4 Charming Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
TRAVEL DATE: MARCH 14, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 9 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Looking for a countryside getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of London?
While the buzz of cosmopolitan London has its charms, this constant whir of activity can leave you craving a simpler way of life. If you’re looking to break up an extended London visit with an excursion outside the city, you may be considering day trips to historic Stonehenge or the stunning White Cliffs of Dover.
For a true relaxing retreat, however, you should look no further than the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds. Traveling to this protected countryside is the quickest one day getaway from London, meaning you’ll spend more time exploring rather than sitting in a cramped coach. Rolling hills and vibrant market towns will transport you back 700 years as you take in the timeless natural beauty of these breathtaking provincial landscapes.
One Day Cotswolds Day Trip from London
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed Cotswolds getaway you’ll find below:
8:55 - 9:10 AM: ☕ Grab coffee from Urban Baristas before your tour (15 min)
9:10 - 10:40 AM: 🚐 Relax on the minibus ride out to the countryside (1 hr 30 min)
10:40 - 11:40 AM: 🥖 Break into fresh baked bread from Bakery on the Hill in Burford (1 hr)
11:55 AM - 12:40 PM: 🏘️ Snap a photo of quaint Arlington Row in Bibury (45 min)
1:05 - 2:35 PM: 🐟 Munch on fish and chips from the Chip Shed in Bourton-on-the-Water (1 hr 30 min)
2:45 - 3:45 PM: 🍺 Sip on a hot toddy from the Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold (1 hr)
3:45 - 5:45 PM: 🌾 Admire the undulating hillsides as you return to London (2 hr)
How to Get from London to the Cotswolds?
Located 70 miles to the northwest of London, the quaint Cotswolds region is not easily accessible via public transportation. In theory you could take a combination of buses and trains to reach this plot of traditional English countryside, but this option will add at least an hour each way to your commute and require you to adhere to the respective transit timetables. Bus routes between the Cotswolds villages are quite slow as well, taking more than double the time a car would take to travel the same distance.
Since you only have a day to spare, you’ll want to opt for a faster transportation method to make the most of your experience. Renting a car and driving to the Cotswolds is one such alternative, but if you’ve never driven on the left side of the road before this may not be the best time to start.
In my opinion, the safest and most hassle-free way to get to the Cotswolds is to book a tour with transportation included. GetYourGuide and Viator offer such Cotswolds small group day trips from London, driving you via minibus or air conditioned coach. The right tour for you depends on what type of experience you’re seeking.
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One type of tour explores both Oxford and Cotswold villages
Others stop at the filming location of Downton Abbey
Some cater to classical literary enthusiasts
And several strictly stay within the Cotswolds
Most tours hit at least two of the Cotswolds villages, however I opted for a Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour that visited Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. I enjoyed the pacing of this particular excursion and felt like I had the perfect amount of time to spend in each idyllic stop. The tour sequencing was also quite interesting in that you begin in what appears to be the most quaint village, with each location after that becoming more developed. This progression elicits the feeling that you’re traveling through time, with the overall itinerary demonstrating how the entire region has evolved. For a similar itinerary that includes lunch, check out this tour!
Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
FROM: South Kensington Urban Baristas (9:10 AM) (44 Harrington Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3ND, United Kingdom)
TO: Burford (10:40 AM) (Burford)
TRANSPORTATION: Minibus provided by GetYourGuide tour (1 hr 30 min, direct route, $118.40 total)
Assuming you’re embarking on the same tour that I booked, you’ll be picked up next to Urban Baristas in South Kensington by a minibus provided by the tour operator. Given that you’ll be sitting on a bus for a good hour and a half, I’d recommend arriving a bit early to use the facilities inside the shop and grab a cup of coffee while you’re there. Show your electronic tickets to the driver to check in, and soon you’ll be on your way to the Cotswolds!
Burford
The gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford’s picturesque High Street is lined with medieval and Georgian buildings dating back to the 15th century. Inside these historic structures you’ll find antique shops and boutiques selling unique finds and traditional crafts.
Stroll around to observe the quintessence of English heritage and countryside charm. Even today you’ll find present day odes to the market heritage of the town, as a prosperous wool trade contributed to the splendor of St. John the Baptist Church with its beautiful stained glass, monuments, and carvings. The Burford Bridge is another glimpse into England's past to seek out, as the town's layout and architecture have remained relatively unchanged over the centuries.
Breakfast — Bakery on the Hill
While exploring Burford, I recommend popping into the Bakery on the Hill to enjoy an artisan loaf with the perfect crunch. The traditional recipes in this bakery have been passed down through generations, and you’re sure to find a country variety that the posh patisseries of London don’t offer. Whether sourdough, malted, or ale breads are calling your name, you’ll bite into a loaf with the ideal balance of texture and softness.
The parent company of this bakery also has a location in Bourton-on-the-Water, so if you don’t have time in Burford you can stop by Bakery on the Water later in the day! Both venues offer breakfast and lunch, with coffee and tea prepared by roastery-trained baristas. You can even request that your food be packed up for a picnic by the water!
Bibury
FROM: Burford (11:40 AM) (Burford)
TO: Bibury (11:55 AM) (Bibury)
TRANSPORTATION: Minibus provided by GetYourGuide tour (15 min, direct route, $118.40 total)
Described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England,” your next stop is the town of Bibury. A living museum of English history, you’ll find lush meadows, and picturesque rivers offering stunning natural scenery and a peaceful retreat.
Arlington Row, comprising 14th century wool store cottages which were converted for weavers in the 17th century, is perhaps the most photographed and famous view in Bibury. An exemplary representation of traditional Cotswold architecture, the steeply pitched roofs, stone walls, and quaint gardens of these cottages are so treasured that the presence of a yellow car made national news before it was vandalized to the dismay of its elderly owner.
While wandering around this village you’ll stumble upon the Bibury Trout Farm, which is one of Britain's oldest after being founded in 1902. Admission to explore the farm and feed the trout is £7.50, and from there you can pay additional fees to fish in the pond, play mini golf, and host a barbecue. You’re also welcome to eat at the cafe or enter the gift shop to purchase fresh and smoked trout without having to pay for admission. This charming farm offers a glimpse into the rural practices and traditions of the Cotswolds, with the fish growing through every stage of life on this working trout farm.
Other points of interest include the Swan Hotel and the Saxon church, St. Mary's, which dates back to the 8th century. Located on the enchanting banks of the River Coln, the Swan Hotel is one of the only places to stay in Bibury and often hosts weddings and other intimate events. Aside from the trout farm, this is another food option if you’re feeling a bit peckish during this stop.
Bourton-on-the-Water
FROM: Bibury (12:40 PM) (Bibury)
TO: Bourton-on-the-Water (1:05 PM) (Bourton-on-the-Water)
TRANSPORTATION: Minibus provided by GetYourGuide tour (25 min, direct route, $118.40 total)
Next up on this tour is the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” lovely Bourton-on-the-Water built around the River Windrush. With water flowing through the center, the village is flanked by wide village greens and crossed by several low, arched stone bridges. The buildings themselves are constructed from honey-colored Cotswold stone, lending the overall landscape a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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View a one-ninth scale replica of the village itself in the Model Village for £4.50
Search for exotic birds in the Birdland wildlife park for £12.95
Examine 20th-century motoring memorabilia in the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection for £8.50
Solve puzzles in the Dragonfly Maze adventure for £4.50
Offering the most activities of any stop during your Cotswolds tour, in Bourton-on-the-Water you could pursue a variety of plans. Instead of doing any of the above activities, however, my best friend and I spent our time exploring the shops of Bourton-on-the-Water before grabbing a bite to eat. We each ended up leaving with travel-sized vials of fragrance from The Cotswold Perfumery. I love purchasing perfume as a creative way to remember my adventures, especially since scent is strongly linked to memory! Opting for a sophisticated cymbeline scent, I walked out with a Chypre fragrance blending sandalwood, vetivert, and oakmoss.
Lunch — The Chip Shed
If your stomach is growling at this point you’re in luck, The Chip Shed serves up award winning fish and chips with a wide selection of wine, ale and fizz to accompany the great British dish. The sustainable, wild caught fish is prepared and cooked fresh in house every day, so you can’t go wrong with their traditional cod plate.
The batter is light and crisp, yet doesn’t overpower the soft, flaky meat of the whitefish within. The freshly cut chips are the perfect side pairing for a dish you need to eat at least once while visiting England! The menu also contains vegetarian meals and a children’s section, meaning this family-friendly restaurant should be able to accommodate the preferences of anyone in your party!
Stow-on-the-Wold
FROM: Bourton-on-the-Water (2:35 PM) (Bourton-on-the-Water)
TO: Stow-on-the-Wold (2:45 PM) (Stow-on-the-Wold)
TRANSPORTATION: Minibus provided by GetYourGuide tour (10 min, direct route, $118.40 total)
Last but not least, Stow-on-the-Wold is the final stop on your tour of the Cotswolds. Dating back to the Norman era, its strategic location at the junction of major roads made it an important trading center, with the central market square serving as a testament to the town’s economic prosperity.
The significant last battle of the First English Civil War also occurred here in 1646, when Royalist forces were defeated by the Parliamentarians. Amidst the antique shops and art galleries, you may notice St Edward’s Church with its beautiful stained glass and 11th century tower. Notably, the yew tree-framed door that is said to have inspired the entrance to Moria in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
Drink - The Porch House
I found the most intriguing part of this village to be The Porch House, which claims to be the oldest inn in England after being established in 947 AD. The inside of the inn is incredibly charming, and if you look carefully above the fireplace you’ll notice some strange circular carvings. These witches’ marks from medieval times were scribed onto stone near the building’s entrance points—typically doorways, windows, and fireplaces—to protect inhabitants from evil spirits and other mischief.
At the end of this long journey, my best friend and I decided to enjoy a hot toddy from The Porch House bar. It was a quieter day without many patrons around, so we chatted with the bartender about the lore surrounding this historic building and the many years it has served the surrounding community. If you’re hungry, lunch and dinner menus are also offered with fresh, seasonal dishes created using locally sourced produce.
How Much Do Cotswolds Tours from London Cost?
Depending on the particular tour you book, your day trip to the Cotswolds can range from $102.37 to $159.14. Following the above itinerary cost me $155.76 in total as a young college student on a budget:
Transportation
$85.03 - Full-Day Cotswolds Small-Group Tour
Food
$7.43 - coffee and pastry from breakfast at Urban Baristas
$8.40 - loaf of sourdough bread from Bakery on the Hill
$22.56 - fish and chips from The Chip Shed
Souvenirs
$32.34 - travel-sized perfume vial from The Cotswold Perfumery
Tour prices seem to have gone up since I explored the Cotswolds in 2023, so you can expect your excursion to cost $15-75 more depending on the itinerary and whether or not lunch is included. I found it cheaper to purchase food myself on a tour that didn’t include any meals, and if you’re on a tighter budget you can always skip out on souvenirs.
What to Wear in the Cotswolds?
If you’re like me, then you’ll take any opportunity to embody the aesthetic of a particular destination. In the Cotswolds, the first aesthetic to embody that comes to mind is none other than cottagecore.
While the local residents of the Cotswolds may not actually dress like this, how often do you have the opportunity to frolic around old-timey villages, lush meadows, and literal cottages? Consider incorporating the following elements into your outfit as you embody the simplicity and charm of rural provincial life through your look:
Puffy Sleeves
puffy sleeves add a romantic, whimsical touch inspired by historical pastoral fashion
Flower Detailing
floral and botanical details blend into the luscious meadow landscape you’ll be exploring
Pink Pastels
soft, muted tones like creams, greens, soft pinks, and browns echo the natural world around you
Denim Overalls
layering with overalls adds visual interest while reflecting the practicality of dressing for varied rural tasks
Natural Fabrics
natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, and silk add rustic charm to your Ballerina Farm-inspired outfit
Femme Bandanas
femme bandanas featuring motifs from nature reinforce your outfit’s connection to the environment
Are the Cotswolds Worth Visiting?
If you have an extra day to spare while visiting London, the Cotswolds are the perfect getaway to connect with nature while getting up close and personal with England’s pastoral heritage. I’ve never visited a destination like this before that felt legitimately frozen in time, and strolling down the cobblestone streets in my pinky frilly dress made the experience even more delightful! The Cotswolds’ designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was undeniably apparent, and the rolling hills of this serene countryside will surely fill you with a sense of calm before you retreat back into cosmopolitan London.
The specific tour detailed in this guide is more of a passive experience, with the bus driver providing recommendations and historical tidbits during the drive, while allowing you to spend your free time however you’d like during each stop. I enjoyed having the independence to explore each village on my own, but if you’re looking for a truly guided experience this is likely not the tour for you. Additionally, this tranquil retreat into nature entails a very calm, leisurely day—if you’re seeking a thrilling day trip with an upbeat pace, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere.
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