The ultimate weekend trip to the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is so quintessentially English it really is a must-see place when visiting the UK for the first time. If you are flying in from London, this part of the country is only a pleasant 2-hour journey and is one of the closest places to London which reflects some of the “Swallows and Amazons” style of romance that’s associated with our countries beauty and heritage.

We’ve written this travel guide for those of you who have a short 2/3 day stay in the Cotswolds and want to get to the heart of the region without losing time!  As UK based women walkers who love the Cotswolds and who have visited much of the British Isles, we’ve pretty much stopped at all the best tea shops, best country pubs and plotted some of the most scenic walks there is in the UK. Our recommendations take in some of the best there is to see whilst minimising travel time, leaving you to relax and take in the views, tastes and sounds of this beautiful part of the world.

Travelling to the Cotswolds

If you’ve landed in London, as many of you will have, and really do have only 2 or 3 days to see this part of the country we recommend the north-east region of the Cotswolds which is both easy to get to, and has a cluster of some beautiful places within a close distant from each other. In truth, we would recommend a car to get the most out of a visit to the Cotswolds but, if this isn’t an option, you can get around the area by public transport with direct trains to Oxford (from either London Paddington or London Marylebone) and then connections to the following places from Oxford station. The rail map below gives you the town locations and connections

Writers and creators inspired by the Cotswolds

We’ve slotted this section in as it really does enhance your visit to feel the history around you in this corner of the globe. Many famous writers and creatives have both lived or been inspired by this cluster of beautiful villages and towns depicted below. From the likes of J.B Priestly, who lived near Stroud and wrote his famous piece “An inspector calls” to J.R.R. Tolkien who was said to visit the Cotswolds regularly and where his image for “The shire” depicted in one of the most influential books of all time “The Lord of the Rings” was imagined. Once you arrive at any one of the Cotswolds villages you will perhaps see some of the reference points Tolkien may have had for his epic book, but none more than on the north porch of St. Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold. Shown below, this could be an illustration directly from the book itself and most of us UK residents who love travel will have ourselves a photo snap somewhere under this tree.

Chipping Norton

If hiking is you thing as it is ours, hiking routes in and around Chipping Norton, include the Cotswold Way, the Oxfordshire Way and the Wychwood Way. A Cotswold walks maps is available for each of these hiking routes at the following link

Chipping Norton is a bustling market town occupying the highest point of Oxfordshire. It is located around 18 miles northwest of Oxford in the Cotswold Hills. The town grew to wealth with the wool trade, and up to today its “Bliss Tweed Mill is a major landmark. The Bliss Mill factory appears like a combination of a mansion and a folly with a domed based chimney. You can also meander around historic listed buildings including alms houses, churches and the Town Hall, along with a great selection of independent shops, centuries-old pubs, eateries and accommodation.

Chipping Norton, also called “Chippy” to its locals is a lively town with a variety of festivals around the year such as the well-known Chipping Norton Literary Festival. The events and festivals mostly take place in the medieval market place which is situated in the heart of the town alongside many of the finest of Cotswolds accommodation

If you would like to also explore the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside around Chipping Norton, here is a circular  walk and route map 

Places near Chipping Norton to visit

Heythrop Park – A stunning estate offering leisure activities, including golf, spa treatments, and beautiful gardens to explore. It’s a great spot for relaxation and recreation.

Hook Norton Brewery – Just a short drive from Chipping Norton, this historic brewery offers tours and tastings. It’s one of the oldest breweries in the UK and provides an interesting look at traditional brewing methods.

Blenheim Palace – Located about a 30-minute drive from Chipping Norton, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The palace and its expansive gardens are magnificent and offer a full day of exploration.

Chastleton House – by the National Trust, this Jacobean country house is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into early 17th-century life. The gardens are also beautiful and worth exploring.

Bliss Tweed Mill – This iconic building is a testament to Chipping Norton’s industrial past. While it’s now converted into private apartments and not open to the public, it’s still worth seeing from the outside for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Chipping Norton Theatre – This historic theatre hosts a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings. It’s a cultural hub in the town and worth checking out for its diverse programming.

Hook Norton Brewery –  This brewery remains one of only 32 independent family-run breweries; and you won’t find a finer example of a Victorian tower brewery anywhere. Open to the public to visit and sample their wears this is a great trip out for all the family

Shopping in Chipping Norton

Cotswold shops are often independently owned and as such have a varied feel to them, often housed in beautiful Victorian buildings with a mix of things which make perfect gifts due to their originality.   

Jaffe & Neale Bookshop and Café – A beloved independent bookshop that offers a wide selection of books, including bestsellers, classics, and local interest titles. The adjoining café is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee while browsing your new book.

M&Ms Emporium – As far as Cotswold shopsgo this is one of the most eclectic offering a mix of antiques, vintage items, and unique home décor pieces. It’s a treasure trove for those looking for one-of-a-kind finds.

Tew & Brew – A delightful shop specialising in teas, coffees, and brewing accessories. It’s a great spot for tea and coffee enthusiasts looking to explore new flavours and high-quality products.

Juno – A boutique offering a carefully curated selection of women’s fashion, accessories, and gifts. known for its stylish and contemporary offerings.

The Wild Rabbit – A farm shop that offers organic and locally-sourced produce, meats, cheeses, and more. It’s a great place to pick up fresh ingredients or gourmet treats.

Alexandra Bruce – An independent jeweller that creates beautiful bespoke pieces. Known for quality craftsmanship, this shop is perfect for finding a special piece of jewellery.

Whistlers – A delightful Cotswold wine shop with a wide selection of wines, spirits, and craft beers. The knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion.

Stow-on-the wold

Stow-on-the-Wold really is a lovely market town known for its historical significance, picturesque streets, and a variety of activities and attractions. Here are some top things to do in Stow-on-the-Wold. As stated previously, Stow is one of the places that the writer JRR Tolkien was said to while away summer days and whilst there you must pay St Edwards Church a visit which is just off the towns square and houses the “Tolkien-esque” large yew trees across its north entrance. The large, historic Market Square is the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold and is a real square where the hub bub of local life takes place. It features a medieval cross, a well, and a number of interesting shops and cafes. It’s a great place to explore and we especially love Stow as it has a less “touristy” feel to it without losing any of the Cotswold charm.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

St. Edward’s Church – A beautiful medieval church with unique north doors flanked by ancient yew trees. The church is known for its serene atmosphere and stunning stained-glass windows.

Market Square – The large, historic Market Square is the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold. It features a medieval cross, a well, and a number of interesting shops and cafes. It’s a great place to start exploring the town.

Stow Town Walks – Guided or self-guided walks that take you through the historic streets of Stow-on-the-Wold. Learn about the town’s rich history, including its role in the English Civil War and its importance as a market town.

Fosse Gallery – One of the most prestigious contemporary art galleries in the Cotswolds, featuring works by leading British artists. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Shopping

Antique Shops – Stow-on-the-Wold is known for its excellent antique shops. Spend some time browsing through the various stores to find unique treasures and vintage items.

The Borzoi Bookshop – Cotswold shops don’t come much more charming than this one. An independent bookshop offering a wide selection of books, including local interest, fiction, and children’s books.

Cotswold Sweet Company – delightful old-fashioned sweet shop offering a wide variety of traditional and modern sweets, chocolates, and treats.

Scotts of Stow – A well-known retailer offering a range of homewares, gifts, and garden items. Their flagship store in Stow-on-the-Wold is perfect for finding high-quality products for the home.

Dining and Drinking

The Porch House – As far as Cotswolds accommodation goes we think this is one of the finest. One of the oldest inns in England, dating back to 947 AD. Enjoy a meal or a drink in this historic pub with a cosy atmosphere and delicious menu.

The Old Butchers – A highly regarded restaurant serving modern British cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. It’s a great place for a special meal.

New England Coffee House – A popular spot for coffee and light bites. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a break from exploring the town.

The Bell at Stow – A traditional pub offering a warm welcome, hearty meals, and a selection of local ales and wines.

Bourton-on-the water

Just a short drive away from Stow-on-the-Wold is Bourton-on-the-water. This very picturesque village is known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” and features charming bridges over the River Windrush, the Model Village, and Birdland Park and Gardens. Bourton is visually stunning but does get very crowded over the weekend. We recommend either getting their early on a Saturday or Sunday to enjoy the peace and

The Slaughters

Lower and Upper Slaughter are two idyllic villages which are 1.5miles and 2.2 mile from Bourton-on-the -water so are a simple hop once you’ve taken in all that Bourton has to offer. These villages are also known for their picturesque beauty, with the River Eye running through Lower Slaughter and lovely walking paths connecting the two villages which is a great thing to do if you have an afternoon to spare. Despite the somewhat ominous sound of “The Slaughters,” the name has nothing to do with violence or bloodshed. It purely relates to the natural landscape of the area. The Slaughters country inn which is on route between the two villages is a wonderfully place to either stay or stop for a lovely leisurely lunch

The proximity of these picturesque villages makes it easy to visit both slaughters and Bourton-on-the-water in a single day, enjoying some of the scenery which makes England so special.

Moreton-in-marsh

This town is home to the largest street market in the Cotswolds with many stalls pretty much selling everything! leather goods, purses, books, fish, pet products, clothing, cookware, etc. Market day is on a Tuesday on the High Street and not to be missed if you happen to be in this region of the UK on the right day.

Some popular attractions in and around Moreton-in-Marsh include Batsford Arboretum, Bourton House Garden and Chastleton House. All three are definitely worth a visit but we recommend furthering your research on these if time is tight

Many of the walks can take you directly to formal gardens, including Batsford Arboretum where there are 56 acres of woodland to discover! If that makes you feel tired just reading that, Moreton-in-Marsh itself is also great for an afternoon stroll, it’s one of the principal market towns in the Cotswolds and has a wonderfully wide and long high street which will get your heart rate with the number of paces and the delights to look at as you wonder beside shop and church fronts. 

Historically, there is evidence of settlements here dating back to Iron Age times. The town itself dates back over a thousand years to Saxon times where it would have been a relatively small settlement. Nowadays this small market town has a population of around 4000 inhabitants. Continuing our fascination with the “Lord of the Rings” series, it is said the that “The Bell” inn may have provided the inspiration for the “Prancing pony”, middle earths most famous pub. Cotswolds accommodation has a large number of inns as place to stay and this one is amongst one of the most atmospheric

Whilst we’re talking of The Bell, this establishment is a friendly 200-year-old coaching inn located on the high street as you enter the village from the North side. The modern en-suite rooms each have a TV and tea/coffee making facilities and is a short walk from Moreton-in-Marsh Train Station, which does actually have a direct service to London

Broadway

Beautiful in all seasons, Broadway welcomes travellers from all over the world.

The pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and includes a mixture of period houses & picturesque honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages which have lured visitors for centuries.  A memorable place to stay and a perfect base from which to tour the local area and enjoy stunning walks. The village lies on The Cotswold Way national walking trail which runs 102 miles from Chipping Campden to Bath. This village map may be useful during your visit.

The village also hasan interesting artistic heritage which includes well known artists, writers, and performing artists such as William Morris, John Singer Sargent, Francis D Millet, J.M. Barrie and Mary Anderson. Furniture designer Gordon Russell grew up in Broadway & had a workshop here – you can visit the Design Museum. Broadway’s GWSR heritage railway station re-opened in 2018 and runs to Cheltenham Racecourse. Broadway Tower watches over the village from beacon hill & on clear days offers views spanning 16 counties!

Hotels and Restaurants

Russells – A unique blend of style and comfort has been injected into the former headquarters of the world-famous furniture designer, Gordon Russell, to give you Russell’s – a restaurant with rooms.

Head Chef, George Santos serves modern British food in the award-winning restaurant, with local Vale of Evesham and Cotswold produce featuring throughout the daily-changing menus. The modern, airy dining room is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with friendly staff and laid-back service combining to create a relaxed and warm setting, day and night.

The Broadway Hotel – Right in the centre of Broadway overlooking the village green next to ancient, domed yew trees, is the half timber-framed and half Cotswold stone, “The Broadway Hotel”. Originally built as a rural retreat for the Abbots of Pershore in the fifteenth century “The Broadway Hotel” is still the perfect place to escape whether afternoon tea by the fire, an intimate candle-lit dinner or a drink on the front terrace on a warm summer’s evening you’ll soon relax into the Cotswold way of life.

Dormy House – A 17th Century farmhouse hotel, which is set in 400 acres of private grounds on the Farncombe Estate in Broadway, is the perfect Cotswold accommodation retreat. Following a multi-million-pound refurbishment Dormy House is one of the finest small luxury hotels in the Cotswolds. The luxury House Spa offers a wide range of treatments, a swimming pool, a Veuve Clicquot Champagne nail bar, gym and thermal suite.

MO is the hotels restaurant showcasing creative cooking with unexpected ingredients, forward-thinking culinary techniques, and just a hint of food theatre. MO will offer a unique, interactive 8-course tasting-menu experience whereby our chefs unleash their cutting-edge culinary skills to just 12 guests at a time. Here too, sustainability and seasonality will be centre-stage.

Reasons to come to the Cotswolds

Rolling hills and quaint villages blend seamlessly into a picturesque landscape and they really are a treasure trove of natural beauty and timeless charm. Honey-coloured stone cottages line narrow winding streets, many dressed with blooming flower boxes and ivy-clad walls and the gentle undulating countryside is dotted with sheep grazing peacefully in lush, green pastures, while ancient woodlands and bubbling brooks provide a soothing backdrop.

The Cotswolds’ charm is also known for its stunning gardens and grand estates, such as the opulent Blenheim Palace and the enchanting Hidcote Manor Garden. These places offer history and serenity in equal measure and are places where you can lose yourself in the beauty of manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and calming water features. If you’ve not been to the UK before, the atmosphere of this part of England will be a memory you’ll take home with you.