The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and pastoral charm, is the quintessential English countryside experience. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this 800-square-mile region stretches across five counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. If you're planning a weekend escape to this idyllic corner of England, our 48-hour itinerary will help you experience the best of the Cotswolds.

Before You Go: Planning Tips

For the perfect Cotswolds experience, consider these essential planning tips:

Day 1: Northern Cotswolds

Morning: Broadway and Broadway Tower

Begin your Cotswolds adventure in the village of Broadway, often called the "Jewel of the Cotswolds." Arrive early to enjoy a traditional English breakfast at one of the local cafés before the day-trippers arrive.

After breakfast, stroll along the wide High Street lined with horse chestnut trees, art galleries, and antique shops housed in 16th-century buildings. Don't miss the Gordon Russell Design Museum, which celebrates the work of this influential 20th-century furniture designer who lived and worked in Broadway.

Next, head to Broadway Tower, a folly located on a dramatic hilltop about a mile outside the village. This 65-foot tower offers panoramic views across 16 counties on a clear day. The short walk up to the tower takes you through scenic sheep-dotted fields—a quintessential Cotswolds landscape.

Lunch: The Snowshill Arms

Drive the short distance to the village of Snowshill for lunch at The Snowshill Arms, a traditional country pub serving hearty local fare. Their ploughman's lunch with local Cotswolds cheese pairs perfectly with a pint of regional ale.

Afternoon: Snowshill Manor and Chipping Campden

After lunch, visit Snowshill Manor, an extraordinary house filled with the collections of Charles Paget Wade. This eccentric gentleman amassed thousands of objects from around the world, from samurai armor to musical instruments, creating one of the most unusual National Trust properties in England. The terraced garden, designed in the Arts and Crafts style, is a delight to explore.

In the late afternoon, make your way to Chipping Campden, one of the finest and most perfectly preserved Cotswold towns. The elegant High Street, lined with golden limestone buildings spanning five centuries of architectural styles, is a testament to the wealth generated by the medieval wool trade.

Visit the Market Hall, a 17th-century open arched building in the town center, and the wool church of St. James with its magnificent 120-foot tower. If you're interested in the Arts and Crafts movement, the Court Barn Museum provides an excellent overview of this important design movement that flourished in the Cotswolds.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight in Chipping Campden

For dinner, book a table at Michael's Mediterranean Restaurant for delicious food in a converted 17th-century building, or try The Eight Bells for traditional pub dining in one of the town's oldest inns.

Stay overnight at The Kings Hotel, a charming 18th-century town house on the High Street, or Cotswold House Hotel & Spa for a more luxurious experience.

Day 2: Central and Southern Cotswolds

Morning: Stow-on-the-Wold and the Slaughters

After breakfast, drive to Stow-on-the-Wold, a market town perched on an 800-foot hill. The large market square, flanked by elegant townhouses and inns, speaks to its history as a trading center. Explore the antique shops and galleries, and don't miss St. Edward's Church with its magical north door flanked by ancient yew trees, creating a scene straight out of a fantasy novel.

Next, visit the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, connected by a mile-long footpath that follows the gentle River Eye. Despite their somewhat ominous names (derived from the Old English 'slohtre' meaning 'muddy place'), these are among the most idyllic villages in the Cotswolds.

Lower Slaughter is home to a restored 19th-century water mill with a café and craft shop. Take time to wander the riverside paths and admire the unspoiled cottages with their flower-filled gardens.

Lunch: The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter

Enjoy lunch at The Old Mill Café, where you can dine on local produce while overlooking the mill stream. Don't leave without trying their homemade ice cream.

Afternoon: Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury

After lunch, drive to Bourton-on-the-Water, often called the "Venice of the Cotswolds" due to the charming bridges that cross the River Windrush flowing through the village center. This popular spot offers several unique attractions, including the Model Village (a 1:9 scale replica of Bourton itself), the Cotswold Motoring Museum, and Birdland Park and Gardens.

In the late afternoon, make your way 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 one of the most photographed scenes in the Cotswolds. These honey-colored stone buildings with steeply pitched roofs have appeared in countless films and on the inside cover of all UK passports.

Stroll along the River Coln and visit the Bibury Trout Farm, one of England's oldest working fish farms, where you can even catch your own dinner if you're inclined.

Evening: Dinner in Cirencester

End your Cotswolds weekend in Cirencester, the "Capital of the Cotswolds." This historic market town was once the second-largest Roman settlement in Britain, known as Corinium. The impressive Parish Church of St. John Baptist dominates the marketplace and is worth a visit if you arrive before closing.

For dinner, try The Fleece, a historic coaching inn serving excellent modern British cuisine, or Jesse's Bistro for a more intimate dining experience.

If you're staying another night, the Kings Head Hotel in the marketplace offers stylish accommodation in a building dating back to the 14th century.

Beyond the Weekend: If You Have More Time

If you're fortunate enough to extend your Cotswolds stay, consider these additional highlights:

Practical Travel Tips

To make the most of your Cotswolds weekend, keep these tips in mind:

Final Thoughts

A weekend is just enough time to get a taste of what makes the Cotswolds special. This itinerary offers a balanced mix of the most beautiful villages, historic sites, and natural landscapes, but leaves plenty for future visits. The area's timeless charm has captivated visitors for centuries, and once you've experienced it for yourself, you'll understand why this corner of England remains one of the country's most beloved destinations.

At SulphAccov, we can arrange personalized Cotswolds tours that incorporate your specific interests, whether that's historic gardens, fine dining, antiquing, or active outdoor adventures. Contact us to start planning your perfect Cotswolds escape.