Cotswolds What to See: Best Towns, Mistakes and Hidden Gems
Wondering what to see in the Cotswolds if you have more time than just a day trip? I’ve visited the Cotswolds several times, both in Autumn and Spring.
After spending three nights exploring its prettiest towns and some hidden gems recently, I’ve put together this guide on where to go and how to avoid common tourist mistakes.
We drove from London and based ourselves in Cirencester. During our Cotswolds trip we explored Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden. I’ve also included video links to give you a proper look at the beautiful sights.
Let’s start with the towns you should prioritise.
Cotswolds What to See: 4 Towns Worth Your Time
Cirencester
Cirencester, often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” is a brilliant base for a multi-day trip. It’s one of the larger towns in the region, with loads of restaurants, shops and pubs. It’s beautiful and easy to experience a lot just by walking around town.
We were there on a Friday and were lucky to catch the market. It was fun to walk around and see the stalls selling cheeses, baked goods and other items. If you’re after a central location that’s not overwhelmed by tourists, Cirencester works well.
We stayed at The King’s Head Hotel, which had stylish rooms and a beautiful ground floor. We had breakfast each morning there too. This was convenient. But once if I could do it again, I would use the opportunity to enjoy different local cafés for breakfast each morning.
Bibury
Bibury is undeniably picturesque. Arlington Row is one of the most photographed streets in England for good reason. That said, it’s small. We were there for about 45 minutes and felt like we’d seen it all. Still, it makes a good stop, especially early in the day when the coach tours haven’t arrived.
A visit here is worth it, but don’t plan for more than an hour unless you’re eating nearby.
bourton-on-the-water
Bourton-on-the-Water is beautiful, but busy. The River Windrush cuts right through the town, with low bridges and plenty of cafés and benches that line the banks. You can really see examples of this in the video later.
Go early in the morning or later in the day for the best experience. Leave time to walk just outside the main village area to get some quieter views. We had an excellent lunch at The Willow, a Fuller’s pub. We know that this pub group has excellent food and highly recommend the brand to people who are planning a London trip. This location delivered on both food quality and atmosphere. We had a table facing the village. If you’re in Bourton-on-the-Water, it’s well worth booking a table here, especially on a sunny day.
chipping campden
This was our final stop and was my favourite. Chipping Campden is elegant, less crowded and full of character. The main street is lined with honey-coloured buildings housing shops, tearooms and cosy pubs. It feels more sophisticated than other towns and has a calmer energy.
A real hidden gem here is the Covent Garden Academy of Flowers. I took one of their floral design courses years ago in London and popped into their Cotswolds location while we were there. If you’re into floristry or just looking for something more unique, it’s worth booking a course here, if it fits your schedule. It’s a fabulous gift idea for Mother’s Day or birthday too!
Common Cotswolds Travel Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
1. picking the wrong base
Many travellers default to the most Instagrammable village. Cirencester gave us the best combination of charm, convenience and options. It’s a good balance of ‘village’ feel with city perks, like parking, restaurants and shopping.
2. trying to see everything in one day
This is the biggest mistake. While it’s possible to do a Cotswolds day trip from London, you’ll spend more time on a coach rather than seeing the towns. That said, sometimes a day trip is all you can manage if you’re visiting London on a tight schedule.
If that’s the case, here’s a few tour suggestions.
3. Relying on Public Transport
Trains and buses don’t connect the Cotswolds in any logical or efficient way. You’ll need a car. That’s just the best way to see this region. Parking was manageable in every town we visited, but do check for restrictions or local signs.
I’ve heard from people who visited towns during peak season later in the day that they had to walk 20 minutes into the town because it was so busy. They found all the close parking locations were full upon their arrival. Consider this when planning your trip.
4. Not booking meals or experiences in advance
Small towns mean limited capacity. Popular restaurants and experiences book out, especially on weekends or during school holidays. Make reservations early for lunches, floral workshops and afternoon teas if you’re aiming for something specific. And note that if you live in London like me, places to eat close earlier in the Cotswolds.
Hidden Gems in the Cotswolds
You might say the entire Cotswolds is filled with “hidden gems”. While they’ve been splashed all over social media, they aren’t so secret anymore. Below are a few that you don’t hear about as much.
covent garden academy of flowers
Located in Chipping Campden this is a quiet, elegant floral school in the middle of the Cotswolds.
The VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS SHOP
While it’s not tough to find, this shop is a must visit for those who love Christmas. Whenever we’re on holiday I like to pick up a Christmas ornament to remember our trip. If you love anything Victorian and Christmas, this is a store you won’t want to leave!
cirencester friday charter market
This is not flashy, but very local. It has great food stalls and a relaxed vibe. It’s held in the Market Place on Fridays from 9am-3pm.
Planning a 3-night Cotswolds Trip
Here’s a simple plan to follow, based on what worked for us:
Day 1: Arrive in Cirencester
Check in, explore the shops and town centre. Dinner at one of the many restaurants or pubs. We chose The Fleece and The Bear Inn and had dinner at our hotel one evening.
Day 2: Bibury + Bourton-on-the-Water
Drive early to Bibury, then head to Bourton before it gets crowded. Enjoy lunch at The Willow.
Day 3: Chipping Campden
Leave mid-morning, explore, shop and stroll. Visit the floral academy. Return to Cirencester for dinner.
Hotels
If you want to follow our trip guidance for a lovely Cotswolds trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on where we stayed in Cirencester.
Let’s Plan Your Trip!
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Cotswolds What to See: Video Highlights
Want to see what these towns actually look like? Here is a YouTube video we filmed during our trip:
Cotswolds What to See: Final Thoughts
The Cotswolds is more than a postcard-perfect backdrop. With the right planning and pace, you can experience its charm and have a very relaxing holiday.
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Have you been to the Cotswolds? What town was your favourite? Leave a comment with any advice or questions you have!
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