Itinerary - England Express: Exploring the Cotswolds

Round trip journeys are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

We find ourselves finally in this area of outstanding beauty… we’ve arrived in the Cotswolds! After reaching our accommodation (Gloucester or surroundings) and dropping off our bags, it is dinner time! We will tuck into some grub at a typical British pub of course! But the night doesn't end there, perhaps we can explore a local wine bar or enjoy a pint of beer… or two!

We begin our day bright and early with a hearty English breakfast and a nice cup of tea! We set off to Stow-on-the-Wold first, a charming market town surrounded by the Cotswold countryside. Once we arrive, we stroll around the market square, antique shops and the Cotswold Chocolate Company. We can also visit the Lord-of-the-Rings-inspired St. Edward’s Church with its famous yew-tree door and have a drink at The Porch House - the oldest inn in England. As we set off to Bourton-on-the-Water, we can stop off via Upper and Lower Slaughter, taking in the scenic river, mill and cottages.

Now it’s to visit the quintessential English village of Bourton-on-the-Water, also known as The Venice of the Cotswolds. With its low stone bridges, stone cottages and tree-lined riverbanks, it’s a postcard-perfect setting! We could also see it in miniature form at The Model Village. If we're feeling competitive, we could try to escape from The Dragonfly Maze! After we have had a bite to eat along the River Windrush, we’ll go in it ourselves for some river horse riding! As a well-deserved treat, we can get some ice cream afterwards.

Next up is the capital of the Cotswolds, otherwise known as Cirencester, which dates back to Roman times. St. John Baptist Church is well worth a visit with its perpendicular Gothic architecture. We’ll again visit the bustling market square and can stretch our legs in the greenery of the Abbey Grounds and Cirencester Park. If feeling adventurous, we could also do some stand-up paddleboarding or cycling at the nearby Cotswold Country Park & Beach!

Burford, considered the Gateway to the Cotswolds, is where we venture next, full of cosy pubs, antique shops and mediaeval architecture. For those with a sweet tooth, The Sweet Shop must be visited. Then it’s tea time… or afternoon tea time in this case! With an array of sandwiches, cakes and scones, it should leave you feeling replenished! Then, on our way home, we visit the beautiful gem of Bibury. Situated along the River Coln, it’s time to snap one of the most photographed sights in the UK, Arlington Row with its 17th-century weavers’ cottages adorned with honey-coloured stone. We can even catch some trout at Bibury Trout Farm and walk around the nature reserve The Rack Isle. 

We now immerse ourselves in one of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe. Nestled in a wooded valley, this is the perfect retreat with houses that date back from the 1600s. St. Andrew’s Church houses one of the oldest working clocks in the country. We’ll also go on the popular scenic Castle Combe and By Brook walk, where we’ll set foot in the quaint streets and lush gardens, as well as the Market Cross. 

Before we arrive in Painswick, dubbed the Queen of the Cotswolds, we have the opportunity to stop off at Tetbury and Stroud. Painswick is famous for the historic Rococo Garden and we’ll ramble around its stunning vistas, colourful floral displays and intricate designs. We’ll also get to explore another yew-coated church, that being St. Mary’s.

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!