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The Cotswolds, a region of outstanding natural beauty (1.5 hours away from London) in west-central England, beckons with rolling hills, golden-hued stone villages, and fairy-tale like charm. But with limited time, how do you pack in the best bits? This itinerary whisks you through four Cotswold villages – Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold – ensuring a lovely trip filled with hidden gems and postcard-perfect moments.
If you are planning a Cotswold trip without a car then you're in the right place as we arranged this trip through Get Your Guide, which was hassle-free when it came to navigating the route and finding parking spots. All we had to do was - get off the car and explore!
So, here's the perfect daytrip itinerary to Cotswolds:
1. Burford
Whether you find yourself here for just a few hours or plan to linger longer, there's much to see and experience in this picturesque locale. Stroll along the highstreets and take in the sights of quaint shops, cute cafes, and traditional pubs that line the street, offering a glimpse into the village's rich heritage. Trust me, every lane is picture perfect!
St. John's Baptist Church, Tolsey Museum and Wildlife Park are some must-visits in this village.
2. Bibury
Arlington Row is one of the most photographed streets in England. We walked around the Bibury court gardens and admired the Swan Hotel while we had a quick snack. We spent around an hour and half in this village as we felt you can explore all of it in a short amount of time.
3. Bourton-on-the-water
We began with exploring the Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village, a captivating miniature replica of the village itself. Wandered along the banks of the picturesque River Windrush, adorned with tiny little bridges and weeping willows, offering a serene backdrop for a leisurely stroll. We then had our lunch at The Willow and also if you love Fish n Chips, don't forget to try it out at The Chip Shed. The rest of our stay in Bourton-on-the-Water, we simply savoured the tranquil atmosphere of the village, immersing ourselves in its peaceful surroundings. We enjoyed our ice-creams observing the ducks swimming in the river, a charming scene that added to the idyllic ambiance of our experience.
4. Stow-on-the-wold
By early evening, we stepped into the perfect world of Stow-on-the-Wold, nestled in the charming Cotswolds countryside, where every corner tells a story. We started by walking around the lively Market Square, buzzing with centuries-old vibes, and then made our way to the majestic St. Edward's Church. You can't miss it—it's the one with the stunning Cotswold stone architecture and that legendary door from Donnington Castle. While strolling down Sheep Street, admiring the cute cottages, we popped into the antique shops for a bit of treasure hunting. After that we head straight to The Porch House, a cozy spot brimming with history (it's been around since the 10th century!). Grabbed a seat and sipped on some locally brewed ales. It's the perfect ending to a trip filled with exploring and soaking up the magic of this timeless village.
You can find all my reels from Cotswolds in the highlights here.
Hope you found this post informative. You can leave a comment below if you have any questions regarding the place or the trip.
Thank you for reading.
Love,
Sneha