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Classic Cotswolds Road Trip

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A Cotswold road trip promises a charming journey through the quintessential English countryside. Nestled in southwest England, the Cotswolds boast rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and picturesque landscapes. On this route, you can explore historic towns like Chipping Campden, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water, each exuding a unique charm. The driving route is dotted with tea rooms, antique shops, and traditional pubs, offering a taste of local hospitality.

Along the Cotswold road trip, encounter stately homes, stunning gardens, and ancient, historic churches, that all contribute to the region's timeless appeal. A Cotswold road trip is an idyllic escape, showcasing the beauty of rural England and its rich heritage.

Visit the Cotswolds

Whether you're enjoying the idyllic scenery or hiking along scenic trails, the Cotswolds promises a delightful experience filled with timeless charm and natural beauty.

☑ Classic Cotswolds driving route:

This Cotswolds road trip is a series of “mini-themed” routes that can connect, or be driven individually, creating a drive of 183 miles (292 km) with a drive time of around 7 hours and 35 mins. The road trip guide includes location guides for 20 wonderful Cotswold destinations. Make this Classic Cotswolds road trip your own, by using the flexible itinerary to fit the time you have from 3 days to 2 weeks.

☑ Charming Cotswolds Villages:

The Cotswolds is renowned for its charming villages, honey-coloured stone cottages, quaint streets, and picturesque surroundings. From the idyllic riverside setting of Lower Slaughter to the historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold and the postcard-perfect streets of Bibury, the Cotswolds villages are a delight to explore, offering a glimpse into traditional English village life amidst stunning countryside scenery. Visitors are sure to be enchanted by the timeless charm and beauty of the Cotswolds villages.

☑ Cotswolds Houses and Gardens:

Exploring the houses and gardens of the Cotswolds offers a delightful journey through centuries of history, architecture, and horticulture. From grand stately homes to charming manor houses, each property showcases unique features and stunning gardens that are a testament to the region's beauty and heritage.

☑ Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty:

Visiting the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) promises a captivating experience immersed in stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich heritage. Spanning across picturesque rolling hills and valleys, the Cotswolds AONB offers a diverse array of activities for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike.

☑ Walking in the Cotswolds:

Walking in the Cotswolds offers a delightful mix of stunning landscapes, historic villages, and serene countryside, offering breathtaking views of the countryside, ancient woodlands, and notable landmarks. Renowned for its picturesque scenery and rolling hills, this region is ideal for walkers of all levels. The famous Cotswold Way takes hikers through the heart of the area. Additionally, there are plenty of shorter walks and circular routes to explore charming villages, meandering rivers, and lush meadows.

☑ Visit Blenheim Palace:

Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most iconic stately homes. Built in the early 18th century, it is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture, magnificent interiors, and picturesque gardens designed by Capability Brown. As the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the palace offers visitors the chance to explore its opulent staterooms, discover its rich history, and enjoy leisurely strolls.

☑ Discover History & Heritage:

The Cotswolds region offers a rich tapestry of history and heritage, spanning various periods. Explore Neolithic settlements, Bronze and Iron Age forts, and Roman settlements. Discover the Cotswolds’ medieval, Georgian, and Victorian eras. Explore the Cotswolds' significant role in the English Civil War and discover its connections to the wool industry.

☑ Cotswolds Maps:

This Cotswolds road trip is mapped out on 3 Classic Cotswolds maps, including a flexible driving route, with 5 smaller road trips. Use the Overnight Stay to locate 50+ campsites, 25+ motorhome stops, pub stops & almost wild spots, 120+ hotels and 135+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges and the Uncover More map pinpoints to 40+ viewpoints, 195+ places of interest, 40+ hidden gems, 20+ wild swim spots and 30+ on-screen spots. This planner is suitable for motorhomes, campervans and caravans as sites are included. If you are travelling in a car, choose to camp or stay in a B&B or hotel are also listed.

☑ Classic Cotswolds Road Trip Itinerary:

This travel guide for exploring the Classic Cotswolds covers visitor information for 20 destinations along the way, plus loads of links and references. Check out walks in the area, brief histories, stately homes, stunning gardens and more with references and 100s of attractions. Browse things to do in the Cotswolds, including local experiences and activities available as bookable links.

England Road Trip Travel Guide: Classic Cotswolds Overview

Save hours searching the internet using our well-researched inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect Cotswolds holiday.
Enjoy a road trip to Classic Cotswolds on this fully flexible driving route itinerary.

Find the best Cotswolds campsites, almost wild spots, pub stops and motorhome stopover spots from our Overnight Stays map.
Travelling in a car? Stay overnight in a hotel or B&B.
This Cotswolds route planner covers guides to 20 destinations

The Cotswolds destination guide includes references and embedded links to over 100 attractions, experiences, and activities.
Browse from a range of bookable, local experiences and activities, by location, such as tours, boat trips, bike hire, and things to do in the Cotswolds.
Easily locate viewpoints, hidden gems, wild swim spots and more.