Cotswolds Villages Loop from Cheltenham

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The route · 7 stops

1
Cheltenham
1 night
The elegant Regency spa town that serves as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Cheltenham's grid of Regency terraces, the wide promenade of the Montpellier district and the racecourse make it a comfortable base. Stock up here, sort accommodation and enjoy a first evening before the narrow-lane driving begins.
The elegant Regency spa town that serves as the gateway to the Cotswolds. Cheltenham's grid of Regency terraces, the wide promenade of the Montpellier district and the racecourse make it a comfortable base. Stock up here, sort accommodation and enjoy a first evening before the narrow-lane driving begins.
Cheltenham has the largest supermarkets and petrol stations on the loop, so top up and stock up before heading into the villages.
2
Broadway
1 night32m · 18 km from previous
Often called the Jewel of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a long golden High Street of boutiques, galleries and traditional inns. Walk up Fish Hill to Broadway Tower for views across up to 16 counties on a clear day. The village takes a morning on foot; the afternoon suits a drive to Snowshill Manor and Garden a few miles north.
Often called the Jewel of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a long golden High Street of boutiques, galleries and traditional inns. Walk up Fish Hill to Broadway Tower for views across up to 16 counties on a clear day. The village takes a morning on foot; the afternoon suits a drive to Snowshill Manor and Garden a few miles north.
Broadway Tower is a short but steep 1.5 mile walk from the village centre. Start early to beat the coaches that arrive from mid-morning.
3
Chipping Campden
1 night15m · 8 km from previous
A near-perfect Cotswold market town, conserved since 1929 by the Campden Trust which keeps power lines buried and shopfronts in check. The arched Market Hall (1627) and the Church of St James form the historic core. Hidcote Manor Garden, two miles north, is one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in England.
A near-perfect Cotswold market town, conserved since 1929 by the Campden Trust which keeps power lines buried and shopfronts in check. The arched Market Hall (1627) and the Church of St James form the historic core. Hidcote Manor Garden, two miles north, is one of the finest Arts and Crafts gardens in England.
Book Hidcote Manor Garden tickets online before you arrive; the National Trust site sells out on busy summer weekends.
4
Stow-on-the-Wold
1 night25m · 19 km from previous
The highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a windy hilltop crossroads and has been a market centre since the 12th century. Its large market square is ringed by antique dealers. Use Stow as a base for side trips to Upper and Lower Slaughter (4 miles south-west) and Bourton-on-the-Water (5 miles south).
The highest town in the Cotswolds, Stow-on-the-Wold sits on a windy hilltop crossroads and has been a market centre since the 12th century. Its large market square is ringed by antique dealers. Use Stow as a base for side trips to Upper and Lower Slaughter (4 miles south-west) and Bourton-on-the-Water (5 miles south).
Park in Stow and take the short drive or cycle to the Slaughters before 10am; they are small villages and the car parks fill quickly on summer days.
5
Bibury
1 night30m · 20 km from previous
Bibury is arguably the most photographed village in England. Arlington Row, a terrace of 17th-century weavers' cottages beside the River Coln, is the image most associated with the Cotswolds globally. The village also has a medieval church, a working trout farm and riverside meadow walks. Burford, 10 miles east, makes a good day extension.
Bibury is arguably the most photographed village in England. Arlington Row, a terrace of 17th-century weavers' cottages beside the River Coln, is the image most associated with the Cotswolds globally. The village also has a medieval church, a working trout farm and riverside meadow walks. Burford, 10 miles east, makes a good day extension.
Arrive at Arlington Row before 9am or after 5pm to photograph it without crowds; the car park opposite fills by mid-morning from spring through autumn.
6
Cirencester
1 night20m · 12 km from previous
Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester was the second-largest Roman settlement in Britain after London. The Corinium Museum holds one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in Britain. The town has an impressive parish church, a Monday and Friday market with local produce, and a short return drive to Cheltenham along the A435.
Known as the Capital of the Cotswolds, Cirencester was the second-largest Roman settlement in Britain after London. The Corinium Museum holds one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in Britain. The town has an impressive parish church, a Monday and Friday market with local produce, and a short return drive to Cheltenham along the A435.
The Corinium Museum is free to enter and takes about an hour and a half; an excellent way to spend a wet morning on the last full day.
7
Cheltenham
25m · 19 km from previous
Close the loop with the short drive north from Cirencester back to Cheltenham. Return the car, catch a train south or head onward; Cheltenham Spa station has direct services to London Paddington.
Close the loop with the short drive north from Cirencester back to Cheltenham. Return the car, catch a train south or head onward; Cheltenham Spa station has direct services to London Paddington.
Time the return to Cheltenham around a late lunch; the Montpellier district has good cafes and the walk back through town is a pleasant way to end the trip.

Cotswolds Villages Loop from Cheltenham

The route · 7 stops

Cheltenham

Broadway

Chipping Campden

Stow-on-the-Wold

Bibury

Cirencester

Cheltenham

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