{"id":28326,"date":"2024-12-01T19:06:50","date_gmt":"2024-12-01T19:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/uk\/?p=28326"},"modified":"2024-12-01T19:07:08","modified_gmt":"2024-12-01T19:07:08","slug":"cotswolds-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turo.com\/blog\/uk\/wayfaring\/cotswolds-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"A weekend road trip in the Cotswolds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The rolling hills of the Cotswolds in southwest England have been an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1966. It’s a patchwork of historic villages, beautiful towns, traditional pubs, tea rooms, and antique shops, making the Cotswolds region quintessential English countryside at its finest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers almost 800 square miles, almost reaching Bath in the south to Stratford-upon-Avon in the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Idyllic
An idyllic farm in the Cotswolds region, showcasing the timeless charm of rural England.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

An ideal Cotswolds road trip itinerary involves starting in Cheltenham, which lies around the mid-point of the region, allowing you to drive two circular routes over two days \u2014 one to the north and one to the south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Cotswolds road trip can be tailored based on your personal interests, whether you want to take long walks, visit wildlife parks and attractions, or try antiquing in the pretty villages. And while there are undoubtedly famous sights you’ll want to try and see, hidden gems are found off the beaten track, tucked into the charming villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Toyota
Hire a compact car on Turo for your Cotswolds road trip, ideal for navigating narrow lanes and easily finding parking in the region\u2019s small villages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\n
Rental cars near Cheltenham<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

A two-day Cotswolds road trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This road trip route explores the northern region of the Cotswolds first, including visits to some of the region’s prettiest villages in rural England, such as Upper and Lower Slaughter. The second day focuses on what lies south of Cheltenham, including some charming villages and handsome Cotswolds towns with rich histories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 – The North Cotswolds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You’ll drive around 60 miles today, a little over two hours of driving time, which gives you enough time to explore the various stops along the route. Today’s Cotswolds driving route explores many of the region’s most famous locations, including Broadway, known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds, and Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the Venice of the Cotswolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pretty
Charming cottages in Broadway, Cotswolds, with their golden stone fa\u00e7ades and flower-filled gardens, capturing the village\u2019s quintessential English appeal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Start your road trip in the Regency town of Cheltenham, setting your sat nav to Sudeley Castle & Gardens<\/a> in Winchcombe. Drive north on the B462, a journey of around 20 minutes that takes you deeper into the beauty of the charming Cotswolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winchcombe<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Winchcombe is home to Sudeley Castle, which dates back to the 15th century and was once home to Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr. Daily guided tours are available, or you can explore at your own pace. If you bring children, don’t miss the adventure playground and obstacle course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sudeley
Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe, a historic gem of the Cotswolds, surrounded by stunning gardens and steeped in royal history, including ties to Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stanton<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Sudley Castle, continue your road trip to Stanton\u2014it’s only around six miles away. The classic Cotswold village features buildings made from Cotswold stone, characterised by its golden colour, and it’s considered one of the prettiest villages in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stanton,
The picturesque village of Stanton, where honey-coloured stone cottages and tranquil lanes create a scene of timeless rural beauty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stanton is a tiny village with just houses and a village pub. Take a little time to admire its loveliness before continuing your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broadway<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Follow the B4632 to Broadway, a village known as both the Jewel of the Cotswolds and the Historic Gateway to the Cotswolds with a handsome high street. Pop into the Lygon Arms Hotel for a coffee – Oliver Cromwell famously spent the night here. Then leave Broadway and continue on your way to Snowshill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could also take a little detour to Broadway Tower for an incredible view. You can catch magnificent views across the Cotswolds from its height of 1,024 feet above sea level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Broadway
Broadway Tower, Cotswolds, a striking hilltop folly offering breathtaking views across the rolling countryside, standing at 1,024 feet above sea level.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Snowshill<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You’ve got a couple of options here. If it’s the season, you could visit Cotswolds Lavender<\/a>, which has colourful fields open during summer. Or, the National Trust’s Snowshill Manor & Garden<\/a> might take your fancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cotswolds
The vibrant fields of Cotswolds Lavender near Snowshill, where rows of purple blooms stretch across the landscape, filling the air with a soothing fragrance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Snowshill
Snowshill Manor in Snowshill Village, a National Trust treasure filled with eclectic collections, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chipping Campden<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Chipping Campden is a former wool town known for its beautiful high street, lined with iconic Cotswold stone buildings. Stroll along Chipping Campden High Street, one of the loveliest in the Cotswolds, and pop into a few antique shops and independent stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Traditional
A traditional Cotswold stone house in Chipping Campden, showcasing the warm hues and timeless architecture that define this historic market town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Broad Campden<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Set into rolling hills, Broad Campden is just a few minutes from Chipping Campden with the same honey Cotswolds stone and thatch buildings. Keen gardeners might fancy a stop at Batsford Arboretum<\/a>. Otherwise, keep going through Moreton-in-Marsh to Chipping Norton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Batsford
Batsford Arboretum near Broad Campden, featuring vibrant gardens, rare trees, and tranquil walking trails perfect for nature lovers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chipping Norton<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Chipping Norton is an ancient market town that has hosted a local market since the 13th century. Today, it’s best known for its celebrity residents and famous locations like Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop<\/a> and Soho Farmhouse<\/a>, a rural offshoot of the members’ club Soho House. Spend a little time here before continuing on your road trip to Stow-on-the-Wold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stone
Historic stone-built almshouses in Chipping Norton, reflecting the town\u2019s rich heritage and timeless Cotswold charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stow-on-the-Wold<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stow-on-the-Wold is the highest town in the Cotswolds at 800 feet above sea level and features a historic church, St Edward’s Church, with a unique Yew Tree Door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as being a historic market town with the famous Porch House pub (thought to be England’s oldest inn), Stow-on-the-Wold is a great place to pause for lunch if you haven’t already or explore a few independent shops, including the Cotswold Cheese Company<\/a> and Borzoi Bookshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The enchanting Yew Tree Door of St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold, a magical feature framed by ancient trees that feels straight out of a fairytale.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Slaughters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Stow-on-the-Wold, it’s just a few minutes drive to the Slaughters. Upper and Lower Slaughter are two scenic villages on the River Eye, known for their picturesque cottages and natural beauty and connected by a scenic path. Following the River Eye, take the one-mile walk between Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. There are longer walks you could take, depending how long remains of the day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The idyllic village of Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds, where tranquil stone cottages line the River Eye, creating a picture-perfect countryside scene.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bourton-on-the-Water<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Leaving the Slaughters behind, head to Bourton-on-the-Water next, fondly known as Venice of the Cotswolds, on the River Windrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The famous Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular tourist attraction. It’s a one-ninth replica of Bourton-on-the-Water with a shallow River Windrush and working water wheel and a good place to visit first to get your bearings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s plenty to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, including Birdland Park & Gardens, a wildlife park, the Cotswold Motoring Museum, and Hawkstone Brewery<\/a>, once known as the Cotswold Brewing Company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bourton-on-the-Water,
Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” with its charming low bridges spanning the tranquil River Windrush.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cheltenham<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s a 30-minute drive back to Cheltenham from Bourton-on-the-Water. Allow yourself enough time to get back for an evening in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head to the Brewery Quarter at the end of the High Street for pubs, clubs, and restaurants or spend an evening in the elegant eateries in Montpellier, where you’ll find the town’s most beautiful Regency architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experience the Cotswolds your way with a rental car from Turo<\/a>. Choose from a variety of vehicles, from compact cars for village hopping to spacious SUVs for added comfort, with flexible pick-up and delivery options.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2 – South Cotswolds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your Cotswolds road trip continues for a second day, focussing on what lies south of Cheltenham on a route that covers around 75 miles and two and a half hours of driving. There are longer drives between destinations today, rather than the short hops on day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chedworth Roman Villa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Delve straight back into the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a visit to Chedworth Roman Villa<\/a>, one of Britain’s largest and grandest Roman villas. You’ll need to allow around 30 minutes to get there from Cheltenham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burford<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take the A40 east to Burford, a medieval town on the River Windrush with a three-arched bridge and imposing church. The Church of St John the Baptist has fine stained glass windows and historical architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find somewhere to park to explore the town, perhaps walking up Burford Hill, lined with classic Cotswold stone cottages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close by, you’ll find the Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens with over 250 species of animals, including giraffes, rhinos, and zebras \u2014 not the typical wildlife you’ll see in the beautiful countryside! It’s a great pitstop for kids on road trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"St
St John the Baptist Church in Burford, a magnificent medieval landmark known for its stunning stained glass windows and rich historical heritage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lechlade-on-Thames<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Your road trip heads south to Lechlade-on-Thames, a picturesque village on the banks of the River Thames. It’s a good spot for boating or taking a short circular walk to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lechlade-on-Thames\"
Lechlade-on-Thames, a charming riverside village where boating along the tranquil waters of the Thames is a quintessential Cotswolds experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bibury<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Lechlade, take Hambidge Lane to Bibury. Described by William Morris as the most beautiful village in England, Bibury is an iconic village in the Cotswolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The National Trust-owned Arlington Row cottages are a highlight of Bibury. They were built in 1380, initially as a monastic wool store, before they were converted into weavers’ cottages. If it looks familiar, you might recognise Arlington Row from when it was used as a backdrop in the 2007 film Stardust<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bibury is also home to England’s oldest working trout farm on the River Coln. You can take a guided tour of Bibury Trout Farm<\/a> to learn its history and try barbecued fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Arlington
Arlington Row in Bibury, an iconic row of historic weavers’ cottages known for their timeless beauty and picturesque charm, famously featured in the 2007 movie Stardust<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cirencester<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’ll take you around 20 minutes to reach Cirencester from Bibury. Cirencester, sometimes called the Capital of the Cotswolds, was an important Roman town with an old market square mentioned in the Domesday Book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re keen to know more about the town’s legacies, The Corinium Museum<\/a> in Cirencester showcases the town’s Roman history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cirencester,
Cirencester, known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, a historic market town with Roman roots and a vibrant blend of culture, architecture, and charm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Painswick<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

North of Cirencester is the so-called Queen of the Cotswolds, Painswick. It’s another of the region’s wool towns and is home to the Rococo Garden<\/a>, known for its beautiful features and landscaping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The annual cheese-rolling competition takes place at Cooper’s Hill near Painswick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Colonnade
The elegant colonnade at Rococo Gardens in Painswick, a stunning feature of this historic garden, blending whimsical design with serene natural beauty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cheltenham<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Painswick, return to Cheltenham through the Slad Valley, and your Cotswold road trip is complete. Spend more time here, perhaps exploring art galleries like The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum<\/a> or following the Cheltenham Public Art Trail which includes work by international artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An optional extension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty extends down to Bath. Instead of returning to Cheltenham at the end of your second day of your Cotswolds itinerary, you could continue your journey south.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you reach Cirencester, take the A429 south. It’ll also give you a chance to stop at Castle Combe – another rival for the title of England’s prettiest village. With all its timeless charm and beautiful buildings, Castle Combe has been used as a backdrop on the silver screen, featuring in the likes of Steven Spielberg’s War Horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Castle
Castle Combe Village, often hailed as England\u2019s prettiest village, with its timeless stone cottages and charming, storybook-like streets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From Castle Combe, continue south to Bath and finish your Cotswolds road trip in this exquisite city, visiting the ancient Roman Baths<\/a> and strolling past the honey-coloured Georgian buildings of the Royal Crescent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel tips for a Cotswolds road trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A road trip through the charming Cotswolds is a scenic route through a region renowned for its timeless charm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expect narrow roads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cotswolds roads are often narrow and may have just one lane. If you need to give way to an oncoming car, there are usually passing places on single-lane roads. When it rains in The Cotswolds, some roads can get huge puddles, requiring caution while driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare for tricky parking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Parking can be difficult in the busiest Cotswold towns and villages, especially in summer and at weekends. Some of the villages are very small, and it’s important to remember that the beautiful homes you see here belong to the residents and their village, and their privacy should be respected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan your route and download your map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sat navs usually send you along the most direct route, which often means main roads. Mobile signal can be patchy in the Cotswolds, so having a print map as a backup is a good idea. Signal is often patchy across the Cotswolds, so it’s a good idea to download an offline version of Google Maps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Book your accommodation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Cotswolds has plenty of places to stay, from luxury hotels to self-catering holiday lets. If you’re following a two-day road trip and looking for a base in or around Cheltenham, here are a few options to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n