Victorian-era cottages with honey-colored limestone, beautiful rolling hills, and quaint towns in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have become one of the most popular places for Londoners and visitors to escape the city. Not only is the area steeped in a rich history of Roman settlements, but there are also several fantastic hiking trails, classic countryside tea rooms, quaint cafés, and castles to explore. If you’re thinking of taking a day trip to the Cotswolds from London, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done all the in-person research for you, so you can plan a stress-free Cotswolds day trip with or without a car. From the most beautiful villages and hikes to must-see attractions and transportation, you’ll find all the information you need in this ultimate guide to visiting the Cotswolds!
How to Get to the Cotswolds from London
Since the Cotswolds is located roughly 92 miles (148 kilometers) from London, you may think the only way to get there is by car. In reality, there are several ways to visit the Cotswolds without a vehicle! Whether you want to join a tour group or take public transport, we’ve laid out all your options below so you can choose a route that works best for you.
By Car
The best way to tour the Cotswolds is with a vehicle, be it a rental or your own. With your own vehicle, you can craft a more personalized itinerary and add attractions and pit stops more closely related to your interests. Depending on your destination in the Cotswolds and where you’re leaving from in London, it takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours by car to get to the area. For tourists looking to rent a car, we highly recommend booking a vehicle through Rentalcars.com as it filters hundreds of car rental websites to ensure you get the best price possible. When it comes to where to rent a car, you have two options. You can rent a car from one of the many locations in London and then start your drive to the Cotswolds from there, or you can avoid the London traffic and take the train to one of the larger towns in or near the Cotswolds, like Oxford or Stroud, and rent a car from there.
If you’re not used to driving on small roads or on the left-hand side of the road, then we recommend renting a small car. Many of the old towns and roads in the UK are lined with stone walls, making it a tight squeeze when passing cars coming the other way. We also want to remind you that even though England uses the metric system, all of their speed limits are in miles per hour!
By Train
One great thing about London is that it’s a hub for catching trains to anywhere else in the UK. Trains lead to many small towns across the country, and in the Cotswolds, the small villages and hiking trails are usually not too far from the closest stations. There are several taxis in the Cotswolds that you can arrange to pick you up from one of the train stations in advance, or you could walk from the train station to your destination depending on where you choose to go. Trains from London to the Cotswolds can take anywhere from an hour and 15 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on where you’re going and coming from.
It’s best to book your train tickets in advance if you want to get the best price. Also, off-peak hours are typically less expensive, so by starting your day trip early, you’ll not only get the most time in the Cotswolds, but you’ll also save some money! We recommend using Omio to plan your journey and book your train tickets, as the website is very easy to navigate and offers great deals for travelers.
By Coach
Getting to the most popular Cotswolds towns by bus can be a bit tricker, but National Express offers routes from Victoria Coach Station in London to Cirencester and Cheltenham—two larger towns located on the edge of the Cotswolds. From here, you can use local buses to get around to smaller towns, but they are not as frequent, so you’ll need to plan your journey in advance. For example, you could easily visit Winchcombe or Bourton-on-the-Water with a 50-minute bus ride from Cheltenham. The upside to using local buses is that it’s the most affordable way of getting around the Cotswolds! We highly recommend using Omio to plan all your local bus journeys, as the website offers up-to-date information on routes and timetables. You could also opt to rent a car from either city so that you can do a self-guided tour of the Cotswolds.
With a Tour
If you want to take the stress out of planning an itinerary and transportation, consider booking a guided tour of the Cotswolds. Several companies offer full and half-day tours to different areas in the Cotswolds, along with popular cities like Oxford or Stratford. We highly recommend booking your Cotswolds excursion through GetYourGuide, as the website offers a myriad of tour options for those leaving from London. For a full-day Cotswolds tour, check out this full-day, small group tour to the Cotswolds from London, which stops by Burford, Bibury, and Stow-on-the-Wold, or group Oxford into your trip with this guided tour that stops in Oxford, Bibury, and Burford.
Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds
There are plenty of things to do and see in the Cotswolds, but before we dive into the beauty and attractions in the area, let’s take the devil out of the details and give you all the tips you’ll need to make your trip stress-free and easy.
Plan Your Transit in Advance
Our first tip for Cotswolds travelers is to plan your trip well in advance. It may sound simple, but it’s crucial, especially if you’re relying on public buses or trains to get in and around the Cotswolds. The local buses in the Cotswolds are less frequent, with some routes running only twice a day and others every 30 minutes several times a day, so it’s important to check the schedule ahead of time to avoid waiting for hours for a bus connection.
This same tip applies if you plan to use taxis. While there are a few taxi companies in the Cotswolds, there’s no guarantee they will be available when you arrive, so it’s best to call and prebook all your taxis in advance to avoid being stranded. And don’t forget to book your coach and train tickets as early as possible to secure your preferred times and get the best price.
Stay Close to Where You’re Leaving From
London is a big city, so if you’re planning a day trip to the Cotswolds, it’s best to get a hotel or Airbnb close to where you’ll be getting your train, coach, or tour. By staying close, you can save up to an hour and a half of unnecessary travel time. Trust us, traveling within London can take ages, and you’re better off saving that time for your adventure in the Cotswolds! Most trains depart for the Cotswolds from London Paddington Station, and National Express buses leave from Victoria Coach Station.
Don’t Trust Travel Times and Download Your Route
Roads in the Cotswolds offer incredible views, but they can also be quite distracting and tricky to navigate. That’s because roads in the Cotswolds are narrow and not well-marked, so it’s easy to get a little lost without a GPS. However, because service can be unreliable in the countryside, we recommend downloading your route or printing it out in advance so you can have it on hand. We also have to warn you that travel times on a GPS or app like Google Maps won’t be as accurate, as you may have to pull over several times to let other cars by or go slow through narrow wall-lined roads.
Best Time to Visit the Cotswolds
The best time to visit the Cotswolds really depends on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. If you’re excited to hike some of the trails, the best time to go is between May and September, when the weather is warmer and there is less rain to muck up the trails. If you just want to explore some of the attractions and towns, summer is an excellent time to go, but it can get quite busy with booked-up hotels and transit. Fall is a beautiful time to visit the area, as it will be filled with orange and yellow leaves instead of other tourists!
Pack for What You’re Doing
For all travelers heading to the Cotswolds, it’s important to pack a pair of comfy shoes! You’ll be walking a lot when visiting the area, whether exploring a town or attractions, and a good pair of travel shoes is one way to keep your feet happy. If you’re planning on hiking, make sure you’re well-prepared with good hiking boots and a daypack filled with essentials like water, snacks, rainwear, and a camera.
Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds
Burford & Asthall
Burford, known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, is one of the most picturesque towns in England, boasting ancient stone homes, medieval architecture, and green rolling hills. Tourists will find plenty of attractions in the area, including the country’s oldest pharmacy, operating since the 18th century; the Tolsey Museum, which offers insights into the town’s heritage; the impressive St. John the Baptist Church; and the Burford Golf Club. Plus, there are plenty of charming tea rooms to enjoy an afternoon biscuit. Did I mention that this area is often visited by King Charles.
Not far from Burford is the small village of Asthall, rich in history, beginning as a Roman settlement and now home to fewer than 300 residents. Visitors can explore the village’s church, which is believed to date back to the 12th century, and admire the exterior of Asthall Manor, the former home of the Mitford sisters, where Nancy Mitford wrote her famous novel, Love in a Cold Climate.
Getting there:
- By Car: One hour and 45 minutes from central London.
- By Train: The closest station is Shipton, which is just under a two-hour train ride from central London. From Shipton, it’s a 15-minute cab ride to the town.
- By Coach: National Express buses to Oxford leave every 20 minutes from London Victoria, and the journey takes two hours. From the bus station, you can then take the S2 bus directly to Burford in 50 minutes. However, be aware the last bus to Oxford from Burford is around 6 p.m., so plan your day accordingly.
- With a Tour: You can visit Burford and Asthall with this full-day Cotswolds tour from London or with this day tour from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Bibury
Located on the River Coln, Bibury is arguably one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. Not only does the town boast a lovely river and green meadows, but it’s also home to Arlington Row, a line of incredible stone homes dating back to 1380. Arlington Row is one of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. Visitors can also explore the Bibury Trout Farm and walk the green paths of the Bibury Circuit, a 10.6-kilometer (6.5 miles) loop route that explores the town and countryside.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 15 minutes from central London.
- By Train: There isn’t a train station close to Bibury, but tourists can take the train from London Paddington Station to Kemble. From there, it’s a 25-minute taxi ride to Bibury.
- By Coach: Take a two-and-a-half-hour bus journey from London Victoria to Cirencester. From the bus stop, you can easily hop on the 855 bus for a direct 15-minute ride to Bibury.
- With a Tour: Visit Bibury with this full-day Cotswolds tour from London, this day tour from Oxford, or this full-day tour from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is another beautiful village worth exploring. Although the castle that once stood there was torn down years ago, the town has remained unchanged since the 17th century, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time. The village isn’t just about its historic architecture; it also offers several paths to explore natural landmarks, such as the small waterfalls along By Brook, a giant sequoia tree, and Castle Combe Woods. Other attractions include the Manor House, which serves excellent afternoon tea, and Castle Combe Circuit, where visitors can enjoy a race car experience on the track.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 30 minutes from central London.
- By Train: The closest train station is Chippenham, which takes around 70 minutes to reach by train from London Paddington Station. From there, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride or hop on the 95 bus from Chippenham Station to Castle Combe, which takes around 25 minutes.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham is best known for Cheltenham Racecourse, where the annual Cheltenham Festival takes place. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, this larger town offers many attractions to explore, including the Devil’s Chimney lookout and viewpoint, Montpellier Gardens, the boats at Pittville Park, The Wilson art gallery and museum, the Jet Age Museum, and the Brewery Quarter. This is a great option for those who want to stay a few nights and explore the Cotswolds while enjoying a larger city filled with attractions and historical buildings.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 45 minutes from central London.
- By Train: Direct trains to Cheltenham leave from London Paddington Station, and the journey lasts two hours.
- By Coach: National Express buses run from London Victoria directly to Cheltenham. The ride takes about three hours.
- With a Tour: You can visit Cheltenham with this full-day Cotswolds tour from London.
Chipping Campden
Known for its exquisite tea rooms, boutique shops, and 17th-century Market Hall, Chipping Campden is another beautiful village to add to the bucket list. Its famous terraced High Street is lined with classic Cotswold cottages, and the town boasts the second-highest density of grade-listed buildings in England. For an incredible view of the Cotswolds, head to Kiftsgate Court Gardens, a jaw-dropping botanical garden with sprawling views of the rolling hills and meadows. Other attractions include the National Trust’s Hidcote Garden, Dover’s Hill, Market Hall, the Court Barn heritage museum, and St. James’ Church.
Getting there:
- By Car: Three hours from central London.
- By Train: The closest train station is Moreton-in-Marsh, which is a 15-minute taxi ride from Chipping Campden or a 30-minute bus ride using the 1 or 2 bus towards Stratford-upon-Avon. Trains to Moreton-in-Marsh leave every hour from London Paddington Station, and the journey takes about two hours.
- With a Tour: Guided tours around Chipping Campden and attractions in the Cotswolds are available from Oxford or from the train station at Moreton-in-Marsh.
Cirencester
For those who want to explore historical landmarks and rolling green hills, head to the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” Cirencester. Just outside the town lies the remains of the country’s oldest Roman amphitheater. Visitors can delve into Roman history at the Corinium Museum, where Roman artifacts and the area’s heritage are on display. The town also offers several campgrounds, along with a variety of boutique shops, cafés, and tearooms. The Organic Farm Shop is a favorite for visitors looking to sample fresh farm goods, and there are two nearby golf courses to test your skills. Another must-see attraction is St. John’s Baptist Church, originally part of an Augustinian monastery dating back to the 12th century.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 15 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Take a 70-minute train journey from London Paddington Station to Kemble. From there, it’s a 10-minute ride on the 882 bus line from the Post Office or a 10-minute taxi ride.
- By Coach: National Express buses leave from London Victoria to Cirencester, and the journey takes around two-and-a-half hours.
Broadway
Looking to snap an incredible picture of the Cotswolds’ natural beauty? Visit the small town of Broadway. With only 2,500 residents, this village is packed with attractions and scenic hiking paths. A must-see is the Broadway Tower and Park, a family-owned site featuring an ancient tower built along a medieval trade route that offers unmatched panoramic views of the Cotswold countryside. Visitors can also explore the Nuclear Bunker, Tower Barn, and the surrounding grounds, and perhaps even spot some local deer! Wander through Broadway’s streets, lined with stone buildings draped in vines, and don’t miss the Broadway Museum & Art Gallery or the Gordon Russell Design Museum. Train enthusiasts can enjoy the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Broadway Station, one of the country’s best-preserved railways, just a short drive away!
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 40 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Take an hour and 40-minute train journey from London Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh. The easiest way to reach Broadway from here is by a 20-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute bus ride on the 1 or 1A bus. Keep in mind the local buses do not run frequently.
- By Tour: Several full-day tours include Broadway, such as this tour from Oxford, this tour from London, and this one from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Bourton-on-the-Water
The traditional stone houses and medieval bridges of Bourton-on-the-Water make it one of the more popular villages in the Cotswolds. Situated on the River Windrush, and with its many tiny stone bridges, it’s affectionately nicknamed the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Bourton-on-the-Water is also known for Birdland Park & Gardens, a fantastic family-friendly attraction with over 50 aviaries, a zoo, and more than 500 species of birds, including parrots, king penguins, and owls.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 20 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Take a 90-minute train journey from London Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh. From there, it’s a 15-minute taxi ride to Bourton-on-the-Water.
- By Coach: You can take the National Express bus from London Victoria to Cheltenham, which takes about three hours. Once you arrive at Cheltenham Coach Station, you can take the 801 bus for 45 minutes to Bourton-on-the-Water.
- By Tour: Guided tours to Bourton-on-the-Water are available, including this one from London or this one from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Painswick
Known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds,” Painswick is famed for its natural beauty and impressive architecture. St. Mary’s Parish Church is a must-see, with 99 yew trees that create a stunning view and photo opportunity. Visitors can stroll through the 18th-century Painswick Rococo Garden, play a round of golf in the rolling hills at Painswick Golf Club, and explore the classic limestone homes that line the village’s streets. There are several walking trails in and around the village, and visitors can even enjoy glamping!
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 30 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Take a 90-minute train journey from London Paddington Station to Stroud. From there, it’s a 10-minute taxi ride to Painswick or a short bus ride on the 166 or 66 Gold bus line, which run every hour.
- By Coach: You can take the National Express bus from London Victoria to Cheltenham, which takes about three hours. Once you arrive at Cheltenham Coach Station, you can either take the 66 Gold to St. John the Baptist Church (a 40-minute ride) or a 25-minute taxi ride.
Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the most popular villages to visit in the Cotswolds, uniquely situated 800 feet above the surrounding countryside and located on the Roman Fosse Way, one of Britain’s main Roman roads. The village is surrounded by enchanting townhouses, tea rooms, galleries, and many historical buildings and stows. A must-see site in the town is St. Edward’s Church, a stunning stone church surrounded by ancient yew trees from medieval times. For any Lord of the Rings fans, it’s rumored that the north door of the church inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in Moria.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 20 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: It’s very easy to reach Stow-on-the-Wold by train and bus. Take an 80-minute train journey from London Paddington Station to either Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham. Kingham is closer, with an easy 15-minute bus ride from Kingham Station. If you prefer Moreton-in-Marsh, it’s a 20-minute ride on the 801 bus.
- By Coach: Take the National Express bus from London Victoria to Cheltenham, which takes about three hours. Once at Cheltenham Coach Station, take the 801 bus for an hour to Stow-on-the-Wold.
- By Tour: Several tour operators include Stow-on-the-Wold in their itineraries, including options from London, Oxford, and from Moreton-in-Marsh.
Moreton-in-Marsh
Moreton-in-Marsh has made its mark as one of the best places to visit in the Cotswolds, thanks to its direct transit routes to and from London and its charming High Street lined with classic 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Visitors can explore historical stocks, peruse the outdoor market, enjoy a drink at the distillery, or take an electric bike tour around town. Top-rated nearby attractions include the Cotswolds Falconry Center, Batsford Arboretum and Gardens, Sezincote House and Gardens, Bourton House Garden, the Wellington Aviation Museum, and the Manor House, home to the village’s century-old Mulberry tree. Several guided tours of the Cotswolds also leave from Moreton-in-Marsh, making it a great starting point for your adventure.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 20 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Moreton-in-Marsh is one of the easiest Cotswolds destinations to reach by train. Simply hop on the train from London Paddington Station for a 90-minute journey.
- By Coach: Take the National Express bus from London Victoria to Cheltenham, which takes about three hours. From Cheltenham Coach Station, take the 801 bus for an hour and 20-minute ride to Moreton-in-Marsh.
- By Tour: While there aren’t specific tours of Moreton-in-Marsh, several tours around the Cotswolds depart from here and include visits to other small towns like Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water.
Upper & Lower Slaughter
Located along the River Eye, these beautiful villages with lush meadows and classic cobblestone houses make for a great day trip. Visitors can enjoy walking along the river from Upper to Lower Slaughter, learning more about the area at the Lower Slaughter Museum, and marveling at the traditional Cotswold-style homes. It’s in Lower Slaughter where tourists will find Copse Hill Road, which was voted Britain’s most romantic street.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 20 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Take a 90-minute train journey from London Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh. Once there, hop on the 801 Cheltenham bus line for 12 stops to arrive in Lower Slaughter in about 30 minutes. Buses run every hour.
- By Coach: Take the National Express bus from London Victoria to Cheltenham, which takes about three hours. From Cheltenham Coach Station, take the 801 bus to Lower Slaughter, a 50-minute ride.
- By Tour: Lower Slaughter is included on this day trip from Oxford.
Winchcombe
Winchcombe is a lovely market town with a population of fewer than 5,000, making it a quintessential Cotswolds village. The town boasts narrow medieval streets, historic pubs, stone cottages, and distinctive black-and-white timbered homes. Nearby attractions include Sudeley Castle, a 15th-century estate with artworks by Turner and Rubens; Belas Knap Long Barrow, a restored Neolithic burial ground; and the ruins of Hailes Abbey, a 13th-century Cistercian abbey that now has a museum and offers tours. If you’re visiting in May, then make sure to join in the annual Cotswolds Walking Festival.
Getting there:
- By Car: Two hours and 30 minutes from Central London.
- By Train: Take a two-hour train journey from London Paddington Station to Cheltenham. From there, either take a 20-minute taxi ride to Winchcombe or use the bus system. Buses require a transfer: take the D or N bus (a four-minute walk from the station) and then transfer to the W bus for a 22-minute ride. The W bus to Winchcombe runs hourly from Stop 18B (Primark).
- By Coach: Take the National Express bus from London Victoria to Cheltenham, a three-hour journey. From Cheltenham Coach Station, walk five minutes to Stop 18B (Primark) and catch the W bus to Winchcombe, a 20-minute ride.
- By Tour: Winchcombe is included on this day trip from Oxford.
Best Hikes in the Cotswolds
Woodchester Mansion Circular Walk
The area around Woodchester Mansion is filled with woodland paths, lakes, grazing sheep, and flower-filled meadows. Since the area is owned by the National Trust, the trails are very well maintained and easy to follow. Visitors will find the Woodchester Mansion Red Trail a moderately challenging route as it stretches 11 kilometers through a valley and gets steep in some places. The hike takes around three hours.
Rollright Stones Circular Walk
This fantastic Cotswolds hiking trail leads walkers through some of the area’s Bronze Age and Neolithic monuments. The path follows the gently rolling hills and open farm fields in the north from Salford to the ancient Rollright Stones on a loop route and is perfect for beginner hikers or those with children. The trail is eight kilometers long and takes roughly two and a half hours to complete.
Windrush Way
If you’re looking to spend the majority of your day hiking and exploring the Cotswolds countryside, consider walking the Windrush Way. This point-to-point trail starts in Winchcombe at Back Lane car park and leads 21.5 kilometers (13.5 miles) through woodland paths and farm pastures to Bourton-on-the-Water. Hikers will pass Sudeley Castle and can pop in for a visit to the historic 15th-century mansion and estate. The Windrush Way is a tougher trail that takes around six hours to complete with an elevation gain of roughly 650 meters, so make sure you’re well prepared with good hiking shoes and a well-packed hiking backpack to get you through the day!
Moreton-in-Marsh Circular Walk
There are two great walking trails in Moreton-in-Marsh. The first walk takes you through the town and into the countryside on a loop trail that passes through Bourton-on-the-Hill. There are a handful of pubs and restaurants along the way to stop for a snack or a pint. The trail is 8.8 kilometers long (5.5 miles) and takes about two hours to complete. The second walking trail is an extension of the first, with the addition of open fields and woodlands leading through Sezincote Estate and Longborough. It takes three hours to walk the second route, which is about 11 kilometers (seven miles) long and moderately rated.
Cotswolds Way
This is the main hiking trail through the Cotswolds, stretching 164 kilometers (102 miles) from Chipping Campden to the city of Bath. You can hike the entire route over multiple days, which is a good, challenging hike, or hike a portion of the trail. The route is a point-to-point trail and leads through many of the popular Cotswolds towns, such as Broadway, Winchcombe, and Painswick. National Trails UK is a great source for information on shorter hikes along the trail and can provide more information for those interested in doing a town-to-town hike.
Bibury to Coln St. Andrews Circular Walk
For a moderately challenging hike that hits several beautiful villages in one day, consider walking the Bibury to Coln St. Andrews Circular Route. The trail starts at Coln St. Aldwyns and follows the River Coln through a few minor hills all the way to Arlington and Bibury. This is an easy-to-follow loop route that takes about three hours to complete and measures 10.6 kilometers (6.5 miles).
Best Places to Stay in the Cotswolds
For those who want to stay in a larger town and then venture out to the villages, the Cotswolds Hare in Cirencester is an excellent choice. This highly rated guesthouse has a range of rooms to choose from, each equipped with a patio, flat-screen TV, and complimentary cookies and chocolates. The hotel features free on-site parking and a complimentary breakfast.
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s close to some of the more popular Cotswold attractions, check out The Old Stocks Inn in Stow-on-the-Wold. Located in the highest village in the Cotswolds, this lovely five-star boutique hotel offers contemporary rooms equipped with a smart TV, minibar, and coffee machine. The inn also boasts two on-site restaurants, free parking, and a terraced patio garden for those who want to dine al fresco.
The Lansdowne Guest House, located just south of Lower Slaughter, is a great countryside retreat for those planning a weekend in the Cotswolds. This family-run bed-and-breakfast is adults-only and offers a range of beautiful rooms equipped with complimentary toiletries, a coffee machine, and a flat-screen TV. A complimentary English or continental breakfast is offered every morning, and there is free on-site parking available.
FAQ About Visiting the Cotswolds
Can I bring my dog hiking in the Cotswolds?
Yes, you can bring your furry friend on a day hike! However, in most cases, they will need to be kept on a leash.
Is one day enough to see the Cotswolds?
One day is enough to give you a good idea of what the Cotswolds is all about. You can easily explore a town or go on a hike in a day. However, there are several attractions dotted across the Cotswolds, so it’s best to stay a night or two to truly get a chance to explore this lovely area.
Is parking free in the Cotswolds?
Almost all the towns in the Cotswolds have some free parking, but in the more popular towns, these spots fill up very quickly. You’ll most likely have to park in a paid car park, so we recommend getting there as early as possible, especially on weekends and during the summer months. You can easily pay for parking using a card or cash either online, at a pay station, or by using the PayByPhone app.
How far is the Cotswolds from London?
The Cotswolds can be reached by car in as little as 80 minutes, depending on where you’re leaving from and where you’re going. However, keep in mind that traffic plays a big role in how long it will take, so try to plan to leave as early as possible.
How long should I spend in the Cotswolds?
We recommend staying at least one night in the Cotswolds so you don’t feel rushed to pack everything in—that’s the opposite of a relaxed vacation! However, if you only spend one day, make the most of it by leaving as early as possible.
There are many things to do in the Cotswolds, and we hope this gives you a great starting point for your vacation planning. Before you know it, you’ll be strolling down a narrow cobblestone path, awe-struck by the incredible stone buildings and natural beauty of the Cotswolds!
