Cost of Traveling to the Cotswolds: 4 and 5 Day Budget Guide

Are you dreaming of a picturesque getaway to the English countryside but worried about the costs? In this guide, we’ll explore how much it costs to travel to the Cotswolds, breaking down the budget into manageable sections. By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of what to save before embarking on your adventure.

While this trip isn't the cheapest option in Europe, with some careful planning and budgeting, it can be an affordable escape that won’t break the bank. Our budget guide for traveling to the Cotswolds will offer you practical tips and ideas to help you enjoy this stunning region without overspending. So, let’s dive in and get started!

The Cotswolds are renowned for their rolling hills, winding roads, and quaint stone villages, making it one of the most enchanting areas in England. If you have a penchant for road trips and rural landscapes, you’re bound to fall in love with this charming countryside. But, you might wonder, what will it cost?

The budget we present below is an estimate for a 5-day, 4-night trip, based on our previous experience. This calculation is per person, so keep in mind that some expenses may be shared if traveling with a partner. Remember, these figures can vary significantly based on your travel style, preferences, and the time of year. Our goal is to give you a clear reference to gauge how much a trip to the Cotswolds might set you back.

As with any travel planning, we will divide the budget into four essential sections: flights, accommodation, transportation, and food. Additionally, we’ll include a section on entry fees for popular attractions and a miscellaneous expenses section for unexpected costs.

Flight costs: Finding the right deals

The nearest airport for visiting the Cotswolds is Bristol, which hosts numerous flights from various European cities, including many from Spain, operated by budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet. Depending on your departure city and how far in advance you book, round-trip flights can range from €60 to €100 (or even less in some cases).

• For example, we flew from Barcelona to Bristol with Ryanair, booking two weeks in advance, with a checked bag, for €125 per person.
• To find the best airfares, we recommend using Skyscanner.

In total, you can expect to spend around €100 on flights.

Transportation: Renting a car for the best experience

To explore the Cotswolds thoroughly, renting a car is the most convenient option. Although public buses are available, they are infrequent and do not reach all the villages.

• We recommend using comparators like Auto Europe for the best rental deals.
• During our trip, we rented a compact car for 5 days for €150, including full coverage from Auto Europe. The rental was with Green Motion, conveniently located outside the airport, offering pick-up service.

We drove approximately 380 miles (around 600 km) and spent about £60 (around €70) on gasoline. In total, our transportation costs amounted to around €110 each.

Accommodation: Where to stay in the Cotswolds

In our experience, accommodation tends to be the most expensive aspect of traveling through the Cotswolds. While prices can vary, affordable options like hostels are scarce in this region.

• Luxury hotels can exceed €300 per night, while B&Bs and more modest hotels usually cost between €50 and €100 per night.
• To secure the best rates, it's essential to book well in advance—ideally several weeks ahead of your trip.

We used Booking to find our accommodations. Here’s a snapshot of where we stayed and what we paid:

• Hostel The Barrel Store (1 night): €65
• The Northwick Arms Hotel (2 nights): €168
• Hotel Stanton Manor (1 night): €92

On average, we estimate €80 per night, totaling €320 for two people, or €160 per person.

Food costs: Dining in the Cotswolds

We tend not to eat heavily for breakfast, opting for coffee on the go and occasional snacks from supermarkets. If your accommodation includes breakfast, that’s a bonus!

• Lunch deals are available at many pubs and restaurants during weekdays, typically offering starter and main course for around £10-14.
• Main dishes generally cost around £15, while pints of beer range between £4-6.

For our food budget, we spent approximately €175 throughout our stay. If you want to save money, requesting tap water in restaurants is common and won’t raise any eyebrows.

Entry fees: Planning your activities

This section is quite personal, as your choice of paid attractions will significantly impact your budget. We focused mostly on free activities (of which there are plenty!), but if you plan on visiting several paid sites, costs can add up quickly.

• Typical entry fees for popular attractions range from £20 to £30 per person.
• Here are some entry fees for notable sites in the Cotswolds:
• Palace Blenheim + gardens: £35
• Sudeley Castle: £19.50
• Lacock Abbey: £19
• Stonehenge (free viewing options available): £23-29
• Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon: £18

Planning for an average of €50 for entry fees should cover most activities you wish to engage in.

Miscellaneous expenses: Preparing for the unexpected

It’s wise to allocate some funds for unexpected expenses, from souvenirs to small treats—or in our case, medications. Surprisingly, we found over-the-counter medicines in supermarkets at very low prices, around £1-1.50 per box.

• Other potential expenses include travel insurance (we recommend Iati Escapadas, starting at just €16 with a discount link), parking fees, and celebratory drinks.

Our miscellaneous costs totaled approximately €25.

Summary: how much does a trip to the Cotswolds cost?

After analyzing each expense category, we can provide a general overview of how much it costs to travel to the Cotswolds. Here’s a quick summary of what a 5-day trip might look like per person:

Did this travel budget for the Cotswolds surprise you? Keep in mind that these calculations are personal and can vary depending on your travel style, the season, and how far in advance you organize your trip. Nevertheless, they should serve as a valuable reference for gauging how much to budget for your Cotswolds adventure.

For more tips and savings on your travels, explore the following resources:

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