London is an urban environment, and finding a moment to breathe fresh air sometimes feels impossible. Still, the Cotswolds region is close enough to consider it a nice break from the busy city life. The natural beauty will make you feel relaxed, while the combination of the vibrant colors will let you enjoy any spare moment you have during your trip.
We highly recommend you find some time and plan such a trip. Whether you use your own car, or hire a London chauffeur service, we’re sure you’ll have the best time possible. So, in this article, we’re helping you with this, ensuring you can set a nice plan and give Cotswolds the attention it deserves.
Planning the Trip
First, you need to decide what’s the most convenient way to get there. While it’s easily accessible from London, it takes up to two hours to arrive. But don’t worry – it won’t be boring at any moment during the ride. Whether you use your personal car, a chauffeur service, or rent-a-car, you’ll enjoy the beautiful surroundings and breathtaking nature.
If you’re the driver, pay attention to the map and navigation. If you use a chauffeur company, you can only enjoy the looks outside the window.
The train is also a nice option, as it goes through many colorful villages. Trains offer a relaxing journey, and many villages are accessible by local buses, although a car might be useful for exploring further afield.
Where to Stay?
While we don’t have specific recommendations, we suggest checking on the country pubs or small rentals. Hotels are surely convenient, but the experience can be ten times better if you explore the authenticity of the local life.
What to Do?
You have so many things to do. For example, visit historical sites or medieval villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter. Don’t skip on the Sudeley Castle – the most popular historical site in Cotswolds.
For nature lovers, there is always some group to join for hiking and discovering the beautiful landscapes around.
The Perfect Cotswolds Itinerary
In this section, we’ll suggest how to plan a weekend itinerary. Feel free to adapt it according to the days you’ve chosen to visit Cotswolds. Also, you can stick to our suggestion, and see how it goes from there.
Day 1:
● Depart London in the morning and head towards Moreton-in-Marsh.
● Check into your accommodation and explore the charming village center.
● Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local pub and soak in the Cotswold atmosphere.
● In the afternoon, visit Bourton-on-the-Water, with its picturesque bridges and river cruises.
● In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a traditional Cotswold pub.
Day 2:
● Choose a scenic hike in the morning, following a section of the Cotswold Way for stunning views.
● Visit a historical gem like Sudeley Castle or Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
● In the afternoon, explore the antique shops and charming boutiques in Stow-on-the-Wold, a delightful Cotswold town.
● Enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream before departing back to London, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Top Tips for Your Cotswolds Weekend
● Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the villages and countryside.
● Consider purchasing a Cotswolds Discovery Pass for discounted entry to several attractions.
● Research local events and festivals happening during your visit.
● Don’t forget to try a traditional Cotswold pasty, a savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables.
● Relax and unwind – the Cotswolds are all about slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures.
As we said, you can always adapt this suggested itinerary, especially if you find some priority spots you want to visit instead of our recommendations.
Conclusion
Cotswolds is a timeless and breathtaking way to have some rest and get away from the city’s stressful dynamics. Set the perfect itinerary, find your favorite transportation option, and head to
the most beautiful part of the UK. It’s not far away from London, and it’s worth investing a few hours of your day to experience something different than traffic and crowds every now and then.
We hope that our suggestions were useful and inspiring for you. Take enough time, because every minute counts while you breathe in the fresh air and feel the power of nature healing your spirit while in Cotswolds.