24 Hours in the Cotswolds

If you’re traveling to England and want to experience something a little different than the glitz and glamour of London, look no further than the Cotswolds. Just a few hours southwest of the bustling capital, the Cotswolds is a rural area known for its rolling hills and small, quaint towns that seem to embody the word charming.

Even though the Cotswolds is the largest designated Area of Outstanding Beauty in the UK, you can see quite a bit in just 24 hours. It’s for this reason that it’s one of the most popular day trips from London. In a single day, you can stroll along historic, cobblestone streets, see picturesque views of the English countryside, indulge in a scone or two, and take more pictures of sheep than you ever thought possible.

With so many villages and areas to discover, you have to be very intentional when planning a short trip to the Cotswolds. To ensure you see all the major highlights, I’m here to help!

Getting Around
Dover’s Hill
Chipping Campden
Broadway Tower
Stow-on-the-Wold
Snowshill
Bibury
Bourton-on-the-Water

Getting Around

If you’re traveling to the Cotswolds from London, consider taking the train. By doing so, you can avoid London’s traffic, and get to the region much more quickly and with less stress. The train is also relatively inexpensive, especially if you book your tickets in advance.

Once you arrive, if you’re not in a rush, you can still rely on public transportation to get around to the various Cotswold villages. There are a few key towns and destinations that are served by rail and many are connected by foot path. With that said, if seeing as much as possible is your priority, consider picking up a rental car or scheduling a tour instead.

Many Cotswold villages are fairly close together so a rental car is a great option, especially if you like having flexibility in how long you stay in certain areas. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the roads are winding and narrow in the Cotswolds and parking can be hard to come by (especially in the summer months). If you’re an anxious driver, a rental car may not be the best choice.

The third option is to arrange a day tour. I’m not normally someone who gravitates towards tours, but I was traveling alone when exploring the Cotswolds and decided I liked the ease (and safety) of traveling in a group. I also liked the idea of not having to think about directions or keep track of public transportation schedules. The tour company I used was called Go Cotswolds and I had a great experience with them. They specialize in small, 8 person tours so I wasn’t on an obnoxious bus and the tour guide was extremely knowledgeable! My husband and I were staying in Birmingham at the time, so I simply had to take a train to Stratford-upon-Avon where the tour picked me up. From there, the group was taken to a variety of villages and areas where we had free time. It was extremely easy and stress free.

The last thing I’ll mention is that if you’re planning to stay in the Cotswolds for longer than 24 hours, consider doing some hiking on the Cotswold Way. The footpath stretches a distance of 102 miles, connects many villages, and offers some gorgeous views of the English countryside.

Dover’s Hill

Dover’s Hill offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cotswolds that can’t be missed. If you plan to visit Chipping Campden, this is a great pit stop within a short distance of the town.

Although it appears as nothing more than an area of natural beauty, the hill actually has an interesting history. Dover's Hill was the site of the original English Olympic Games, which began in 1612. The tradition continues with the annual Cotswold Olimpicks, a public celebration of games, sports, and free-flowing alcohol. Events include some pretty interesting competitions, including shin-kicking and dwile flonking.

Chipping Campden

Just a few minutes away from Dover’s Hill is the village of Chipping Campden. A quintessential stop on any Cotswolds itinerary, Chipping Campden offers a gorgeous High Street, charming shops and restaurants, and a market that dates back to the 17th-century.

Because the High Street curves in a shallow arc, your view changes with each step you take along the main drag. You can easily get lost appreciating the honey-colored architecture found around every corner.

As you explore, make sure to walk the entire length of the village. The beautiful thatched-roof cottages on the periphery of Chipping Campden are some of the most expensive and sought-after properties in England.

Broadway Tower

Broadway Tower looks like something straight out of a fairytale. During my visit, I was convinced that at any moment, Rapunzel’s hair would come cascading out of one of the upper windows. Part of what makes the tower so breathtaking is the fact that it’s perched on a hill with a beautiful 360° view of the English countryside.

Make sure to pay the small fee to enter the tower. The small museum inside is somewhat interesting, but the main selling point is the view from the very top of the tower. You don’t want to miss it.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the larger market towns in the Cotswolds and is teaming with small shops, quaint tea rooms, and inviting pubs. The town’s central square has a history that dates back more than 500 years as it used to be a major trading center for wool. Back then, almost 50% of England’s economy was connected to the wool industry in some shape or form. You’ll notice that there are multiple testaments and trinkets linked to that heritage scattered across town.

If you’re in the area around lunchtime, consider grabbing a bite to eat at Lucy’s. Also make sure to visit St Edward’s, a medieval church located in the center of town. The church door was supposedly the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin,” the west gate of Moria that appears in The Lord of the Rings.

Snowshill

Snowshill is not as popular as other towns in the Cotswolds, but that’s part of its charm. The tiny village is known for its unspoiled beauty and for its exceptional views over the Severn Vale. You don’t need much time in Snowshill, but it’s worth at least an hour of exploration. Lazily meander the picturesque streets and grab a drink at the local pub, Snowshill Arms.

If you happen to be in the area in July, consider visiting the Cotswolds Lavender. The farm is a short drive away from the main Snowshill village. Stroll through the sprawling lavender fields, visit the distillery, and pick up a few lavender infused trinkets from the gift shop.

Bibury

Bibury is known as the most picturesque of all the Cotswold villages. The famous Arlington Row has been widely photographed and can be found in hundreds of travel promotions. The picture perfect row of cottages were built in 1380 as a monastic wool store. Only later were they converted into cottages for weavers. In current times, they are all private residences. You can even rent Cottage Number 9 if you really want an experience to remember!

Fortunately, I visited Bibury in early spring so there weren’t many tourists. If you’re planning to visit in the summer months, try to get to the village as early as possible. The crowds can be terrible and parking is limited.

Bourton-on-the-Water

After visiting several Cotswold villages, you may have a hard time remembering which is which due to their similar aesthetic. Bourton-on-the-Water stands out because it is built on the River Windrush and is characterized by stone bridges connecting the two sides of town. It is also one of the more lively towns in the Cotswolds with a High Street that is home to a variety of cute shops and restaurants.

Consider making a stop at Bakery on the Water for a bit of English tea and scones with clotted cream. The bakery is cozy and the treats are delicious. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

These are only a few of the many beautiful destinations found within the Cotswolds. If you have more time, there are plenty of things to do and places to explore. In fact, there are several villages not included in this list in the southern half of the Cotswolds. Bath, for instance, is beloved by many. Plan your trip carefully to ensure you’re able to see as much as possible while still savoring the region’s slow way of life.

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My name is Kolby Tallentire and I’m the creator of Tallentire Travels. This site formed out of my unending love of travel. My goal is to bring you the most unique and affordable travel recommendations for every destination. Learn More

24 Hours in the Cotswolds

Table of Contents

Getting Around

Dover’s Hill

Chipping Campden

Broadway Tower

Stow-on-the-Wold

Snowshill

Bibury

Bourton-on-the-Water

Getting Around

Dover’s Hill

Chipping Campden

Broadway Tower

Stow-on-the-Wold

Snowshill

Bibury

Bourton-on-the-Water

FOLLOW ALONG WITH MY TRAVELS ON INSTAGRAM!

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