Cotswolds Travel Guide (+ Map & Itinerary)

Welcome to my mini guide to the Cotswolds. In this guide, you’ll find recommendations on the best things to do in the Cotswolds and the best places to visit.

I’ve also included recommendations for amazing restaurants and hotels. At the end of this post, there is a saveable Google Map with all locations pinned, ready for your trip to the Cotswolds!

I’ve previously done a day trip from London to the Cotswolds by car; it’s worth waking up early to beat the morning traffic and having more hours to visit at least 3–4 villages before heading back.

If you’re doing a week trip to the Cotswolds, I recommend leaving London after the school run or post-7 pm to skip the worst of the queues, and I always drop pins for the nearest long-stay car parks before setting off.

Note: rural lanes can get narrow, so if you’re not used to driving in the countryside, remember to drive slowly and keep your cool when you come across a tractor.

2. London Paddington → Kemble (GWR) for Cirencester, Bibury and Tetbury. Total journey time is around 1.5 – 2.5 hours, depending on the final destination.

Advance singles typically cost between £35 – £95. Local bus or a £15–£30 taxi gets you the last miles.

3. London Paddington or Marylebone → Oxford / Oxford Parkway then bus to Burford or Stow-on-the-Wold.

The train to Oxford is around 1 hour, then it’s 45–70 minutes by bus to your final stop. The total cost is usually £30–£60 one way, depending on how early you book.

TIP: before your journey, make sure to screenshot the bus timetables on your mobile. There have been so many times I’ve not had any 5 G/signal in some parts of the Cotswolds and couldn’t check timings.

Worst-case scenario, there will be a cafe or pub nearby where you can use their wifi if you ask nicely.

Use my code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off this tour

The tour leaves from London Victoria. The journey takes around 2 hours, which gives you time to take a cheeky nap and enjoy the countryside views along the way before arriving at the first stop for the day – Bibury.

Bibury was recently named the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes and long before that by William Morris, and it’s not hard to see why.

Take a stroll along Arlington Row, with the famous honey-coloured cottages that date back to the 14th century.

Make sure to also stop by St Mary’s Church, which is nearly 1000 years old, and The Swan Hotel for a hot drink.

Use my code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off this tour

A must-see here is The Model Village, a perfect miniature-sized replica of Bourton itself, meticulously built with incredible detail. Tickets are available at the door for £4.50.

Bourton is also home to the Cotswold Motoring Museum, where you can find vintage cars and Brum (If you know, you know!). Entry costs £9.50 for adults, £6.50 for children 5 years and up.

Our final stop of the day was Burford, located on the western edge of the Cotswolds, it is described as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’.

While technically a town, the main high street dates back to the medieval ages and still gives that village vibe with its historic buildings.

There are lots of independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bookshops to check out before heading back to London.

I recommend popping into Madhatter Bookshop, The Sweet Shop to pick up some snacks on your journey home and enjoy a pint at Bull.

Use my code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off this tour

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