Things to do in  Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is famous for its picturesque English countryside and storybook villages, characterized by winding country lanes, patchwork farmlands, and quaint cottages built from honey-colored stone. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the rural region is also renowned for its many celebrity residents and traditional pubs.

The villages of Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe, and Bibury are some of the prettiest in the Cotswolds, with their traditional country pubs, honey-colored stone cottages, and backdrop of verdant hills. Other popular photo stops include the Malvern Hills, Broadway, and the Cotswold Lavender farm.

Visiting the Cotswolds is a popular day trip from London, but to fully experience the area, try to stay a night or two. Check into a boutique bed-and-breakfast, enjoy lunch at a traditional gastropub, take a walk along the Cotswolds Way, and hop among villages including Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury.

Yes, it is possible to visit the Cotswolds by public transport. Regular buses run to most villages in the Cotswolds, and trains link cities such as Cheltenham, Chippenham, and Stratford-on-Avon with London. However, it’s much more convenient to visit by car, especially if you plan to visit multiple villages.

No, the prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, around 58 miles (93 kilometers) south of the Cotswolds. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from the Cotswolds to Stonehenge, making it possible to visit both attractions on a day trip from London or Bath.

Popular places to stay in the Cotswolds include the villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, and Castle Combe, all of which have accommodation options and are in the heart of the Cotswolds. Without a car, Moreton-in-Marsh is a strategic choice, with train links to London and buses to the surrounding villages.