The right way to get to the Cotswolds
Getting from London to the Cotswolds is simple. You possibly can drive from London in round 2.5 hours relying on site visitors. A lot of the driving route is on a motorway or foremost roads.
You can too catch a practice from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (round 1.5 hours), which is an effective stepping-off level for excursions.
The right way to get across the Cotswolds
The finest solution to get round this rural a part of England is by automobile.
You possibly can set your individual itinerary, schedule and timetable to keep away from the worst of the crowds, to keep away from unhealthy climate or to take advantage of lengthy, balmy summer time days.
Alternatively, be a part of a small group (we suggest Go Cotswolds—use code UKTRAVPLAN at checkout for a 5% low cost) or a non-public tour (we suggest Victoria of Cotswold Teacup Excursions).
There’s very restricted public transport obtainable within the space (primarily buses) however these are actually solely an choice for folks with limitless sightseeing time – and many persistence!
Your Cotswolds 3 day itinerary
Our fastidiously designed 3 day Cotswolds itinerary begins in Broadway, 99 miles / 159 km west of London. We suggest you keep within the Cotswolds the evening earlier than beginning your street journey to maximise your time within the area.
Please word that every one driving instances given beneath are approximate. If you’re unfamiliar with driving on English nation roads, go to in peak season or get caught behind a tractor, driving instances will take longer than we’ve estimated.
Day 1 – North / Center Cotswolds
Day 1 has quick drives however a variety of strolling so be sure to pack comfortable strolling sneakers and make an early begin.
Morning
Get pleasure from an early breakfast in Broadway earlier than spending an hour exploring this gorgeous city which is fashionable with writers and artists.
Ensure you see the honey-coloured Cotswold-stone cottages alongside Foremost Road, the oldest of which dates again to 1320.
Take a brief 7 minute driving detour to Broadway Tower which sits atop of close by Fish Hill. The Functionality Brown designed tower dates again to 1768 and is an iconic English landmark.
In case you can (and in the event you go to in good climate), we suggest climbing to the rooftop viewing platform which is formally the very best level within the Cotswolds. The 360-degree views are breathtaking and on a transparent day you possibly can see 16 counties! Permit 1 hour on your go to.
Subsequent drive to Kiftsgate Court docket Gardens (quarter-hour) or Hidcote Manor Backyard (16 minutes), two of England’s finest nation gardens. The 2 gardens are so shut collectively it’s price doing each when you’ve got time.
The self-guided Kiftsgate Court docket Gardens (a part of the Historic Homes affiliation) is open from April – September and is a casual backyard full of color. It dates again to the 1920’s and has had feminine head gardeners since that point.
Close by Nationwide Belief owned Hidcote Manor Backyard is a extra formal, Arts and Crafts impressed backyard. It’s open yr spherical however admission instances differ in response to the season so examine prematurely of your go to. Permit at the least 1 hour per backyard.
In case you’re visiting Broadway between mid-June and early August, you can even go to Cotswold Lavender, a 70 acre farm rising over 35 totally different styles of lavender. It’s only a 10 minute drive south of Broadway.
You possibly can stroll the lavender fields, wander by the wildflower meadows or go to the distillery to find out how lavender oil is extracted from the crops. You do not want to e-book tickets prematurely however solely bank cards are accepted.
Head to Moreton-in-Marsh for lunch (15 minute drive).