Exploring the Cotswolds in two days

Quintessential English villages with honey coloured cottages and rolling hills make the Cotswolds one of the top places in the UK to visit. Check out my guide to exploring the Cotswolds in two days.

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How to get to the Cotswolds

Located in the South West of England, the Cotswolds are easily accessible from much of the UK. Some of the closest major cities are Bristol, Bath and Cheltenham – these are all great cities which are worth a visit themselves and you can do the Cotswolds as a day trip. The Cotswolds are also easily accessible from London, and you can take the train for a trip exploring the Cotswolds in two days. Nearby train stations include Kemble, Stroud and Cheltenham. You can check out train times and prices here.

Once you get to the Cotswolds, I’d definitely recommend hiring a car (or driving yourself if you live in the UK). Although there are bus services between many of the bigger villages, the buses aren’t great if you want to visit several villages in the same day. Bus services can be infrequent and spasmodic, so you’ll be quite limited in what you can do each day. If you’ve got a car, you can have the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit as many towns and villages as you like. Just be aware that some of the roads through villages can be narrow and windy, and parking areas can be busy – so a small car is best.

Best villages and places to explore

There are so many villages and walks to explore in the Cotswolds. Here are my top recommendations for two days in the Cotswolds to get a flavour of this lovely area. If you’re looking for some longer walks, make sure you check out this great guide to walks in the Cotswolds with some great maps as well (affiliate).

1. Bibury

Bibury is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds. The pretty houses, especially those along Arlington Row, look like they’re from another century and it really feels like you’ve gone back in time as you walk along. The river at Bibury is lovely too, and the nearby trout farm is great for spotting fish swimming in the clear water. The downside to Bibury’s popularity is that it can get busy – there is limited parking along by the river which can get very crowded, and the path along the river and up Arlington Row can get really crowded with everyone wanting to take the perfect social media selfie. However, if you visit at a quieter time of the day or off season, you can really appreciate the beauty of this small but charming village. You can check out my guide for how to spend a day in Bibury.

2. Bourton-on-the-Water

The village of Bourton-on-the-Water, as its name suggests, lies alongside the river, giving gorgeous views all year round. This village has a lot more attractions than just looking at the pretty houses. You can visit the Motor Museum, marvel at the birds in Birdland, or pretend you’re a giant as you walk around the cute Model Village. Check out some of the opening times of these attractions here. I’d definitely recommend parking outside the centre of the village as the centre can get really busy, particularly in the summer.

3. Moreton-in-Marsh

One of the bigger Cotswold Villages, the High Street of Moreton-in-Marsh is stunning and full of lively independent shops and cafes. It’s a great place to explore and spend an afternoon.

4. Upper and Lower Slaughter

One of my favourite walks in the Cotswolds in between Upper and Lower Slaugher. You get great views of the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside. Both of these villages are beautiful as well, with classic Cotswold honey coloured houses and charming river fords.

5. Castle Combe

Situated to the South of the Cotswolds, not too far from Bath, is the famously pretty village of Castle Combe. You might recognise the village centre here, as it’s so often portrayed in pictures of England. It’s such a cute place and really deserves its fame. Plus, there’s the added benefit of a large free car park just outside the village (about 10 minutes walk down to the village), which makes this a really easy village to explore.

6. Cirencester

Compared to the cute villages surrounding it, the busy town of Cirencester feels a lot more lively. There’s a market outside the Church on weekends, which is a great place to explore unique, locally made gifts and produce. The town has plenty of independent shops and cafes, which are perfect to stop for a traditional English afternoon tea. I’d recommend Jacks, a lovely tearoom with a charming atmosphere, which is a perfect break as you’re exploring the Cotswolds in two days.

7. Stow-on-the-Wold

And another classic Cotswold village that deserves a mention is Stow-on-the-Wold. More pretty houses, cute streets, tea rooms and historic pubs make this another great one to explore. It’s great for a short stop as you’re exploring the Cotswolds in two days.

8. Minster Lovell

On the edge of the Cotswolds near Witney is the lovely village of Minster Lovell. The ruins of the 15th century hall is one of the top attractions here, and it’s free to wander around and read the information boards to learn about the history.

9. Blenheim Palace

Also not too far from Oxford is the stunning Blenheim Palace, which is definitely worth a visit while you’re in the Cotswolds. It’s one of the most famous stately homes in the UK. Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough. You can go inside the house to see the impressive rooms – look at tickets and opening times here. But make sure you leave some time to explore the grounds as well. The lake is particularly lovely, with great views back to the house.

10. WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Just on the edge of the Cotswolds is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust lake at Slimbridge. If you visit in the winter, you’ll see all kinds of birds, ducks, geese and swans which migrate here from far away and spend the winter living here. It’s such a great place to see some wildlife you don’t normally see, and you can pick up a handy guide from reception to help you identify all the birds you’re seeing. My favourites were the Bewicks Swans and Hawaiian Geese (pictured below). Check out the opening times of WWT Slimbridge here.

Enjoy your time exploring the Cotswolds! Make sure you check out this walking guide for more great days out in the Cotswolds (affiliate). Once you’ve explored these villages, there are so many more places to explore nearby. Check out my walks in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire to extend your trip.