Things to Do in Cotswolds, United Kingdom

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty spanning across several English counties, renowned for its rolling hills, honey-colored limestone villages, and quintessentially English countryside charm. This picturesque region encompasses charming market towns like Chipping Campden, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold, each featuring traditional thatched cottages, medieval churches, and cozy pubs that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Visitors to the Cotswolds can explore over 3,000 miles of public footpaths, browse antique shops and local craft boutiques, and experience the slower pace of rural English life. The region offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and gastronomic experiences, from touring historic manor houses and gardens to sampling local ales and farm-to-table cuisine in atmospheric village inns.

Top Things to Do in Cotswolds

Village Walking Tours

Explore the most beautiful Cotswolds villages on guided walking tours that reveal hidden histories and architectural secrets. These tours typically cover 2-3 villages in a day, including famous spots like Bourton-on-the-Water and Chipping Campden, with expert guides sharing local folklore and pointing out unique features of the honey-stone buildings.

Booking Tip: Book small group tours (8-12 people) for £40-60 per person, avoiding large coach tours for a more intimate experience. Spring and early autumn offer the best weather and fewer crowds, with morning tours providing the best lighting for photography.

Historic Gardens and Manor Houses

Visit magnificent properties like Hidcote Manor Garden, Kiftsgate Court, and Sudeley Castle, each showcasing centuries of English garden design and aristocratic heritage. These attractions offer insights into both horticultural artistry and the social history of the English countryside, with many featuring seasonal displays and special exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Purchase National Trust or English Heritage memberships (£60-72 annually) if visiting multiple properties, as individual entries cost £12-18. Visit during weekdays in late spring or early summer for the best garden displays and smaller crowds.

Countryside Hiking and Walking

Trek sections of the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile National Trail, or enjoy shorter circular walks through ancient woodlands, across sheep-dotted hills, and between picturesque villages. The well-marked footpaths offer varying difficulty levels, from gentle valley walks to more challenging hill climbs with panoramic views.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free using OS Maps app or printed guides (£8-12), while guided hiking tours cost £25-45 per person. Book accommodations that offer packed lunches and drying facilities, especially during autumn and winter months.

Traditional Pub and Food Experiences

Experience authentic English pub culture and local cuisine at historic inns, many dating back several centuries and serving locally sourced ingredients. These establishments offer everything from hearty traditional fare to modern British cuisine, often accompanied by locally brewed ales and ciders in atmospheric settings with roaring fires and low beams.

Booking Tip: Make dinner reservations 2-3 days ahead for popular pubs, especially weekends (mains £14-28). Look for pubs with their own microbreweries or those featuring local suppliers on their menus for the most authentic experience.

Antiques and Market Shopping

Browse world-famous antiques centers and weekly markets in towns like Stow-on-the-Wold and Tetbury, known for their exceptional collections of English furniture, ceramics, and collectibles. The region's antiques scene attracts dealers and collectors from around the globe, offering everything from affordable vintage finds to museum-quality pieces.

Booking Tip: Visit on market days (typically Thursdays and Saturdays) for the best selection, bringing cash for smaller vendors. Serious buyers should arrange shipping services in advance, as many shops offer international delivery for larger purchases (typically 10-15% of item value).

Getting There

The Cotswolds is easily accessible from London via train to stations like Moreton-in-Marsh, Kemble, or Charlbury, with journey times of 1.5-2 hours and tickets costing £25-45. From these stations, local bus services connect to various villages, though services can be infrequent. Driving offers the most flexibility, with the region approximately 2 hours from London via the M40 motorway, and car rentals available from £25-40 per day. Coach tours from London are also popular, typically costing £45-75 for day trips including transportation and guided commentary.

Getting Around

A car provides the greatest freedom to explore the Cotswolds' scattered villages and countryside, with most attractions easily accessible via narrow country lanes and adequate parking available in village centers (£2-5 per day). Public transportation exists but requires patience, with Pulhams Coaches and other local operators connecting major villages, though services may run only 2-3 times daily. Many visitors opt for guided coach tours or hire local taxi services for day trips, while cycling is increasingly popular with bike rentals available in larger towns like Chipping Campden and Bourton-on-the-Water for £20-30 per day.

Where to Stay

Chipping Campden

Stow-on-the-Wold

Bourton-on-the-Water

Cirencester

Tetbury

Broadway

Food & Dining

The Cotswolds dining scene celebrates local ingredients and traditional British cuisine, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy village pubs serving hearty fare. Many establishments source ingredients from local farms, offering seasonal menus featuring Cotswold lamb, artisanal cheeses, and locally foraged ingredients. Historic pubs like The King's Head Inn and The Swan at Swinbrook provide atmospheric dining with roaring fires and centuries of character, while modern gastropubs and farm-to-table restaurants offer contemporary interpretations of British classics. Don't miss trying local specialties like Cotswold Gold cheese, locally brewed ales, and traditional afternoon tea served in historic tea rooms and hotel lounges.

When to Visit

Late spring through early autumn (May to September) offers the most favorable weather for exploring the Cotswolds, with longer daylight hours, blooming gardens, and comfortable temperatures for walking. Summer brings the warmest weather and longest days but also the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide excellent compromises with pleasant weather, beautiful seasonal colors, and fewer tourists, making it easier to secure restaurant reservations and accommodation. Winter visits offer their own charm with cozy pub fires and festive decorations, though some attractions have reduced hours and weather can be unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Visit villages early morning or late afternoon to avoid day-trip crowds and capture the best light for photography

Many of the most photogenic villages charge for parking, so bring coins and expect to pay £3-5 for village center spots

Book dinner reservations well in advance at popular gastropubs, as many have limited seating and don't accept walk-ins on weekends

Things to Do in Cotswolds