Cotswolds 3-day itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in the Cotswolds – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Bucket list experience:
The Cotswolds, United Kingdom (UK)
This relatively new trail, developed by local cyclists, follows the route of the Cotswolds Line railway – meaning you can cycle as far as you like, and then conveniently hop on the train back.
The route cobbles together quiet, back-country lanes with off-road stretches, taking you through 75 traffic-light, scenic miles of idyllic countryside, with stops in pretty Cotswold villages including Moreton-in-the-Marsh and Kingham.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in the Cotswolds – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
The trail runs from Oxford to Worcester, alongside the railway line. There are stations at regular intervals along the cycling route, meaning you can get on or get off as you wish. The full route can be printed or downloaded from the Cycle.travel website.
Cotswolds Country Cycles offer self-led guided tours and can help with bike hire.
If you don’t want to do the whole 75-mile trail (allow 2 days), Sustrans website has a 43-mile route through the best part (it takes about 3.5 hours). Or for something even shorter, try the 8-mile route between Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham is easy, flat and takes in the pretty villages of Evenlode and Adlestrop. It includes a lovely stretch of bridleway that snakes past a cricket pitch and through gently wooded countryside.
About halfway along the trail, so good for a stop-over, the Plough at Kingham is a fine gastropub-with-rooms. There are seven cosy bedrooms above the pub if you want to stay the night.
The trail can be cycled all year round, but try to avoid the the high summer months (July to August) – even the country lanes become heavy with traffic.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[3.2 miles]
A delightful Regency house hotel with an enchanting garden, situated on Chipping Campden’s postcard-perfect high street.
Official star rating:
Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[5.6 miles]
An upscale country house hotel that combines traditional Cotswold charm with a world-class spa and three dining options.
Official star rating:
Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[6.6 miles]
A small, eight-room manor house that channels a private houseparty vibe, with sumptuous rooms and create-your-own menus at dinner. Children over 12 only.
Official star rating:
Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[7.8 miles]
The Cotswold’s oldest hotel offers sumptuous bedrooms, one of the region’s grandest dining rooms and cosy, fire-lit lounges. Located in one of the Cotswolds prettiest villages.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon combines theatre, museums and architecture to give a unique insight into Shakespeare’s life.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom (UK)[18 miles]
The world’s pre-eminent Shakespearian theatre, with world-class actors bringing new life to the Bard’s words, alongside works by other renowned playwrights.
Best for ages: 13+ | £30 | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[3.1 miles]
A charming small museum in Chipping Campden, shining a light on local craftspeople and artists working in the area from the 1900s to the present day.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Chipping, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[3.2 miles]
Housed in an old silk mill in Chipping Campden, the gallery showcases work by twenty local artists, including sculptors, painters, ceramicists, photographers and wood-turners.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[5.8 miles]
This National Trust property is one of the best known and most influential Arts & Crafts gardens in Britain, with its linked ‘rooms’ of hedges, rare trees, shrubs and herbaceous border.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
Broadway, Worcestershire, United Kingdom (UK)[6.1 miles]
An 18th-century folly designed by Capability Brown, the Tower is the highest point in the Cotswolds, with views over 16 counties.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free