Cotswolds Villages Itinerary
The Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive is a 48-mile road trip through the picturesque English countryside, beginning in the city of Cirencester and ending in the town of Broadway. Along the way, you'll pass through Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold, and Chipping Campden, each of which offer attractions and activities for visitors. The best time of year to take this drive is during the summer months, when the rolling hills and winding roads are at their most beautiful, and the landscape is dotted with vibrant wildflowers. The roads along the route are generally in good condition, although some sections can be quite narrow.
This road trip is a great way to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Cotswolds region, and a perfect choice for any driver looking to make lasting memories. Though it can be managed on a budget, the Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive is an experience worth splurging on.
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number of days
78 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Cirencester
Distance 78 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: slow
17.9 kWh
Airports
BRS
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SOU
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Cirencester is a charming market town located in the heart of England’s Cotswolds and is the ideal starting point for the “Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive”. It is a great place to visit, with a variety of interesting attractions to explore, including the Corinium Museum, which houses a wide range of artifacts from the Roman era, Cirencester Park, which is a large and beautiful landscaped park, and the Parish Church of St John Baptist, the largest parish church in Gloucestershire. There are also a range of shops, restaurants and cafes to discover in the town, as well as a host of independent businesses selling local produce, from cheeses and chutneys to handmade crafts.
For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is about 90 miles away. From here, car rental is available, making it easy to begin your road trip.
Cirencester is the perfect place to start your journey through the Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive. With its array of attractions, independent shops and eateries, the town offers something for everyone to enjoy.
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Cirencester
- Bourton on the Water
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: slow
6.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip that starts in Cirencester and takes you through the beautiful countryside of Chedworth and Northleach before arriving in Bourton on the Water. This 18 mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete, giving you plenty of time to explore the scenery and attractions along the way.
The first stop is Chedworth, a small village with a rich history. Here you can visit the Roman villa and take a stroll through the nearby woods. Northleach is next, a picturesque town with a beautiful church and the well-known Cotswold Woollen Weavers.
Finally, you will arrive in Bourton on the Water, a charming village with plenty of attractions. Visit the Model Village, Birdland, and the Motor Museum, or just take a peaceful walk along the River Windrush. As you travel, take in the beautiful landscape and be aware of the narrow roads in some sections.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, but more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites along the route can be found in the Itinerary. Enjoy your journey!
Bourton on the Water - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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2
Bourton on the Water
- Stow on the Wold
Distance 7 km
Driving time 0.1 h
Pace: modest
1.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to an amazing road trip from Bourton on the Water to Stow on the Wold! This route is only 4 miles long and you can complete it in less than an hour. But don't be fooled by the short distance, as there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way!
The first stop is Bourton on the Water, a charming village with a picturesque river and numerous historical sites. You can take a stroll around the village and admire the old cottages and bridges. Then, you can continue your journey to Stow on the Wold, a beautiful market town located on the top of a hill. Here, you can explore the cobbled streets and admire the impressive buildings.
The road is mostly narrow in sections, so be sure to pay attention while driving. And don't forget to take in the stunning scenery along the way! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Stow on the Wold - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Stow on the Wold
- Chipping Campden
Distance 20 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
5.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Begin your journey in the quaint town of Stow on the Wold, England and take a scenic drive through Moreton in Marsh to reach the charming town of Chipping Campden. Along the 12-mile route, you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes and historical sites. From Stow on the Wold, you will drive through rolling hills and valleys, until you reach Moreton in Marsh. Here, you can take a break and explore the town's market square, which dates back to the 16th century. As you continue your journey, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the Cotswolds. The road will be narrow in sections, so be sure to pay extra attention while driving. Before you know it, you will arrive in Chipping Campden, a charming town with plenty of attractions to explore. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. This drive will take you less than one hour, so hop in your car and enjoy the ride!
Chipping Campden - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
Chipping Campden - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Chipping Campden
- Broadway
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
5.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a 14mi road trip from Chipping Campden to Broadway and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Cotswolds! This scenic drive should take you less than an hour, so you can make the most of your time in the area. As you drive, keep an eye out for the narrow sections of road, as well as the historical sites along the way. There are plenty of great spots to explore in Chipping Campden and Broadway, from the charming market towns to the beautiful countryside. In Chipping Campden, visit the iconic Market Hall and take in the stunning architecture of the Church of St James. In Broadway, explore the picturesque village and take a stroll down the High Street. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Broadway - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Broadway - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
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Broadway
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Broadway is a quaint and charming Cotswolds village situated at the end of the popular "Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive". This picturesque village is filled with charming 17th-century architecture and is a perfect place to end a road trip.
The village is renowned for its wide, high street which is lined with traditional shops, pubs, and restaurants. Visitors should be sure to check out the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, the Broadway Tower, and the Lygon Arms, a 14th-century inn.
Drivers will appreciate the free parking in the centre of town. Those traveling by air can fly into Birmingham International Airport (BHX). From there, take a train to Moreton-in-Marsh and then a taxi to Broadway.
No matter how you arrive, Broadway is a delightful place to spend the day. Visit the numerous antique shops, take a stroll through the village and explore the surrounding countryside. Or, take a walk up to the Broadway Tower for a stunning view of the Cotswolds.
At the end of the day, visitors can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the village's many pubs and restaurants. No matter how you spend your time, Broadway is a delightful place to end a Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive road trip.
Broadway - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
Broadway - England - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Cotswolds Villages at a glance
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Start:
Cirencester
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End:
Broadway
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Distance:
78 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Bristol Airport (BRS),
Southampton Airport (SOU)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive, a captivating 48-mile journey that takes you through the heart of the English countryside's storybook landscapes. Starting in the historic market town of Cirencester and culminating in the charming village of BRoadway, this Road Trip is a feast for the eyes, providing an enchanting view of rolling hills, meandering lanes, honey-colored stone cottages, and historic villages that seem frozen in time.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
Key stops along the Cotswolds scenic route are not to be missed, each offering a glimpse into the area's unique heritage and beauty. Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds', delights with its elegant low bridges arching over the River Windrush. Stow-on-the-Wold stands at one of the highest points in the Cotswolds and is famous for its market square framed by picturesque shops and traditional tea rooms. Chipping Campden, a jewel in the Cotswolds' crown, showcases a high street lined with ancient limestone buildings and the historic St. James Church. Don't miss the enchanting Hidcote Manor Garden nearby, a masterpiece of garden design.
Best Time to Go:
The Cotswolds are enchanting year-round, but the optimal period for embarking on this Scenic Drive is during the late spring through summer months, from May to September. This is when the countryside is at its most vibrant, with wildflowers in bloom, lush greenery, and the golden stone of the villages basking in the gentle sunlight. The weather is also more conducive to leisurely strolls through the villages and enjoying outdoor activities.
Potential Risks:
The Cotswolds' Roads are generally safe and well-maintained, but they do traverse through rural areas with narrow lanes flanked by dry-stone walls and hedgerows. Caution is advised, especially on blind bends and during peak tourist seasons when the routes can become quite busy. It's also important to be considerate of local traffic and adhere to the country driving etiquette.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
Traveling the Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive can be a budget-friendly adventure, but having extra funds can certainly elevate the experience, allowing for spontaneous detours, leisurely meals in gourmet pubs, or overnight stays in charming bed-and-breakfasts. The route is also perfect for creating lasting memories through photography, picnicking in tranquil settings, and simply soaking in the serene beauty and peaceful ambiance of the Cotswolds region.
A good choice for:
This Scenic Drive through the Cotswolds is more than just a journey—it's a step back into England's storied past, an immersion into a region that has inspired artists, writers, and poets for centuries. With its timeless beauty and enduring charm, the Cotswolds Villages Scenic Drive promises an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the idyllic English rural life.
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