Cotswolds
Breathe in the quiet magic of the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, is a region of outstanding natural beauty in the South West of England. This is a not to be missed location when traveling to England; however, if you only have limited time these are the top 5 best places to visit in the Cotswolds.
Lower & Upper Slaughter are peaceful villages only separated by a very beautiful and scenic walk. These are arguably our favorite places in the Cotswolds and while there may be more popular destinations if you are looking for the quintessential Cotswold atmosphere then this is it. Lower Slaughter is divided by the River Eye and is known for its beautiful old mill and St. Mary’s Church.
Bourton-on-the-Water, commonly referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” because of its famous low stone bridges over the River Windrush, is one of the most popular Cotswolds locations. While walking around and taking in the atmosphere is the best way to experience the area, you can also visit popular attractions include the Cotswold Motoring Museum and the Model Village.
Stow-on-the-Wold is an historic market town with a large market square surrounded by antique shops, pubs, and tea rooms. The St Edward’s Church has a unique tree-framed doorway that is often said to be the inspiration for the doors of Moria in The Lord of the Rings.
Castle Combe is often referred to as the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe has been used as a filming location for movies like Stardust and War Horse. The village is car-free, adding to its timeless atmosphere. Due to its popularity and size, the village can get extremely busy especially if you visit in peak summer season.
Bibury is also commonly described as one of the most beautiful village in England and is most famous for Arlington Row, which is a row of 17th-century weavers’ cottages. The River Coln runs through the village, adding to its charm.
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2 Day Cotswold Travel Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Start your trip in Bourton-on-the-Water. Aim to get there by 9 so you can enjoy it before it gets busy. Park on Rissington Road and just stroll along the river. The bridges, stone cottages, and tree-lined banks give it that storybook feel.
If you want something a bit different, swing by the Model Village nearby. It’s a scaled-down version of Bourton that’s surprisingly detailed and actually pretty fun to explore, especially if you're into quirky spots.
From here, take a gentle walk to Lower Slaughter. It’s only about 25 minutes through flat countryside. The village is small, quiet, and just about perfect. There’s a little stream that winds past stone houses and a historic water mill that hums in the background.
Afternoon
Next stop is Stow-on-the-Wold. It’s less dreamy and more lived-in, which gives it some edge. Park near Market Square and wander around. You’ll find crooked doorways, old pubs, and the famous yew tree-framed door at St Edward’s Church.
After that, take a detour to Adlestrop. It’s a quick 10-minute drive and totally worth it for the peace and the sense of timelessness. There’s a sign from the old railway station and a bench that invites you to just sit and breathe. Nothing much happens here, and that’s the point.
Evening
End your day in Kingham. It’s calm and under-the-radar, with golden cottages and wide open skies. If you’ve got time before dinner, take a slow walk through the surrounding fields. That early evening quiet is something you don’t get in cities.
Day 2
Early Morning
Start your day in Castle Combe. Get there around 7 or 8 and you’ll have it almost to yourself.
The main street is unreal in the morning light. Cottages with climbing roses, mist rising off the little brook, and barely a sound beyond birdsong. Walk across the stone bridge and look back toward the village—this is the shot everyone takes, but when you see it with your own eyes, it hits different.
If you're up for a little walk, take one of the short circular paths through the woods and surrounding hills. They’re quiet and give you a better sense of how tucked-away Castle Combe really is.
Late Morning to Afternoon
After Castle Combe, make your way north to Bibury. It’ll take around 55 minutes, and it’s a beautiful drive. Once you get there, Arlington Row steals the show, but the surrounding meadows and walking paths by the River Coln are where the real peace lives.
From there, keep the mellow pace going with a stop in Painswick. This village has a more historic, slightly gothic edge to it. The churchyard with its sculpted yew trees feels like a dream. If you’re up for a short walk, head toward Painswick Beacon. It's not too steep and the views over the Severn Valley are wide and wild.
Evening
Finish in Broadway. It’s got enough going on to feel lively but still holds onto that Cotswold calm. If you're feeling up to it, drive up to Broadway Tower before sunset. The view stretches for miles and there’s often a soft golden light that makes the whole place feel enchanted.
Back in the village, walk the main street under old lanterns and duck into one of the local pubs or cafes. Whether you’re dressed up or just wiped from a day outside, it works either way.