A Cosy Cotswolds Escape: 2–3 Days Itinerary + Map 🌿
The Cotswolds is the kind of place that feels like a postcard come to life. Golden-stone cottages glow in the sun, rivers wander lazily through meadows, and every pub seems to promise the best Sunday roast you’ve ever had. It’s not a region to rush!
This 2–3 day trip takes you through storybook villages, peaceful footpaths, and a brewery with a bit of celebrity flair. It’s cosy, scenic, and packed with those “did we just step into a film set?” moments. 🚗
Cotswolds Escape
🚗 Quick Trip Facts
- Trip length: 2–3 days (or a very full 1 if you’re keen)
- Start point: Lower Slaughter
- End point: Hawkstone Brewery
- Best for: Village charm, foodie stops, slow travel, countryside walks
- Best season: Spring for flowers, autumn for colour, December for Christmas markets 🎄
- Getting around: Car is easiest, though some villages link by walking trails
🗺️ Itinerary
📍 Day 1 – Lower Slaughter & Bourton-on-the-Water
Lower Slaughter
Kick off in one of the Cotswolds’ most photogenic villages. Lower Slaughter (much nicer than it sounds, promise) is all golden stone houses, a gently winding river, and little bridges that look like they belong in a storybook. The old watermill is worth a peek, but honestly the joy here is just in wandering slowly along the River Eye.
👉 Tinker’s Tip: Arrive early to catch the light on the cottages and dodge the daytime coach crowds.
Walk to Bourton-on-the-Water
From Lower Slaughter, it’s about a 35-minute countryside stroll to Bourton-on-the-Water. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, this village is a little livelier, with the River Windrush threading through it and those famous low bridges. It’s perfect for a slow wander, poking into gift shops, and grabbing an ice cream.
- Pop into the quirky Cotswold Motoring Museum 🚗
- Say hello to penguins and parrots at Birdland Park & Gardens 🐧
- Grab a pub lunch (try The Croft or The Mousetrap) 🍺
Stay the night here if you want a bit more atmosphere after day-trippers head home.
Recommended Tours and Tickets From Get Your Guide
📍 Day 2 – More Villages & Brewery Time
If you’ve got a second day, make it a village-hopping one. The Cotswolds is basically a necklace of pretty stops, and you can dip into as many as you like.
- Stow-on-the-Wold – antique shops, tea rooms, and a church door straight out of Lord of the Rings.
- Upper Slaughter – quieter than its lower twin, with just as much charm.
- Bibury – the iconic Arlington Row, probably the most photographed cottages in England.
After a lazy day of pottering, head to the real treat…
Hawkstone Brewery
End your adventure with a brewery visit that feels properly Cotswolds but with a Clarkson twist. Hawkstone is known for crisp craft lagers and the occasional celebrity cameo. Book a tasting session or just enjoy a cold pint in the taproom. It’s the perfect way to toast your trip. 🍻
👉 Good to know: You’ll want to book ahead if you’re planning the full brewery tour – it can sell out quickly.
📍 Day 3 (Optional) – Stretch It Out
Got another morning or afternoon to spare? Treat yourself:
- Take a countryside hike – the Cotswold Way has short, manageable sections with sweeping views.
- Book afternoon tea at a country manor hotel – scones taste better with a stately backdrop.
- Swing by Broadway Tower for panoramic views over rolling hills.
📍 We also have another Walking Trip: A Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour in London + Map 🚇🧙♂️
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
🛑 Pit Stops & Side Detours
If you’ve got time between the main stops, weave in these gems:
- Snowshill – quirky manor packed with treasures and gardens.
- Broadway – a classic market town with galleries and cosy inns.
- Chipping Campden – famous for its golden high street.
- Winchcombe – a medieval gem near Sudeley Castle.
🍽️ Local Eats Worth Chasing
- Cotswold cream tea – scones, clotted cream, jam, repeat.
- Sunday roast in a pub – the Cotswolds does it properly.
- Locally brewed cider – best enjoyed in a beer garden.
- Artisan cheese – track down a farm shop for Stilton or Double Gloucester.
👉 Fact: The Cotswolds has more farm shops per square mile than almost anywhere else in the UK – bring a tote bag!
🎶 Road Trip Playlist
Set the scene with some mellow British folk and countryside vibes:
- Mumford & Sons – Roll Away Your Stone
- The Staves – Mexico
- Fleetwood Mac – Everywhere
- Ben Howard – Keep Your Head Up
- George Ezra – Budapest
- The Shires – State Lines
👉 Tinker’s Tip: Download offline – signal can drop out in the valleys.
🎙️ Podcasts to Queue Up
- The Cotswolds Podcast – local history, folklore, and hidden gems.
- Countryfile Magazine – nature walks, rural life, and interviews.
- Off Menu with Ed Gamble & James Acaster – foodie fun, perfect between pub stops.
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
FAQs
What’s the best time of year to visit the Cotswolds?
Spring brings wildflowers and lambs in the fields, summer means pub gardens and longer days, autumn is full of colour, and December has magical Christmas markets.
Do I need a car to explore the Cotswolds?
A car makes life easier, especially for hopping between villages. That said, some spots like Lower Slaughter and Bourton-on-the-Water are walkable between each other.
How do I get the FREE map?
The free map is available via Google Maps with no signup required. After clicking the “View Map” link, go to “Your Places” > “Maps” in the Google Maps app to find the route. Save it for offline use, especially in areas with spotty signal.
How many days do I need in the Cotswolds?
You can skim the highlights in a day, but 2–3 days gives you time to relax, explore more villages, and enjoy a brewery tour without rushing.
Is the Cotswolds family-friendly?
Absolutely. With safe walking trails, wildlife attractions like Birdland, and plenty of picnic spots, it’s a great choice for kids as well as adults.
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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