The Cotswolds represent the quintessential English countryside with rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and pastoral landscapes that seem straight from a storybook. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 800-square-mile region spans five counties and offers a perfect weekend escape from urban life. Here's how to make the most of 48 hours in this idyllic corner of England.
Day 1: Northern Cotswolds
Morning: Broadway and Broadway Tower
Begin your Cotswolds adventure in Broadway, often called the "Jewel of the Cotswolds." Arrive early to enjoy the High Street before the day-trippers, wandering past art galleries, antique shops, and charming cafés housed in 16th-century buildings. Stop at The Broadway Deli for a light breakfast featuring local produce.
After breakfast, drive (or hike if you're feeling energetic) to Broadway Tower, a folly perched atop the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. Built in 1798, this mock-medieval tower offers spectacular views across 16 counties on a clear day. The small museum inside explains the tower's fascinating history, including its role as a retreat for Pre-Raphaelite artists and as a Cold War monitoring post.
Midday: Snowshill and Stanton
Just a short drive from Broadway lies Snowshill, a picture-perfect village that has featured in numerous films. The main attraction here is Snowshill Manor, an extraordinary house filled with the eccentric collection of Charles Paget Wade, who amassed over 22,000 objects from samurai armor to musical instruments. The manor's terraced garden is equally captivating with its Arts and Crafts design.
For lunch, visit the Snowshill Arms, a traditional pub serving hearty local fare. Their ploughman's lunch featuring regional cheeses is particularly good.
After lunch, continue to the village of Stanton. Unlike more touristy Cotswold destinations, Stanton remains authentically preserved with virtually no modern development marring its single street of golden limestone cottages. Take a leisurely stroll through this living museum before stopping at the Mount Inn, perched above the village with sweeping views of the Vale of Evesham.
Evening: Chipping Campden
As afternoon turns to evening, make your way to Chipping Campden, one of the Cotswolds' most elegant market towns. The High Street, described by historian G.M. Trevelyan as "the most beautiful village street now left in the island," curves gently along a row of immaculately preserved buildings spanning several centuries of architectural styles.
Visit the 15th-century St. James Church, one of the finest wool churches in the region, before checking into your accommodation. For an authentic experience, stay at the historic Kings Hotel or Noel Arms, both centuries-old coaching inns.
For dinner, book a table at Michael's Mediterranean Restaurant for refined dining in a relaxed setting, or try the Bantam Tea Rooms for traditional British cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Day 2: Central and Southern Cotswolds
Morning: Bourton-on-the-Water and Lower Slaughter
Begin your second day in Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" due to the lovely River Windrush flowing through its center. Arrive early (before 10 am) to experience this popular village before the crowds arrive. Cross the series of low, elegant stone bridges and visit the Model Village, a 1:9 scale replica of Bourton itself, complete with miniature gardens and flowing water.
After exploring Bourton, take the mile-long footpath to Lower Slaughter (the name comes from "slohtre," meaning "muddy place" in Old English, rather than anything sinister). This tranquil village is centered around the gentle River Eye with its small stone footbridges. Don't miss the restored 19th-century water mill at the end of the village, now housing a craft shop and café.
For a memorable mid-morning refreshment, enjoy coffee and home-baked cakes at The Slaughters Country Inn.
Midday: Bibury and Cirencester
Continue your journey to Bibury, described by William Morris as "the most beautiful village in England." The iconic Arlington Row – a group of 14th-century weavers' cottages – is possibly the most photographed street in the Cotswolds. These honey-colored houses with their steep pitched roofs create a scene of perfect rural harmony.
After photographing Arlington Row (early morning or late afternoon offers the best light), visit the nearby Bibury Trout Farm, one of England's oldest working trout farms. You can even catch your own lunch!
For a more conventional lunch, head to The Swan Hotel, a former coaching inn dating from the 17th century with a lovely riverside garden.
From Bibury, drive to Cirencester, the "Capital of the Cotswolds." This historic market town was once the second-largest city in Roman Britain (then called Corinium). Visit the Corinium Museum to see its superb collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts, then wander through the town center with its charming market square and magnificent Parish Church of St. John Baptist, regarded as one of the finest "wool churches" in England.
Late Afternoon: Castle Combe
For the final stop on your Cotswolds weekend, drive south to Castle Combe in Wiltshire, frequently voted England's prettiest village. Arriving in late afternoon means you'll catch this photogenic location in beautiful light and after most day-trippers have departed.
Castle Combe has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, with no new houses built since the 1600s. The village has consequently become a favorite film location, appearing in "War Horse," "Stardust," and "Doctor Dolittle" among others. Stroll down to the 14th-century market cross and along the By Brook river, then climb the hill for the classic view of the village nestled in its wooded valley.
Before departing, enjoy a cream tea at The Old Rectory Tea Room or a pint of local ale at the 12th-century Castle Inn.
Practical Tips for Your Cotswolds Weekend
Getting Around: While there are buses connecting larger towns, a car is essential for exploring the Cotswolds efficiently, particularly the smaller villages. Many villages have pay-and-display car parks on their outskirts.
When to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant experience – the countryside is at its most beautiful and the villages less crowded than in summer. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends year-round.
What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring villages and countryside footpaths. The British weather is notoriously changeable, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of the season.
Where to Stay: For a central location, base yourself in Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Bourton-on-the-Water. Book accommodation well in advance, especially for summer and bank holiday weekends.
A weekend may only scratch the surface of what the Cotswolds have to offer, but this itinerary gives you a taste of the region's highlights and its timeless charm. From grand manor houses to tiny hidden villages, from rolling hills to babbling brooks, the Cotswolds embody a uniquely English rural idyll that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.