Mid-March, we took a last-minute flight to London, rented a little Fiat 500, and drove for a long weekend to the Cotswolds. We found a room at the Well Cottage in Cirencester where we stayed for 3 nights. Most of the places were about a 30-minute drive from the cottage, but you can also stay more in the Northern part of the Cotswolds and then you are more central. In the morning, we had a good homemade breakfast the nice hosts prepared for the guests, together with a lovely chat. We got some tips from them on what is worth visiting if you only have 3 days and an insight into life in the region. Here is what we’ve done during a long weekend in the Cotswolds in mid-March and some tips for you on how to spend a few days in the region.
The Cotswolds is a pretty romantic part of the English countryside and there is so much to see – all these charming villages and beautiful landscapes with small hills! During these three days we visited the following villages but there is much more to discover. I also share some notes and tips for places to eat or have a cup of coffee, enjoy!
Bibury is probably one of the most visited places and one of the cutest. It is where you find the path lined with old tiny stone houses from the 16th century and a brook on the other side. I was happy we were there in March and not later during the main spring/summer season, as already now it already gave us an impression of a wanted place. In the church, there was a little charity market where we met some locals and had a long chat about the region which was lovely. We then went for a quick bite at the souvenir shop, the sun was shining and it felt good to eat the bean pastry on the terrace!
Bourton-on-the-Water is very pretty – as the name suggests, it lies on the water and there are a few small bridges that allow you to walk from one bank to another. There are many places to eat, tea rooms, and small boutiques. But be prepared for crowds and a parking problem. Even in March before the main tourist season started, we had a problem to approach it as it was packed with people and parked cars.
Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter were an oasis on its own. So calm and peaceful, and you get to feel here like the time has stopped. Lot of nature around, a brook running through the Lower Slaughter with small stone bridges over it, and willow trees bending over the stream.
Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town with small shops, tea rooms and restaurants. The first evening, it was our last stop of that day primarily just to find a place to eat – however the Slaughters were lovely, we did not find anything there, so we drove to the nearby Stow which was on our way back to the bed and breakfast, parked the car on the square and directly walked in The Stag. This is an amazing pub with great food and atmosphere. We first sat down for dinner, discussing fishing practices with locals, then moved up near the bar and fireplace for dessert where we started a long and deep conversation with a gentleman sitting there alone. The next day we came back here to see the town in daylight – to admire the old mysterious wooden door behind the church framed with two old trees which is believed to be an inspiration for Doors of Durin in Lord of the Rings (Tolkien visited this region a lot during his time at Oxford university), stroll the streets checking some antique stores and small boutiques with handmade goods or even to stop at a local bakery to get a cinnamon bun.
Stanton is a tiny little village in the heart of the Cotswolds where a whole street is lined with picturesque houses. From the top of the village, you can follow one of the most romantic walks in the region that will lead you through meadows and fields to the neighborhood village called Snowshill. Now, if you end up there, we recommend stopping for a beer or dinner at the local pub Snowshill Arms. We got a tip from locals we asked a way for the walk, and by chance, several hours later, we met them at the bar there and had dinner together. What a lovely experience!
Chipping Campden was kind of an afternoon tearoom stop, but while we were sitting in the Bantam Tea Rooms sipping delightful tea with homemade cake, we also discovered a nearby place with an incredible view of St. James Church where we then walked afterward between the sheep, enjoying a nice golden hour scenery and a very romantic moment when Steven surprised me with an unexpected question after 6 years of relationship and a second baby on the way… 🙂
Broadway we still had in mind as recommended by the couple from our bed and breakfast, and so after we headed there just to check that town quickly out and if we could find a place to eat. It is basically one street full of nice stone houses, some antique shops and boutiques, and a few restaurants, but the main attraction here is the Broadway Tower which we didn’t have time to visit – well, a reason to come back!
Castle Combe was our last stop the day we were leaving. A picturesque little town with houses made of honey-coloured Cotswolds stone, typical of the region. The place is known for its postcard view with a stone bridge leading the viewer through a curved street up the village. You will find there a church from the 13th century with one of the oldest working clocks in England.
This was our spontaneous trip and long weekend in the Cotswolds! Next time, we will be back during the blossoming season, to get lost in those wonderful tiny villages and having more walks in the enchanting nature of the English countryside! Have you been to Cotswolds? Did you like it? Share your thoughts in the below comments!