Cotswolds: TRAVEL Guide to the Most Charming Villages in England
Looking to escape London for a couple of days and dive into England’s most picturesque countryside? The Cotswolds is an absolute dream — charming villages, honey-stone cottages, scenic walks, and cosy pubs galore. Here’s a detailed itinerary of my weekend exploring five of the most beautiful villages, along with all the travel tips, costs, and tour options you’ll need for your own trip.
Whether you’re planning your own escape or simply love reading travel adventures, join us as we explore Broadway, Snowhill, Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, and Castle Combe.
How to Get to the Cotswolds from London
The easiest way to reach the Cotswolds from London is by train. We took the train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh, one of the most accessible towns in the Cotswolds by public transport. The open return ticket cost £55.50 per person.
From there, we relied on taxis to get around — and fair warning, this can get pricey if you’re not driving (more on that below).
Weekend Itinerary
We structured our two-day itinerary to make the most of each village:
Day One
- Broadway: Explore the iconic Broadway Tower and its stunning views.
- Snowhill: Discover the village charm around St Barnabas Church and the quaint Snowhill Arms pub, plus a visit to the National Trust’s Snowshill Manor and Garden.
- Bourton on Water: Wander along the river, take in the Venetian vibe, and enjoy the array of food options.
Day Two
- Bilbury: Soak up the quaint, cozy atmosphere, with stops at a trout farm and the picturesque courtyard outside the Swan Hotel.
- Castle Combe: Experience the allure of this popular village—admire the grandeur of Castle Combe Manor and its enchanting staircase leading to the garden, and stroll along the quaint pathways past the church and village cottages.
Experiences in Each Village
Broadway
The main attraction in Broadway is the Broadway Tower, a historical landmark perched on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. For £15, you can explore all four levels and enjoy the rooftop lookout with sweeping vistas — and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some sheep or deer. The interior has been beautifully restored to reflect its history, making it a fascinating stop. The entrance fee helps maintain the tower, so it’s well worth the price.
After your visit, grab a bite at the nearby café, where you’ll find a selection of hearty soups, sausage rolls, and other warming treats. A major heads-up: due to the tower’s remote location, Uber is practically non-existent, so be sure to pre-arrange a taxi if you’re not driving.
📸 Photo Tip: The view from the pathway leading up to the tower is gorgeous and photo-worthy.
Snowhill
Tiny and tranquil, Snowshill is centered around the majestic St Barnabas Church, with an old-school UK telephone booth offering a perfect photo op. The village has just one pub — the Snowshill Arms — which we missed out on visiting due to being full, but it looked charming and seemed like the perfect spot to experience the classic country pub vibe.
A serene stop is the Snowshill Manor & Garden (National Trust), where beautiful landscaping and historic collections await. Entry is £15 per person. Fun fact: Snowshill served as the location for Bridget Jones’s Diary, where it was used as the setting for Bridget’s parents’ home.
📵 Note: No reception in the village — you’ll need to walk a bit for signal.
📸 Photo Tip: Snap the red phone booth near the church and the hilltop view of the village.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Often known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” Bourton on Water charms with its meandering river and a network of quaint bridges. The village’s idyllic setting makes for excellent photo spots and even a relaxing picnic. With a wide range of food options available, it’s a great place to pause for a leisurely lunch while absorbing the local vibe.
📸 Photo Tip: The riverside is idyllic for picnics and photos.
Bibury
Easily one of the prettiest spots we visited, Bibury is small but full of cottagecore charm. We strolled past the Bibury Trout Farm, explored the picturesque courtyard outside The Swan Hotel, and admired the famous row of cottages known as Arlington Row.
Bibury also boasts a hidden gem in its trout farm and cozy, cottage-like atmosphere. The quaint, traditional houses along Arlington Row make for a delightful stroll and fantastic photo opportunities.
📸 Photo Tip: Arlington Row and outside Swan Hotel is an Instagram favourite — early morning is best for quiet shots.
Castle Combe
Arguably one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds, Castle Combe is renowned for its classic beauty. We explored the stunning manor grounds and admired its grand architecture — a definite highlight of our visit. A quick peek at the staircase and surrounding gardens left us in awe. Inside the manor, you’ll also find a Michelin-starred restaurant, perfect for those looking to indulge in a lavish meal.
From the nearby car park, a scenic path winds down to the village centre, where you’ll discover a medieval church, cobbled lanes, and postcard-perfect cottages. Visit earlier in the day if you want to soak it all in without the crowds.
📸 Photo Tip: The view from the Castle Combe Manor staircase and sit on the bridge on Water Lane is picture-perfect.
Costs for the Weekend Getaway (Per Person)
If you’re dreaming of a weekend escape to the Cotswolds, here’s a helpful breakdown of what you can expect to spend per person:
- Train Tickets: Travel to the Cotswolds is affordable, with an open return ticket from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh costing £55.50.
- Taxis: Getting around the villages by taxi can add up, with total taxi expenses for two people reaching £265, or £132.50 per person.
- Attractions: Entrance fees to popular sites like Broadway Tower and Snowshill Manor come to about £29 per person.
- Food: You can expect to spend around £47.38 per person on meals, including some hearty pub food and local treats.
- Accommodation: Staying in an Airbnb for one night would cost around £52.63 per person.
This breakdown gives you an idea of how to budget for a comfortable and memorable weekend exploring the picturesque Cotswolds without renting a car.
Tips for Visiting the Cotswolds
- Car Rental Recommended: Most of the villages are off the beaten path, so having your own car is highly recommended. Without a car, be prepared for higher taxi fares and limited ride options. Uber is very limited — we were only able to get an Uber from Bourton-on-the-Water to our accommodation. For the rest of our trips, we had to call local taxi services, which can easily be found with a quick Google search.
- Cash is King: Some local taxi drivers may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to ask in advance if they accept card payments.
- Poor Mobile Reception: Particularly in Snowhill, plan ahead if you need internet connectivity.
- Crowd Alert: Bibury and Castle Combe are particularly popular, so visiting these villages earlier in the day might afford you a quieter experience.
- Attraction costs: Some attractions require an entry fee to help preserve the site, and tickets can be purchased on the spot. For popular attractions like Broadway Tower and Snowshill Manor, you can easily buy tickets when you arrive, so there’s no need to plan ahead.
Tour Options if You Prefer Not to Drive
If the logistics of planning a route and navigating rural roads seem too daunting, consider booking a guided tour. There are several well-organized tour options available that handle transportation, itinerary planning, and provide insightful commentary on each location.
Overview: Is the Cotswolds Worth Visiting for a Weekend?
Absolutely. Every village we visited had its own charm — from the iconic Arlington Row in Bibury to the fairytale-like vibes of Castle Combe. This trip slowed us down and made us appreciate the beauty in stillness and stone cottages. There’s still so much more of the Cotswolds to explore, and this getaway was just the beginning.
Our Cotswolds weekend was a rich tapestry of history, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Each village offered its own unique flavour from Broadway’s historical tower and breathtaking vistas, to Snowhill’s intimate charm, Bourton-on-the-Water’s serene waterways, Bibury’s cozy elegance, and Castle Combe’s timeless allure. While transportation and occasional connectivity issues require a bit of extra planning, the authentic English countryside experience more than makes up for it. Whether you prefer a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, you can tailor the trip to suit your pace, ensuring a memorable and picture-perfect escape.
There are still so many other villages I want to visit, so I’ll definitely need to make another visit to the Cotswolds!
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