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England, UK, United Kingdom · Trip plan

3 days in The Cotswolds

Honey-stone villages, cosy pubs with log fires and Christmas at Blenheim.

Best time
Oct – Dec, Apr – Sep
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$260 per person
Trip for two
about $1,560

Planning a 3-day trip to The Cotswolds? Here's a day-by-day The Cotswolds itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Autumn colours and Christmas markets make the Cotswolds a classic cosy break, with festive lights at Blenheim Palace from November.

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of rolling hills and villages built from golden limestone.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun: a good time to go
  7. Jul: a good time to go
  8. Aug: a good time to go
  9. Sep: a good time to go
  10. Oct: a good time to go
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

October to December: 3–13°C.

Create my The Cotswolds trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in The Cotswolds

  • 01

    Bibury

    Arlington Row's cottages, the 'most beautiful village in England'.

  • 02

    Bourton-on-the-Water

    The 'Venice of the Cotswolds'.

  • 03

    Blenheim Palace

    Churchill's birthplace and its Christmas light trail.

  • 04

    Castle Combe

    A storybook village.

Day by day

The Cotswolds itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Northern villages

    Morning
    Explore Chipping Campden's golden-stone high street and market hall.
    Afternoon
    Climb Broadway Tower for views over 16 counties, then visit Snowshill village.
    Evening
    Pub dinner by a log fire.

    Broadway Tower has a café and deer park.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Water and stone

    Morning
    Walk Bourton-on-the-Water's little bridges over the River Windrush.
    Afternoon
    Follow the footpath through Lower and Upper Slaughter (about 1.5 hours).
    Evening
    Cream tea in Stow-on-the-Wold.

    Wear boots for the muddy fields.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Blenheim and home

    Morning
    Tour Blenheim Palace, Churchill's birthplace, and its Christmas light trail in season.
    Afternoon
    Lunch in Bibury by Arlington Row.
    Evening
    Drive home.

    Book the light trail early.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

The Cotswolds in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in The Cotswolds

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Blenheim and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in The Cotswolds

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Bath.

What it costs

The Cotswolds trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$130$780
Mid-range$260$1,560
Luxury$650+$3,900

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to The Cotswolds is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in The Cotswolds for every budget

  • Budget

    B&Bs in Stow-on-the-Wold

    Stow

    Central for touring.

    from $110 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Coaching inns in Chipping Campden

    Chipping Campden

    Historic pubs with rooms.

    from $250 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Lords of the Manor

    Upper Slaughter

    A country house hotel.

    from $600 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in The Cotswolds

  • Sunday roast

    In a village pub.

  • Cream tea

    Scones with jam and clotted cream.

  • Double Gloucester

    Local cheese.

Getting there

How to reach The Cotswolds

Travel
Trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (1.5 hours); a car is best for villages.
Getting around
A car is best; footpaths link villages.
  • Rent a car; buses are infrequent.
  • Book Blenheim's light trail early.

Before you go

What to pack for The Cotswolds

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

The Cotswolds trip FAQs

How many days are enough for The Cotswolds?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Blenheim Palace. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day The Cotswolds trip cost?

Roughly $130 a day per person on a budget, $260 mid-range and $650+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,560 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit The Cotswolds?

Oct – Dec, Apr – Sep. Autumn colours and Christmas markets make the Cotswolds a classic cosy break, with festive lights at Blenheim Palace from November.

Where should I stay in The Cotswolds?

Budget: B&Bs in Stow-on-the-Wold (Stow), from about $110 a night. Mid-range: Coaching inns in Chipping Campden (Chipping Campden), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Lords of the Manor (Upper Slaughter), from about $600 a night.

How do I reach The Cotswolds?

Trains from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh (1.5 hours); a car is best for villages.

Is 2 days enough for The Cotswolds?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Blenheim and home". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in The Cotswolds?

October to December: 3–13°C.

What food should I try in The Cotswolds?

Sunday roast: In a village pub. Cream tea: Scones with jam and clotted cream. Double Gloucester: Local cheese.

How do I get around The Cotswolds?

A car is best; footpaths link villages.

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