Two Uncomplicated Day Trips to the Cotswolds from London
Heading to the Cotswolds for a day trip from London? You ain't gonna regret it, mate! The Cotswolds is bloody gorgeous, with its adorable, stone-built villages, dreamy lavender fields, and rolling farmland. Think you're ready to see the most charming places in this region? Well, buckle up and let's get this show on the bloody road!
Since the Cotswolds is bloody massive, covering nearly 800 square miles, it's impossible to see the whole shebang in just one day. So, you'll need to pick and choose which villages to visit. Need some help deciding? We've laid out two Cotswolds day-trip itineraries for ya. Just remember, these itineraries are not set in stone – feel free to mix and match as you bloody fancy!
How to Visit the Cotswolds in One Day
By Car: The Only Bloody Way
Fancy a bloody road trip? The Cotswolds isn't exactly known for its rail service, and many places in the region are hard to reach by public transport. That's why renting a car is your best bet. We always compare rates and book on DiscoverCars – the car-rental company that always come up trumps in Europe. And remember, in England, they do crazy things like driving on the opposite side of the road. So, if you're from the US or mainland Europe, take it bloody slow until you get the hang of it. And, if you're uncomfortable driving on the wrong side, bloody insurance could be a good idea.
The Rural Area: Navigate with GPS
The Cotswolds is a bit rural, and your phone's GPS might not always work because of spotty cell phone reception. So, it's a good idea to pay for a rental car with GPS. On the bright side, most of the Cotswolds is farmland, so those narrow roads with no shoulders will make you feel like a bloody hedgehog dodging cars! (Just kidding. It's lovely, really.)
Parking: Be Prepared to Walk
Parking can be tricky in the Cotswolds, especially in small villages built centuries ago. They don't exactly have the infrastructure to support modern tourists. You'll often find a parking lot or car park near the village, but expect to walk 5-10 minutes to get there.
Guided Tours from London
If the thought of driving in England makes you feel a bit ill, don't fret! You can always book a guided Cotswolds day tour from London for roughly the same price as car rental. Many of these tours take you by minibus or van to some of the most popular Cotswolds spots, including Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. They'll even give you loads of free time to explore on your own, but you'll have to leave the driving to a professional.
Option #1: Most Popular Villages
This itinerary takes you to some of the most quintessential Cotswold villages, plus a bloody stunning UNESCO World Heritage palace.
Map
Here's a map to help you visualize and plan the route.
Highlights
- Blenheim Palace: This masterful Baroque palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill. Visit the palace museum, gardens, and parks.
- Stow-on-the-Wold: This market town is home to England's oldest pub, The Porch House. It's the perfect place to stop for a cold brew, a bite to eat, or to shop for souvenirs.
- Lower Slaughter: This picturesque village is notable for its Old Mill. Grab a coffee or a treat from the museum and take a stroll along the River Eye's adorable footbridges.
- Bourton-on-the-Water: This popular village is charmingly known as the "Venice of the Cotswolds" for its river that flows through the village. You can visit museums, shops, and cafes here.
- Bibury: This village is home to the stunning Arlington Row, a street lined with old weaver's cottages. It's one of the most photographed spots in the Cotswolds. The village is also home to a trout farm where you can buy fresh or smoked fish.
Option #2: Southern Cotswolds
This itinerary takes you to some of the prettiest villages in the Southern Cotswolds and the historic town of Bath, which is just outside the southern edge of the Cotswolds.
Map
This map will help you visualize and plan the route.
Highlights
- Castle Combe: Named one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, it features stunning architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
- Biddestone: This lovely village has been named Wiltshire's Best Kept Village twice! Visit St. Nicholas Church, meet friendly ducks at the duck pond, and enjoy a meal at The White Horse Pub.
- Corsham: In Corsham, you can visit the famous Lacock Abbey, which served as a filming location for several movies, including Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice.
- Bath: Bath is an easy addition to a south Cotswolds day trip itinerary and offers plenty to see and do. Visit the Roman Baths Museum, take a stroll along the cobblestone streets, and enjoy the spa city's vibrant nightlife.
So, there you blooming' have it – two epic day-trip itineraries for exploring the Cotswolds! Whether you choose to rent a car, join a guided tour, or mix and match these itineraries, you're guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful and charming spots in the Cotswolds. Just remember, one day in the Cotswolds won't be enough to see the entire region, but you can bloody well have an amazing time! Stay tuned for more travel tips and itineraries! Cheers!
* References:
[1] "The Most Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds," Travel and Leisure, https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-ideas/best-villages/cotswolds-countryside
[2] "Cotswolds Day Trips: The Best Cotswolds Villages to Visit," BBC, https://ww2.bradfordonavon.co.uk/things-to-do/cotswolds-day-trips-best-cotswolds-villages-to-visit-721
[3] "The Most Beautiful Villages in Cotswolds," PlanetWare, https://www.planetware.com/cotswolds/most-beautiful-villages-cotswolds-england-cn-clg.htm
[4] "10 Best Villages to Visit in the Cotswolds," AFAR, https://www.afar.com/magazine/ten-best-villages-to-visit-in-the-cotswolds-033019
[5] "The Best Cotswolds Day Trip Itinerary (2023)," One Day Wonder, https://www.onedaywonder.co/blog/best-cotswolds-day-trip-itinerary
[6] "Cotswolds Day Trip Planner: The Itinerary, Map, & What to See," Travel & Food, https://www.travel-food.com/cotswolds/
- To better explore the vast beauty of the Cotswolds, consider embellishing your home-and-garden lifestyle with travel photographs from your trip.
- After a day of driving through the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, unwind by immersing yourself in your home-and-garden oasis, surrounded by memories of stone-built cottages, dreamy lavender fields, and rolling farmland.
