, about 10 minutes away.
Ta-da. There you have it: a short, sweet, but jam-packed three days in the Cotswolds. To recap, you saw some of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds, like Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Moreton-in-Marsh. You saw multiple centuries-old churches, classic honey-colored stone cottages, and had a few essential pub meals. This is a great itinerary if you are using exclusively public transport.
5 Day Cotswolds Itinerary
Welcome to your 5 day Cotswolds itinerary. I’m so glad you have more time to spend here. We are going to build off the 3 day itinerary and keep exploring this AONB region. This itinerary is best done with a car.
Home base: Stow-on-the-Wold or Winchcombe
Best for: first-time visitors who have a little more time and want to see a lot of the Cotswolds
Driving time: up to 2–3 hours per day
You’re going to start your itinerary by completing Days 1–3. In just those first three days, you can confidently check off two of my eight designated regions of the Cotswolds. Want to know exactly what those regions are? Check out my post on what to know before you go.
This itinerary gives a home base of Stow-on-the-Wold or Winchcombe. Alternatively, you could spend the first three days in Stow and then switch over for Days 4 and 5, staying in Winchcombe.
Day 4
Morning
If you decide to stay in Winchcombe, start your day with a visit to The Old Bakery for breakfast provisions. Make sure to caffeinate, because today we are driving south.
Drive down to Castle Combe, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Parking is up the hill from the village. Stroll down and enjoy exploring the old village. See the market cross anchoring the center of town. Head to the left from the market cross to check out The Manor House. The ivy-covered facade is regal, but the most epic photos come from the nearby staircase.
Exit down the long lane and gate from The Manor House, which will put you right near the famous bridge and view of the town. That river, bridge, and honey-colored building combo is exactly why Castle Combe gets crowned one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. If you’re feeling peckish, The Old Stables is a great place to stop for a slice of cake.
Don’t hesitate to explore The Manor House. The day we visited they were hosting a wedding and had signage saying the grounds were closed, but we, along with others, were still able to stroll around in the morning without any issue.
Afternoon
Head next to nearby Lacock, about 18 minutes away. Grab tickets to the Abbey and explore the beautiful grounds and ancient building. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make sure you check out the cloisters, warming room, sacristy, and chapter house, all of which appeared in the films.
Make sure to stroll through town before leaving as well. For a quick lunch, grab a sandwich at Lacock Deli, or if you want to sit down and take a load off, The George Inn is a great option.
Evening
End your day by driving to Tetbury, about 30 minutes away. Stroll through the shops, including the many antique stores. Make sure to see the Chipping Steps and St. Mary’s Church while spending time in Tetbury. If you have time and daylight, the Tetbury Police Museum or Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre would also be great stops.
Have dinner at The Royal Oak or opt for Italian at Casa. If you’d rather get the driving over with, head back to Winchcombe first, about an hour away, and have dinner at The Lion Inn.
Day 5
Morning
After a busy Day 4, today we are going to enjoy Winchcombe and stay local and mostly out of the car. Start with a walk down to The Tipsy Egg for breakfast. Once you’re done, head to Sudeley Castle. You can drive there to make your visit quicker, or walk down the long lane. Explore the castle and gardens. If you are there around Christmas, go in the evening for the impressive garden light show and mulled wine.
Afternoon
Enjoy exploring the town of Winchcombe. Stop by St. Peter’s Church and picturesque Vineyard Street. Then it’s time to head out into the countryside. Hike out to Kenelm’s Well via this route to see the site where, as the story goes, a spring appeared to save monks. Or choose this hike that takes you to Belas Knap, an ancient burial site. Either option will take you most of the afternoon.
Evening
After washing the mud from your shoes, it’s time to relax. Head to 5 North Street if you want to indulge in French food in Winchcombe, or The Plaisterers Arms for a pub dinner. If you don’t mind driving, head to the amazing Horse & Groom, which is only about 15 minutes away in Bourton-on-the-Hill.
The 5 day itinerary really opens up your options in the Cotswolds. You now get to see some major and beautiful towns like Castle Combe and Tetbury, explore the smaller hidden gem of Lacock, and spend a day actually walking through the hills. And that, to me, is a true Cotswolds experience everyone should have.
7 Day Cotswold Itinerary
Lucky you. To spend an entire week in the Cotswolds is a dream. You’ll be able to accomplish a lot during this week, or if seeing and doing is not your main goal, a full week is also plenty of time to enjoy small-town life, walk in lush green hills, and lean fully into everything English.
Home base: Winchcombe or Cirencester
Best for: those who want to dive deep into the Cotswolds
Driving time: up to 2-ish hours per day
Similarly to the 5 day itinerary, if you want to change locations after Days 4 and 5, try staying your final two days in Cirencester for slightly bigger-town vibes.
Day 6
Morning
Start this day at Roots + Seeds Café for breakfast in Cirencester. Spend the morning exploring some of the town. Stop at the ornate Church of St. John the Baptist, as it is a core sight of the Cotswolds and one of those churches that makes you stop mid-thought and just gawk a little.
Try the 2.5-mile circular walk around Cirencester, which will take you to the ancient amphitheater and through beautiful Cirencester Park.
Afternoon
Grab lunch in Cirencester at Corn Hall Deli or drive to Bibury, about 18 minutes away, for lunch at Twig. Explore the cute and petite town of Bibury before walking to the famous Arlington Row. These are the quintessential Cotswolds cottages on basically every postcard, so yes, you very much should stop by.
Continue on to the town of Burford, about 17 minutes away. Burford has an incredible church near the main parking area in town. It is very grand and worth a stop. Spend the rest of your time slowly walking up the High Street hill. Pop into whatever shops look appealing or stop for a beverage along the way. Enjoy the view from the top of the hill.
If you have time, stop in the local Tolsey Museum in Burford, which is free to enter, donation appreciated, and just small enough to squeeze into the end of the afternoon.
Evening
If you would like to continue spending your evening in Burford, stay for dinner at The Angel at Burford. Or head just 15 minutes farther out, yes making your drive back to Cirencester a bit longer, to The Bull in Charlbury or The King’s Head in Bledington, both of which are excellent pubs.
Day 7
Morning
For our final day in the Cotswolds, we are heading north again, but this time for a little retail therapy, a famous tower, and a couple of tiny blips of towns.
First, grab breakfast at Jack’s before leaving Cirencester. Then head out to the town of Broadway, about 45 minutes away. Stop at Guilt Trip Coffee if you need a little pick-me-up before exploring. Walk down the picturesque High Street and pop into the shops. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, meeting the locals and seeing all the little goods and tchotchkes is half the fun.
Instead of shopping, or in addition to shopping because I support both, feel free to stop by the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery or the Gordon Russell Design Museum.
Afternoon
Before leaving Broadway, grab lunch at Russell’s Fish and Chips or Broadway Deli. Head next just down the road to Broadway Tower, about seven minutes away. This tall stone tower sits in the middle of an open green space and dates from 1768. Originally it was a retreat for artists and a place for a printing press. Later, the area was used as the site of a nuclear bunker. If possible, opt to go see the bunker while you’re there.
And do not miss the herd of deer located between the tower and the parking lot. This is the second-highest point in the Cotswolds, so make sure to enjoy the view overlooking 16 counties. Casual.
After the tower, head to the town of Stanton, about 14 minutes away. Stroll through the small town, which is one of the most architecturally significant villages in the Cotswolds. Stanway House and Fountain and St. Michael and All Angels Church are great stops to make nearby as well.
Evening
The final stop of your trip is the tiny town of Snowshill, about 12 minutes away. The main stop here is Snowshill Manor. If you have time and daylight, check out the incredible collection of 22,000 objects gathered by Charles Paget Wade. But the gardens, divided by theme, are also worth your time.
The village green is home to classic Cotswolds cottages covered in greenery and a small church. And if you recognize the area, yes, it was used as Bridget Jones’ parents’ house in the movies. Make sure to enjoy the views from the hills in and around Snowshill overlooking the Cotswolds.
Then head back to Cirencester, about 40 minutes away, and have your final dinner at the famous The Bear Inn.
1 Day Only
Not everyone has enough PTO to go frolic in the English countryside. If that sounds like you, fear not you can still enjoy the Cotswolds in just one day! Here are some tour ideas to get you started:
Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓
The Bottom Line
Regardless of how much time you have, the Cotswolds is absolutely doable. I hope this post opened your eyes to all the possibilities while visiting this picturesque part of England. There is a reason it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
So whether you go for three days or a week, take a day trip or explore the countryside in full, just make sure you go.
