There’s lots more to the Cotswolds than beautiful villages and pretty views, so discover more with our guide.

Enjoy every second in the Cotswolds

• Mix classic Cotswold sights with bookable, immersive experiences that let you live like a local.
• Plan some stops ahead of time and some on the fly, like at big estates, tea rooms, gardens, and secret valleys.
• Help local makers, guides, and producers while making a road trip full of real stories and memories that will last a lifetime.

Driving through the Cotswolds isn't just about the drive; it's also about taking your time, stepping back in time, and enjoying the little things that make this area so special. The best things to do in the Cotswolds show off the character, craftsmanship, and charm that make up rural England. You can do this by walking through honey-stone villages, visiting grand gardens, or trying local food. The Cotswolds is a great place to explore at your own pace because it has a mix of history, creativity, and peaceful countryside. Every turn reveals something new, like an old church, a pub with a thatched roof, or a market hidden behind a village square. No matter how long you stay, the Cotswolds will give you space to breathe, beautiful things to look at, and memories you'll want to relive.

Take a closer look at our guide below to learn more about activities and experiences you can enjoy on your Cotswolds road trip:

Go to Storybook Villages

Everyone knows that the Cotswolds has some of England's prettiest villages, the kind that look like they came straight out of a storybook. Bourton-on-the- Water, which is often called the 'Venice of the Cotswolds', is beautiful because of its shallow river, graceful stone bridges and cute tearooms that line the water's edge. Bibury, which is only a short drive away, has everything people love about the area. William Morris once called it "the most beautiful village in England," and it's easy to see why when you walk along Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets in the country.

Go to Castle Combe, a village that has been perfectly preserved and is often used in period dramas and films. The cobbled streets and ivy-covered cottages give it a timeless feel. Chipping Campden has golden terraces and big wool-merchant houses that show off the area's Arts and Crafts history. It also has cosy inns where you can take a break in the afternoon.

If you like quieter places, check out Snowshill, Naunton, or Painswick. There are narrow lanes that wind between stone cottages and peaceful churchyards. These villages seem to be stuck in time, and they give you a peaceful look at everyday life in the Cotswolds. You can slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and just enjoy the view.

See beautiful gardens and historic homes

There aren't many places in Britain that have such a wide variety of stately homes and landscaped gardens. Visit Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has both grand buildings and rolling parkland. Sudeley Castle is where Katherine Parr is buried. You can walk through its romantic ruins and rose gardens.

Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate Court are two beautiful gardens next to each other that are known for their colourful plants and peaceful designs. Garden lovers should not miss them. If you want something more personal, you can hire local gardening experts to give you a private garden tour or floral workshop.

Love Cotswold Culture and Craft

The region’s artistic soul runs deep. This is where the Arts and Crafts movement began, and its effects can still be seen in today's workshops and galleries. You can see potters, weavers, and glassmakers at work in Broad Campden, Winchcombe, and Stow-on-the-Wold, or you can join a hands-on craft workshop and make something yourself.

The Cotswolds has village fairs, literary festivals, and open studio events all year long that bring people together.

Get Outside

The Cotswold Way is one of the most beautiful walking paths in England. It goes from Chipping Campden to Bath. The Slad Valley, which inspired Laurie Lee's Cider with Rosie, or the climb to Broadway Tower, which has a great view, are both good places to go for short walks.

Cyclists can rent bikes in Moreton-in-Marsh or Bourton-on-the-Water and ride them along quiet lanes between villages. People who want to ride horses can do so on easy bridleways. People who want to have an adventure can go hot-air ballooning or paddleboarding on the Cotswold Water Park.

Taste the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a real paradise for foodies, where local produce, farm traditions, and artisan craftsmanship all come together to create a distinctive regional flavour. The area celebrates fresh, seasonal foods and traditional recipes, from rolling farmland to bustling market towns.

Begin with Cotswold cheese, especially Double Gloucester and Stinking Bishop, which have been perfected over generations and can be found at small dairies or local markets. Traditional Cotswold lamb and beef are loved for their rich flavour and quality, often featured in hearty pub meals or Sunday roasts with creamy mash and garden vegetables. Visit a farm shop or farm-to-table café for meals that showcase local meats, honey, and bread still warm from the oven.

The region also has a thriving artisan food scene. You can buy organic fruit and vegetables or take a cookery class at Daylesford Organic Farm near Kingham. For something sweet, try homemade scones, Cotswold honey, or a slice of traditional fruitcakewith local tea. Don’t miss the chance to sample small-batch gin or cider from a local distillery or orchard. Finish with handmade chocolates or ice cream made from Cotswold cream. Every bite here tells a story of place, passion, and provenance.

Plan Ahead: Things You Should Book Early

During busy times, some of the best things to do sell out quickly. Think about making these plans early:

Tours of Blenheim Palace and Sudeley Castle with a guide
Visits to the gardens at Hidcote Manor and Kiftsgate Court
Food tours, cooking classes, and distillery tastings
Craft and art classes in Cotswold villages
Hot-air balloon rides and bike rentals
Once you're on the road, you can relax and enjoy the trip because you've already booked a few important things.

Classic Cotswolds Road Trip Itinerary

To make the most of your visit, pair these experiences with the Classic Cotswolds Road Trip itinerary. It’s the perfect companion for planning your route, helping you link nearby attractions, scenic drives, and charming villages into one seamless journey. The guide highlights where to stop, what to see, and how to make the most of your time, whether you’re visiting for a few days or exploring the region in full. With detailed sections, suggested routes, and insider tips, the Classic Cotswolds Road Trip takes the guesswork out of planning and helps you uncover more of the hidden gems, historic sites, and local flavours that make this area so special.

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