Cotswolds day trip from London
If you’re familiar with the UK landscape or not, the chances are you’ve heard of the Cotswolds. The area comprises the Cotswold Hills situated in the South Central and South West of England. Famous for its bedrock of Jurassic limestone — something rarely seen in the UK — the area is made up of so many stunningly-beautiful medieval stone-built villages and towns. The area isn’t exactly small, though, so where are the best places to visit? Well, we’ve rustled up a few ideas of our own for a Cotswolds road trip from London:
- Bourton on the Water
Travel time from London (by car): 2hr 36min
Often referred to as the Venice of England, Bourton on the Water is a stunning little village that you never tire of walking around and take in the tranquillity and natural beauty of the place. Situated on the River Windrush, you’ll stumble upon quaint little independent shops, friendly cafes and tearooms, as well as traditional English pubs. There’s even the Cotswold Perfumery ad the Dragonfly Maze available for tours, along with the Cotswold Motor Museum if you’re into cars. There really is something for everyone, while offering a much slower pace to that of London life. A fantastic day trip from London.
2. Bibury
Travel time from London (by car): 2hr 28min
The Gloucestershire village of Bibury is home to the River Coln and features some of the most wonderful chocolate box houses found anywhere in the UK. Homing in on Arlington Row, it’s quaint little cottage after quaint little cottage; each one different in some way to the last. Very much unlike our new housing developments of the 21st Century. Once described as the ‘most beautiful village in England’ by British poet William Morris, the town of Bibury is swimming in character. Be sure to spot the tiny little bridges and the infamous model village while you’re there!
3. Bath
Travel time from London (by car): 2hr 49min
You may have heard of Bath and despite it being one of the more popular and bustling Cotswolds offerings, it’s certainly well worth a mention in our list of top choices. The historic spa town of Bath is a 2hr, 49min drive from London and well worth every minute. A couple of days are probably wise for Bath itself, giving you time to enjoy all the wonderful sights it has to offer, along with some you time at the infamous Thermae Baths.
4. Moreton in Marsh
Travel time from London (by car): 2hr 37min
Firstly, if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan then you’ll be happy to hear that Moreton in Marsh’s very own The Bell Inn pub was said to be the very inspiration for the Prancing Pony in J. R. R. Tolkien’s famous book series. This old-fashioned market town has bags of character to boot and is not to be missed. Interesting boutiques are offered along with plenty of relaxing pubs and tearooms to wind down in. hiyacar’s top tip — try and go on a Tuesday when the weekly famous market is on; you’ll witness more than 200 awesome stalls sporting anything from clothing to food, gifts and many other off-the-wall offerings, making Moreton in Marsh one of our favourite day trips from London by car.
