Road Trip in the Cotswolds ; A Six-Day Itinerary

A road trip in the Cotswolds was a wish that had to wait a very long time. Six days finally make it possible to discover this part of England.

Six Days of Road Trip in the Cotswolds

In the heart of England, the Cotswolds stretch over some 2,000 km² of green hills. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, the region charms with its golden stone villages. This local limestone gives the cottages their characteristic warm hue. In the Middle Ages, the wool trade made the region rich. Imposing churches and covered markets still bear witness to this past prosperity.

Day 1 ; Oxford, Gateway to a Cotswolds Road Trip

The trip begins with an early departure from London, by car, to Oxford. Renting a car gives great freedom to explore the villages without constraints. Nights are easy to book along the way, for example on Booking.

Bags dropped off, it is off to central Oxford for a first look. Picturesque lanes, historic buildings and shops set the pace of the afternoon. The gardens also offer a lovely break. The oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford has been teaching since the late 11th century. Some forty colleges now make up the university, each with its chapel and gardens. The Radcliffe Camera and the Bodleian Library are among the most photographed monuments.

To organise a visit of the university, the Oxford Tours website gathers all the useful information. Harry Potter fans will recognise the Christ Church staircase, seen in the first films. The college dining hall also inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts.

In the evening, The Head of the River pub serves a classic fish and chips with a local gin. Located by Folly Bridge, it borders the Thames, nicknamed the Isis in Oxford. Its terrace overlooks the students’ punts and rowing boats.

The day ends with a stroll along the quays, lit by the lights of the buildings.

Day 2 ; Chipping Norton and Birmingham

Via Burford

After a night in Oxford, the road heads towards Chipping Norton. A stop in Burford first reveals one of the region’s emblematic villages. Its main street, lined with stone houses, perfectly reflects the local charm. Nicknamed the gateway to the Cotswolds, the village slopes gently down to the River Windrush. Its St John the Baptist church recalls the prosperity born of the wool trade.

A coffee break is a must at Hunters Cake Café, a friendly spot with warm decor. Homemade cakes and hot drinks accompany a well-deserved break.

Next, a quick stop in Chipping Norton before reaching Diddly Squat Farm. Made famous by the series Clarkson’s Farm, this farm attracts Jeremy Clarkson fans. Streaming on Prime Video since 2021, the series follows his sometimes chaotic beginnings as a farmer. Its shop sells local products, and the queue can be long at weekends.

After the visit, the road trip temporarily leaves the Cotswolds to explore Birmingham. Although lively, the city leaves a mixed impression. The Soif de Voyages blog, however, offers a more positive and inspiring view.

The UK’s second city, Birmingham was a major centre of the Industrial Revolution. Its canal network is even said to be longer than Venice’s. On the modern architecture side, the Selfridges store with its thousands of silver discs is striking. The Library of Birmingham, opened in 2013, also catches the eye with its metal lace facade.

Day 3 of the Cotswolds Road Trip ; Broadway and Bourton-on-the-Water

Via Gloucester

An early start towards the village of Broadway. A peaceful atmosphere and local charm mark this stop again. Its neat lanes and authentic atmosphere are best explored on foot. Nicknamed the jewel of the Cotswolds, the village lines up art galleries, tea rooms and antique shops. Its long, chestnut-lined main street invites unhurried strolling.

A few kilometres away, Broadway Tower stands on the hill. Some twenty metres high, this folly was imagined by Capability Brown. James Wyatt then designed it at the end of the 18th century. A walk around the outside is enough to enjoy the place and take a few photos. On a clear day, the view takes in a large part of the English countryside.

Next stop, Bourton-on-the-Water, a pretty village crossed by the River Windrush. Charming, the place is also very busy. Its little stone bridges have earned it the nickname of the Venice of the Cotswolds. The riverbanks welcome picnics and walks as soon as the weather turns fine.

The model village brings a playful touch to the day, short but entertaining. Built in the 1930s, this model reproduces Bourton at 1:9 scale. Houses, church and river are faithfully recreated with the same local stone.

In Stow-on-the-Wold, St Edward’s church then reveals its surprising door, framed by two yew trees. An original spot, perfect for lovers of beautiful pictures. Legend has it that this door inspired Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in Moria. Perched on a hill, Stow is one of the highest towns in the Cotswolds.

The day ends with a drive to Gloucester to spend the night.

Cotswolds Road Trip ; From Gloucester to the South of England

Day 4 ; Bristol and Bath

Before hitting the road again, a visit to Gloucester Cathedral is a must. Its cloisters served as a set for several Harry Potter films, including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. A highlight for fans of the saga, who can also visit the Harry Potter studios near London (in French). Dating from the 14th century, these cloisters hold one of the oldest fan vaults in England.

Next stop, Bristol, for a quick tour of the city. The big wheel offers a panoramic view of the city. Some streets recall the world of the series Skins, filmed there. Banksy’s hometown, Bristol hides many works of street art. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, towers over the Avon Gorge.

Bath, a Georgian Spa Town

The road then leads to Bath, an elegant city steeped in history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety since 1987, it owes its name to its Roman baths. For the night, it is the Z Hotel, a chain already tested during five days in England (in French).

A gourmet break at The Cornish Bakery recharges the batteries. Its pasties, typical Cornish turnovers, are enjoyed still warm.

Next comes the Circus, a circular set of Georgian houses built between 1754 and 1768. Designed by John Wood the Elder and completed by his son, it gives the square a unique character. Nearby, the Royal Crescent extends this elegance with its curved facade.

To relax, head to the Bath Thermae Spa. Two hours are enough to enjoy the rooftop pool, in warm water with a view of the city. This water comes from the only natural hot springs in Britain open for bathing.

The day ends with a vegetarian dinner at the Indian Temptation restaurant, an excellent local address.

Day 5 of the Cotswolds Road Trip ; Stonehenge and Southampton

Via Castle Combe, Biddestone and Bradford-on-Avon

After Bath, the road leads to Castle Combe, one of the most beautiful villages of this trip. Its cobbled lanes and emblematic bridge embody the very image of the region. Cinema has noticed too, as Steven Spielberg filmed War Horse there.

Aerials, signs and modern lines stay discreet, preserving the village’s timeless look. By the stream, the flower-covered cottages make a perfect postcard. It is best to arrive early, before the crowds.

Next comes Biddestone, a quiet, cinematic village. It is the setting for the series Agatha Raisin, and the heroine’s famous cottage can be admired up close. Adapted from M. C. Beaton’s novels, the series follows an amateur detective settled in the countryside.

Around the central pond, stone houses and the village green form a peaceful setting. Ducks and walkers share the space quietly.

Afternoon Tea and Stonehenge

The day continues in Bradford-on-Avon, with a long-awaited stop at The Bridge Tea Room (in French). This authentic address serves a true afternoon tea by the book. Recommended by the Louise Grenadine blog, this gourmet break is one of the highlights of the trip. Scones, clotted cream and fine sandwiches are enjoyed in an old-world setting.

The afternoon then takes a cultural turn with a visit to Stonehenge. Built in stages between about 3000 and 1500 BC, this megalithic site still intrigues. It remains one of England’s most mysterious monuments. A UNESCO site since 1986, the stone circle aligns with the sunrise on the summer solstice. A shuttle links the visitor centre to the site.

The day ends in Southampton, the Titanic’s departure port in 1912. A quiet evening on the quays, a relaxed dinner and a restful night round off the stage.

Day 6 ; Brockenhurst and Gatwick

Via the National Motor Museum

Near Brockenhurst, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is the main stop of this last day. The museum is in the heart of the New Forest. A national park since 2005, the New Forest is famous for its free-roaming ponies. They cross roads and villages without a care for cars.

This iconic museum dives into the world of cars and the show Top Gear. Several film vehicles are on display. From the first steam cars to racing machines, the collection covers more than a century of motoring history.

The estate is also home to Palace House, the superb residence of the Montagu family. The elegance of the building and the richness of the collection are memorable. The ruins of Beaulieu’s Cistercian abbey, founded in the 13th century, complete the visit.

Planning a Cotswolds Road Trip

In England, you drive on the left, which takes some getting used to. Country roads are often narrow, sometimes single-track with passing places. In villages, pay car parks are usually paid by card or via an app. Spring and early autumn offer the most beautiful colours, with fewer crowds than in summer. As for formalities, a passport and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) are required from Switzerland.

After Beaulieu, rain accompanies the return to Gatwick for the last night. Dinner in a warm restaurant gently ends the adventure. These few days further strengthen the attachment to British culture. This first road trip in the region will certainly not be the last. To continue the English adventure, the trip to London (in French) offers more getaway ideas.

Cotswolds

Six Days of Road Trip in the Cotswolds