3, 4 and 5 Day Cotswolds Itinerary: Daily Guide

Are you dreaming of rolling hills, quaint villages, and a slice of idyllic English countryside? Look no further than the enchanting Cotswolds. Recently, we embarked on a five-day journey through this picturesque region, and we’re here to share not only our itinerary but also tips and insights to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure.

The Cotswolds may not cover a vast area, but crafting a well-organized route is essential to maximize your experience. In this guide, we’ll unveil our detailed itinerary, including accommodations, dining spots, and recommendations to ensure your visit is as memorable as ours.

While our journey spanned five days, you can still have a fulfilling experience in just three or four days. We took our time to explore the charming villages of the Cotswolds, and even squeezed in some exciting excursions:

• A visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare
• A trip to the iconic megalithic monument of Stonehenge
• An exploration of the historic Roman city of Bath

Initially, we considered a detour to Oxford, but opted to focus on the gems within the Cotswolds instead.

Our Day-by-Day Itinerary in the Cotswolds

Here's a breakdown of our journey through the enchanting Cotswolds, highlighting our daily adventures:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Castle Combe

We flew from Barcelona to Bristol Airport, where we picked up our rental car from Auto Europe. Our sleek Kia Sportage was perfect for the winding roads of the Cotswolds, although a smaller vehicle might have been more convenient for parking.

Our first stop was Castle Combe, often hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in England. Despite the weekend crowds, we were mesmerized by its charm. After an hour of exploring, we headed to Cirencester, the largest town in the Cotswolds, to settle in for the night.

Cirencester boasts a quaint historical center with the stunning St. John the Baptist Church and a vibrant pub scene. We recommend a visit to The Black Horse for a cozy atmosphere. If time permits, don’t miss nearby Tetbury, known for its antique shops, and Painswick, a charming village with hidden gems. For breathtaking views, hike up Crickley Hill at sunset.

• We stayed at the cozy Hostel The Barrel Store

Day 2: Charming Villages and Culinary Delights

We started our second day early, heading to Bibury, famous for Arlington Row, often dubbed the most beautiful street in the UK. The natural landscape, with its babbling brooks and lush trees, offered a serene setting.

Next, we visited Bourton-on-the-Water, a lively village filled with craft shops, cafés, and restaurants. We took a break at The Chestnut Tree Coffee Shop to indulge in a traditional scone.

Our journey then led us to Lower Slaughter, a picturesque hamlet that feels like stepping back in time, featuring a historic watermill dating back to the 17th century. We also briefly passed through Upper Slaughter.

Time was of the essence as we headed to Broadway, where we had a reservation at Crown en Trumpets to savor the classic Sunday Roast—a must-try if you find yourself in the area on a Sunday. Broadway is bustling on weekends, showcasing artisan shops, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t miss the iconic Tower of Broadway, which offers stunning panoramic views. After lunch, we ventured to Snowshill, known for its photogenic red telephone box and picturesque church.

As the day wound down, we settled into our accommodation in Evesham, chosen for its reasonable prices and proximity to northern Cotswolds attractions.

• We stayed two nights at The Northwick Arms Hotel

Day 3: Historical Riches and Scenic Drives

Our third day began with a stop at a nearby Lidl for coffee and breakfast before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. The Tudor-style buildings and Shakespearean heritage made for a delightful morning.

After exploring, we set off to visit the remaining Cotswold villages. Our first stop was Chipping Campden, renowned for its historic wool market and the covered Market Cross built in 1627.

We continued to Moreton-in-Marsh, where traditional stone cottages coexist with modern buildings, making it an excellent spot to buy local cheese at The Cotswold Cheese Co..

Returning to Stow-on-the-Wold, we took our time exploring beyond the church of St. Edward. Finding lunch at The Porch House, claimed to be the oldest inn in the country, was an adventure in itself, though we ultimately chose The Talbot for its affordable lunch menu.

Remember to use a Revolut card (with a €10 bonus) to avoid foreign transaction fees.

Our last stop of the day was Stanton, a lesser-known village with stunning architecture. The scenic drive through Stanway House and the surrounding hills was a highlight. If time allows, visit Winchcombe and the historic Sudeley Castle or the intriguing neolithic tumulus of Belas Knap.

We wrapped up our day with dinner at a local Indian restaurant, Karma, which served a delicious orange bomb curry.

Day 4: Hidden Gems and Iconic Landmarks

On our fourth day, we started in Burford, a charming little town with a lively high street. We encountered The Bearded Lady, a beloved local dog, during our stroll.

For breakfast, we had a unique plan: starting at a McDonald’s in Witney and then enjoying a scenic picnic at Minster Lovell Hall, the ruins of a medieval manor house.

Next, we visited the impressive Blenheim Palace. While we didn’t go inside due to high entry fees, we accessed the park for free and enjoyed the majestic views.

We stopped for lunch at Chippenham Pit Stop, famous for its generous portions. As the day drew to a close, we returned to Castle Combe for a quieter experience, reveling in its breathtaking scenery.

For our final night, we decided to treat ourselves to a stay at a beautiful Victorian manor house, Stanton Manor Hotel.

Day 5: Final Adventures and Departure

Our final day began with a visit to Lacock, known for its picturesque streets and as a filming location for the Harry Potter series. We enjoyed exploring the village before heading south to Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments.

To our delight, we discovered a free walking path that offered nearly the same views as the paid entry.

With a few hours remaining before our flight, we explored the stunning city of Bath, known for its Roman baths and Georgian architecture. While our time was limited, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll and indulged in a delicious pie at The Raven.

We returned our rental car around 5:30 PM, concluding our first adventure in the Cotswolds. We left with fond memories and a desire to return with family to explore more of the UK.

Alternative Itineraries: 3 to 4 Days in the Cotswolds

If you have limited time, don’t worry! The Cotswolds can be explored effectively in three or four days. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Lacock, Castle Combe, Tetbury, Bibury, Cirencester.
• Day 2: Bourton-on-the-Water, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Snowshill.
• Day 3: Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, Burford, Minster Lovell Hall.
• Day 4: Visit Stonehenge + Oxford or Bath.

Mapping Your Cotswolds Adventure

Having a map is crucial for navigating your route effectively. Here’s a visual representation of the itinerary we just shared, marking the locations with different colors for each day:

If you found our Cotswolds itinerary helpful, or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

The 10 Most Beautiful Villages in the Cotswolds

10 Essential Things to See and Do in the Cotswolds

Top 6 Day Trips from London