Cotswolds, England 4-Day Trip Itinerary

Depart from Bath

Begin your road trip by picking up your rental car (if needed) and heading north towards the Southern Cotswolds.

Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling hills.

Ensure your vehicle is ready for winter driving conditions. Consider a stop for coffee and pastries before you leave.

Explore Lacock Village & Abbey

Wander through the untouched streets of Lacock, a village owned almost entirely by the National Trust. Visit Lacock Abbey, a historic house with monastic roots and a museum for photography.

Famous filming location for Harry Potter and Pride & Prejudice. Check National Trust website for winter opening hours. Parking available outside the village.

Visit Castle Combe

Discover Castle Combe, often called 'the prettiest village in England'.

Enjoy its picturesque stone cottages, ancient market cross, and the babbling Bybrook river.

Limited parking, arrive early or park slightly outside and walk in. This village is best explored on foot. Consider lunch at The White Hart.

Lunch in Castle Combe

Enjoy a traditional pub lunch in Castle Combe, perhaps at The White Hart or The Castle Inn, soaking in the village atmosphere.

Pubs can get busy; consider booking ahead, especially on weekends.

Drive to Cirencester

Take a scenic drive towards Cirencester, often called the 'Capital of the Cotswolds', where you'll be based for the next three nights.

Check into Accommodation

Check into your chosen accommodation in or near Cirencester and settle in.

Dinner in Cirencester

Enjoy dinner at one of Cirencester's local restaurants, exploring the town's culinary offerings.

Cirencester has a good selection of independent restaurants and pubs. Check out The Fleece or Téatro Bar & Restaurant.

Explore Bibury

Start your day with a visit to Bibury, famously described by William Morris as 'the most beautiful village in England'.

See Arlington Row, a picturesque row of weavers' cottages.

Parking is limited, especially near Arlington Row. Best to arrive early. Enjoy a stroll along the River Coln.

Bourton-on-the-Water

Visit Bourton-on-the-Water, known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' due to the River Windrush flowing through its centre under low bridges.

Explore the village, its shops, and perhaps the Model Village.

The Model Village (booking recommended) is a popular attraction. Check winter opening times. Lots of unique gift shops.

Lunch in Bourton-on-the-Water

Enjoy lunch in one of Bourton-on-the-Water's many cafes or pubs.

Try a cream tea for a classic Cotswolds experience.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Head to Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming market town at the highest point of the Cotswolds.

Explore its market square, ancient cross, and St. Edward's Church with its famous tree-framed door.

A great place for antique shopping and art galleries. Visit the Stocks on the square, where offenders were once held.

Short Cotswold Walk (Optional)

If time and weather permit, take a short, gentle walk to experience the beautiful Cotswold landscape.

Consider a small section of the Cotswold Way near Stow-on-the-Wold.

The Cotswold Way offers numerous scenic routes. Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear for winter conditions. You can find maps and suggestions for shorter walks.

Return to Cirencester

Drive back to Cirencester for the evening.

Relax and enjoy your accommodation.

Dinner & Relaxation

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Cirencester, perhaps trying a different restaurant or a cosy pub.

Explore Burford

Visit Burford, a charming medieval town known as the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds'.

Walk down its famous high street, lined with antique shops, pubs, and cafes.

Visit St. John the Baptist Church for its impressive architecture and history. Great for browsing unique shops.

The Slaughters Villages

Discover the picturesque villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter.

Enjoy a gentle walk between the two, admiring the honey-coloured stone cottages and tranquil river.

The walk between the villages is relatively flat and takes about 20-30 minutes. Limited parking available in both villages. The Slaughters Inn is a good stop for refreshments.

Lunch in Moreton-in-Marsh

Head to Moreton-in-Marsh for lunch.

This bustling market town has a long high street and several inviting eateries.

On Tuesdays, Moreton-in-Marsh hosts a large outdoor market – check if it aligns with your visit for local produce and goods (Note: Your visit is on a Thursday).

Moreton-in-Marsh Exploration (or Go Cotswolds overview)

Spend more time exploring Moreton-in-Marsh, or consider a short, scenic drive suggested by 'Go Cotswolds' (a tour company that operates from Moreton-in-Marsh, hinting at local beauty spots).

While a full tour isn't planned, the presence of 'Go Cotswolds' highlights excellent local routes. Check out local antique shops or the Wellington Aviation Museum nearby.

Return to Cirencester

Drive back to Cirencester after a full day of exploration in the northern and central Cotswolds.

Farewell Dinner in Cirencester

Enjoy a farewell dinner in Cirencester, perhaps at a pub or restaurant you haven't tried yet, reflecting on your Cotswolds adventures.

Consider booking ahead for popular spots.

Explore Chipping Campden

Begin your day in Chipping Campden, often considered one of the finest market towns in the Cotswolds.

Admire the stunning High Street, the historic Market Hall, and the beautiful St. James' Church. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the atmosphere.

Dress warmly for a winter walk. Consider a short, self-guided walk inspired by Cotswold Walks, which is based here. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187068-d16409912-Reviews-Cotswold_Walks-Chipping_Campden_Cotswolds_England.html?m=66827

Visit Broadway Tower

Drive to Broadway Tower, the second-highest point in the Cotswolds, offering panoramic views across up to 16 counties on a clear day.

Enjoy the views and a short walk around the estate. The tower itself may be open for climbing.

Check opening times for the tower interior, especially in winter. There is a car park fee.

Lunch in Broadway

Head down into the picturesque village of Broadway for lunch.

There are several lovely pubs and tea rooms to choose from, offering traditional British fare.

Try The Lygon Arms for a historic pub experience or a cozy cafe for a lighter bite.

Discover Stow-on-the-Wold

Drive to Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming market town famous for its ancient market cross, unique shops, and the 'hobbit door' at St. Edward's Church. Wander through the square and explore the antique shops and art galleries.

Look for the iconic tree-framed door at St. Edward's Church. Many shops may have winter opening hours.

Scenic Drive Back to Bath

Begin your return journey to Bath, enjoying the scenic winter landscapes of the Cotswolds as you drive south.

This drive will take you through charming villages and beautiful countryside.

Plan your route to enjoy the best scenery. Roads can be icy in winter, drive carefully.