How to Do a Weekend Getaway to the Cotswolds

By Lily Jones Updated Jul 31, 2019

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Introduction
Where to stay
What to see
Where to eat

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Find out more amazing things to do while living and studying in the UK

The Cotswolds is often overlooked as a rural retreat, with people opting for the more popular Lake District and Peak District instead.

Located smack bang in the middle of the country, the Cotswolds is less than a few hours drive from both London and Birmingham, making it a perfect place to visit for students in either city.

It’s filled with quaint limestone villages, picturesque public footpaths and plenty of traditional pub grub, making The Cotswolds the perfect city break.

Where to stay

Covering an area of 800 square miles, organising a weekend getaway in the Cotswolds can be slightly overwhelming. Here are our top picks for where to stay.

Chipping Campden

Once a wool trading centre in medieval times, Chipping Campden is now a quaint village with plenty of historic charm. Although it is less popular than other towns in the Cotswolds, this comes at no expense to its sightseeing opportunities.

Take a walk down photographic Hoo Lane, buy a sheepskin at the old market or visit the 12^thcentury St James’s Church.

Bourton-on-Water

It’s no surprise that this pleasant village, dissected by a tranquil river and full of distinctive bridges, is one of the most photographed towns in The Cotswolds.

As a result, it has aptly been named the ‘Little Venice of The Cotswolds’. Being one of the more popular towns to stay at, you will need to book well in advance to get a room here.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Known for its antique dealers, organic local produce and an antique doorway that inspired JRR Tolkien, Stow-on-the-Wold is an eclectic town well worth your time.

Much smaller than the other villages in the Cotswolds, the ambience here is much more laid back, ideal for those looking for a town that’s off the beaten track.

Moreton-on-Marsh

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Moreton-on-Marsh is one of the most accessible spots in the Cotswold thanks to its direct rail links with London Paddington.

However, it’s much more than just a convenient rail station. Take a wander around town to discover it’s impressive 16^th century architecture and the plethora of markets selling local produce.

Burford

Sitting on the top of a hill in the middle of the Cotswolds, Burford provides visitors with some of the best views of the surrounding countryside.

Abundant with honey-coloured stone cottages and a dominant 12^th century church, you can’t get more quintessentially British than this.

What to see

No matter where you stay in the Cotswolds, there is always plenty to see and do. Here are our top must-sees while you’re there.

Berkley Castle

Designated as an English Heritage Site, Berkley Castle gives visitors a chance to experience life as it was in the 11^th century.

With a huge garden full of historical monuments and an ancient castle to explore, this is one of the most popular attractions in the Cotswolds.

Westonbirt Arboretum

The most famous arboretum in the United Kingdom, the Westonbirt Arboretum is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Cotswolds.

Stretching across 600 acres, these gardens are filled with over 15,000 types of tree from all over the world. The grounds are beautiful year-round, however, the lush greenery in spring and golden haze in autumn are both truly spectacular.

The Model Village

This impressive one-ninth scale replica of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water is much more fascinating than you might initially think.

The quirky model village is incredibly detailed. From intricate hanging flower baskets to a singing choir in the church, it truly captures the essence of this charming village.

Royal Gardens

Open on selected dates throughout the year only, it’s worth trying to coincide your visit with one of the guided tours at the Royal Gardens.

Owned by the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, these formal gardens have been cultivated and nurtured since 1980. Today they are considered to be some of the most impressive in the UK.

Cotswolds Distillery

The Cotswolds Distillery is arguably one of the most beautiful in England. With a backdrop of the Cotswold Countryside, visitors can come here to enjoy some locally produced whisky or gin.

Go on a tour of the distillery and end it with several exciting and innovative tastings!

Where to eat

With an abundance of organic farms on their doorstep, it is no surprise the pubs and restaurants in The Cotswolds produce some of the tastiest food in the UK. Here’s where to find it!

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

This charming 18^thcentury pub pioneered the farm to table movement in the Cotswolds.

Serving modern pub grub, using seasonal ingredients from their own organic farm, this is arguably some of the best food in the Cotswolds.

Daylesford Cookery School, Daylesford

The Daylesford Cookery School is just down the road from The Wild Rabbit and run by the same group.

Known within the culinary world for providing some of the best cookery lessons in the UK, a class at Daylesford will have you picking ingredients fresh from the ground before transforming them into a delicious dish.

The Lamb Inn, Burford

Known for its fine dining atmosphere and spectacular Sunday lunches, it is worth popping into The Lamb Inn if you are happy to spend a little more money on dinner.

Alternatively, cosy up on an armchair next to the open fire with a drink from their extensive English beer menu.

The Fox, Lower Oddington

If you’re looking for traditional pub grub, The Fox in Lower Oddington is the place for you.

Serving classic English food in a quaint 16^th century stone cottage, complete with original wooden beams, this is what The Cotswolds is all about.

Over Farm Market, Gloucester

For a chance to meet the farmers and buy the freshest produce, head to the Over Farm Market.

Originally just a small outlet, this award-winning farm now sells a wide range of fresh produce as well as jams, home-distilled beers, chutneys and pickles.

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How to Do a Weekend Getaway to the Cotswolds

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