Cotswolds Road Trip: 2 days in The Cotswolds
Last Updated on September 16, 2023 by Lauren Allen
If you’re planning a Cotswolds road trip, chances are you’ll be in the area for a few days. Spending at least 2 days in The Cotswolds is a must as there are so many charming areas to explore. This road trip guide will talk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip!
Read more: The best places to visit in The Cotswolds
Table of Contents
How to plan your ideal Cotswolds road trip:
Decide on your must-see locations
Deciding on places to visit in The Cotswolds will depend on personal preferences and interests. If you are looking to snap some great content for Instagram, head to Castle Combe. If you would prefer to hit up some pubs and cafes, head to Burford. Once you have decided exactly what you want to do during your trip, it will be easier to figure out which locations need to be on your list.
Plan your ideal Cotswolds road trip route
Once you know where you want to go, find a map of The Cotswolds online. This will help you plan the best route to maximise your time exploring. For example, it wouldn’t make sense to go from Bibury to Castle Combe if you also plan on visiting Burford on the same day.
Read more: How to get from London to The Cotswolds
Figure out where to stay
Similarly, figuring out where to stay in The Cotswolds will also depend on where you want to visit. However, staying quiet central is recommended. Towns such as Cirencester and Stroud are located less than a 45-minute drive from the key hotspots that need to be on your Cotswolds bucket list.
Alternatively, there is no need to base yourself in one location. By planning ahead, you will be able to figure out your ideal route based on your interests and what makes sense geographically. Once you have done that, you can book accommodation at your last stop each day. Although this doesn’t allow much time for spontaneous stops, it means not going back on yourself and adding extra miles to your journey. Which would you prefer?
How to spend 2 days in The Cotswolds:
Day one
Morning: The first stop on your Cotswolds road trip will be Bibury. From here, you will be making your way across the region to hit up many of the other hot spots in The Cotswolds. Upon arrival, head to The Swan Hotel for breakfast. Once you have curbed your hunger, take some time to admire the picture-perfect street of Arlington Row. After snapping far too many Instagram worthy photos, go for a leisurely walk around the village. End your visit with a pit-stop at the trout farm (if that’s your cup of tea) before heading to the next stop.
Afternoon: Kick off your afternoon in Burford to grab some lunch. This town is full of options when it comes to places to eat. As well as charming bakeries, there are several pubs and restaurants to chose from. After treating yourself to a delicious meal, spend an hour or two hitting up some of the independent shops and art galleries before walking up Burford hill to admire the views. If you are visiting on a clear day, you will be blessed with some of the best views in The Cotswolds!
Next up, spend some time exploring Bourton-on-the-Water. Like Burford, there are some great stores to have a nosy in. Furthermore, this is one of the best villages to visit if you are travelling with kids. This is due to the activities on offer. For example, you can get lost in the Dragonfly Maze, visit Birdland Park and Garden, check out the model village then end your afternoon at the motoring museum.
Evening: Known as the capital of The Cotswolds, Cirencester is one of the most convenient towns to stay in if you’re visiting the area. This is due to its central location. Beyond that, there are also some great British pubs. This makes it one of the best places to spend the first evening of your Cotswolds road trip. If you fancy a drink and a traditional pub meal, consider booking a table at The Golden Cross. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring!
Day two
Morning: Start day two early in Castle Combe. As one of the most beautiful villages in England, you will want to spend an hour or two wandering around the village and surrounding area. Enjoy the scenery as you take in rows of charming houses, traditional-looking pubs and picture-perfect views. Before heading back on the road, stop for coffee and cake at The Little Picnic Shop or The Old Stables. Both are highly rated for friendliness and quality of food.
Next, jump back in the car and make your way to Lacock for a quick stop. Whilst there, spend some time exploring the village, visiting the Abbey and checking out the Fox Talbot Museum of Photography.
Afternoon: To see the most iconic church in The Cotswolds, drive to Stow-on-the-Wold. St. Edwards church is well-known for its Instagram worthy doorway making it well worth a visit. After snapping a few photos, spend some time exploring the surrounding area. Despite there not being a ton to do in this charming town, you can visit the market square, browse in some shops and stop off at a nice pub!
Last up, end your 2 days in The Cotswolds by visiting Broadway. It’s here that you will find some of the best views in The Cotswolds. From Broadway Tower, you can overlook miles of fields and beautiful scenery. On a nice day, the views are honestly breathtaking. You will not want to miss it!
Evening: Once you can drag yourself away from the incredible sights, drive back down to town for a meal and drinks. Some of the best places to eat in Broadway include Russel’s Fish and Chips and The Broadway Indian Restaurant. End your evening at The Swan to rest your feet and have a few drinks.
Is 2 days in The Cotswolds enough?
With 2 days in The Cotswolds, it’s definitely possible to see a lot of the most charming locations. You’ll have time to wander around some of the prettiest villages in England, admire some amazing countryside views and hit up some tourist attractions.
However, it is worth noting that 48 hours is not enough. If possible, I would advise spending around five days in The Cotswolds. With so many things to do in the area, you will never get bored. Plus, there are also heaps of unique shops, country pubs and cute little cafes to check out.
By spending more than a couple of days in the area, you will allow yourself to slow down and truly appreciate your time. The Cotswolds have been named an area of outstanding beauty for a reason. Don’t rush your trip!
What can you see in The Cotswolds in one day?
If you are unable to spend at least 2 days in The Cotswolds, visiting on a day trip is still worth doing. Whilst you will be unable to see everything, you can still get a feel for this incredible part of England. With just one day, you will need to narrow down your list of things to do.
Personally, I would recommend starting your day in Castle Combe then heading up to Bibury, the lavender fields (if they are open), Broadway and Bourton on the Water. If you start your day early and end your evening by grabbing some drinks at your last stop, you can cover a lot of The Cotswolds highlights.
Yes, a trip like this will feel rushed. However, if it’s the only chance you’ll have to visit this incredible part of England, you should 100% do it. I promise you won’t regret it.
What is the best time to visit The Cotswolds?
The best time to visit The Cotswolds depends on your personal preferences. If you would like to explore the region with fewer crowds, visit in Spring. During this time, there are fewer visitors. Additionally, the weather is still (mostly) pleasant without being too hot.
Alternatively, Summer is a great time to visit if you would prefer higher temperatures. However, this is when The Cotswolds are at their busiest. Autumn and Winter are still lovely times to visit as the leaves change colour and snowfall becomes more likely. Just be prepared for the weather and wrap up warm!
So, there we have it. A complete guide on how to plan your ideal Cotswolds road trip. I hope this helps you plan the most amazing adventure. If you have any more tips, please feel free to share them in the comments below!
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Suzanne
We are planning a two-day journey in the Cotswolds next April. Wondering if it is difficult to park the car when we arrive in a village…
Lauren Allen
SuzanneHave a great trip! I recommend arriving to popular villages early before the crowds as it can be a bit hard (from my experience)