Bibury and Arlington Row
1 hWith a pushchair, on the tarmac pathDog-friendly
River Coln village with Arlington Row, 17th-century weavers' cottages, and a trout farm from 1902 for children. Free to visit on your own.
AccessCar, or train to Moreton-in-Marsh
From London1 hr 30 by train
Best timeMay · Jun · Sep
Minimum time2 days
DrivingOn the left
Overall difficultyEasy
In summer, the small villages fill up before eleven. Bibury and Castle Combe have very few parking spaces. Arrive early or go in the afternoon.
What to do
What to do in Cotswolds
Each plan says how long it takes, who it's for and whether you can book.
Bourton-on-the-Water and its miniature village
2 h 30All agesDog-friendly
The River Windrush village and its five low bridges, with the Model Village at 1:9 scale (£4.95, card only) and Birdland.
Chipping Campden and its Market Hall
1 hAll ages
Wool town with a stone High Street from the 14th to 17th centuries and the Market Hall of 1627. Start of the Cotswold Way; free.
Itineraries
Itineraries that pass through
Days and weekends already planned out, with how to get between each stop and who to book with.
Plan the trip
Cotswolds, step by step
Each choice narrows the next: the season shapes how best to travel, and how you travel decides where you stay and where you eat.
When to go
When to go to Cotswolds
In May, June and September: long days, green fields and fewer coaches than in August. In winter the villages can be seen in a day, but it gets dark around half past four and some attractions close.
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Best timeGood timeLow season
How you travel
Cotswolds your way
Choose how you're travelling and we'll tell you where to stay, how to get around, where to eat and which services you'll need. We only show the ways of travelling that make sense here.
The easiest way, driving on the left
With a car you can see the northern villages one day, Bibury and Burford another, and drive down to Castle Combe on the way to Bristol. Journeys take 20 to 40 minutes.
130–200 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepingInns in Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow…
- Getting aroundPick up the car in…
- EatingVillage pubs, £20 to £35…
- FacilitiesPaid car parks in almost…
Sleeping
- Inns in Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow, in the middle of the map
- The Swan in Bibury, to see the village empty
Getting around
- Pick up the car in Bristol or Birmingham and avoid driving in London
- Narrow roads between walls: go slowly and use the passing places
Eating
- Village pubs, £20 to £35 per person
- Fish & chips in Broadway after walking
Facilities
- Paid car parks in almost every village
- Castle Combe and Bibury fill up before eleven
Possible, with a base in Moreton-in-Marsh
The train from Paddington gets you to Moreton in an hour and a half. From the station, the 801 bus reaches Stow and Bourton. Bibury and Castle Combe are out of reach: either a taxi, or you skip them.
120–170 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepingThe Manor House, five minutes…
- Getting aroundGreat Western Railway train from…
- EatingPubs and tea rooms in…
- FacilitiesMoreton-in-Marsh and Kingham stations, on…
Sleeping
- The Manor House, five minutes from the station
- Redesdale Arms, on the high street
Getting around
- Great Western Railway train from London Paddington
- 801 bus: Moreton, Stow, Bourton and Cheltenham, also on Sundays
- Hire bikes in Bourton for the minor roads
Eating
- Pubs and tea rooms in Moreton and Stow, all within walking distance
- The Wild Rabbit, a short taxi ride from Kingham station
Facilities
- Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham stations, on the same line
- There are few taxis: book ahead
Manor houses and seasonal cooking
The Cotswolds have some of the best-kept country house hotels in England. Choose one with a restaurant: in the evening, in the small villages there is not much else.
280–450 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepingThe Lygon Arms, in Broadway…
- Getting aroundYour own car or one…
- EatingThe Wild Rabbit in Kingham…
- FacilitiesSpa at The Lygon Arms
Sleeping
- The Lygon Arms, in Broadway, with a spa and indoor pool
- Lords of the Manor, in Upper Slaughter, with a tasting menu
Getting around
- Your own car or one with a driver from London
- The Cotswold Way, on foot, from the door in Broadway
Eating
- The Wild Rabbit in Kingham, for a special dinner
- Daylesford Farm for a luxury picnic
Facilities
- Spa at The Lygon Arms
- Book a table days ahead at weekends
Club campsites, without overnighting in the villages
The villages have narrow streets and small car parks. The practical thing is to leave the motorhome at a campsite and get around from there.
40–60 €per person per day, approximate
- SleepingMoreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite, a walk…
- Getting aroundAvoid driving into Bibury and…
- EatingSupermarket in Bourton-on-the-Water
- FacilitiesMotorhome service point at Cotswold…
Sleeping
- Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite, a walk from the station
- Cotswold Farm Park Campsite, with farm entry
Getting around
- Avoid driving into Bibury and Castle Combe in a large vehicle
- From Moreton, take the train and bus instead of driving
Eating
- Supermarket in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Daylesford Farm for local produce
Facilities
- Motorhome service point at Cotswold Farm Park
- Dunns Lane car park in Castle Combe, which fills up early
How much does it cost?
People2
Nights3
Who you're with
Cotswolds for whoever you're with
A trip with a toddler is not the same as one with a teenager. Pick yours to see what works and what to bear in mind.
Farms, a shallow river and short distances
With children under six the Cotswolds work very well if you choose two things a day and no more than 40 minutes' drive between them. A pretty village lasts them half an hour; a farm, a whole morning.
- What works bestCotswold Farm Park: bottle-feeding lambs…
- SleepingCotswold Farm Park Campsite, with…
- EatingHuffkins in Burford, with afternoon…
- Keep in mindVillage pavements are narrow and…
What works best
- Cotswold Farm Park: bottle-feeding lambs, chicks and covered play for rainy days
- Bourton-on-the-Water: the river for getting their feet wet and the Model Village at their height
- Cotswold Wildlife Park: big animals and room to run, with a pushchair
- Bibury: a flat path for the pushchair and trout to feed
Sleeping
- Cotswold Farm Park Campsite, with the farm included
- Inns with a family room in Moreton or Stow
Eating
- Huffkins in Burford, with afternoon tea for children
- Picnic with bread and cheese from Daylesford Farm
Keep in mind
- Village pavements are narrow and made of stone: take a lightweight pushchair
- Car seats: ask for them when hiring or bring your own
- The Farm Park closes for part of November; check the calendar
What to do with young children
Villages, animals and a walk made to measure
With children of different ages, alternate a village with something to do: Bourton with Birdland, Burford with the Wildlife Park, Chipping Campden with a stretch of the Cotswold Way. For a family of four, allow £60–80 per day for attractions and £60–90 for a pub meal.
- What works bestCotswold Wildlife Park: a full…
- SleepingRedesdale Arms, with junior suites…
- EatingRussell's fish & chips in…
- Keep in mindBuy August tickets online: they…
What works best
- Cotswold Wildlife Park: a full day, for all ages
- Cotswold Way to Broadway: 9.6 km with a tower at the end
- Bourton-on-the-Water: river, model village and birds in one walk
- Corinium Museum: the plan for a rainy day
Sleeping
- Redesdale Arms, with junior suites with a sofa bed
- The Lygon Arms if you want a pool
Eating
- Russell's fish & chips in Broadway
- The Porch House in Stow, with pub cooking
Keep in mind
- Buy August tickets online: they sell out
- The car tires you out: no more than three villages a day
What to do as a family
Better if they walk, worse if it is only villages
To be honest, five stone villages in a row bore a teenager. What works is giving them something to do: carrying the Cotswold Way map, cycling the minor roads or spending a day at the animal park.
- What works bestCotswold Way to Broadway: three…
- SleepingMoreton-in-Marsh: they can get around…
- EatingTakeaway fish & chips in…
- Keep in mindMobile coverage fails in the…
What works best
- Cotswold Way to Broadway: three hours with a climb you can feel and the tower at the end
- Cotswold Wildlife Park: giraffes, lions and a long day
- Corinium Museum: Roman Britain for a rainy day
Sleeping
- Moreton-in-Marsh: they can get around on their own on the 801 bus to Stow or Bourton
- Hotels with connecting rooms, such as The Lygon Arms
Eating
- Takeaway fish & chips in Broadway
- Pubs with simple cooking in Stow
Keep in mind
- Mobile coverage fails in the valleys
- Each pub decides until what time it admits under-18s: ask when booking
- For an e-bike, the minimum age in the UK is 14
What to do with teenagers
Dry-stone paths and inns that welcome dogs
The Cotswolds are easy to explore with a dog: all seven places to stay in this guide accept them, almost always with a supplement and in specific rooms. Your dog can come with you through the countryside on the Cotswold Way and on village paths, on a lead where there is livestock. Where it cannot go is the Model Village in Bourton or the Cotswold Farm Park farm.
- WalksCotswold Way from Chipping Campden…
- Where to sleepThe Swan (Bibury) and The…
- Good to knowSay so when booking: only…
Walks
- Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Broadway, 9.6 km: on a lead in fields with livestock
- Bibury: on a lead along the path to Arlington Row
- Cotswold Farm Park: the Wildlife Walk, about 5 km around the edge of the farm
- Birdland, in Bourton-on-the-Water, on a short lead
Where to sleep
- The Swan (Bibury) and The Manor House (Moreton): £20 per night, £10 more for each additional dog
- Lords of the Manor, ground floor only, and The Lygon Arms: £30 per night
- Redesdale Arms: in some rooms, £20 per dog
- Campsites in Moreton-in-Marsh and at Cotswold Farm Park: dogs accepted; at the latter, book it with the pitch
Good to know
- Say so when booking: only some rooms accept dogs, and they are not allowed in the main restaurants
- Bourton Model Village: assistance dogs only
- Cotswold Farm Park is closed from 2 to 26 November 2026
- Russell's Fish & Chips, in Broadway: dogs outside only
What to do with a dog
Bibury and Arlington Row
Bourton-on-the-Water and its miniature village
Cotswold Way from Chipping Campden to Broadway
Cotswold Farm Park
Where to stay with a dog
Where to stay
Where to stay if you're drivingwithout a carin stylein a campervan
We show you what suits the way you travel.Change how you travel
The Lygon Arms
Why we like it: A historic inn on Broadway's high street, with a spa, indoor pool and play area. Ask about the children's pool hours before booking.
From £280
View details
Lords of the Manor
Why we like it: A former rectory with a garden in one of the quietest villages, ten minutes from Bourton. For a couple who want to dine well without getting in the car.
From £390
View details
The Swan Hotel
Why we like it: Sleeping in Bibury is the only way to see Arlington Row with nobody around: before nine and after six.
The Manor House Hotel
Why we like it: You step off the train with your suitcase and five minutes later you are inside. The 801 bus leaves the station for Stow and Bourton.
Redesdale Arms
Why we like it: A high-street inn with a restaurant and free parking behind. The junior suites with a sofa bed work for a family of four.
Moreton-in-Marsh Club Campsite
Why we like it: From the Caravan and Motorhome Club. You leave the motorhome parked and take the train to Oxford or the bus to the villages.
Cotswold Farm Park Campsite
Why we like it: Pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents, plus pods and safari tents. Sleeping here includes entry to the farm on every day of your stay.
Services for this trip
Where to eat
Where to eat in Cotswolds
From set lunch menus to Michelin stars. We mark the price level and what to order at each place.
Huffkins Burford
What to order: scones with cream and jam, or an afternoon tea.
Bakery and tea room at 96-98 High Street · open every day during the day, until 16:00 · has a children's menu
The Porch House
What to order: a seasonal dish from the British menu and a pint of draught beer.
Book for dinner · has rooms
The Wild Rabbit
What to order: the dining room's seasonal menu.
Book · ten minutes by taxi from Kingham station
Takeaway and markets
Russell's Fish & Chips, Broadway
Daylesford Farm, Daylesford, near Kingham
Map
Everything on the map
The places to stay and services on the map are the ones for the way you travel. Turn on the layers you want and tap a point to see its details.
What to do
Eat
88 €Stay
Services
Nearby
Near Cotswolds
The closest places, whichever country they are in.
52.19° N · 1.71° W
Stratford-upon-Avon
By planeCar-freeBy car
51.75° N · 1.26° W
Oxford
By planeCar-free
51.38° N · 2.36° W
Bath
By planeCar-free
51.07° N · 1.79° W
Salisbury
By planeCar-free
Tips
Worth knowing first
- 1Pick a base and don't pack your bags every day
Moreton-in-Marsh or Stow-on-the-Wold put almost everything within 30 minutes.
- 2Start with Bibury and Castle Combe
They are the most photographed. First thing in the morning you see them without crowds; at midday, with coaches.
- 3Walk, even if only for an hour
The Cotswold Way between Chipping Campden and Broadway shows the landscape you cannot see from the car.
- 4Always carry a waterproof
It rains often and the weather changes fast. Grass paths turn muddy.
- 5Pay by card, but carry a few pounds
Almost everything takes contactless; some village car parks and the odd honesty box do not.
Local tip
Go to Bourton-on-the-Water in the afternoon, once the coaches have left. The river, with children paddling in the water, is something else without the crowds.
We'd skip it
Day trips from London by coach: you spend more hours on the motorway than in the villages and reach each one at the same time as everyone else.
What are the Cotswolds?
A band of limestone hills west of London, protected as the Cotswolds National Landscape (until 2023 it was called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It covers about 2,040 km², the largest of England's National Landscapes, spread mostly across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, with parts of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. It is not a park with an entrance fee: it is villages, farms and public footpaths, and you can visit it freely.
How do you get there from Spain?
There are three gateways. Bristol is roughly an hour by car from Castle Combe and the south. Birmingham is the best for the north (Chipping Campden, Broadway, Stow). London works if you are travelling without a car: direct Great Western Railway trains leave Paddington for Moreton-in-Marsh in roughly an hour and a half.
By car you drive on the left, with clockwise roundabouts and single-track roads between stone walls. Hire a small car, an automatic if you are not used to changing gear with your left hand.
Can you go without a car?
Yes, if you sleep in Moreton-in-Marsh. From the station, the Pulhams 801 bus links Moreton with Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water and Cheltenham, on Sundays too. Bibury and Castle Combe are off that route: for them you need a car or a taxi.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need?
Two full days for the main villages. Three if you want to walk a stretch of the Cotswold Way or visit a farm with children.
Do you have to pay to enter the villages?
No. The villages and footpaths are free. You pay for parking and for specific attractions, such as farms, animal parks or museums.
Is it hard to drive on the left?
The oddest parts are the roundabouts and the narrow roads with no hard shoulder. Distances are short: go slowly and let the locals pass.
Can you go with small children?
Yes, it is one of the easiest places in England with children. There are farms, a large animal park and flat villages with a river. What tires them is hopping from village to village in the car.
Can you do it in a day from London?
You can, by train to Moreton and bus to Stow and Bourton, but you come back feeling you have seen two villages. One night changes the trip a lot.
What is the Cotswold Way?
A National Trail of about 164 km between Chipping Campden and Bath, waymarked in both directions. You can walk it in day-long sections.